Monday 19th May 2014
Getting Started with your i-pad: Drop-in session, beginners welcome. 4-7pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Part of Adult Learners’ Week.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Monthly Book Group: currently discussing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘Americanah‘. To join email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk with your contact details. 6-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge, call 0131 622 8218 for more information.
Live Life to the Full – a group open to female carers over 60 to provide respite from their caring responsibilities at home. A sociable and active group led by Hellen Blyth. 10.30am-12 noon every Monday until 14th July 2014. Free. St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace (off Dalry Rd), tel: 0131 346 1405.
Kirstine Roepstorff exhibition – how does a tone, time or the feeling of summer manifest itself within visual perception? Continues until 19th June 2014 (open Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm) at the Danish Cultural Institute, 3 Doune Terrace, tel: 0131 225 7189.
Tuesday 20th May 2014
Flora & Fauna: AristoCats – exhibition of work including paintings, collage, cards and bags by Midlothian Community Access Team. 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday at The Gallery on the Corner, Northumberland Street, tel: 0131 557 8969. Exhibition continues until 30th May (closed Sundays and Mondays.) The Gallery on the Corner represents and supports artists who have a physical or mental health condition or who are from a disadvantaged background. Part of Autism Ventures Scotland.
Scots Music Group Cafe Ceilidh hosted by the Linten Adie singing group. A friendly afternoon of Scots Traditional and contemporary songs and music – bring along a tune or a song or simply come and listen. 1.30-3.30pm St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace (off Dalry Road.) For further information contact Mary Watt on 01573 223515 or email mary.m.watt@gmail.com. Also see www.scotsmusic.org
Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Angus Konstam, author of Bannnockburn: Scotland’s Greatest Battle for Independence, published to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the battle that helped to define the Britain we know today. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge. Free tickets from the shop’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218. More information from Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Mysteries of Social Media: how to use Facebook & Twitter. Drop-in session, 2-3pm, Blackhall Library, Hillhouse Road. Part of Adult Learners’ Week.
Extreme Crystallography: Towards Infinity but not necessarily Beyond. Professor Malcolm MacMahon from the University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy gives the second in a series of free talks to celebrate 2014: The International Year of Crystallography. 6.30-7.30pm (doors open 6pm), Cairns Lecture Theatre, Summerhall. Tickets must be booked via eventbrite. Aimed at ages 16+ but all welcome.
University of Edinburgh – Question Time: award-winning journalist Bill Jamieson chairs a debate on the Scottish Independence Referendum and Entrepreneurship with an expert panel of politicians, economists and financial commentators. 6-7.30pm, George Square Lecture Theatre, Buccleuch Place. Free but tickets must be booked via eventbrite.
University of Edinburgh Reid School of Music: BMus Final Year Recitals. Reid School of Music and other venues – see website for details of performers and locations. Free and open to the public. 9am-5.15pm (continues on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd, times vary.)
Embodiment: preview event for exhibition of paintings by Edinburgh-based graphic designer Alan Lennon. 6-8pm, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court (next to Muirhouse Library.) Tel: 0131 315 2151 for more information.
North Edinburgh Grows Drop-In Sessions. Learn how to grow your own vegetables, fruit and herbs. Relaxed, informal sessions every Tuesday 1-4pm, no experience necessary – for ages 16+ but you are welcome to bring your children with you. Contact North Edinburgh Grows Co-Ordinator, Valla on 0131 315 6408 or northedinburghgrows@gmail.com for more information. North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court (next to Muirhouse Library)
Road to the Referendum: half day session which will consider some of the background issues as well as hard facts and statistics which should inform the debate leading to the Referendum Facilitated by Alex Wood, experienced teacher and adult tutor. Part of Adult Learners’ Week. 2-4.30pm, Kirkliston Library. To book, email kirkliston.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5510.
Wednesday 21st May 2014
Piano Speak: Lunchtime Concert. Will Pickvance’s popular off-the-cuff weekly concert of piano improvisations and repartee. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.
Collective Gallery – tour of the exhibitions led by Gallery assistants and exhibition staff. 1pm, no booking required, free. Collective Gallery, City Observatory, Calton Hill. Tel: 0131 556 1264.
