The Beauty of Cold - Edinburgh Book Launch Event - Gilly McArthur

Thursday 28th May 2026 19:00-20:30
Sauna sessions can be pre-booked for 17:15 & 20:30

You are invited to join Gilly McArthur, Scottish swim coach and rock climber to celebrate the Scottish Launch of her new book, "The Beauty of Cold - the restorative power of cold water for connection and joy"

Whether it’s a dook or a distance, come down for a sauna and stay to hear Gilly, with host author and photographer Anna Deacon, unpack why cold water has such a powerful effect on the mind and body, from boosting mood and resilience to reconnecting us with the natural world.

This isn’t about extremes. It’s about starting where you are, to becoming more human.

Gilly's new book offers a life-affirming path back to yourself in simple, achievable, and lasting steps.

This free event is an opportunity to meet like-minded folks and explore what a cold-water practice and connection to nature and the outdoors might look like for you.

Easkey Britton PHD, Finisterre Ambassador, big wave surfer and author of "Saltwater in the blood"
"The Beauty of Cold is a love letter to wild water and the fierce tenderness it awakens in us. Gilly doesn’t just write about swimming — she writes about belonging: to the body, the elements, and the present moment. Brave, playful and full of heart, this book reminds us that in the cold, we find our true aliveness."

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the why, and a reassuring sense of the how — whether it’s your first sea door or dip, a river swim, or simply stepping outside and tuning into your surroundings.

Following the hosted talk at 19:00, there will be a book signing and Q&A with Gilly, with insights from The Beauty of Cold.

Sauna!
Soul Water Sauna are right next door to The Pitt so it's the perfect chance to have a pre-warm up, or post-event relax in the sauna. They're providing an exclusive 90 minute session at 17:15, with a maximum of 20 guests, which will finish at 18:45 in time for the 19:00 talk with Gilly. 
There is also a 60 minute session at 20:30 for up to 16 guests in the larger sauna for after the talk.
Fire pit, cup of herbal tea, happy days.
(Costs are £21pp for 90min / £14.50pp for 60min)
Booking links:
17:30: https://SoulWaterSauna.as.me/?appointmentType=92578148 
20:30 https://SoulWaterSauna.as.me/?appointmentType=92578301