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, our journal – the Book of the Old Edinburgh Club – and projects. Join us and take advantage of these and 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 20was published in March 2025 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.
Links to details of individual events will appear under the programme set out below.
Please note that the Magic and Illusion talk is now fully booked.
Chrystal Macmillan: Equal Rights for Women in Edinburgh and Beyond
Magic and Illusion in Edinburgh
Darwin in Edinburgh
Calton Hill visit
Printing History of the Eastern New Town
Canongate Kirk and Kirkyard
News & Views
What’s new in the world of the Old Edinburgh Club: events, publications, projects and our blog.
We will be holding our 118th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 17th September at 7pm at the City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh.
By: Kit Baston
Kit Baston tells us how her transcribing work is taking shape The transcription of Edinburgh University Library’s Receipt Book for the Book Borrowing Surgeons project
By: Barclay Price
Isabella Hutchison (neé Cunninghame) was an Edinburgh philanthropist who became Catholic, funding the establishment of St Margaret’s Convent and supporting the work of the Sisters
By: Derrick Johnstone
The voyage of the Henry and Francis from Leith, September 1685 In early September 1685, a ship weighed anchor in the Forth and headed out
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. We also have an archive of our own News & Views.