Saturday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

wp books interiorFrisky Ducks and Other Poems and The Lucky Charm of Major BessopMario Relich and Tom Hubbard launch their new works. Relich was born in Zagreb, grew up in Montreal and has lived most of his life in Edinburgh: he is an Associate Lecturer for OU Scotland and has also taught at the Edinburgh College of Art, the University of Ife in Nigeria and Napier University. Relich’s poems, articles and reviews have been widely published in reviews, periodicals and newspapers: Frisky Ducks is his first collection. Hubbard is a novelist and poet and has been a visiting professor at European and US universities: The Lucky Charm of Major Bessop, Hubbard’s second novel, is subtitled ‘a grotesque mystery of Fife’ – Tom is a Fifer. 12 noon, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street. Admission free! Donations welcome!

National Gallery Highlight Tours: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

GENERATION Tours at Modern One: free, discussion-led tours of the exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am or 1-1.45pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. No booking required.

Rebuilding the Past: come and discover the traditional building skills being used to reconstruct the Botanic Cottage and the challenges that have been encountered on the journey to rebuild this special house. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. No booking required. Also available at same times on Sunday 31st August.

Where Do I End and You Begin: discussion and tour with Richard Hylton and some of the UK-City Art Centrebased artists taking part in the exhibition. 12 noon, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Free, but tickets should be booked in advance via eventbrite. Part of Edinburgh Art Festival.

Stop Thief! Commentator, activist and author (The Poor Had No LawyersAndy Wightman will discuss the ideas and observations captured in his audiovisual presentation, which was commissioned by Emma Rushton and Derek Tyman as part of their installation Flaghall.  2pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Free, but tickets should be booked in advance via eventbrite. Part of Edinburgh Art Festival.

Out of the Blue Flea Market: rummage for treasures at this monthly flea market. Over 45 stalls selling clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric-a-brac and more. Arts Cafe open for sale of refreshments. 10am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

Lunchtime Concert: Nick Wearne and John Bryden Duo. 1.10-1.50pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free: retiring collection.