A vibrant celebration of art, place and people on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Explore newly commissioned artworks by Scottish artists, join behind-the-scenes tours, shop with local makers, sample Edinburgh’s new Cafe Calton, and enjoy creative play sessions for children. The day will culminate in a celebratory procession inspired by Gala traditions – led by artists Seamus Killick and Quinie.
Following the procession will be a live music performance by Scottish artist and performer Quinie, also known as Josie Vallely. Quinie’s multi-disciplinary practice blends folk traditions, walking, song, storytelling and visual art to explore Scots language, memory, land and belonging.
For Collective Gala, Quinie explores how we celebrate our local communities through our remembered and imagined traditions. She will unveil an artwork inspired by the panoramic view from Calton Hill, collaging together the Gala traditions of the towns and communities seen from the top of the hill.
Activities and schedule
All day activities will include the opportunity to see and buy work from local makers; enjoy food from Cafe Calton; view a new artwork by artist Quinie inspired by the view from Calton Hill; explore the architecture of the site; and check out our summer exhibitions Fire on the Mountain, Light on the Hill and Panorama: New Views of a City.
Scheduled activities include:
- Creative play sessions for families led by artist Seamus Killick
- Edinburgh Astronomical Society tours of the historic Cooke Telescope
- A historical tour of Collective and Calton Hill by author, poet and founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association Lisa Williams
- Talks from Collective’s team about our summer exhibitions and our site
The day will culminate in a celebratory procession on Collective’s site and a live music performance by local artist Quinie accompanied by her band. The procession, featuring two specially invited ponies, is inspired by the Scottish traditions of gala days and Common Ridings.
We will be announcing the full schedule soon – please keep an eye on our social media and this page for details. All activities will be bookable on the day.