Creating Edinburgh is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary course at the Edinburgh Futures Institute that sets out from the seminar room to explore the city of Edinburgh, on foot and online. It offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the contemporary city as a site for new ideas, designs, and methods. The course responds creatively to Edinburgh’s various sites and routes, bringing together students from across the University of Edinburgh to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Below we are delighted to showcase four of the first experiential walking tours produced by students on the Creating Edinburgh course. You are invited to explore the tours online and, even better – if you are in Edinburgh – in person!

Witchcraft Edinburgh

Cross in bricks on a stone plinth

This week of the course examines the legacy of the Scottish witch trials in Edinburgh. It visits sites around the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, including the Mercat Cross, the Witches’ Well, and Covenanters’ Memorial.

Cinematic Edinburgh

Front of Cameo Cinema, Edinburgh with image of film strip over it

This week focuses on the history of cinema and film in Edinburgh. It starts at the site of the Cameo Picturehouse and follows the Edinburgh Film Map, visiting locations from films including Trainspotting, One Day, and The Da Vinci Code.

Artistic Edinburgh 1

Side of building covered in a mural with many people

This week explores art in different contexts and settings across Edinburgh. It visits the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery, along with the various public artworks along Leith Walk.

Artistic Edinburgh 2

Image of mountains painted onto staircase

This week offers an encounter with several Scottish artists, visiting artworks by Eduardo Paolozzi and Helen Monro Turner, located at various galleries and outdoor locations around the city.

 

All images provided by students on the Creating Edinburgh course.

These student-created tours are also available for students on future years of the course. The main Creating Edinburgh website, including a selection of staff-created topics, is available here.