St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral is the High Kirk (principal place of worship) of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh and as one of the most notable landmarks in the city can hardly be described as a hidden gem. However, few people know that during August, St Giles offer rooftop tours for small groups – booking details are on the website.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the volunteer guides are on duty each day to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request.

Throughout the summer, there are regular free lunchtime concerts from visiting artists.

Despite its central location, the Cathedral Cafe is rarely busy. Handy for a quiet coffee and cake but anything more substantial is quite expensive (tip: venture down the Royal Mile to Carrubbers which is half the price).

High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

0131 225 9442

info@stgilescathedral.org.uk

stgilescathedral.org.uk

@StGilesHighKirk

St Cuthbert's Kirk & Kirkyard

St Cuthbert's Kirk is thought to be the oldest site of worship in Edinburgh. Although the present building only dates from 1894, the current church is the seventh building on this spot since St Cuthbert first came to Edinburgh around 1300 years ago.

The oldest gravestone is that of Rev Robert Pont, who died in 1606. By 1738, grave robbing was a frequent occurrence (and continued for another 100 years until the law changed to allow the donation of bodies to medical science) so walls were made higher, nightly patrols were made and burials began to be recorded.

The kirk is open to the public April to September 10-4 (Mon-Saturday) where, amongst many other treasures, you can see a Tiffany stained glass window, the ornate apse and frieze of the Last Supper. Agatha Christie married her second husband Max Mallowan in the side chapel here in 1930. Visitors are actively encouraged and the friendly volunteers are happy to answer questions.

(While you're here, you might want to visit neighbouring St John' the Evangelist Church – although next to each other, they are in different postcode areas).

A path in the kirkyard leads to Princes Street Gardens West.

5 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EP

0131 229 1142

friends@st-cuthberts.net

st-cuthberts.net

Sahaja Yoga Meditation

Sahaja Yoga is a technique developed by Sri Mataji Nirmala Devi that involves the awakening of a dormant energy, which is located at the base of the spine, and is known as the Kundalini.

Free Lunch Time Meditation every Thursday at 12.30pm - 1.30pm.

Everyone is welcome at this informal session. The yoga is seated, so need for mats or special clothing.

53 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT

scotlandyoga@aol.com

http://scotlandyoga.com

Royal Society Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) organises regular lectures, discussion forums and exhibitions which are open to all and usually free to attend. It is an excellent opportunity to hear some fascinating and informative lectures on a variety of subjects and free refreshments are available beforehand.

The events diary can be viewed at the RSE website or sign up to be put on the mailing list.

22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ

0131 240 5000

events@royalsoced.org.uk

http://royalsoced.org.uk/

@royalsoced

Royal College of Surgeons Museum

The Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh houses a large collection of historic surgical pathology material.

Sometimes gory (the collection includes a book made from human skin and an amputated foot) but always fascinating and set in a beautiful Playfair-designed building.

Due to a Heritage Lottery Fund Redevelopment Project, the Museum will be closed until Summer 2015.

Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW

0131 527 1711

museum@rcsed.ac.uk

museum.rcsed.ac.uk

@surgeonshall

Rose Street

The pedestrianised street between Princes Street and George Street Rose Street is undoubtedly one of the city's liveliest streets being usually associated with pub crawls. That's not to say there aren't any hidden treasures, you just might have to look a bit harder to find them.

Few revellers will have noticed the eight large pebble rose mosaics set into the road – each one is a different variation on the rose design.

Essential Edinburgh has plans to revive Rose Street's bohemian air, using the thoroughfare's literary links as a theme, are ongoing. To date these have included the installation of 24 poetry planters; the erection of decorative steel poetry panels in the windows of the BT Telephone Exchange, and the creation of a poetry wall at the rear of the Roxburghe Hotel.

Remade in Edinburgh

. @remadeedinburgh

This social enterprise teaches repair skills and works in partnership to campaign for goods to be built to last.

Expert volunteers teach sewing and mending, computer repair, run workshops from leather repair to bookbinding, and sell good quality affordable laptop and desktop computers.

The real gem is the open-to-all weekly repair surgery every Wednesday 7-9pm. Take along your laptop and clothes and you will be helped to fix them. Free but donations welcomed.

17 Guthrie Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JG

0131 261 5904

info@remadeinedinburgh.org.uk

http://remadeinedinburgh.org.uk

@remadedinburgh