Edinburgh Medical School

13/04/2026

Then & Now: An A–Z of Edinburgh Medicine.

Taking you from A to Z, we’re exploring Edinburgh’s rich medical history, uncovering historic hospitals, buildings and locations, and what they’re used for today.

A is for Astley Ainslie Hospital!

Fondly known by medical students as the ‘Ghastly Astley’ in its heyday the Astley Ainslie in Morningside was anything but, although it does have a dark history being one of the main sites in Edinburgh where people with the Bubonic Plague were quarantined and buried (face down to stop them rising from the dead and spreading infection) in the 17th century.

Opened in 1923 for convalescence with the beautiful grounds being designed by the Botanic Gardens and containing many Himalayan plants and trees and a 9-hole golf course. The fresh air and lovely surroundings were said to provide a ‘gentle return to life’ for patients.

In the late 1900’s with a move to active rehabilitation rather than convalescence large cardiac and head injury rehab units were opened, with medical students still being sent there for Year 4 neurology teaching. Sadly, services are now being wound down and the future of the site is uncertain.

Image credit: Lothian Health Services Archive

10/04/2026

Congratulations to Madeleine Cowie, a fourth-year medical student on being selected as the Emerging Research Lecturer (Science) at the 2026 Society for Endocrinology BES Conference 👏

This nationally competitive platform typically features early-career researchers at doctoral and postdoctoral level, making this an extraordinary achievement.

Madeleine presented her research, “Role of Obesity Gene PLXNA4 in Neurodevelopment and Anxiety,” at the conference in early March, where she was formally recognised with the award.

A fantastic accomplishment and a great example of the outstanding research taking place within our student community.

09/04/2026

Did you share any of these misconceptions about medical school? What would you add?

06/04/2026

Happy World Tartan Day!
We recently unveiled our own bespoke Medical School tartan, designed by Edinburgh College of Art student Minty and brought to life by the talented team at Locharron.
Proudly made in Scotland, this new tartan reflects our heritage and community, and we hope to see it worn across campus for many years to come, as modelled very elegantly here here by Moomin!
Have you picked up any of our new tartan merchandise yet?
You can browse the collection in our online shop, with more tartan pieces arriving soon, link in bio!

03/04/2026

Huge congratulations to Herno van der Linden, a student from Edinburgh Medical School, for winning the Nature category in the Edinburgh Globals Photography Competition! 📸🌍
This striking image captures a Eurasian Whimbrel mid–takeoff. A fleeting, powerful moment. One of the few bird species shared between Scotland and South Africa, the whimbrel beautifully symbolises the connection between two distant worlds.
Judges from Social Responsibility and Sustainability praised the dynamism of the shot, highlighting the incredible sense of motion and the intricate detail in the feathers.
Congratulations Herno!

02/04/2026

On the move 👀
From our Anatomical Museum to Surgeons’ Hall, extraordinary objects have been carefully packed and transported across the city, carrying 300 years of medical history.
Opening tomorrow, the Edinburgh City of Medicine exhibition explores how Edinburgh became a global centre of medical teaching.
📍 Opens Friday 3 April, Surgeons Hall

30/03/2026

The first woman ever. One of only 20 people. Ever. 🏃‍♀️
In 2024, Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the legendary Barkley Marathons, a brutal 100-mile race with a 60-hour cut-off, widely considered one of the toughest endurance events in the world.
Now’s your chance to hear from her!
Join us for a free Capital Conversations event as part of Edinburgh Medical School 300.

Thursday 23 April 2026
From 5:30pm
Tap the link in comments to book your place now ⬇️ 🎟️

The University of Edinburgh Sport
Edinburgh Medical School

27/03/2026

Our shop is open!

You can now get your hands on our Edinburgh Medical School tartan scarves and socks, along with other Edinburgh Medical School 300 merch.

Keep your eyes on this space… there’s plenty more merch and tartan goodies to come 👀

Go to shop 👉https://edin.ac/4c7uR94

27/03/2026

24/03/2026

On World TB Day, we recognise the significant contributions of Professor John Crofton who joined the University of Edinburgh as Professor of Respiratory Diseases and TB in 1951.

Professor Crofton developed the 'Edinburgh method', a treatment that used three different antibiotics to minimise resistance and successfully treat tuberculosis. This approach played a key role in controlling TB in Scotland by 1958 and has helped save many lives worldwide.

He is currently featured in our 'Faces of Edinburgh Medical School' exhibition at the Mound Precinct in Edinburgh city centre.

If you're in the city you should definitely check out the exhibition to learn more about John and other individuals whose work has had a lasting impact.

📍 On view at the Mound Precinct — Fri 20 Mar – Sun 26 Apr
📍 On view at Portobello Promenade — Wed 29 Apr – Sun 14 Jun

More info 👉 https://edin.ac/3P01VqB

Image credit: Lothian Health Services Archive

19/03/2026

Calling all alumni, mark 300 years with us this April!

Join us for our Spring Alumni Weekend for a chance to reflect, connect and explore alongside fellow alumni, students and staff. Whether you’re returning with classmates or coming along on your own, the weekend offers space to reconnect, hear about the latest research, and engage with the future of our School. The weekend includes a programme of activities plus an alumni dinner and ceilidh.

Daytime events are free to attend but must be booked in advance due to limited capacity. The alumni dinner and ceilidh on Saturday evening at the National Museum of Scotland must be booked and paid for in advance.

Register by 4 April to take part.

📅 24–26 April 2026
More information and register 👉 https://edin.ac/4lowL8y