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EVENING LECTURE

LIVING A POLITE LIFE

WITH DR JENNY MAYHEW

Monday, 7th of September

Lecture begins at 19:00


 
 
 
 
Dr Jenny Mayhew unravels the codes of conduct that shaped polite British society. Explore the complex and comical historical rulebook that guided British lives from cradle to grave.
 
 

TIME & LOCATION



Date and time: Monday 7th of September, 2026 from 19:00 – 20:30

Location: The Hepburn Suite, 29-31 Abercromby Place, EH3 6QE
Ticket type
Price

Club Member
£0.00
General Admission
£8.00



 
 

ABOUT THE LECTURE

What to expect

LIVING A POLITE LIFE from Cradle to Grave – British rules for living and dying well.

Join us to explore the traditional codes of conduct that directed the lives of polite people in times past. These codes go far beyond table manners or social etiquette, extending into areas of spirituality, mental self-discipline, personal ethics and temperament. Instruction books taught readers how to behave at every stage of life, up until their deaths. We’ll consider advice on polite behaviour given by Daniel Defoe, Sir Walter Scott, Mrs Beeton, Lady Colin Campbell and other British writers.

 
 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr Jenny Mayhew has worked as a university lecturer, novelist and screenwriter, and is now researching the history of manners in Britain.

 
 
 
Dining

Join us 

for Supper

The Abercromby Dining Room is open from 5:30 PM prior to each evening event. Join fellow members or come with friends and make a night of it.

 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

16
Oct

Edinburgh Big Curry Lunch in Support of Army Benevolent Fund

Army Benevolent Lunch – The Edinburgh Big Curry Lunch


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16
Oct

G.L.O.W. Gal’s Lunch

Gathering Ladies of Wit. A Royal Scots Club monthly lunch for our ladies and their guests in the Abercromby Dining room.

Member only event

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23
Oct

Trafalgar Night Dinner

Join us at the Royal Scots Club on Friday 23rd October for our Trafalgar Night Dinner held in support of The Royal Marines Charity.


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29
Oct

Folklore Evening: Dark & Haunting Tales

Pull up a chair and dare to listen? Professional Storyteller Beverly Bryant brings dark and haunting tales to life in our Underground Bar.


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02
Nov

Evening Lecture: This is Murrayfield

Join Rob Robertson & Peter Burns as we celebrate 100 remarkable years of Murrayfield Stadium. A century of iconic matches, memories and Scottish rugby history.


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06
Nov

The Captain’s Table

The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people.

Member only event

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07
Nov

Artist Exhibition – Alicia Coombes

Join us as we unveiling a series of new portraits by Alicia Coombes, Director of The Edinburgh Drawing School. Meet the artist, view the finished piece, and hear the story behind the art.

Member only event

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08
Nov

Remembrance Sunday Lunch

Wreath laying ceremony at 12:00 noon, followed by a delicious two-course lunch.


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21
Nov

Meet the Author: Now or Never!

Join Thomas Chadwick as we explore 1 March 1979: Scotland’s first devolution referendum. Nearly 300 years after its Parliament dissolved, The Scottish Assembly that shaped a nation’s politics for a generation.


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26
Nov

Thanksgiving Dinner

A delicious three-course dinner in our Hepburn Suite to celebrate Thanksgiving with live music.


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27
Nov

St Andrew’s Day Dinner at The Royal Scots Club

Celebrate Scotland’s patron saint with a delicious three-course dinner, traditional musical entertainment, and an exciting guest speaker.

Member only event

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29
Nov

Deck the Halls: Wreath Making

Start your Christmas with a beautiful home made wreath with Nicola Robinson, owner and lead designer from The Bloom Room

Member only event

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10
Dec

Christmas Special: Festive Wine Tasting

Join us for a bespoke festive tasting experience in the Underground Bar with Richard from Great Grog. Expertly paired wines and canapés to celebrate the silly season.

Member only event

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12
Dec

The Royal Scots Club Murder Mystery

Join us for a festive murder mystery evening at the Club. Work with fellow guests to unravel the clues, identify the suspects and solve the case before the evening is out.

Member only event

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14
Dec

Evening Lecture: The Glen Affric Tartan – Decoding a Unique Survivor

Discover Scotland’s oldest tartan: The Glen Affric. A 500-year-old fragment unearthed from a Highland peat bog, explored by leading expert Peter Eslea MacDonald.


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17
Dec

Chairman’s Christmas Cocktails

Join our Chairman and other Members on Thursday, 17th December for a festive drinks reception. This is a complimentary event available for Members only.

Member only event

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