National societies
Scottish Local History Forum – The umbrella organisation for people and organisations interested in local history in Scotland. It publishes a journal (pictured left) three times a year, organises an annual conference in the autumn, campaigns on behalf of local history, compiles occasional reference works, and generally keeps those involved in local history in touch with Scottish activities. SLHF maintains a calendar of events held by member organisations and provides an online Directory of member organisations and resources. SLHF also publishes Clish-Clash, a regular e-newsletter highlighting developments in the Scottish local history world. Current and recent editions are available for download.
British Association for Local History – This association undertakes a similar role to the Scottish Local History Forum, though predominantly south of the border. Its goal is advancing public education through the study of local history. The Old Edinburgh Club’s membership of BALH provides discounted entry for our own members to many BALH online lectures, webinars and other activities. If you are interested in any of these, please contact the OEC Membership Secretary for the discount code. BALH has a range of publications and other resources, including its journal The Local Historian and magazine Local History News. Back copies are currently free to download.
Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland – The society is concerned with the protection, preservation and study of Scotland’s built heritage and publishes a journal, Architectural Heritage. The AHSS Forth and Borders Group hosts regular events in Edinburgh and online.
Other national societies
- Archaeology Scotland;
- Archives and Records Association (Scotland);
- Economic and Social History Society for Scotland;
- Scottish Association of Teachers of History;
- Scottish Church History Society;
- Scottish Civic Trust;
- Scottish Genealogy Society;
- Scottish Historic Buildings Trust;
- Scottish History Society;
- Scottish Records Association;
- Scottish Records Society;
- Society of Antiquaries of Scotland; and
- The Saltire Society.
Edinburgh history and heritage organisations
Cockburn Association – Edinburgh’s Civic Trust, a watchdog on current and future developments. The Cockburn Association has its own Edinburgh Online Bibliography.
Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society – Encourages interest in all activities relating to archaeology, undertaking investigation of unscheduled historical sites, using careful excavation techniques, geophysics, fieldwalking, processing of finds and research. Provides excavation training for volunteers of all ages and abilities and organises a winter lecture programme and outings. Has a current focus on Cammo Country Park, owned by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Edinburgh Bibliographical Society – Promotes the study of books and manuscripts of any date, particularly Scottish, through meetings, publications and other activities.
Edinburgh World Heritage – Dedicated to preserving the character of Edinburgh’s Old Town and the New Town, which together form the World Heritage Site. Activities include the Edinburgh Graveyards Project which seeks to increase community involvement with five historic graveyards in the city.
Local history and amenity societies
Blacket Association;
- Broughton History Society;
- Colinton Amenity Association;
- Corstorphine Trust;
- Cramond Association – History Section;
- Cramond Heritage Trust;
- Currie & District Local History Society;
- Dean Village Association;
- Edinburgh Old Town Association;
- Fala, Soutra and District History and Heritage Society;
- Friends of Cammo;
- Friends of Newington Cemetery;
- Grange Association;
- Granton History Society;
- Granton Hub: History;
- Greater Liberton History Group;
- Juniper Green 300;
- Leith Local History Society (guidebook pictured right);
- Lothians Family History Society;
- Morningside Heritage Association;
- Newhaven on Forth History Group;
- Portobello Heritage Trust/ History Society;
- Queensferry History Group;
- The Water of Leith Conservation Trust; and
- West Blacket Association.