From Castle to Palace - Meet Mary, Queen of Scots

Visit two of the most important sites in Mary's life - Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House.

Meet the Queen herself in Edinburgh Castle where your class will be transformed into young Scottish nobles and learn how to behave at the Queen's Court. It includes a tour of the Royal Mile using the Mary Queen of Scots discovery trail and viewing real objects from Mary’s life at the Palace of Holyrood House.

A whole day session for your class.

Booking can be made by contacting The Royal Collections on 020 7766 7323

A Night at the Assembly Rooms

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.

Mrs Doig is preparing for a night out at the New Assembly Rooms in George Street in the New Town of Edinburgh and sees this as a perfect opportunity to persuade her husband that it is time for them to move too.

Spend some time with Mrs Doig and learn the essentials of Georgian etiquette and dress necessary for a night of mixing with society.

Presentations are at 11.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.00.

The event is free.

Court Etiquette

Come along and meet John Murray, a scholar at the Renaissance Court of James IV. He is newly returned from the University of Padua and is full of the new thinking that interests the King. Lady Eleanor has also arrived at the Palace as the noble women of Scotland are summoned to attend James' new wife, Margaret Tudor, at her Court in Linlithgow Palace.

Usual admission prices apply.

John Murray and the Lady Eleanor will be in the Palace 10.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 15.30.

It is August, 1886.

Queen Victoria and her private secretary, Sir Henry Ponsonby, are visting Edinburgh Castle to survey the restoration work being carried on at the Castle particularly that in the Great Hall. Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, visited many years ago with her late husband, Prince Albert, and was dismayed to discover the Castle did not reflect its true medieval splendour. As she is here on a State Visit to the Meadows Industrial Exhibition, she is taking time with Sir Henry, to make a private visit to the Castle.

Historic Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, 18th August, interpretive conversation with Queen Victoria and Sir Henry Ponsonby 10.30 - 12.30 and 13.30 - 15.30

Included in admission price; suitable for all the family

This year "Mrs Doig" will make her debut at the Edinburgh Festival as part of the activities at the City of Edinburgh Museum in the Royal Mile.

Mrs Doig, is a society hostess of the 18th century, known for her knowledge of all things refined on the Edinburgh social scene of her time. Come and a long and meet her and find out if you are up to the mark on all the social etiquette you need to survive in the Old Town of Edinburgh.

City of Edinburgh Museum, Huntly House, 14th August at 11.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 15.00.

Admission is free and suitable for all the family.

The Fabulous Fifties:

Meet Muriel and Jasper, doyennes of fashionable Edinburgh, who will guide you through the decorative and stylish modes of 1953 to help you celebrate the Queen's Coronation in up-to-the-minute elegance.

While Jasper and Muriel will be available for conversation throughout the day there will be key presentations to give you that extra bit of help to add glamour to you and your home.

Usual admission prices apply.

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