Moving to a new city can be a funny experience. Suddenly you find yourself meeting new people, who slowly turn into new friends. You explore unfamiliar streets and accidentally stumble upon what will soon become your new go to coffee shop or your favourite bar.

Having moved to Edinburgh in September to study my Masters in Publishing I have been overwhelmed by how warm and welcoming the city is and I feel truly lucky I get to call it my new home. Between the gothic architecture, beautiful scenes of Arthurs Seat around every corner and, of course, the abundance of independent book shops, Edinburgh feels like the place to be for book lovers like myself.

What is more is that the city is home to a number of literary events, one of which I was lucky enough to attend along with my fellow publishing students.

The Literary Salon takes place on the last Tuesday of every month in a cosy bar, The Outhouse, located in the New Town.

Not knowing exactly what to expect, my classmates and I were informed it would be a chance to get to know other people in the publishing industry, to form connections and learn more about what literary events Edinburgh has to offer.

The evening took place in the upstairs function room of The Outhouse. I sat down with my classmates and enjoyed a few drinks and conversations together before the event began. Naturally we all huddled together in our familiar group on one side of the room with the other attendees we had yet to meet, on the other.

The evening began with talks from Annie Rutherford, about Edinburgh’s “first and only poetry festival” (Push The Boat Out) and their upcoming programme of poetry performances this November. Followed by Mairi Oliver who discussed The Radical Book Fair organised by Lighthouse Books, also taking place in early November. Both events highlighted Edinburgh’s vibrant literary scene that aims to bring both readers and writers together.

Afterwards, there was time to mingle with the other guests and as a student who is still finding her feet, I felt a little nervous about how to approach strangers with more experience and knowing what to say.

However I was pleasantly surprised by how easy going and welcoming everyone was. What struck me most was how many people, regardless of age or experience, were still trying to figure things out themselves. Many people at the salon whom I had assumed had established careers were still aspiring writers with dreams of getting published and becoming a bestselling author. Pursuing a career in the creative industries is not a straightforward path and I left the salon feeling reassured knowing that I am not the only one trying to make it in the publishing industry. In the meantime I will continue to attend events like the Literary Salon and make more connections with people I might not otherwise have opportunities to meet.

At the end of the day, does anybody ever truly know what they are doing, at any age?

References

“Edinburgh Literary Salon” Edinburgh Lit Salon, 2023, Edinburgh Literary Salon. Accessed 19/10/26

“Lighthouse- Edinburgh’s Radical Book Fair 2026: Building a Better Now” Lighthousebookshop.com, 2020, Edinburgh’s Radical Book Fair 2026: Building A Better Now. Accessed 19/10/26

“Push The Boat Out” 2026 Push The Boat Out Festival, 2026,  About Us – 2026 Push The Boat Out Festival. Accessed 19/10/26