| 8 Mar 1.30 & 3pm |
Votes for Women! On International Women's Day 2026, join the residents and staff of the castle in 1911 as they debate the issues involved in the women's suffrage campaign. Do they approve of the more militant tactics of the Suffragettes or prefer the peaceful and constitutional methods of the Suffragists? Then again are there some people who believe that a woman's place is in the home? | Book here |
| 21 Mar & 21 Jun 3pm |
Women of Lauriston Join us as we delve into the stories of the incredible women behind the castle's 700-year history. Discover our socialites who attended Queen Victoria's stately balls, a philanthropist who pushed boundaries and the pioneering lady who left us Lauriston. Their lives, loves and losses are imprinted on the house, waiting to be told. | Book here |
| 19 Apr 1.30pm |
Mrs Reid's tour of Lauriston Castle Mrs Margaret Reid gifted Lauriston Castle to the nation in 1926. Join her as she takes you for a tour of the castle whilst reminiscing about her life during the Edwardian era. | Book here |
| 9 May & 19 Jul 3pm |
Lauriston Before the Reids The inside of Lauriston today is the vision of William Robert Reid; however, the Castle was around for more than 600 years before he bought and shaped it. Join us to go back further in time and uncover some extremely interesting, and indeed scandalous stories around some of our previous owners! | Book here |
| 16 & 24 May 3pm |
Murder and All That Jazz! It is 1926 and the new owners of the Laurels are throwing a glitzy cocktail party for some invited guests. They plan to turn the old house into a jazz club with an American Speakeasy theme. However, the evening takes a dramatic turn for the worse when their plans are upset by repercussions from the General Strike. Then an unexpected - and unwelcome - guest arrives! The tension mounts culminating in a murder; but who is responsible for such a dastardly deed? You are invited to the party to use your sleuthing skills to uncover the culprit and possibly win a small prize. 1920s dress is welcome although entirely optional. You will have an opportunity to discuss your suspicions with fellow detectives over a light refreshment including a non-alcoholic drink and savoury snacks. Edinburgh Living History compose and perform original murder mystery plays. A light Edwardian-style afternoon tea will be served during the interval. | Book here |
| 28 Jun 1.30 & 3pm |
Visitors from the Past: Mrs Reid's reminiscence tour It is 100 years since Mrs Margaret Reid, the last private owner of Lauriston, gifted the castle to the nation. Today she and her husband Mr William Reid have returned and are delighted to discover that everything is just as it was before they passed away. The spirits of others who have lived in or been connected to the castle throughout its history have also returned, including Mrs Reid's friend the celebrated composer Marguerite Marigold. Join us as for an anniversary tour of the castle alongside these Visitors from the Past! | Book here |
| 8 Jul 10.30am |
Who Would Have Believed it? For nearly 15 years Edinburgh Living History have been staging events at Lauriston Castle. To make these as authentic as possible we have had to research the late Victorian and Edwardian period, especially with reference to Edinburgh. During our research we have uncovered many unusual stories which we would like to share. For example: the murderous doctor, the only bombing raid on Edinburgh in the First World War, how the death of Edward VI was honoured in the capital. These, and many weird and at times spooky tales, have enhanced the enjoyment we have had being part of the group and we would like to share them with you. | Book here |
| 22 Jul 10.30am |
Bloodshed over Breakfast! Edinburgh has seen a number of notorious murders since the Edinburgh Police Force was born on 15th July 1805, and these were no doubt followed and discussed in drawing rooms and parlours across the city. Often crimes of passion, greed, or power, they captured the public imagination at the time and continue to fascinate many years later. Join us to find out more about some of these dreadful deeds and how the perpetrators were brought to justice. Kirsty Jarman is a member of Edinburgh Living History. Her perfectly healthy interest in gruesome murder and true crime may or may not be encouraged by her work at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. | Book here |
| 2 August 10.30am |
Terrible Tales from the Castle (Horrible Histories) Lauriston Castle was built in 1590, during a turbulent time in Scottish history. Join us to find out why Henry VIII sent his troops to burn down the original tower house and look for a secret staircase leading to a hidden chamber! Could this be a spy hole? You will also discover some of the less glamorous - in fact really quite gory - aspects of working in a castle in the days before modern plumbing. At the end of the tour there will be an opportunity for some hands-on activities in the Maids' Hall. Be prepared to get your hands dirty! | Book here |
| 30 Aug 2pm, 2.15, 2.30, 2.45 |
1920s Style Family Scavenger Hunt Lauriston Castle and grounds were gifted to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Margaret Reid, in 1926. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the gift please join us for a scavenger hunt. These types of hunts were very popular in the 1920s and were the forerunner for our modern-day Escape Room events. Follow the clues and meet some characters from the past whilst enjoying the beauty of the grounds here in Lauriston. You are invited to wear 1920s dress although this is entirely optional. Get a team together and come in costume. Solve the puzzles in a 1920s-themed scavenger hunt that takes you around the grounds at Lauriston. Is the Mineral Well hiding a secret? What clues can be found lurking in the Japanese Garden? | Book here |
