Free public lecture chaired by Professor Ian Baxter on how to manage the deterioration of Scotland's historic sites in the age of climate change.
Augustine United Church on George IV Bridge is hosting Curated Decay & Alternative Futures for the Historic Environment on Thursday 14 January, a debate run by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. It's part of their 2026-27 public events programme, which runs from October 2026 to April 2027 and pairs lectures, panel discussions and debates with ten-minute talks by early-career researchers and hybrid Q&A sessions. The Society was founded in 1780.
The evening is chaired by Professor Ian Baxter FSAScot, with a panel of experts giving brief position statements. The debate sits at the heart of a dilemma facing Scotland's heritage sector in the 21st century: with climate change accelerating the deterioration of historic sites, should we try to save everything, and if not, how to manage the consequences? It's the kind of question that doesn't have a single right answer, and the format lets a few different perspectives sit side by side rather than trying to settle it in one go.
If you're there in person, you can stay on for a drinks reception after the talk to chat with the speakers, Society Fellows and other attendees. If you can't make it to the church, the session is also live-streamed, and a recording is later uploaded to the Society's YouTube channel and Spotify account. It's a free, open-to-all event, so you don't need to be a member or an expert to come along.
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It runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday 14 January, with doors opening at 5:45pm. The venue is Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL. Entry is free.
