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

MONDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2014

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents The Monthly Book Quiz: if you know your Waugh from your Peace and your Meyer from your Heyer, try this monthly quiz. Teams of up to five can enter. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free and unticketed, but get there early as space is limited. For more information contact Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Scran Salon: each month Edinburgh’s Scran Salon brings together people with a love of food. Focusing on the food community in Scotland, Scran attracts producers, chefs, owners, customers, writers, promoters and enthusiastic eaters, giving an opportunity for these sometimes disparate groups to come together. 7-9pm, Hemma, Holyrood Road. Free, but please book in advance via eventbrite. More information about Scran here.

Edinburgh Humanist Society: this month historian and librarian Patrick Landri of the Alliance Francaise de Glasgow talks about Laicite (the absence of religious involvement in government affairs, and of government involvement in religious affairs) in France. A Q & A session and discussion will follow. 7.30-9.30pm, Royal Overseas League, 100 Princes Street. Free. More information here.

Tricolour: monthly night showcasing three different spoken word and poetry talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life. This month: Ryan Van Winkle, Kevin McLean and Jane McKie. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free places can be booked here or by calling 0131 623 3734.

University of Edinburgh Open Day: for students considering undergraduate entry to the university in 2015. Find out about student life in Edinburgh, explore the campus, learn more about the range of degrees available and ask questions about admissions, accommodation and job prospects. 9.30am-3.30pm, University of Edinburgh (various sites including Edinburgh College of Art and Reid School of Music.) Advance booking essential via eventbrite. More information and programme here.

Lunchtime Concert: Rita Schindler – harp. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Into The Wynd: an exhibition of environmental portraits of residents of Cables Wynd House, Leith by photographer Derek Anderson. 10am-8pm Monday-Wednesday and 10am-5pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 12th September 2014, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road.

TUESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2014

The First Movie: Pop-Up Screening for Kurdistan. In 2009 Mark Cousins went to N Iraq (Kurdistan) to make The First Movie, a magical film about children, imagination and storytelling. Ethnic minorities are again being ‘ethnically cleansed’ in the area: this screening is to raise money and awareness for the people of Kurdistan. Donations will be sent via a new Scottish support group, KISS (Kurdistan is Supported by Scotland) to assist a group of Swedish Kurdish doctors to take medical aid to thousands of people sheltering at Zakho Refugee Camp. The screening will be followed by a talk by Mark Cousins and Aso Fotoohi, a Kurdish refugee now living in Glasgow and a founder member of KISS. For adults and children 12+, 7-9.30pm, Cairns Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free but donations of £10 per person, or whatever you can afford, invited. ‘A terrifically enjoyable and engaging film’ – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian.

eBook Surgery: get help with downloading free eBooks, audiobooks and emagazines. 2-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. No appointment necessary.

Demonstration of Traditional Oil Painting – The Portrait: instructors from the Academy of Realist Art will demonstrate traditional layering process oil painting as used by 19th century academies. 12 noon-4.30pm, Scottish National Gallery, (Main Floor of the Gallery) The Mound. Free drop-in, no booking required.

Impressions: an exhibition of prints by gallery trainees Otis Berry, Lee Mylne, Freya Levy, Carole Simonsen and Calvin McCluskie. Preview tonight 6-8pm, then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday until 20th September 2014, Gallery On The Corner, Northumberland Street. The Gallery was the first social firm to be developed by Autism Ventures Scotland. AVS was established to create employment opportunities for people with Autistic Spectrum condition in Scotland.

Natural Earth: an exhibition of works by Alice Shaw. Preview tonight 6-8pm, then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday until 20th September 2014, Gallery On The Corner, Northumberland Street.

Women’s Multi-Art Group: a new group for women. A chance to do arts and crafts or drawing and painting in a sociable setting. 10-11.30am, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road.

The Drammie Dodgers: Craigmillar’s drama group for all aged over 8 years meets every week to play drama games, enjoy improvisations and rehearse for performances. 6.30-8pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. £1 per person. Contact the Centre on 0131 669 8432 if interested.

Royal Botanic Garden Adult Education Open Evening: the Botanic Garden runs weekly classes and weekend workshops in many subjects, from botany and horticulture to herbology, garden history, art and wellbeing, so come along, meet the tutors and discover the latest range of courses. Everything from one day workshops to professional qualifications. 6-8pm, Royal Botanic Garden Conference Room, 20a Inverleith Row. Free, no booking required, refreshments provided.

WEDNESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2014

Magic Carpet: introducing little ones to the fantastic objects in the museum through 25 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Suitable for ages 2-4 with an accompanying adult. 10.30-10.55am or 11.30-11.55am today and every Wednesday until 17th 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. A similar session for ages 0-2 is held on Thursdays at the same times.

Edinburgh College Recruitment Day: an opportunity to talk to lecturers about each programme area and interview/audition and apply for courses online (bring whatever equipment you may need.) Places available to start now on a wide range of courses from access to degree level, vocational training and professionally accredited qualifications. 3-7.30pm, Edinburgh College, Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road,

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Charlaine Harris: Midnight Crossroad. Harris, queen of fantasy, celebrated mystery writer and author of the hugely successful Sookie Stackhouse novels (which were made into HBO’s True Blood series), will introduce her new novel, Midnight Crossroad, ‘a chilling small town murder with a jaw-dropping twist.’ 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets available from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or by emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Titian in Ten: ten minute pop-up talks delivered by NGS staff. Gain an exclusive insight as staff from across the galleries offer different perspectives on Titian’s masterpieces. 2pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Behind the Scenes: Your Chance to Explore the Archive. Have you ever wanted to see what lies in the Gallery of Modern Art’s Archive, and to have a chance to make your own selection from the materials held there? In conjunction with artists Carson & Miller, NGS are offering you the chance to do just that. Carson & Miller will play ‘An Archive Game‘ in the Gallery of Modern Art’s archive store – part of the gallery that is usually unseen by visitors. Come by yourself or bring a partner to join in. The selection you make when you play could form part of a forthcoming gallery exhibition in the Keiller Library. There will be five events throughout the day, each lasting 30 minutes, at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, all at the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Free places should be booked by calling 0131 624 6268.

Hospices of Hope Open Meeting: Carolyn Perolls, Chief Executive of Hospices of Hope Trading, will talk about the wonderful work undertaken by Hospices of Hope’s teams of health professionals in Romania, Serbia and Moldova to improve the lives of adults and children with life-limiting conditions – work that could not be carried out without the generosity of Hospices of Hope’s customers. Come along and learn about the satisfaction of raising funds for these very necessary causes. 2-4.30pm, Royal Overseas League, 100 Princes Street. All welcome – tea, coffee and cake provided!

Lunchtime Concert: Liedertafel 1878 Male Voice Choir from Goddelsheim, