Workshops and tours in Edinburgh

Our buildings remain closed for events due to coronavirus (COVID-19), but you can take part in an online talk or workshop. Update on Library services

Page updated: 17 May.

Online workshops

Our workshops run regularly throughout the year. You can find upcoming events advertised on this page a few weeks in advance.

See also: Online events

Maps for family and local history

Find out how maps in the National Library of Scotland can help you with your family or local history research.

Learn about the historical maps of Scotland and the rich information they provide. Discover over 200,000 historical maps on our map images website, including tips on finding relevant maps, and using our georeferenced, side by side and spy tool viewers. There will be a question and answer session at the end. 

Wednesday 19 May
15:00-15:30
Free. Book 'Maps for family and local history' via Eventbrite.

When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.

Family history from home: An introduction

An interactive workshop to help you continue your ancestral research from home.

If you have discovered the outline of your family history or are wondering about the roots of your family tree, the Library can help. Join Library staff in this online session to discover a range of free resources available on our website to help you learn more about your ancestry.

Wednesday 26 May
15:00-15:30
Free. Book 'Family history from home' via Eventbrite.

When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.

Discover your online library

A short interactive session to learn about the online resources available through the National Library's website.

If you are resident in Scotland you can access various free online Library resources from home, ranging from newspapers to digital archives. If there is a particular subject or area you are interested in, please let us know at the time of booking.

Wednesday 2 June
15.00-15.30
Free. Book 'Discover your online library' via Eventbrite.

When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.

Armchair explorers

This workshop will explore women travellers and mountain-dwellers from the 18th century, as well as some of the folklore, myths and superstitions associated with mountain regions, particularly in relation to women.

Join artist Katherine Aarrestad in this interactive session exploring some of the themes and people linked to our forthcoming exhibition 'Petticoats and pinnacles: Scotland's pioneering women'.

Thursday 3 June
14:00-15:30
Free. Book 'Armchair explorers' via Eventbrite.

When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.

Library Socials: Petticoats and Pinnacles. Scotland's pioneering women

Discover some of the highlights of our new display exploring the lives of women who have worked, lived or been inspired by mountains.

Library Socials is a free online programme of events for people affected by dementia, plus their families, carers, and supporters.

Friday 11 June
10:30-11:15
Free. Book 'Library Socials: Petticoats and Pinnacles' via Eventbrite.

When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.