Thursday in Edinburgh – what’s on today

Magic Carpet Minis: introducing very little ones to the fantastic objects in the museum through 20 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Suitable for very young children (ages 0-2) with their parents or carers. 10.30-10.50am or 11.30-11.50am today and every Thursday until 18th December 2014 – meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free – sign up on the day at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall.

over the line cover

Tom Palmer: ‘Over the Line’ – even in the trenches, football lives on! Tom Palmer discusses his brilliant book about a real footballer’s experience in World War I. Children in P4 upwards are especially welcome. 6.30-7.30pm,  Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge.

Teen Scream: magazine making club. If you’re interested in photography, music, art, cinema, comics, books, sport, computer games, journalism or local news – join the brand new editorial team! For teenagers. 3.30-4.30pm today and every Thursday, Muirhouse Library, 15 Pennywell Court.

Titian Uncovered: Venetian-themed evening exploring Titian, including pop-up talks, painting demonstrations and live music from Stephen Morrison and Gordon Ferries and the Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers. 6-8pm,  Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, free.

Aye Eye: a solo exhibition by Skye based artist James Newton Adams. ‘An impressive and coherent exhibition that will see James’ sculptures exhibited alongside his distinctive paintings.’  Today until 1st October 2014 (contact gallery for opening times), Union Gallery, Broughton Street.

scotland or no

Peter Burnett: Scotland or No. Peter Burnett launches his latest novel, a sequel to #freetopiary: An Occupy Romance. ‘Scotland or No sucks its young hero to the depths of the blogosphere, where the lines between the fake and the real have been smashed forever….fake jobs, fake people, fake places…from the gloom of Old Town closes emerges an underworld of smears and lies spread by feral bloggers and persona managers who will stop at nothing to ensure the success of their political cause..this army of fake profiles has more than just friends and likes.  These profiles can vote.’ 6-8pm Waterstones, George Street. Free tickets available from the shop. Call 0131 225 3436 for more information.

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. Also available on Friday 5th September.

Undercurrents: a group exhibition bringing together artists and artworks employing a contemporary approach to the traditional subject of seascape.  Private viewings 6-9pm today and Friday 5th, then normal opening hours until 8th October 2014, Arusha Gallery, 13a Dundas Street.

Fruitmarket Gallery: Descriptive Tour. A tour designed for visually-impaired visitors, including detailed descriptions of Jim Lambie’s work and practice. 6.30-8pm, Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street. Free and open to all but places limited to 10.

Gayfield Twilight Talks: Cloth and Memory – placemaking and materials in contemporary exhibitions. Sarah Saunders, Head of Learning and Programmes at V & A Dundee, introduces a conversation between leading UK textile creator Lesley Millar and independent curator Amanda Game on the subject of traditions of cloth-making and textile design in different cultures and  how that can connect us to both places and memory in ways which animate our experience of daily life.  The conversation will be accompanied by a special display of printed textiles by Professor Norma Starzakowna. 6-8pm, Lyon & Turnbull, 33 Broughton Place.  Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.

Gorgie Farm Cafe - CopyLGBT Health and Wellbeing Learning Disability Project: Visit to Gorgie City Farm. For LGBT people who also identify as having a learning disability/difficulty. Come and see the animals, look around the farm, then visit the cafe for tea and chat. Meet at LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street at 2pm or later at Gorgie Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. Visit will end at 4.30pm. Booking essential by Monday 1st September: call 0131 523 1100. Please bring a carer or supporter if you need help to take part in the visit.

Independence and the Currency: how can Scotland change the banking and monetary system? Come and explore the questions around this issue in an evening of talks, film and discussion. A simultaneous documentary screening here and at the CCA in Glasgow will be preceded by a short talk and followed by a live video link-up between the two audiences for a Q & A session directed to a panel hosted in the Positive Money head office. Suitable for all ages. 7.30-9.30pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free. Positive Money is a movement to democratise money and banking.

Painting with Bill: learn to paint with CCA’s resident artist Bill Jessiman. If you’ve never tried painting before, here’s your chance to give it a try in a relaxed and informal setting. Bill will talk you through the steps to producing an original oil painting. 1.30-4pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road.

Create: creative messy play session for 0-5 year olds and their parents or carers. Drop-in sessions demonstrating resourceful and inspiring ways to learn with your child. 10am-12 noon, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court.  50p per child per session.  More information here.  Also at same time on Saturdays.