Comic Con Scotland has once again descended upon the Royal Highland Centre, transforming the vast space into a buzzing hub of pop culture, geeky gifts, and celebrity sparkle.
This large-scale event draws thousands over the weekend, offering a packed day out for families, seasoned fans, and the cosplay-curious. But beyond the big names and sprawling stalls, it’s the vibrant, friendly atmosphere that truly defines the experience.
The Vibe is Strong With This One
The most striking aspect of Comic Con Scotland is its wonderfully safe and positive atmosphere. This is a genuinely family-friendly event, buzzing with an energy that’s enthusiastic without ever feeling chaotic or rowdy. With plenty of security present and a crowd clearly looking out for one another, it’s the perfect place to bring younger children or to trust teenagers to explore on their own. There was no sense of people taking the mick; just a shared joy for the occasion.
This positive community spirit is best exemplified by the cosplayers, who were the absolute highlight of the show. The effort and artistry on display were staggering, from incredible suits of armour to nostalgic blasts from the past – I even spotted a Mr. Blobby! What’s truly special is the camaraderie, with attendees constantly congratulating each other on their hard work. It’s a celebration of creativity and community, where the fans are as much a part of the spectacle as the stars on stage.
Stars, Stalls, and Getting There
Of course, many attendees are there for the celebrities, and the organisers delivered an impressive lineup that included some genuine A-listers. While last-minute dropouts are inevitable at such events, these were managed professionally, with prompt communication and solid replacements ensuring fans weren’t left disappointed. The queues for autographs and photos were a testament to the draw of meeting your heroes in person.
The shopping experience is another key pillar of the con. While you’d be hard-pressed to find many actual comics, the halls were filled with specialist stalls offering geeky gifts you won’t find on the high street. For those looking to grab food, the usual Royal Highland Centre partners were on hand, providing decent options to refuel, and a clever partnership with Pizza Geeks on Easter Road offered discounts to ticket holders – a nice local touch.
A word of warning on travel, however. While driving is straightforward, with paid parking right outside, arriving via tram is a different story. The popular walking route from the tram stop is poorly signposted, with Google Maps offering incorrect directions and fences seemingly barring the way. It’s a known trap for newcomers. Here’s a lesson for next year: if you’re using public transport, do your research on the route beforehand.
Overall
Comic Con Scotland is a well-run and thoroughly enjoyable day out that successfully caters to a wide audience. It balances big-name appeal with a grassroots community feel, creating a space that feels both exciting and incredibly welcoming. The logistical snag with the tram route is a minor blemish on an otherwise slick operation. For a fun, family-friendly immersion into the world of fandom, this is a brilliant weekend event. Definitely one for the radar for next year.
Explore More On Edinburgh Reviews
Review: Comic Con Scotland
Summary
Comic Con Scotland is a well-run and thoroughly enjoyable day out that successfully caters to a wide audience. It balances big-name appeal with a grassroots community feel, creating a space that feels both exciting and incredibly welcoming. The logistical snag with the tram route is a minor blemish on an otherwise slick operation. For a fun, family-friendly immersion into the world of fandom, this is a brilliant weekend event. Definitely one for the radar for next year.
Leave a Reply