National Library of Scotland events are free and take place in our George IV Bridge Building, unless we state otherwise.
List updated: 14 June. August and September events will be available shortly.
June events
See also:
Workshops and tours
Kelvin Hall events
'The Course of History: Ten Meals That Changed the World'
Struan Stevenson will talk about his fascinating and unusual history book, 'The Course of History'. The book examines how food and drink have influenced the outcomes of 10 of the most resonant moments in history. With re-imagined recipes of the meals consumed, this talk will shed new light on historic events, including the Battle of Culloden, the American Revolution, and the Austrian Anschluss.
Tuesday 19 June
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Citizens and government with Henry McLeish
Scottish politician Henry McLeish will discuss Brexit and where we stand now, two years after the vote to leave the EU. McLeish's book, 'Citizens United' makes the case for a radical U-turn on Brexit and examines the most pressing issues faced in the wake of the Leave vote. With the aftermath of the vote finding its way into everyday news, McLeish offers a hand through the confusion of Brexit Britain.
Thursday 21 June
18.00
Free. Book 'Citizens and government with Henry McLeish' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
The sacred bond of friendship: Granville Bantock's letters to William Wallace, 1893-1900
One of the Library's most fascinating collections is the correspondence between the English composer Granville Bantock (1868-1946) and his great friend, Scottish composer William Francis Stuart Wallace (1860-1940). This illustrated talk by Professor Michael Allis, University of Leeds, will focus on their correspondence, highlighting the difficulties these young composers had in promoting their music at the turn of the 20th century. Their letters reveal Bantock and Wallace's views of the musical establishment, their significant contribution to British musical life, and the nature of their personal relationship.
Thursday 28 June
14.00
Free. Book 'Granville Bantock's letters to Wallace, 1893-1900' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
July events
See also:
Workshops and tours
Kelvin Hall events
Language of my choosing
Growing up in an Italian-Scots community in Edinburgh after the Second World War, Anne Pia often asked herself "Where do I truly belong?". This question inspired her memoir, 'Language of My Choosing', which was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book of the Year Award. Presenting the new paperback edition of her book, she shares extracts about her struggles in finding her identity in the post-war world, and bridging the gap between her Italian and Scottish heritages.
Thursday 5 July
14.00
Free. Book 'Language of my choosing' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
Wee folk tales
Renowned storyteller Donald Smith spins the stories of the wee folk of Scotland. Gathered from all over the country, these Scots language tales have been told and retold, shaped and reshaped as they have passed from storyteller to storyteller. Whether you’re introducing a wee bairn to these stories for the first time, or you’re not-so-wee and reading them yourself, come along to hear these charming Scots folk tales as they were meant to be told.
Tuesday 10 July
14.00
Free. Book 'Wee folk tales' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
