Celebrating our city
Edinburgh at 900

Edinburgh 900

As Edinburgh marks its 900th anniversary with a celebratory programme of events and activities, read more about the ways in which we are connected to our home city.

Our city was founded in 1124 with the creation of the royal burgh of Edinburgh. This moment was the first in a rich history that shaped Edinburgh’s journey to becoming the modern capital it is today, laying the foundation for its vibrant culture, innovative spirit and global influence.

The Edinburgh 900 programme has been created by the City of Edinburgh Council to celebrate this moment, bringing our city’s story to life through a series of events, exhibitions and activities that invite residents and visitors to explore its remarkable evolution over the last 900 years.

This year-long commemoration offers an opportunity for us to celebrate the many connections between the University and our home city, to reflect on our shared history and look ahead to its future as a city that continues to inspire and innovate.

In this series, we find out more about the many ways in which the University is embedded within the fabric of Edinburgh. Through new articles and past stories, the pieces featured explore the impact our people and programmes have on this extraordinary place - past, present and future.

Edinburgh 900
Curator Liv Laumenech at the University of Edinburgh's new art exhibition

Climate crisis progress and roots of change

A new exhibition at the University links conversations between art, research, and activism.
Two students sit on Salisbury Crags looking across the city of Edinburgh during sunset

Giving back to the city that founded us

Applications recently opened for the latest round of the University of Edinburgh’s Community Grants Scheme. As just one of the many ways in which we support our local community, how does the University make a difference to people’s lives in the city?
A girl looks up in an outdoor campus setting.

Breaking beyond borders

As Education Beyond Borders opens, three members of the University community whose lives have been impacted by conflict, reflect on their own experience and how we can empower those seeking refuge.
Young people dancing during rehearsals for a show.

Free to flourish: Community groups thrive in University spaces

Local groups are being offered the free use of the University of Edinburgh’s spaces following the successful pilot of a new scheme.
Meadows in Edinburgh

Capturing our extraordinary Edinburgh

The annual student photography competition winners showcase extraordinary images of the city.
The student union in the Teviot Building, 1964

Learning from the student of light

Robert Blomfield's photos of post-war Edinburgh capture a city filled with light and life. Now housed at the University, his rich archive provides a snapshot of a changeable time when the old and the new slipped in and out of the shadows.
Children braiding a long length of yellow and red fabric in the woods.

A forest for sharing fears and hopes

The University of Edinburgh is working with local community groups to tackle one of the biggest issues of the day.
wall mural

From civic foundations

Established in 1583 by the then town council, the University has historic roots in community relations.

Events

Discover how the city is celebrating programme of events, talks, tours and tales.

Edinburgh 900 events

Themes

Edinburgh 900 brings the city’s stories to life through ten themes.

Edinburgh 900 themes