Edinburgh Skeptics
| Edinburgh Skeptics Society | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | EdSkeptics |
| Formation | March 2009 |
| Purpose/focus | Promotion of scientific skepticism |
| Region served | Edinburgh and Lothians |
| Website | www.edinburghskeptics.co.uk |
The Edinburgh Skeptics Society (EdSkeptics) is a non-profit group that promotes scientific skepticism in Edinburgh, Scotland. It holds regular "Skeptics in the Pub" events in Edinburgh.
History
It was founded in 2009 by Ash Pryce in following a suggestion by Chris French, making it the fifth Skeptics in the Pub established in the UK.[1] Ash organised the first few talks with Lloyd McAlpine, who had to leave Edinburgh after a few months.[1] In 2010 Ash joined with Alex Buque and Keir Liddle to organise the first season of Skeptics on the Fringe and formalise the group as the Edinburgh Skeptics Society.[1]
Activities and events
The society has also been involved in the debunking of paranormal claims within and around Edinburgh, including a 2009 photograph of Tantallon Castle which was claimed to show a ghost.[2] The society organises regular alternative ghost tours around the capital where paranormal myths are debunked.[3]
The society was heavily involved in the 2012-13 NHS Lothian homeopathy consultation, in which it encouraged those who support evidence-based medicine to voice their opposition to homeopathy being provided on the NHS.[4] 4000 people responded to the public consultation, with more than 70% of respondents saying they do not believe homeopathic treatment should receive public funding.[5]
Since 2010 it has held an annual series of skeptical events on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe including talks and walking tours.[3] "Skeptics on the Fringe" was nominated for an Ockham Award by the readers of The Skeptic magazine in 2013.[6] Skeptics on the Fringe 2012 was sponsored by Humanist Society Scotland.[7]
The Skeptics in the Pub continues to be held on the third Thursday of every month.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "History of Edinburgh Skeptics". Edinburgh Skeptics. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ↑ "Photo spooks experts in hunt for ghost of Tantallon Castle". The Scotsman. 1 April 2009. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sceptic Tours Aim To put a nail in coffin of cities ghost myths". The Scotsman. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ↑ "Homeopathy's value under the microscope". The Scotsman. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ↑ "NHS lothian set to axe homeopathy funding". The Scotsman. 18 February 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ↑ "Token Skeptic On Short List For Ockhams 2013 (Thanks Everyone Who Voted)!". Patheos. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ↑ "Skeptics on the Fringe – 2012". Edinburgh Skeptics. Retrieved 2 December 2013.