Born 250 years ago this year, Scottish novelist Walter Scott was at one time the most famous writer in the world. Join us on his birthday to celebrate Scott and his connection to Holyrood. 

Holyrood histories 

Are you a budding writer, in need of inspiration? Scottish writer Walter Scott often collected objects and memories which inspired him and helped him to write his stories- including stories inspired by the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its fascinating history! Take a leaf out of Scott’s book and design your own book cover inspired by a chapter in Holyrood’s history- and fix this to your very own book-box which you can use to collect memories and help you write your own Holyrood story!

Courtly characters

Walter Scott wrote stories filled with kings, queens, castles and courts, about some of the most dramatic, gruesome, and important events ever to have taken place in Scotland. Join us to hear the fascinating stories of some of these famous courtly characters.

Walter Scott's royal readers

As well as writing about Scottish royal history, Scott also had many royal readers, including George IV and his niece, Queen Victoria. Find out about Scott’s Holyrood-inspired historical novels and his royal readers in these drop in talks. 

Talks will take place at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00.

These activities will be delivered as drop-in events to one household at a time. Please see our FAQs for more details on our Covid-secure procedures in place.