What’s on in Edinburgh this week - The Edinburgh Reporter

MONDAY 9 JUNE 2014

Love in a Library: pop-up opera in association with Edinburgh International Festival, featuring songs from Schumann, Schubert, Wagner, Quilter & Gershwin. 2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. Free, no booking required. (THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED TODAY AND TOMORROW DUE TO ILLNESS)

National Library of Scotland: free guided tour of the building and introduction to the collections and history. 2pm-2.45pm,National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Booking required: call 0131 623 3734 or book via website.

Forth Valley Open Studios continues this week: over 140 artists across Central Scotland open their studio doors. See website for details and opening times. Ends 15th June 2014.

Arthur’s Adventure: a challenging guided walk to learn about Arthur’s Seat‘s turbulent past. Strenuous walk/climb for which proper clothing and footwear will be required, Booking essential – contact the Historic Scotland Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150. 1-3pm, free. Not suitable for disabled people or those under 16 years owing to rough terrain, steep slopes and some scrambling. For a more moderate walk see Tuesday’s listing.

Gorgie Dalry Gala Week starts today: see website for details of many events during the week, including sports, live music, the opening of the St Martin’s Community Resource Centre, Tynecastle High School Fair and the Gala Day itself. Ends Saturday 14th June 2014.

TUESDAY 10 JUNE 2014

Continuing: Carol Rhodes and Louise Hopkins: Drawings, Paintings and Prints. Two artists’ responses to Below Another Sky, an international residency programme designed to support the research and development of new work in print by artists from Scotland, Australia, Canada, India and Pakistan. Exhibition runs to 19th July 2014, Tuesday to Saturday 10am-6pm at Edinburgh Printmakers, Union Street.

Here at the Gate: novelist, poet, blogger and short story writer Christine Campbell talks and reads from her most recent novel and explores her inspiration, the writing process and getting published the indie way. 10am-12noon, South Neighbourhood Office & Library. Free places must be booked by contacting the library on 0131 529 5151.

Love in a Library: pop-up opera in association with Edinburgh International Festival, featuring songs from Schumann, Schubert, Wagner, Quilter & Gershwin. 12.30-1.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free, no booking required.

Millie Gray: Millie is a professional storyteller and writer; her five published books are all set in Leith and follow the lives of strong women who manage to achieve the impossible. Millie is now working on her sixth book. 2.30-4pm, Conference Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets must be booked via eventbrite.

Springwell Strollers & Striders Community Walk: a local led health walk lasting no more than an hour. 1pm, Tynecastle Community Wing. Contact Alan at Health All Round on 0131 337 1376 for more information. Part of Gorgie & Dalry Gala Week, but walks are held every Tuesday.

Extensive Landscape by Phillip Koninck (1666). Art historian Ailsa Turner discusses Koninck’s luminous landscape, which demonstrates his perfection of the panoramic vista. 12.45-1.15pm Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Play Time – who would you like to be? Join the National Library of Scotland’s fortnightly play-reading group and try out a new role. No performance, no public audience, no experience necessary. Enjoy modern drama in an informal lively way, with Andrew Martin, NLS Curator of Literature and the Arts and Kate Hendry, NLS Reader in Residence. 6-8pm National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free, no booking required – further information from k.hendry@nls.uk

Arthur’s Secrets: moderate guided walk to learn more about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past. Proper clothing and footwear will be required. Booking essential via the Historic Scotland Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150. Not suitable for under 8s or disabled people owing to rough terrain and steep slopes.

ESOL Chatabout Reading Group: friendly and informal group for adults learning English as a Second Language at Intermediate Level. By reading and sharing books together we build confidence in speaking, reading and understanding English. 10-11am, Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street. For more information contact Mo Boussaboon on 0131 529 5617 or email fountainbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2014

The Big Vote – a free seminar and cross-generational debate on the Referendum from Edinburgh Active Citizenship Group. Andrew Barr, co-founder of National Collective, and Jil Murphy of Business for Scotland will put the case for a YES vote: Mike Dailly of Better Together and Talat Yaqoob, feminist activist & campaigner, will put the case for NO. 7-9pm City Chambers, High Street. No booking required unless you have special requirements.

The poetry and feminism of Willa Muir: Dr Rhona Brown will talk about Willa Muir, some of her poetry, and her 1920s feminism, with reference to Simone de Beauvoir and Virginia Woolf. 6-7.30pm, Conference Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets must be booked via eventbrite.

