Optional Extra Events | Edinburgh 2026
Explore the optional extra events for attendees and their guests at our upcoming 18th European Alum Symposium, which will be held on November 6-8, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. All of the below events are open to both conference attendees and guests of attendees who are not attending the conference
Thursday, November 5th
Best of the Fringe at Monkey Barrel Comedy
Meeting point: Monkey Barrel Comedy, 9-12 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR
Cost: £8.50
Timing: 7:00 - 8:20 pm
Described by the Metro as "Fringe Heroes" and as the Fringe's "Beating Heart" by the Telegraph, Monkey Barrel Comedy believes there should be a taste of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ALL YEAR ROUND.
Outstanding Fringe Show award winner Liam Withnail hosts, with a different line-up each night, featuring some of the country's top acts, award winning festival favourites and the very best up-and-coming talent around.
Every Thursday, we'll bring you some of the best highlights from Fringe, with two shows each week jam-packed full of the all the best bits from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
Afterwards, we will head to a local pub to grab a pint!
Friday, November 6th
Tour of Fantasy Fibre Mill
Meeting point: John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh
Cost: £35
Timing: 12:30 - 4:30 pm
Join co-founder Rosie Bristow for a talk and flax-to-linen processing demo. Learn how the full process from sowing the seeds to sewing a garment was done historically, and how Fantasy Fibre Mill are bringing back flax growing and processing with their new open-source flax machines. There will also be a tour of the machine workshop and a chance to try your hand at processing flax, as well as a Q&A. Tea & coffee provided.
The main workshop is housed in an open-sided barn so please dress for cold wind/rain just in case! All facilities are ground floor with step free access, but there is some uneven and muddy ground so sensible footwear is recommended.
Participants will be brought to and from the Mill on a private coach, which is approximately 45 minutes each way.
Scottish Women Writers Tour
Meeting point: John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh
Cost: £20
Timing: 2 - 4:30 pm
Join Ruth Boreham, an expert on women’s history, for a walk around central Edinburgh: a UNESCO City of Literature. On this tour find out about the female writers who helped make Edinburgh the city it is today and pushed the boundaries of their genres both published and in manuscript. Ruth is a passionate storyteller who promises to both entertain and enlighten.
The walking tour will start outside of the John McIntyre Conference Centre.
Mary King’s Close
Meeting point: Mary King's Close, 2 Warriston's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG
Cost: £25
Timing: 1:15 - 3:30 pm
Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, you will go on a journey through time on these now hidden streets where you will uncover some of the city's deepest secrets. In the company of an expert character guide, based on a one time resident of Mary King's Close, you will hear about the real people who lived and worked on these once bustling closes.
Mary King's Close is a historic, subterranean network of 17th-century streets buried beneath Edinburgh's City Chambers on the Royal Mile. Named after a prominent 17th-century female merchant, it was partially demolished and built over in the 1750s to make way for the Royal Exchange.
After the tour you will be right in Edinburgh's Old Town, a fantastic location to explore local shops, restaurants, the National Museum of Scotland or St. Gile’s Cathedral to name a few.
Participants coming from the JMCC can either walk (30 min), take a taxi (10 min) or come with the larger group on public transport to the starting location.
Government Then/Government Now
Meeting point: John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh
Cost: £25
Timing: 12:15 pm - 4 pm
Walk with us through the beautiful Holyrood Park as we make our way to explore the Palace of Holyrood House. Famous for its close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, you will be able to learn both about how the Palace was used historically and how it is used today for official engagements.
Afterwards we will walk over to the Scottish Parliament (3 min) for a guided tour to see the inner workings of the Parliament and learn about the architecture of the award-winning building.
The majority of this tour is accessible and taxis can be taken from the JMCC to the Palace of Holyrood House for those who do not wish to walk through the park.
The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History Walking Tour
Meeting point: Surgeon's Hall Museum, Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Cost: £22
Timing: 2:00 - 3:45 pm
Explore the highs and lows of Edinburgh's world renowned medical history. Discover the intrigues, rivalries and dedication to the cause as our guide leads you through the sites where anatomists, surgeons and physicians worked, operated and squabbled in the quest for medical advancement.
Drawn from the archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh you will hear little known accounts of iconic writers, chloroform tea parties, pioneering women, grave robbing and of course Britain's first serial killers the infamous Burke and Hare.
Tours will last approximately 70mins and include free Museum access to the Surgeon’s Museum on the day of your tour.
A 22 minute walk or 5 minute taxi from the John McIntyre Conference Centre, the tour will start and end at the Surgeon’s Hall Museum.
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Whisky Tasting
Meeting point: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX
Cost: £65
Timing: 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Join us at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a private whisky club with a view of the Queen Street private gardens, for canapes and a three dram single cask whisky tasting. All Society single malts are bottled straight from the cask - no watering down, filtering or additives. It is therefore only correct that our Whisky Ambassador will share each cask’s unique story and why the SMWS Tasting Panel approved it, along with a history of whisky and the art of appreciating this fine spirit.
Someone will be on hand at the end of each tour to guide you to the location of the whisky tasting or you can take a taxi or public transport from the John McIntyre Conference Centre.
A coach back to the John McIntyre Conference Centre will be provided after the tasting.
Sunday, November 8th
Climb up Arthur’s Seat
Meeting point: John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh
Cost: £5
Timing: 12:00 - 2:30 pm
Arthur's Seat is an ancient, 251-meter-high volcano located right in the heart of Edinburgh. A 45-minute hike takes you from the bustling city centre straight to wild, sweeping, 360-degree panoramic views. From the summit, you can look down on Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the dramatic Salisbury Crags.
Bag lunches will be provided at the summit for a fantastic way to end your time at the conference.
Post-Symposium Lunch
Meeting point: John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh
Cost: N/A
Timing: 12:00 - 2:30 pm
If you are still around in the afternoon and do not want to climb Arthur’s Seat, join us at a local restaurant for a last meal together before we all head on our way.
You will be required to pay the cost of your lunch on the day.
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View of Edinburgh & Arthur's Seat
Further questions?
Check out our FAQs page! If you still can't find the answer, reach out to mheacedinburghsymposium@gmail.com
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