| 8 March 1.30 & 3.30pm |
Emerging from the Shadows - the Women of Lauriston On International Womens' Day 2025 join us to meet some of the remarkable women who have lived in the castle since the 16th century: from Dame Elizabeth Mowbray who lived in the newly built tower house in the 1590s to Mrs Margaret Reid who bequeathed the castle to the nation in 1926. These stories have been seldom told! During your tour of the castle the women and others will describe life in Lauriston during their lifetime and will recount their personal stories of life, loss and love! | Book here |
| 13 April 1.30 & 3.00pm |
The Duke's Visit The residents and staff of the castle are looking forward to the visit from a member of the nobility. The Duke is eager to tour the castle where he lived for a while as a boy. Mr and Mrs Reid, the new owners, are only too pleased to show him the recent renovations. Meanwhile, the downstairs staff are helping the cook to prepare one of her renowned lavish dinners. You are invited to tour the castle alongside the distinguished guest and eavesdrop into the servants' conversations! | Book here |
| 4 May 10.30am |
The Mezzotint story reading Join us to celebrate Print Day with a retelling of the M.R. James classic Edwardian story The Mezzotint in our atmospheric library. Lauriston Castle has a wonderful collection of more than 400 prints, but are any of them as special as the one delivered to Mr Dennistoun? | Book here |
| 11 May 1.30 & 3.00pm |
The Return of Visitors from the Past The spirits of former residents of the castle so enjoyed their tour last year that they have decided to return! This time they have chosen to visit on the occasion of Mr William Reid's birthday. Join them on their tour of the castle and share their sense of wonder at the changes that have been made over the years, whilst listening to their recollections of life in Lauriston in bygone days. | Book here |
| 21 May 10.30am |
Growing up in Corstorphine in the 1950s This lecture will take the form of a personal reminiscence of growing up as a child in the 1950s and early 1960s in the suburb of Edinburgh. These were the days when life seemed altogether simpler and the sun shone all through the summer while winters were snow filled. School holidays were filled with pastimes such as playing football in the street and taking part in back garden plays; whilst a big day out was to Portobello in the tram! Gordon Roberts is a retired teacher of English and drama. He is the chairperson of Edinburgh Living history and directs amateur dramatic plays in his home town of Dunbar. The lecture image shows Gordon with his younger sister, Frances, in their back garden in Corstorphine. Frances was the founder of Edinburgh Living History and is very sadly missed. | Book here |
| 28 June 3pm |
Death Pays A Visit It's 1913 on a summer's day, and the Sunday morning after a party thrown by Gerald Oliver, the owner of The Laurels, to celebrate the birthday of his sister-in-law. A select group of friends and relations have been invited and a good time is being had by most..until a murder is discovered. What secrets lie behind the walls of this old Castle? This is a reworking of an original Edinburgh Living History mystery which we successfully staged some years ago. Come and see if you can solve the crime and unmask the killer, who may be different from the culprit in previous performances! | Book here |
| 28 June 3pm |
Death Pays A Visit It's 1913 on a summer's day, and the Sunday morning after a party thrown by Gerald Oliver, the owner of The Laurels, to celebrate the birthday of his sister-in-law. A select group of friends and relations have been invited and a good time is being had by most..until a murder is discovered. What secrets lie behind the walls of this old Castle? This is a reworking of an original Edinburgh Living History mystery which we successfully staged some years ago. Come and see if you can solve the crime and unmask the killer, who may be different from the culprit in previous performances! | Book here |
| 18 Nov 10.30am |
The East of Scotland Witch Trials Between the 16th and 17th century an estimated 4000 people were tried in Scotland for witchcraft, approximately 85% of these people being women. Of this number over 300 were burned on Castle Hill in Edinburgh. Who were these women? Why were they accused of witchcraft? So many questions and so few credible answers! This practice was made illegal in 1735 but by then the fate of many women, such as Margaret Burgess of Cramond, had been sealed! Linda McDonald is a former teacher and a member of Edinburgh Living History, based in Lauriston Castle. She has in interest in researching women's history. | Book here |
| 14 Dec 12.30am |
A Family Edwardian Christmas Join us for our annual Christmas event where you can capture the magic of Christmas past. We lose the commercialism surrounding Christmas and get back to basics. With crafts, stories, and special tours. Have fun with the trail in our gardens. Includes a traditional magic lantern show. with Christmas treats. Please arrive promptly at 12.15pm for a chance to take part in all activities. | Book here |