All meetings take place at 8pm in the Upper Loan Hall, Dreghorn Loan EH13 0DE
— 2026-2027 Season —
5th October 2026 – Tom Woods
World’s End Murders
An overview of the decades long investigation into the 1977 murders of Helen Scott and Christine Eadie. It covers the 2007 trial, legal changes, and the new forensic evidence that finally convicted serial killer Angus Sinclair in 2014.
19 October 2026: Luis Albornoz-Parra
Building Stones of Edinburgh
Luis will describe the building stones of the city that have been used from medieval times to now: their quarries, their petrographic and aesthetic character as well as where they may be seen – with particular reference to Colinton’s buildings and history.
2nd November 2026 – Cat Irving
Preserving the Human Body
Cat will discuss the history behind preserving human remains and her work as a Human Remains Conservator. She will illustrate the various ways that human remains have been preserved. The talk will examine the evolution of preservation methods, what she does to care for human remains and why they are still important today.
16th November 2026 – Elaine Edwards
Commonwealth War Graves
A brief history of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and its work today, beginning with how it began, its work during the First and Second World Wars and concluding with its work today in maintaining and preserving our historic estate around the world. The presentation will also focus on the war graves in the Colinton area and tell the stories of some of those we commemorate.
4th January 2027 – Jane Craxton
Religion, Romance and Social Mobility: the family of the Reverend Norman Maclean
The rebuilt Church in Colinton and founding of ‘The Lit’ were two of Norman Maclean’s many achievements, this talk outlines his life and that of his high-achieving daughters. But one romance led to an elopement…..
18th January 2027 – Stewart Stevenson
Bigamy, Adultery and Murder
Uniquely, Scotland’s birth registrations can provide a direct record showing that a child has been born from an adulterous relationship. The consequences of such births may be benign, disruptive to family life, or even fatal. Colinton does not escape such marital misbehaviour. But are its citizens better behaved than elsewhere? This lecture seeks to answer that question….
1st February 2027 – Kath Hay
Unpaid professionals at the Edinburgh Festival
The inside story of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus – which is the only organisation officially created for the Edinburgh International Festival – and the amazing world-renowned conductors, soloists and orchestras with whom they work.
15th February 2027 – Steven Veerapen
James VI’s Witch Obsession
This talk explores the rise in so-called “witch” persecutions in the tumultuous reign of James VI. It answers questions about what witchcraft was believed to be, how alleged witches were identified, and what led to mass trials and national panics. It considers why Scotland was so deeply affected by the terror
in comparison to England.
1st March – Wendi Davidson
The Lord Wardens of the Anglo Scottish Marches
This talk covers the environment and way of life in the Borders from the 13th to 16th centuries – particularly the reivers and the scope of the Wardens’ duties
15th March 2027 – Tim Lawson
100 Years of the Colinton Amenity Association
As current Chair of CAA, Tim will outline the reasons for the formation of one of Edinburgh’s oldest local amenity organisations, describe how its approach to its objectives have changed over its existence, and outline hopes for the future
5th April 2027
Annual General Meeting and Short Talk
Details to be announced…