Upcoming Events
Scotland Region u3a Network Link Forum
A FREE FILM CONCERNING THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND NATURE BREAKDOWN
PEOPLE’S EMERGENCY BRIEFING
This eye-opening film bringing together nine leading UK scientists and experts with the latest evidence and why it matters for things like extreme weather, food, security, health, cost of living, and all aspects of our daily lives.
Based on the National Emergency Briefing held at Westminster, with appearances from Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden and a range of voices from across the UK.
After the film (50mins) there will be a short discussion about what it means for our community and what we can do locally.
Tickets are free but a place should be booked online at:
Open Coffee Morning
U3a will be participating in a Coffee Morning, along with other charities, organised by the East Lothian Rotrary Club. It is expected that there will also be tabletop sale.
Impact of the Romans in East Lothian.
By Dr Fraser Hunter, Museum Scotland.
A walk through the county, key observations, to coincide with major exhibition “Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of the Empire”.
Fraser Hunter’s academic journey began with a degree and PhD from Bradford University. Since joining the National Museum in 1991, he has been instrumental in excavations and research, particularly in understanding Iron Age decorative metalwork and the impact of Rome on Scotland’s indigenous population. His recent work includes co-editing the appraisal of the Traprain Treasure and co-curating exhibitions like Scotland’s early silver and Celts. Dr. Hunter’s contributions to archaeology and history are significant, and he continues to lead research and exhibitions that enrich the understanding of Scotland’s past.
(Entrance is free & refreshments will be provided)
Past Events
Scotland’s growth story: Rising in the East & Lagging in the West
By Aidan Rooney, Assistant Economist Fraser of Allander Institute.
Aidan is a Knowledge Exchange Associate at the Fraser of Allander Institute. He holds an MSc in Applied Economics and a BA Honours degree in International Business with Economics, both from the University of Strathclyde. His academic and professional interests encompass a broad range of economic topics. Aidan is particularly passionate about deriving meaningful insights from data and delving into the behavioural dimensions of economic decision-making. In this role, he is expanding his expertise across diverse areas while contributing to the Institute’s impactful work. His recent work investigating the economic growth in the county will be presented.
(Entrance is free & refreshments will be provided).
An article published in the Herald is here and the slides and notes from the presentation are here.
u3a in Scotland Summer School 2026
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| Choose one of these six topics: | ||
AI: Exploring Artificial Intelligence |
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BSL: British Sign Language |
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Craft: Japanese Sashiko Embroidery |
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History: The Picts |
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Photography: Enhancing Your Photography |
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Social Science: Positive Psychology |
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Full board residential rates are available in hotel or university guest accommodation. |
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Full details of topics are on the SUMMERSCHOOL page of the |
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| Update – 28 February
Three of our courses proved very popular and Exploring Artificial Intelligence, the Picts and Positive Psychology are all now full; the Picts already has a waiting list of two but, but that depends on people dropping out of that particular course. The three remaining courses all currently have some places: Creative Craft (Sashiko Embroidery) has 3, BSL has 4 and Photography has 6, however, there are only 7 places left for the final dinner. Priority for the final dinner places will be given to those who book to be resident. |
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Enquiries to summerschoolu3ascotland@gmail.com |
Building & Protecting our Health.
By Prof. Alan Gow, Ageing Laboratory Heriot Watt University
Healthy ageing, lifestyle factors and how these can be modified
Alan’s research identifies the lifestyle factors that protect or harm the ageing brain. He focusses on modifiable factors including activity engagement and social connections, as these provide targets for intervention. He leads The Ageing Lab at Heriot-Watt University (https://healthyageing.hw.ac.uk/), and directs activities via wattAGE, the research network focussed on healthy ageing within the University’s Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies. Alan also leads various outreach activities sharing what we think benefits brain health, ranging from talks with older people’s groups, performances at festivals and science events, and media contributions.
(Entrance is free & refreshments will be provided)
2026 Annual General Meeting
2026 Annual General Meeting |
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Followed by Open Lecture at 2.30 |
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“Building & Protecting our Health.” |
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By Prof. Alan Gow, Ageing Lab. Heriot Watt University. |
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Climate in Crisis: Mindsets & Narratives
By Martin Baker, Climate Scientist.
Martin Baker is a climate scientist and has a post-graduate degrees in mathematics and physics from Cambridge University, ten years field experience in Antarctic atmospheric sciences research. This has led to an extensive knowledge of the carbon and biodiversity issues affecting us all. He has extensive experience as a university lecturer and teacher and has delivered over 250 climate change lectures to a wide variety of audiences, both academic and general.
Martin Baker’s slides from this event are here
and the book list is here
Open Lecture Programme 2026 – Scams and what to look out for
By Community Police Officers, East Lothian Crime Prevention Unit. |
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“Scams and what to look out for –how to avoid losing your pension!” |
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| Scams & Frauds. Scamming is fraud and a crime where deception is used for personal gain usually to make money. There are many different types of fraud and with technology growing, fraudsters have become more sophisticated. These crimes, more appropriate to the gathered demographic, will be explained. Thereafter the Community Officers will provide advice on how one can try to avoid becoming a victim. | ||
| Police Scotland Crime Prevention Unit is dedicated to reducing crime and improving community safety. They focus on prevention and intervention activities to address the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty and inequality. The unit works collaboratively with local policing divisions and partners to identify emerging trends and produce materials and initiatives that can be utilized at a local and national level. | ||
| (entrance is free & refreshments will be provided) |
An Archive Tour Round East Lothian
By Jackie Sangster, Learning Manager, Historic & Environment Scotland
An afternoon looking at archives & old photographs; starting in Dunbar taking an archival “bus tour” along to North Berwick, Cockenzie, Musselburgh & thereafter meandering to Haddington for refreshments
After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Edinburgh and a Masters of Fine Arts from Dundee, Jackie enjoyed a career in teaching before moving to HES where she is a Learning Manager with the Learning & Inclusion team. She works across Scotland to bring people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to discover, understand, and be inspired by our historic environment. Mostly Jackie works with digital archive material from Scran.ac.uk as well as other HES archives, such as Canmore. She endeavours to make engagement with school and community groups as creative as possible, allowing people to explore heritage in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
(entrance is free & refreshments will be provided).