Friday in Edinburgh – what’s on today

FRIDAY 25TH JULY 2014

Digital Sentinel: Digitalsentinel.net is an emerging community news site for Wester Hailes. Are you local to Wester Hailes?  Would you like to capture local news events and transform the site into a vibrant community resource? No experience necessary, all training in journalism and the use of technology will be provided. 11am WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free. Email digitalsentinel@whalearts.co.uk for more information!

Make your own Mythical Creature Puppets and a Shadow Puppet Theatre: for ages 7-11. 2-3pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

How to Be a Good Wife: Emma Chapman launches her new book. ‘A creepy little chiller…a much bigger, equally disconcerting story about the nature of feminine experience’ (Hilary Mantel.)  A staunch supporter of independent bookshops, Emma is visiting as many as she can in a month, travelling from Land’s End to St Andrews. Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow. Call shop for time: 0131 629 1396.

Mermaid Magic: add some glitter to the mermaid’s tail. For ages 4-12.  2-3pm, South Neighbourhood Office & Library, 40 Captain’s Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

A Walk on the Wild Side: July’s Literary Salon explores wild Scotland and nature writing across fiction and non-fiction. Hosted by Scots environmentalist and nature writer Clifton Bain. Bring your own stories, views and opinions, share recommendations of nature writing and nature trails. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow. Free but limited places: book via eventbrite or call into the store to reserve your place. Refreshments provided.

Mystery Monsters: drawing activity for ages 4+.  2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Gallery Social – American Impressionism: a New Vision. Join artists for relaxed guided tours for anyone affected by dementia, their friends, relatives and supporters. Very informal tours exploring highlights from the permanent collection and special exhibitions, beginning with refreshments in the learning centre. Meet at the main entrance. 10.30am-12noon, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road.  To book a place call 0131 624 6560. Free.

Monster Crafts: for ages 5+.  2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Basil Zaharoff – the wickedest man in the world? Writer and lecturer Robin Barnes discusses the murky life of Anatolian-born Zaharoff, who gained noteriety as an international arms dealer, but was also a linguist, arsonist, pimp, friend of royalty and honorary Knight of the British Empire. It has been suggested that Zaharoff not only helped to instigate the Great War but also assisted in bringing about its end. Event for adults. 10.30am, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £8 and must be booked via the Usher Hall box office, either in person, by phone or online – see website.

Arts and Crafts: come along to these inspiring arts and crafts sessions to get creative and learn some new skills. Work with a range of different artists to create mini artworks using recycled materials. 10-10.50am for ages 9-12, 11-11.50am for ages 5-8. 50p per session. North Edinburgh Arts (next to Muirhouse Library.)

Dance and Movement: a chance to work with different dance tutors to get active, play group games and have fun learning some dance styles. 10-10.50am for ages 9-12, 11-11.50am for ages 5-8. 50p per session. North Edinburgh Arts (next to Muirhouse Library.)

Art Week: if you love all things arts and crafty, come along to a wonderful Create session. Plenty to try, from portrait painting to animal mask making and everything in between, each day this week. 10am-12 noon for ages 5+, 2-4pm for ages 10+.  WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free, drop-in, no booking required.

Mythical Maze Activities and Events: 2.30pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Friday Bookbug: for pre-school children and their parents or carers. 11am, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street.