The Edinburgh Lectures: Beam Me Up Scotty – Professor Tom Devine OBE discusses the global impact of the Scottish people over the last three centuries. 6pm, Hawthornden Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound (Gardens Entrance). Tickets are £5 and must be bought in advance, either in person from the Usher Hall box office or by calling 0131 228 1155 or online at www.usherhall.co.uk.
e-books for beginners: find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website. Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own. 2-4pm Morningside Library, Morningside Rd. To book email morningside.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5654.
The Strange Case of James Hogg ‘the Ettrick Shepherd’, a talk by Robin Baillie. 12.45-1.15pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen St. Free, no booking required.
Book Cafe: come along for a chat about books, library resources, e-books and book groups, and enjoy a free cup of tea too. 2.30-3.30pm, Ratho Library, School Wynd. No booking required. Part of Adult Learners’ Week.
The Taylor Wessing Prize – a descriptive tour/workshop for the visually impaired; 10am-3.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen St. Free but booking required on 0131 624 6560.
Make Your Own Hanging Basket: materials provided free by Bridgend Growing Communities. 2.30-3.30pm Gilmerton Library. To book email gilmerton.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5628. Part of Adult Learners’ Week.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Christopher A Whatley: The Scots and the Union: Then and Now. The cornerstone text on the Union of Scotland and England brought up to date in the face of present day debate on independence. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218. For more information call Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
University of Edinburgh Reid School of Music: BMus Final Year Recitals. Reid School of Music and other venues – see website for details of locations and performers. 12 noon to 8pm (continues on Thursday 22nd.)
Road to the Referendum: Part 1 of 4. Four week course considering the history, politics, culture and literature – as well as some hard facts & statistics – which should inform the debate leading to the Referendum. Facilitated by Alex Wood, experienced teacher and adult tutor. 10.30am-12.30pm, Portobello Library. To book email portobello.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5558
Road to the Referendum: Part 1 of 4 – course as above, 6-8pm Morningside Library, Morningside Road. To book email morningside.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5654.
Road to the Referendum: half day session considering some of the background issues – as well as some hard facts & statistics – which should inform the debate leading to the Referendum. Facilitator Alex Wood (see above). 2-4.30pm Central Library, George IV Bridge. Bookings via eventbrite.
Diane’s Drop-In: IT advice. Drop-in session for anyone new to computer use. 2-4pm, Leith Library, Ferry Road. Part of Adult Learners’ Week.
Ryan Van Winkle: Nothing But The Poem: join Edinburgh Libraries’ Poet in Residence to read and discuss a poem. No experience needed, nothing to fear! 6.30-8pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Book via eventbrite.
Over My Dead Body: Hazel McHaffie will discuss her most recent novel, set in the world of medical ethics. 6.45-7.45pm, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan. To book email corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5506.
Thursday 22nd May 2014
Social group for those aged 65+. All welcome; come along, have a cup of tea and a chat, and help to choose the group’s future activities – anything from arts and crafts to visiting speakers. Free. Every Thursday 12.30-2.30pm until 5th June 2014 at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Place (off Dalry Rd.) For more information or if you need help to attend, please contact Katie from the Community Connecting Project on 0131 225 8508.
Word Power Books and the University of Edinburgh Centre for South Asian Studies present Meena Kandasamy, poet, writer, activist and translator, who is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Meena will discuss her debut novel, The Gypsy Goddess. 4pm, David Hume Tower Conference Room, George Square, University of Edinburgh. Free, all welcome. Word Power Books: 0131 662 9112.
University of Edinburgh Reid School of Music: BMus Final Year Recitals, Reid School of Music and other venues. 12noon to 5.15pm, see website for details of locations and performers. Free and open to the public.
e-books for beginners: find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website. Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own. 2-4pm, Portobello Library. To book call 0131 529 5558 or email portobello.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
Getting started with your i-pad: learn the basics of using apps, internet & photos. 2-4pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. To book email stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5665.
North Edinburgh Arts: Garden Gang – creative garden workshops for 8-14 year olds, 3.30-5pm every Thursday. Drop in, make something arty for the garden and enjoy hot chocolate and healthy snacks. For more information contact North Edinburgh Grows co-ordinator, Valla on 0131 351 6408 or email northedinburghgrows@gmail.com.
