In December 1809, a medical student enrolled at the University of Edinburgh under the name James Barry. When Barry died, his gender became the subject of rumour and scandal, with some suggesting that Barry was a woman or a...
This LGBTQ+ History Month is a particularly special one as it marks fifty years since the Stonewall Riots in New York. This was one of the fundamental events that was a major catalyst for the gay liberation movement that began in the late 1960s. To...
“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin’-race!” The opening lines of Robert Burns’ ‘Address to a Haggis’ will be repeated across Scotland on 25 January to mark Burns Night (or Burns Nicht in traditional...
As the philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche earnestly said, “Every day I count wasted in which there has been no dancing.” Personally, there are two days throughout the year which I will highlight in my daily calendar— St Andrew’s Day and Burns...
Baked goods, mulled wine and the warm, fuzzy feeling of festive cheer; with Christmas just around the corner, Europe offers a spectacular selection of magical Christmas market wonderlands. It’s time to take your eyes away from the revision...
Calton Hill was ablaze this Halloween night for the Beltane Fire Society’s annual Samhuinn Fire Festival. The event featured almost 400 volunteer performers who drummed, danced, and even sang Scottish Gaelic tunes. Nearly 20 costumed groups of...
Watching horror movies, costume parties, lighting bonfires, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, and trick-or-treating are just a few activities that are staples in the Halloween season. However, there are options happening in...