The Queen's Progress:

It is 1566 and Mary, Queen of Scots is on a royal progress around Scotland accompanied by her loyal courtier, Sir John Semple. He is married to Mary Livingstone, one of the Queen's four Mary's and the first of her Marys to marry. The Queen is travelling around Scotland to give her loyal subjects an opportunity to congratulate her on the birth of Prince James, heir to the throne.

Come and meet Mary, Queen of Scots and Sir John and offer your congratulations her and find put what she thinks about Linlithgow Palace. Sir John will give you some pointers on how to behave before Her Grace, the Queen.

Usual admission prices apply.

Her Grace and Sir John will be found in the Palace between 10.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 15.30.

Suitable for all the family.

Women and World War II

Women made a significant contribution during the 2nd World War, whether it was on the Home Front or fighting the enemy behind the lines.

This week-end at the War Museum you can meet Elsie, a Land Girl or see if you've got what it takes to operate covertly behind enemy lines when you meet with ths Spymaster, Kit Coltman.

Find out what it is like to work on the land without the benefits of modern machinery. Life can be lonely at times, particularly as Elsie is the only Land Girl on this farm. However, she knows that her job is important if everyone is to have enough to eat.

Much of the training for women spies was carried out in locations across Scotland. Kit is ready to see if you are the right material for working with SOE - the Special Operations Executive.

Presentations begin at 11am,

Admission to the Museum is included in admission to the Castle.

Suitable for all the family.

At home with Mrs Doig

Travel back to Georgian times and meet Mrs Doig, the wife of a merchant who seeks to persuade her husband it is time to move to the New Town for the sake of their social standing.

Find out about Edinburgh life in the 1700s. Learn the etiquette required in polite society and be outraged by the goings on in the wynds and closes of the Old Town.

Presentations are at 11.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.00.

The event is free and suitable for all the family.

Queen Victoria at Edinburgh Castle

10.30 - 12.30; 13.30 - 15.30

It is 1886 and Queen Victoria is visiting Edinburgh Castle for the International Exhibition of Science and Industry held on the Meadows. Her Majesty is being accompanied on this visit by her private secretary, Sir Henry Ponsonby. While staying at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Queen Victoria is interested in seeing how improvements are progressing at Edinburgh Castle and takes time to make a private visit the Castle with Sir Henry.

Come and meet Queen Victoria and her private secretary in the Great Hall in Edinburgh Castle.

Usual admission prices apply.

Life in Auld Reekie

Once again Mrs Doig is to be found at home in the Old Town of Edinburgh longing for her husband to move the family to New Edinburgh where all is comfort and leisure with none of the difficulties of Auld Reekie. Come and find out what life is like and pick up on some 18th century gossip.

Presentations are at 11.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 15.00.

The event is free and suitable for all the family.

From April until November, Mrs Doig will be receiving guests one Saturday a month. This will enable any newcomers to 18th century Edinburgh to get an insider’s view on how to behave in the best of society and listen in on the gossip of the Old Town.

While the event is free, booking is essential. For further details contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk