Our Themes: Edinburgh’s many and varied stories
With a history spanning 10 centuries, Edinburgh 900 brings the city’s stories to life through ten themes. Through these themes, we will uncover the city’s growth; its rise in prosperity and status as Scotland’s capital, as a European seat of learning and a global festival destination.
City of David
City of David
The “City of David” theme celebrates Edinburgh’s journey as a self-governing community, focusing on the historical burghs of Edinburgh, its royal connections, the evolution of municipal government, and its role as Scotland’s capital city. This theme highlights Edinburgh’s significance in local and national government and politics.
City of Faith
City of Faith
The “City of Faith” theme explores the place of religion in the city, focusing on its different faiths, their religious buildings, and the vibrant congregations that worship within them. This theme highlights the city’s rich religious heritage and the harmonious coexistence of multiple faith communities.
City of Commerce
City of Commerce
The “City of Commerce” theme highlights the city’s dynamic economic history, focusing on its merchants, the significance of Baltic Sea trade, and its global connections. This theme underscores the city’s role in international trade and its impact on economic development and cultural exchange.
City of Industry
City of Industry
The “City of Industry” theme delves into the city’s industrial evolution, focusing on the medieval Incorporations of Trade, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of modern industries. This theme showcases the city’s role as a hub of manufacturing.
City of Conflict
City of Conflict
The “City of Conflict” theme examines the city’s turbulent history, highlighting military connections, the Reformation, the Marian Civil War, civil protests, and riots. This theme provides insight into the city’s resilience in surviving and shaping the historical events that buffeted it.
City of Finance
City of Finance
The “City of Finance” theme explores the city’s financial heritage, covering coinage, the Royal Mint, banks, and colonialism. This theme emphasizes the city’s importance in the development of financial institutions, its influence on global economics and the impact that the British Empire had on its urban development.
City of Ideas
City of Ideas
The “City of Ideas” theme celebrates the city’s intellectual and cultural contributions, focusing on the Enlightenment, the creation of the New Town, and various innovations and discoveries, both past and present. This theme highlights the city’s role as a centre of knowledge and creativity.
City of Leisure
City of Leisure
The “City of Leisure” theme highlights the city’s efforts to create attractions and recreational opportunities for its citizens and visitors, focusing on the development of amenities, hotels, railways and roads, as well as the resident groups and tourists who used them. This theme showcases the city’s enduring appeal as a destination for relaxation and enjoyment.
City of Celebration
City of Celebration
The “City of Celebration” theme celebrates the city’s vibrant cultural scene, focusing on its renowned festivals, including the Festival and Fringe, as well as other annual events. This theme underscores the city’s history as a hub of cultural festivities and entertainment.
City of Diversity
City of Diversity
The “City of Diversity” theme explores the city’s multicultural landscape, focusing on immigration past and present, the diverse residents of Edinburgh today, and the 2050 City Vision. This theme highlights the city’s inclusive nature through the centuries and its commitment to a diverse and vibrant future.
Sign up to the Forever Edinburgh newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Don't worry you can unsubscribe at any time to our newsletter.