Friday in Edinburgh – what’s on today

Duty: local author Joan Rowe talks about her book, ‘ an epic story about love, loyalty and the winds of war.’ 6pm, Far From The Madding Crowd bookshop, 20 High Street, Linlithgow. The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about Joan’s earlier appearance at Morningside Library can be found here.

Easel Sketching in the Gallery: inspired by the Titian exhibition and working from a costumed figure. 2-4pm, Scottish National Gallery, (Main Floor of the Gallery) The Mound. No booking required.

St Mary’s RC Cathedral Bicentenary Lecture: Sir Tom Devine OBE ‘Catholics in Scotland: The Silent Revolution 1960-present.’ 7.30pm, St Mary’s RC Cathedral, York Place. Free, but tickets should be obtained in advance from the Cathedral Office on 0131 556 1798 or by emailing monica.davidson@virginmedia.com

Bring a Bear Bug: special bear-themed bookbug session featuring bear stories, rhymes and movement! 10.30-11.30am, Muirhouse Library, 15 Pennywell Court. Bring your own teddy!

STILL: new works by Deb Marshall and Arran Rahimian. 11am-5pm from today until 14th September 2014, closed 8th & 9th September. Patriothall Gallery, 10 Patriothall, off Hamilton Place, Stockbridge.

Eco-Kidz: turn recycling into crafty, sellable items. Learn a variety of skills in these fun sessions including art, design, craft, marketing and retailing. The group will eventually go on to sell items made in the sessions. 1.45-3.15pm, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. Free.  More information here.

Napier University Campus Tours: view the facilities and chat with Napier’s Student Ambassadors about life at the university. Tours will start simultaneously at 2pm at each of Napier’s three campuses, Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill.   Places must be booked in advance: click here for booking form.

Feely Friday: explore real and replica objects from the fascinating handling collections of the museum. From Vikings and Victorians to all sorts of animals, mammoths, meteorites and more! What will you get to grips with? 1.30-4.30pm today and every Friday until 19th December 2014, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street (check information screens on the day to find the location.) Free drop-in event: children must be accompanied by an adult.

Karaoke Club: if you’re bored with the TV on a Friday night, why not experience some real live Craigmillar entertainment while boosting your confidence and developing your vocal cords? 7-10pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. £1 per person.

Food Co-Op: buy cheap, quality food from Green City (Scottish Wholefood Collective Warehouse.) 3-6pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place.