All meetings take place at 8pm in the Upper Loan Hall, Dreghorn Loan EH13 0DE
— 2025-2026 Season —
The Mystery of the Stone of Destiny
David Maule 6th October 2025
A gripping historical whodunnit! David describes a forensic investigation into the mystery of the ‘Stone of Scone’ – it’s origins and background, scrutinising witnesses and identifying possible suspects – and comes to some surprising conclusions. Whether you agree with his verdict about the Stone’s final resting place, this incisive and entertaining inquiry has to be topical for anyone interested in Scottish history and for lovers of historical mysteries.
The history and future of Edinburgh’s Water Supply
Simon Fuller 20th October 2025
An overview of how Edinburgh’s water supply has been managed to meet the continually shifting needs of the city’s growth – largely a story of a series of dramatic improvements of increasing scale. The talk also gives a picture about how future needs can be protected against drought and water shortages, taking into account population growth and climate change.
Roman Arm Armour – A Reconstruction
Fraser Hunter 3rd November 2025
Fraser will illustrate how a remarkable and unique piece of roman armour was reconstructed from over a hundred fragments of brass strips recovered from excavations at the Roman fort at Trimontium near Melrose.
Edinburgh’s Medieval Churches
Adam Cumming 17th November 2025
Adam gives a fascinating scientific perspective on trends in mediaeval church architecture and particularly on how the designers of churches across Europe have influenced each other. He shows how Scottish churches fit into wider architectural patterns, focusing on Edinburgh and what still can be seen today.
Christmas Social Event
Details to be announced 8th December 2025
Pioneering Scottish Women Doctors
Roger Jeffrey 5th January 2026
This talk provides a picture of the early history of women’s medical education in Edinburgh, focusing on the lives of Second-generation women medical students between 1886-1914. It touches upon some tragedies, a few early deaths, many long, productive lives, as well as some beguiling questions.
Rum, Sodomy and the Lash
Jim Tildesley 19th January 2026
This talk provides a close look at life as a Royal Naval Seaman in the Eighteenth Century to sort out fact from fiction and to establish exactly what a new seaman could expect. Navy life is also compared with life on land to enable us to make up our own mind as to which path we would have chosen.
PC Carrie KPM – WW1 Soldier to WW2 Police Hero
Gerard McEwan 2nd February 2026
A rich account of the life of Robert Douglas Carrie who, following WWI army service worked with Leith Burgh Police until after WWII. During this time, he saw many changes, such as the introduction of Police Boxes, and received the King’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
80 Years of the Edinburgh Festival
Mike Lewis 16th February 2026
An overview of the origins and colourful history of the Edinburgh Festival, including the Fringe and the Tattoo. The talk, with clips of some original music, will show how out of the chaos of a world at war, blossomed a world-class festival of music and drama.
The Story of Edinburgh Printmakers
Ilaria Casini 2nd March 2026
Ilaria will describe the history and work of Edinburgh Printmakers. She will illustrate how the heritage of the building in which the creative centre is currently based – which used to be the North British Rubber Factory – is being maintained by the printmakers’ studio
The Tumbling Lassie
Alan McLean KC 16th March 2026
Alan will describe the story behind an important decision made by the Court of Session in Edinburgh over 300 years ago. This focuses on a case – Reid v Scot of Harden – about a purported slave and her escape to freedom and has important resonance for the present day.
Annual General Meeting
Details to be announced 30th March 2026
