Edinburgh's local history society
The Old Edinburgh Club is the city’s local history society, concerned with all aspects of the capital’s history and development.
For more than one hundred years we have encouraged interest through lectures, visits and projects. Join us and take advantage of these and our other activities, exploring Edinburgh through history.
Our Publications
We publish the Book of the Old Edinburgh Club, renowned as an authoritative source for residents, researchers alike or, indeed, anyone who shares our delight in the city’s rich heritage. The latest edition – Volume 20 – is now available and has been sent to our members.
Earlier editions from 1908 are available to download, and we recently added volumes up to 2019.
Please browse our Bibliography of Edinburgh History too – it’s an essential starting point for exploring your interests.
Lectures & Visits
We hold our events in the Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL, with live streaming for anyone who cannot be there in person.
All talks start at 7pm. Non-members may attend or view each event on request. Please contact events@oldedinburghclub.org.uk.
Look out for details of our 2025-26 programme beginning in October.
Darwin in Edinburgh
Calton Hill visit
Printing History of the Eastern New Town
Canongate Kirk and Kirkyard
Second Generation Women Doctors, 1877-1914
Eighteenth Century Music in Edinburgh
News & Views
What’s new in the world of the Old Edinburgh Club: events, publications, projects and our blog.
By: Derrick Johnstone
Pierrots were troupes who entertained residents, day-trippers and holidaymakers in Portobello and other seaside resorts between the 1890s and 1930s. They offered a hugely popular
By: John N Amoore
Two legends in the Coats of Arms of the Canongate and Edinburgh Unexpected consequences when kings hunt is the theme of two legends represented in
Canongate Kirk & Kirkyard visit Eric Drake (volunteer guide and resident of Canongate) showed us round the graveyard and the kirk. Eric began the visit
Explore our website
We hope our website will help you to explore the fascinating past of Scotland’s capital.
For more on Edinburgh’s rich history, explore our detailed resource of useful websites and links to local history and heritage organisations.