Free stuff

Your Healthy Living Show is returning to Edinburgh this summer to help consumers eat well, feel great and look healthier, naturally - without costing the earth.

The University of Edinburgh's new annual lecture series to celebrate International Women's Day which will include 'inspiring women speakers' of international reputation.

Edinburgh marks Fairtrade Fortnight with a free brunch at the National Library of Scotland.

This year’s International Science Festival (3-17 April) will include 46 events at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with many events taking place at the Real Life Science Studio and other facilities at the Botanics’ new John Hope Gateway visitor and interpretation centre.

The University of Edinburgh returns to the Edinburgh Science Festival with free events, workshops and shows aimed at children and families. Discover Science 2010, running for the duration of the Science Festival (8th-17th April), takes place at the National Museum of Scotland, and Adam House, Chambers Street.

Want to be in television? The Edinburgh International Television Festival is looking for participants in its scheme The Network, a free event in Edinburgh taking place over four days in August 2010 (from 26th to 29th).

Starting in the morning, students from schools and universities across Scotland will compete to win the St Andrew’s Day debating prize.

A celebration of Scotland's spoken and musical traditions. Free, but booking required via web site

As part of many St Andrew's Do events pipe bands will be marching from Edinburgh’s City Chambers up the Royal Mile to play en-masse on the E

Young traditional musicians lead folk in this grand finale Homecoming ceilidh dance at the Museum of Scotland. Free.

A special performance, inspired by Robert Burns' epic poem Tam O'Shanter, from Scottish Youth Theatre and YDance.

A vibrant mix of jazz and big band pieces from inspiring ensemble of young musicians. Free.

Castle baggers and historical buildings buffs mark your diaries: Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, has announced a weekend of free entry to 47 Historic Scotland sites throughout Scotland on Saturday 28th November and Sunday 29th November to mark St Andrew's Day.

On Saturday 28th November, the Scottish Storytelling Centre has a special treat for all ages with a free, drop-in afternoon that brings all generations together in a celebration of yarns with Between the Generations: Sharing the Stories from 2pm to 4.30pm.  

This event brings together all aspects of storytelling and the afternoon will build bridges between the generations through storytelling, highlight basic storytelling skills and ensure that all participants have fun!

A chance to see performance artists Carabosse transform the Royal Mile and the squares around St Giles Cathedral with fire and light. The installations remaining illuminated until around 8pm.

The massive 7.2m tall Big Man who attracted huge crowds as he walked throughout Scotland this autumn, is reawakened as part of the

The Queen's residence in Scotland plays host to a free, unticketed concert by young, contemporary musicians working in the crossover between folk and jazz, celtic and world music.

At midnight on 31st December the clocks strike twelve and fireworks explode out of Edinburgh Castle to mark the start of a brand new year. Thousands gather at the foot of the castle, many at the Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party on Princes Street, for this annual display which can be seen from vantage points across the city.

The Night Afore (30 Dec, the night before Hogmanay) brings a display of light and fire on the Royal Mile and various special tours in popular visitor attractions. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Light Night follows a model borrowed from Paris and St Petersburgh where familiar city venues are opened and illuminated at night to present specially commissioned events and artists.

This year's St. Andrew's Day festivities, aka the St. Andrew's "Do", will be the biggest ever it was announced today.