Tag: events programme launched

Lauriston Castle launches 2025 programme

Tickets for March to December 2025 events programme on sale now

  • Over 100 events including atmospheric film screenings, ghost stories, murder mysteries, sketch workshops, lectures, picnics and theatre offer locals many opportunities to enjoy the Edwardian manor and gardens.
  • All information on Lauriston Castle events can be found at www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk.

Lauriston Castle has officially launched its exciting 2025 programme with a visit from Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and members of the multi-award-winning Edinburgh Living History (ELH).

The Lord Provost joined ELH for a special guided tour of the 16th-century castle last week. Known for its breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth, Lauriston Castle is set to host a diverse range of events in the coming months, offering something for everyone.

The castle’s Lectures Series will feature captivating discussions on topics such as growing up in Corstorphine in the 1950s, the Women of Lauriston, and the inspiring legacy of Emily Pankhurst and the Suffragette movement.

For those looking to tap into their creative side, the Adult Crafts Workshops will include sessions on watercolour painting, wreath-making, and more.

Meanwhile, Family Events will feature exciting activities such as dinosaur and space-themed days, as well as the beloved annual Lauriston Castle Teddy Bear’s Picnic.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy Costumed Performances, with live re-enactments of Edinburgh life from days gone by, bringing the past to life in an immersive way.

A key new addition to the 2025 programme is a focus on Lauriston Women’s History. New themed tours and a lecture series will delve into the often-overlooked stories of the women who played a vital role in the castle’s history.

The programme also includes special events and themed tours, theatre performances, atmospheric film screenings, and garden events.

Lauriston Castle is also collaborating with renowned partners like the Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, the Edinburgh International Magic Festival and the Edinburgh Horror Festival to bring even more exceptional experiences to the public.

Details of all events are listed on the Museums & Galleries website.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit Lauriston Castle today. Edinburgh Living History and our fantastic Museums & Galleries colleagues were kind enough to welcome me and provide a chance to explore one of our most unique venues.

“In the coming months, there’s an excellent range of events taking place as part of the Lauriston Castle 2025 programme. From lectures on circular fashion to the grisly history of anatomy in 19th-century Edinburgh, alongside adult creative workshops and family events, there’s truly something for everyone.

“As we continue our Edinburgh 900 celebrations, I would encourage all of our residents and visitors to take advantage of these fantastic opportunities to learn more about Edinburgh’s history.”

CRAFT WORKSHOP PROGRAMME AT LAURISTON CASTLE

Our Lauriston adult creative workshop programme for 2025 is now live and bookable.

17 fantastic adult creative workshops for you to explore your creativity in our supportive relaxing setting.

Explore here: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/adult-craft-workshops…

BE QUICK, THOUGH – SOME CLASSES ALREADY SOLD OUT!

Ukraine Forever: Edinburgh events programme launched

A series of events across Edinburgh to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been launched.

‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme launched at Edinburgh Castle by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, alongside representatives from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and other key partners.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the war against Ukraine on 24 February, ‘Ukraine Forever’ offers a range of events to aid those wishing to mark the event.

From a fundraiser for Hospitallers paramedic charity at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (February 23), to a wreath laying by officials at Edinburgh Castle and the City War Memorial on the Royal Mile (February 24), and a night of music with Scottish and Ukrainian artists at the Usher Hall (February 26), there are many ways for residents and visitors to commemorate those who have fallen in the defence of Ukraine.

The full programme of events is listed on the Council website.

The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge said: “I am privileged to launch the ‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and our capital city. On this most sombre of anniversaries, we are reminded of the terrible consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion during the past year.

“Thank you to our partners, colleagues, and the Ukrainian community for their excellent work to deliver a programme that is designed to help residents and Ukrainians living in Edinburgh to reflect on the anniversary, raise vital funds for Ukrainian frontline charities, and celebrate the incredible actions of the Ukrainian community here in the capital.

“The ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will hopefully show the people that are here from Ukraine see the solidarity of feeling that there is here in Edinburgh.”

Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s illegal re-invasion of Ukraine, it is important for us to take a moment to pause and reflect, and to remember all those who have lost their lives in the conflict.

“It is also a time where we can recognise and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts played by organisations, communities, and people across Scotland in offering displaced people from Ukraine a warm Scottish welcome. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank City of Edinburgh Council and all of our key partners for the crucial role they have played over the last year in helping those who have fled Ukraine. Edinburgh’s ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will help us all to show our continued support and solidarity with Ukrainians all over the world.

“To all the Ukrainians in Scotland, my message remains clear, we stand with you and want you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be.

Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh, said: “As we approach the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion against Ukraine, we hope this programme of events will provide an opportunity for both residents of Edinburgh and Ukrainians living in the city to come together to commemorate the human sacrifice in the defence of Ukraine.

“We’d like to thank all partners, both from the city and within the Ukrainian community, for the compassionate and collaborative approach to coordinate this events programme. 

“The first anniversary is a really important, but sombre, milestone to ensure that the profile of Ukraine’s fight is kept at the forefront of societies discourse in the coming year ahead.  We need all of your help to continue supporting Ukraine.”

‘Ukraine Forever’ is a collaborative partnership of events between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), the Scottish Government, Associations of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Help Ukraine Scotland, and Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.