The Athens of the North.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Edinburgh, UK — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 24, 2026
Jackie Kay · National Library of Scotland · September 25, 2026
Former Scots Makar Jackie Kay reads from her recent collection and discusses poetry, identity and community. The informal session encourages audience interaction and ends with a br…
Zadie Smith · University of Edinburgh (McEwan Hall) · September 25, 2026
Zadie Smith explores the relationship between urban life and narrative, drawing on her novels and essays. The lecture will be followed by questions from the audience and a moderate…
Jackie Kay · Scottish Poetry Library · September 25, 2026
Poet Laureate Jackie Kay reads from her recent collections and discusses how poetry can shape and express personal and national identity. The session invites audience participation…
Mary Beard · University of Edinburgh (McEwan Hall) · September 25, 2026
Classicist Mary Beard explores how ancient history shapes modern British identity and public debate. The lecture will combine scholarly insight with accessible commentary for a gen…
Zadie Smith · University of Edinburgh - McEwan Hall · September 25, 2026
Zadie Smith discusses craft, belonging and the changing shape of the contemporary novel in a public conversation. She will read short passages and take audience questions about wri…
Elif Shafak · Edinburgh International Book Festival (Off-Season Reading) · September 25, 2026
Elif Shafak discusses the role of fiction in political dissent and cultural empathy, drawing on her novels and essays. The session will include readings and a moderated conversatio…
Kaffe Fassett · Dovecot Studios · September 25, 2026
Textile artist Kaffe Fassett shares insights into his design process and the role of colour in craft practice. The talk includes a slide presentation and questions about contempora…
Kamila Shamsie · National Library of Scotland (George IV Bridge) · September 25, 2026
Kamila Shamsie reads from her latest work and discusses questions of migration, home and storytelling across borders. The event includes a conversation with a local academic on con…
Mary Beard · Royal Scottish Academy · September 25, 2026
Mary Beard explores how classical texts continue to shape modern public debate and civic identity. She will reflect on the role of the humanities in contested public spaces and tak…
Ian Rankin · National Library of Scotland · September 25, 2026
Ian Rankin discusses the social landscapes that shape contemporary crime fiction and reads from his latest novel. He will take audience questions and reflect on writing in and abou…
Naomi Klein · Dovecot Studios, Netherbow · September 25, 2026
Naomi Klein discusses how objects, textiles and design have been used in protest movements and the role of craft in political storytelling. The talk considers the intersections bet…
Ian Rankin · National Library of Scotland · September 26, 2026
Renowned Edinburgh crime novelist Ian Rankin reads from his forthcoming novel and discusses writing in the city that inspires him. Includes a moderated audience Q&A and a short boo…
Ian Rankin · National Library of Scotland · September 28, 2026
Ian Rankin discusses his long engagement with Edinburgh as a literary landscape and the practical work of sustaining a detective series. The talk will include a short reading and a…
Kaffe Fassett · Dovecot Studios · September 28, 2026
Textile designer Kaffe Fassett discusses his approach to colour, pattern and the process of making across mediums. The talk includes a practical demonstration and a short Q&A.
Grayson Perry · Royal Scottish Academy - The Roderick Carnegie Gallery · September 28, 2026
Artist and writer Grayson Perry examines how material choices shape contemporary artistic practice and audience perception. The lecture will focus on selected works and the social …
Alexander McCall Smith · National Library of Scotland · September 28, 2026
Alexander McCall Smith explores narrative, memory and the pleasures of crafting recurring characters in long-running series. This intimate reading and conversation is followed by a…
Professor Brian Cox · University of Edinburgh (McEwan Hall) · September 28, 2026
Professor Brian Cox takes the audience on a guided tour of recent discoveries in astrophysics and their philosophical implications. The lecture is aimed at a general audience and i…
Mary Beard · University of Edinburgh (McEwan Hall) · September 29, 2026
Classicist Mary Beard explores how ancient history can illuminate modern politics and public life. Her lecture will be followed by audience questions and a short reception.
Val McDermid · National Library of Scotland · September 29, 2026
Crime writer Val McDermid discusses the interplay of research, regional identity, and the craft of suspense writing. The talk includes readings and a moderated Q&A about writing fr…
Robin Ince · Summerhall (Edinburgh Skeptics) · September 29, 2026
Comedian and science communicator Robin Ince investigates why conspiracy theories flourish and how humour and scepticism can counter misinformation. The evening mixes stand-up, sci…