Winter Talks – The Battle of Pinkie 1547, Thursday 19 March 2026

The Battle of Pinkie 1547, an illustrated talk by Victoria Oleksy

We will bring our popular Winter Talks series to a close on Thursday 19 March with a fascinating illustrated presentation by local author and archaeologist, Victoria Oleksy.

In this final talk of the season, Vicky will explore The Battle of Pinkie 1547: The Last Battle Between the Independent Kingdoms of Scotland and England, offering fresh insight into a pivotal but often overlooked moment in Scottish history.

Battle of Pinkie Statues, Musselburgh. The copyright is held by Victoria Oleksy

Fought in 1547 in East Lothian, near Musselburgh, The Battle of Pinkie, was the last great clash between Scotland and England as two independent nations. Although well documented through eyewitness accounts, contemporary illustrations and archaeological discoveries, the battle’s wider significance has frequently been underappreciated and remains relatively little known among Scotland’s historic conflicts.

Drawing on her research as co-author of The Battle of Pinkie 1547, Vicky will examine current interpretations of the battle, with particular emphasis on the archaeological evidence that continues to shape our understanding of the events of that day.

The talk begins at 7.30pm in the Abbey Church, Church Road/High Street, North Berwick, and is open to all. Admission is free for members and patrons of the Coastal Communities Museum, with a £5 donation requested from non-members. Light refreshments will be served after the talk.