| 5 Sep 10.30am |
Death, Divorce and Disappearance: Agatha Christie in 1926 The year 1926 was a momentous one for author Agatha Christie. Her comfortable middle-class life changed forever when she was betrayed in love, broken by grief and thrown into public notoriety during a mental health crisis that saw her disappear for 11 days. In this lecture we'll explore what led to the events of 1926 and how they affected her life, and writing thereafter. Anne Grieve is an enthusiast of Golden Age detective fiction and a member of Edinburgh Living History. | Book here |
| 26 Sep 10am |
Breakfast with Mr Reid Join us in the atmospheric Library in Lauriston Castle whilst Mr William Reid, the owner of the castle in the Edwardian period, reads a range of topical articles from his newspaper. You are then invited to join him for coffee and pastries in the Maids' Hall. | Book here |
| 4 Oct 1.30pm |
Silver Sunday Join us for a free costumed tour of Lauriston Castle for senior citizens and step back into the Edwardian period. Meet some of the people who lived and worked in the castle during this time. You will have an opportunity to gaze in wonder at the modern innovations and also the many collections and pieces of furniture, which belonged to the owners at the time, Mr and Mrs William Reid. Please note that there are many stairs in Lauriston Castle which may prove difficult to navigate for some people. There will be an alternative opportunity for you to watch a digital tour of the castle, in our atmospheric Maids' hall which has step-free access. You will also meet some of the characters from the Edwardian period! Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK. Age UK's Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them. | Book here |
| 18 Oct 1.30 & 3pm |
Mr and Mrs Reid's Tour of Lauriston Castle Mr and Mrs William Reid bought Lauriston in 1902 and lived in the castle during the Edwardian period. Join us for a unique tour lead by William and Margaret Reid. They will reminisce about their life in the castle and show you their interesting collections of artwork, books and furniture. This tour is part of the 100th Anniversary celebrations of the gift of the castle to the nation in 1926. | Book here |
| 31 Oct 1.30 & 3pm |
Halloween in the Castle You are invited to meet the residents and staff of the castle in 1905 who are discussing the origins and traditions of Halloween in Scotland. Mrs Mackay, the housekeeper, shares her memories of celebrating the festival of Samhain in the Highlands of Scotland. Mrs Reid, a keen photographer, is amazed by the work of some modern photographers using double exposures techniques. Meanwhile, Mr Barton shares some grisly stories from both Lauriston Castle and Edinburgh's past! | Book here |
| 14 Nov 10.30am |
Fashioning a Murder Mystery In looking back 100 years as part of the Lauriston Castle Centenary, a murder mystery became a key event for Edinburgh Living History this year. With works by the likes of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers hitting the shelves, the 1920s undoubtedly represents the golden age of the genre. Moving away from the late Victorian and Edwardian period that is usually the focus of the group's work, however, required new costuming to help our actors set the scene. As a recent addition to the team, Ben Moore took on the role of bringing the sartorial side of the mid-1920s to life. In this lecture Ben will share his research and design process for this project, and through this, give you an insight into the amazing fashions of the 1920s. Ben Moore is a costume designer and maker based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since appearing on BBC's "The Great British Sewing Bee" in 2019, he has worked on a range of freelance projects, combining his design sensibility and technical skills to create distinctive costumes for screen and stage. With a deep-rooted love of fashion history, he enjoys creating pieces that transcend contemporary trends, drawing on the past to enrich storytelling in the present. He uses this background to gain insight into clothing as material culture, bringing added authenticity, depth, and texture to the characters and worlds he helps bring to life. | Book here |
| 17 Nov 10.30am |
East of Scotland Witch Trials: Part 2 Following on from last year's lecture about the East of Scotland witch trials, join us as we look further into this dark period of Scotland's history. It is believed that over 4,000 people were accused of witchcraft in Scotland, one of the highest rates throughout Europe. How could this be? In order to answer this question, we will look at the issues surrounding gender inequality and the religious, political and economic conditions in Scotland at this time. We will also discuss more of the stories of women who were treated with unimaginable brutality and cruelty. Their individual stories deserve to be heard after approximately 300 years! Linda McDonald is a former teacher and a member of Edinburgh Living History and also a tour guide in Lauriston Castle. She has an interest in researching women's history and loves to share her findings with others! Linda is also an award-winning volunteer and supports Museums and Galleries all over the service. | Book here |
| 13 Dec 12 noon |
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 and hot drinks. Please arrive promptly at 12.15pm for a chance to take part in all activities. | Book here |