This week’s Editor’s Diary is taking us to Edinburgh – and beyond!
On Saturday, I spent a lovely day in Scotland’s capital. The sun was shining and it – almost! – felt like spring.
My destination was the magnificent National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street.
It’s a part of the city that I know well, as it’s close to the University of Edinburgh, where I spent four happy years studying English Language and Literature.
Right now, the museum is hosting the Doctor Who Worlds Of Wonder exhibition, and it’s well worth a visit.
It’s a thrilling exploration of the science behind the popular TV series.
There are lots of hands-on experiences such as a neat voice recorder that turns your sentences into Dalek-speak! That was very popular.
There are also many artefacts from the shows, such as a reconstruction of the original Tardis console and a cabinet of sonic screwdrivers, to marvel at.
And, of course, the monsters! When I visited there were several fearful youngsters nervously peeping out from behind their mums’ legs as they passed the Daleks and Weeping Angels.
It was all a lot of fun and educational, too, and two hours flew by. Appropriate, really, given the theme of the day was time travel.
Pen Names
After a spot of lunch, a very different exhibition beckoned. The National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge often puts on brilliant free events.
At the moment, two exhibitions are running. One has items from the Ian Rankin archive, complete with original manuscripts and other memorabilia.
The second, bigger exhibition explores the phenomenon of pen names and was right up my street. I spent a happy half hour browsing the fascinating stories and cases full of books and exhibits.
And then I came across a wonderful “Friend” connection!
Our very own Annie S. Swan! What an unexpected ending to a great day out.
Read Angela’s previous Editor’s Diary entries.
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
