Message from the Skies

From New Year’s Day to Burns Night on 25 January, Message from the Skies takes you on a journey of discovery through the streets of Edinburgh, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. In 2020, Message from the Skies returns with Shorelines, a collection of letters to Scotland reflecting on our relationship with our seas, waters and coasts and our maritime heritage.

The words of five celebrated writers: Charlotte Runcie, Irvine Welsh, Kathleen Jamie, Kayus Bankole and Robin Robertson – will illuminate and animate landmarks around the city with a maritime theme this January. These are told through a series of dazzling projections created by artists, designers and film-makers Bright Side Studios, Double Take Projections, Kate Charter, Norman Harman, Rianne White, and Thomas Moulson. Original music is by Alasdair Roberts, Kayus Bankole, Pippa Murphy, and Steve Mac.

The Message from the Skies App will enhance your experience, giving you greater access to each letter as you work your way around the city. The app features text and audio versions of the letters as well as audio commentary from some of the writers. There are also maps to help guide you and provide information about the places where the installations are sited.

Message from the Skies is a free event, no ticket required.

The projections will run daily from 1 to 25 January, from 17:00 – 22:00.

Message from the Skies is commissioned and presented by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. It is produced by Underbelly, in partnership with Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, and developed with support from Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.