Message from the Skies

See Edinburgh in a brand-new light this New Year with Message from the Skies

See Edinburgh in a brand-new light this New Year with Message from the Skies, an event taking place from 1 – 25 January 2018. Take a literary journey through the city, with a new story, New Year's Resurrection, by leading Scottish writer, Val McDermid, told through projections onto Edinburgh’s buildings and landmarks. The Message from the Skies App will enhance your experience, taking you through each chapter and rewarding you on the way.

In the first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and Edinburgh International Book Festival have commissioned Val McDermid to write the short story. McDermid has collaborated with dramaturg, Philip Howard, Edinburgh based projection company Double Take Projections and some of Scotland’s best soundscape artists to bring the story to life.

Explore the city as you read, moving from location to location to discover the next part of the story. Unlock one-by-one and collect exclusive Rewards from the Skies along the way. Each building or landmark is its own chapter, so you can enjoy the whole story in one evening or over a period of time.


The App translates the story into 7 different languages Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Spanish.

An audio description will be available for visually impaired visitors.

Important Info

​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.

This is an outdoor walking event in winter, please dress comfortably and for the weather.

App developed in partnership with Edinburgh Airport and ETAG (Edinburgh Tourism Action Group).
Message from the Skies commissioned and presented by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Produced by Underbelly and Pearlfisher, in partnership with Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust. Funded by Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals EXPO fund.