Life Writing: creative writing session with Nicky Melville. 2-4pm, Currie Library, Currie. To book email currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5609.
e-books for beginners: 11am-1pm, MacDonald Road Library, MacDonald Road.
My Story: Writing To Relax. With support and encouragement from Dorothy Baird, adult tutor and poet. All levels welcome. 1-3pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road. To book email muirhouse.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5528. Part of Adult Learners’ Week.
Friday 23rd May 2014
Still Life with Bird’s Nest. A talk by Dr Tico Seifert on Jan van Huysum’s painting. Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. 12.45-1.15pm, free, no booking required.
Book Cafe: come along for a chat about books, library resources, e-books and book groups, and enjoy a free cup of tea too. No booking required, just pop in! 2.30-3.30pm, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan.
Michael Dix: The Idolisation of Scale. Preview of new exhibition investigating the idea of scale through a series of paintings. 5.30-8.30pm, Alpha Art, Hamilton Place, tel: 0131 226 3066. Exhibition then continues during normal gallery hours until 15th June (NB closed Weds.) www.alpha-art.co.uk
e-books for beginners: find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website. Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own. 2-4pm, Sighthill Library, Sighthill Road. To book email sighthill.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5566.
Stirling Chorale, USA: Lunchtime Concert, 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.
Snug Lab: Assembly Roxy‘s first of a series of nights launches with an eclectic mix of musicians, fine art, graphic designers and visual artists. Live music from Liam Kidd, Timo Preece and Frequent Flyers. 7.30-11pm, The Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place. Tickets £5, available from eventbrite or on the door.
Saturday 24th May 2014
Sarah Knox: Shorelines. Pop-up exhibition, 10am-7pm at Marchmont Gallery, 56 Warrender Park Road. Enquiries: 0131 228 8228 or enquiries@marchmontgallery.com
Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show – today until 1st June. Lauriston Place Campus, 11am-5pm with late opening to 8pm on Weds 28th and Thurs 29th. Free entry.
e-books for beginners: find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website. Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own. 10.30am-12.30pm, South Queensferry Library, Shore Road. To book email southqueensferry.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5576.
Bohemia Moon Arts, Crafts, Vintage and Design fair with Spring Cafe. 10.30am-4.30pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free entry.
Book Cafe: come along for a chat about books, library resources, e-books and book groups, and enjoy a free cup of tea too. No booking required, just pop in! 11am-12.30pm, Leith Library, Ferry Road.
Letts Monster Practice Event: come and join in Monster fun with Letts Monster Practice activities – ways for children aged 5-6 to learn English and Maths skills. 11am-3pm, Waterstones West End (Princes St), tel: 0131 226 2666 for further details.
Chris Kent: The Golem – Chris will give an illustrated talk about his latest graphic novel, The Golem, a Victorian tale of jealousy and revenge. 2.30-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Part of Adult Learners’ Week. Book via eventbrite.
Fancy a day out of Edinburgh? East Neuk Open Studios starts today and continues on 25th May, 31st May and 1st June, 10.30am-6.30pm. Follow the red balloon trail to meet the artists responsible for an exciting range of paintings, textile, prints, jewellery and more. Free, see website for details of individual venues in Cellardyke, Pittenweem, Crail, St Monans and elsewhere.
Sunday 25th May 2014
Meet the Ancestors – Tales from the Forest. Hear traditional tales about the natural world with storyteller Susan Wilson. For ages 7+, 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm (30 minute sessions), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free.
Lego Minifigures Character Encyclopaedia Swapshop: the 5th Lego Swapshop is taking place at Waterstones Cameron Toll at 3pm. Come & trade with everyone to get the rare minifigure you’ve been after, or make your own minifigure for Waterstone’s Gallery of Awesome. More details on 0131 666 1866
St Giles At Six: Concert – Neil Mantle (horn), Roderick Long (violin) and Richard Beauchamp (piano) perform Lennox Berkeley Horn Trio Op 44, Johannes Brahms Horn Trio Op 40. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.