James Kelman, Booker Prize winner, novelist, playwright and political analyst, in conversation with Edinburgh-based writer, poet and activist Kevin Williamson. 6pm, National Library of Scotland. Free but must be booked via website or by calling 0131 623 3734.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Helen Grant ‘The Demons of Ghent.’ Launch of the second instalment of Helen Grant’s thrilling Forbidden Space series. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets from the shop’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218. For more information call Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8222 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Experiencing Prison: Past, Present & Future. Jamie Bennett (Governor of HMP Grendon & Springhill, the only prison to operate as a series of therapeutic communities) and Jessica Bird in conversation with Pete White, founder of Positive Prison?…Positive Futures? which supports people on their release from prison and also gives feedback to policy makers and service providers. 5.30-7.30pm, Law School, Old College, University of Edinburgh. Free but must be booked via eventbrite.

Pakistan Today, Problems and Prospect: Muslim and Christian Perspectives – a Christian-Muslim Dialogue for Peace and Understanding. Mr Shahid Farooq (Pakistan Association) and Mr Sandy Sneddon (Asia Secretary, Church of Scotland World Mission Council) will give a Muslim and a Christian view of Pakistan today, and Rev Brian Cooper (Uniting for Peace) will talk on ‘An Ethical Foreign Policy for the UK‘ An open forum will follow. 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), Annandale Street Mosque, off Leith Walk. Collection taken for charities. Enquiries to Rev Brian Cooper: 0131 446 9545.

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2014

Artist’s talk by Geoffrey Farmer, a Canadian artist known for his installation-based works using a combination of a broad range of elements such as drawing, photography, video, sculpture, performance and found materials. He will discuss his work practice and his residency through the Below Another Sky project (see Monday.) Part of the exhibition ‘Louise Hopkins and Carol Rhodes: Drawings, Painting and Prints.’ 6.30-7.30pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, 23 Union Street. Free but ticketed, book via eventbrite.

Over My Dead Body: local author Hazel McHaffie talks with Dr Ian Laing about her latest medical ethics novel. 2.30-3.30pm, Central Library Conference Room, George IV Bridge. Free tickets must be booked via eventbrite.

Live Music Now: Silverbirch Duo. Catherine Gascoigne on flute and Ross Wilson on guitar perform music inspired by the National Gallery’s collection, including Titian and Frederic Edwin Church. 6-6.30pm National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free, no booking required.

The Drawing Room: an informal artist-led drawing session. Each monthly session is developed by a contemporary artist and inspired by an aspect of the modern collection. All materials supplied, no experience necessary. 5.30-6.45pm, Modern Art One. Free, but places must be booked by calling 0131 624 6410 or emailing education@nationalgalleries.org

Richard Gordon: Scotland ’74: A World Cup Story. BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound host Richard Gordon discusses his new book ‘ a bittersweet celebration of the closest we ever got to making it beyond the group stages.’ 6pm, Waterstones West End. Free tickets available from the shop. Further information on 0131 226 2666.

Footprints on the Moon: Eileen M Taylor discusses her debut novel with Ellen Galford. 6.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free and unticketed.

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling starts today: rides for all ages, workshops, talks, culture, film, competitions, come and try sessions, legal advice and more. Some events free. See website for more information. Continues till 22nd June 2014.

Love in a Bookshop: pop-up opera in association with Edinburgh International Festival, featuring songs from Schumann, Schubert, Wagner, Quilter & Gershwin. 3.30pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge. Free, no booking required.

Stevie Agnew live @Pryde’s Bar: part of Gorgie Dalry Gala Week. 9pm onwards, free entry, Pryde’s Bar , Gorgie Road.

FRIDAY 13 JUNE 2014

Barnaby Barford: new exhibition by Barford, an artist who works primarily with ceramics to create unique narrative pieces to draw an ironic portrait of our everyday lives. Today till 19th July 2014, 10.30am-5.30pm, Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street. Free

Love in a Library: pop-up opera in association with Edinburgh International Festival, featuring songs from Schumann, Schubert, Wagner, Quilter & Gershwin. 3.30-4.30pm, Wester Hailes Library. Free, no booking required.

Steampunk Jazz and Blues Shindig Open-Mic Gala Party, with Ms Hahn and Viper Swing. Free entry and free to perform. From 8pm, The Mad Hatter, 8 Torpichen Place, Haymarket. Part of Gorgie Dalry Gala Week.

So You Want to Cycle Across America? Come and meet Chris Oliver the Cycling Surgeon. After losing 12 stones and having weight loss surgery, Chris cycled across the US with his daughter. Come and be motivated by Chris’s incredible transformational journey. 7-8pm, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge. £5, concessions £4, all proceeds to Water Aid. Part of Edinburgh Festival of Cycling.

Giggle & Splash, Goggles & Dash: a special gala night of fun for all the family. Games, water toys, races. Free, 6.30-7.45pm, Dalry Swim Centre, Caledonian Crescent – call 0131 313 3964 for information. Part of Gorgie & Dalry Gala.

Matt Dunn @ Pryde’s Bar. 9pm onwards, free entry. Pryde’s Bar, Gorgie Road. Part of Gorgie Dalry Gala Week.

SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2014

Tynecastle High School Summer Fair: coconut shy, assault course, sponge the teacher, buskers, Beat the Goalie, cafe, bike servicing, nail bar, face painting and lots more. 12-3pm, Tynecastle High School, 2 McLeod Street. £1 entry, under-18s free. Part of Gorgie Dalry Gala Week.

Gorgie Dalry Gala Day: live music, Gorgie City Farm, face painting, health tent, Zumba, wrestling, giant slide, fairground rides, children’s races, entertainers, Lothian & Borders Fire Service, belly dancing, magic, community cafe and lots more. Free entry. 12-5pm, Murieston Park

Greening the Old Town – Planting Day. If you live in the Old Town and want to make it greener, join your neighbours for a morning of planting and learn how to grow things yourself. With Jim Carlyle, head gardener from the Inch Nursery. Bring your own planters ready to fill or buy them ready-filled at cost price. Learn about the many types of gardens in the Old Town and their history from Jean Bareham of Greenyonder Tours. Organised by the Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust’s Patrick Geddes Gardening Club & supported by Edinburgh City Council. 11am-1pm, South Bridge Resource Centre, Infirmary Street. More information on 07598 323440 or www.eotdt.org

St Martin’s Community Resource Centre: help celebrate the opening of the newly-transformed building. Open from 11am for public viewing. 3.30pm Ribbon Cutting by the Right Hon the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Refreshments available. 232 Dalry Road. Part of Gorgie Dalry Gala Week,

John Byrne – Sitting Ducks. An exhibition exploring and celebrating Byrne’s highly innovative and richly varied portraiture. Byrne was born in Paisley and is one of Scotland’s most accomplished artists and writers. Today until 19th October 2014, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free admission.

Edinburgh for Under Fives Launch Party: children’s activities within Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, including face-painting, singalongs, crafts and storytelling. The new edition of the Edinburgh for Under Fives Guide will be available for sale. 2-4pm, Waterstones Ocean Terminal. For information call 0131 554 7732

Dr Neil’s Garden: one of the most remarkable gardens in Scotland today, sometimes called Edinburgh’s Secret Garden, is open for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme this weekend. It is beside the 12th Century Duddingston Kirk, where the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat meet Duddingston Loch. 2-5pm, Duddingston Village EH15 3PX. Disabled access. Plant sales and teas available. £3.

Edinburgh Badges: in the past people wore badges to tell everyone what their job was – come to this free drop in session for families and make a badge that tells the world all about you. 1.30-3.30pm, City Art Centre, Market Street. No booking needed.

Wildflower Survey – help conduct a survey on the Union Canal for Plantlife Scotland‘s Wildflower Count project. 10.30am – 1pm, meet at Water of Leith Conservation Trust. More information from Anna Canning (anna@blueyounder.co.uk) or Alan Forrester (alan@scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk)

Bike Curious Family Workshop. 10am-12 noon, Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road. No booking, just turn up. Family bike ride to the Meadows at 12 noon. Experienced cycling families on hand for advice. Try out a range of equipment, from baby seats to trailers and tag-alongs. Cycle ride tutor on hand. Dr Bike in attendance to check over any cycles you bring along. Plenty of caffeine and cake. Bike friendly crafts to try out. Part of Edinburgh Festival of Cycling.

Crafts for children – every Saturday at 3pm, Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street. No need to book, free.

Garvald’s 70th Birthday Summer Fair – come and celebrate Garvald‘s birthday. Garvald is a provider of residential care and creative day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Bouncy castle, pony rides, music, ice-creams, face painting, barbecue. Free entry. 2-5pm, Garvald, Dolphinton, West Linton – on the A702.

Free Family Try-Athon: try 15 Commonwealth Games sports in a single location. All sports will be delivered by leading coaches from across the country. Scottish sporting greats on hand to give tips and encouragement. See the Queen’s Baton arrive! 10.30am onwards, Meadowbank Sports Centre. No booking required, just drop in, suitable for all ages. Organised by Edinburgh City Council as part of the Commonwealth Games Celebrations.

Queen’s Baton Relay Evening Celebration. Two hours of free live music, dance and the arrival of the Baton itself. Ross Grandstand, Princes Street Gardens. 5.30pm-7.30pm (approx.) Gates will open at 4.30pm. BOOKING ESSENTIAL via Usher Hall Box Office. See website for more information.

SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2014

Bags of Art: cool and creative fun for ages 4-12 with artists Tessa Asquith-Smith and Louise Fraser. 2-4pm, Modern Art Two, Free drop-in session.

Radical Voices: a monthly gathering of radical singers, songs, stories and poems on a different theme each time. This month: asylum and refugees. Part of Refugee Week Scotland 2014. 6.30-9.30pm, Constitution Bar, Constitution Street, Leith. Free.