The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre
A Spiritual Home for Scotland’s Second-Oldest Spiritualist Church
The Arthur Findlay College and the Arthur Conan Doyle Centre have teamed up to create a program aimed at enhancing spiritual understanding and practice. This exciting partnership combines the knowledge and resources of these two respected institutions, giving participants a unique chance to explore Spiritualism through both traditional and modern approaches. Here, you can immerse yourself in a range of workshops designed to nourish your mind, body, and spirit.
Or perhaps you planning a city break to Edinburgh? Then why not combine a spot of spiritual therapy with your sightseeing adventures.
Are you curious about our program but prefer to participate in a day workshop before making a commitment to a residential course? This is where The Arthur Conan Doyle & Arthur Findlay College offer a perfect opportunity.
Along with our tutors we have designed workshops to provide you with a taste of our comprehensive programs, allowing you to explore various spiritual practices and philosophies in a supportive and engaging setting. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre is an ideal venue for these enriching experiences. Our day workshops offer a diverse range of topics, from meditation and mindfulness to mediumship and spiritual healing, each crafted to inspire and empower you on your spiritual journey. Led by our experienced Tutors, these sessions provide a welcoming space for discovery and growth, where you can connect with like-minded individuals and share insights.
By bridging the gap between historical knowledge and contemporary practices, the Arthur Findlay College and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre aspire to empower individuals on their spiritual journeys while strengthening the bonds of community.
Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or someone with an existing interest in spiritual matters, our workshops offer something for everyone. You’ll leave with not only a deeper understanding of spiritual concepts but also practical tools to enhance your everyday life.
Stay tuned for announcements on the upcoming schedule, and don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative experience. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your spiritual practice or simply curious to learn more, this collaborative program promises to be a beacon of inspiration and enlightenment.
Available workshops offered by AFC Tutors:
The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre – A Centre for Spiritual Discovery
As 2026 unfolds, the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre enters an exciting new phase with shared goals and a renewed commitment to the community. The Centre is dedicated to honouring its original vision as a spiritual and community hub, bringing the Church and its members together while inviting a wider audience.
In the coming months, the Centre will introduce a variety of new events and activities designed to foster connection, learning, and wellbeing. These will include workshops, fireside chats, community gatherings, and more, utilising the Centre’s beautiful historic building.
With a variety of events and programs on the horizon, there’s always something new to explore and enjoy. Discover all the available courses and upcoming events at the Centre by clicking the button below.
Explore all available courses and events
Who was Arthur Conan Doyle?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish doctor and writer, best known for creating the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he studied medicine, which helped shape the scientific reasoning used by his iconic character. Besides Sherlock Holmes, Doyle wrote historical novels and science fiction stories like The Lost World. He was also a strong advocate of spiritualism.
- Literary Career: He introduced Sherlock Holmes in the 1887 novel A Study in Scarlet and continued to create four novels and 56 short stories featuring the detective.
- Medical Background: As a doctor, he worked as a ship’s surgeon and in private practice in Southsea before dedicating himself to writing.
- Other Works: He developed the character Professor Challenger in The Lost World, wrote historical romances like The White Company, and produced various non-fiction works.
- Public Life & Beliefs: A strong advocate for justice, he assisted in investigating wrongful convictions. He was also an enthusiastic sportsman, introducing skiing to Switzerland, and later became a devoted proponent of Spiritualism.
- Awards: He was knighted in 1903 for his contributions, especially his defence of British policies during the South African War.
- Catalyst for Interest: While he had an early interest, the deaths of his son, brother, and nephews during WWI intensified his commitment to proving the existence of an afterlife.
- Key Beliefs: He viewed Spiritualism as a logical extension of rational thought, a scientific endeavour to comprehend the “unseen world,” and a divine message for humanity.
- Methods of Investigation: Doyle actively engaged in séances, observed mediums, and examined phenomena such as spirit photography, automatic writing, and table tipping.
- Proponent & Defender: He became an unwavering lecturer and writer, promoting Spiritualism as the most significant work of his life, even authoring books like The History of Spiritualism.
- The Cottingley Fairies: He famously defended the legitimacy of photographs taken by young cousins Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths, which purported to show fairies. This case brought him both acclaim and ridicule.
- Debate with Houdini: Doyle had a notable public rivalry with escape artist and sceptic Harry Houdini, who, despite being a friend, exposed fraudulent mediums, contrasting sharply with Doyle’s belief in authentic spirit communication.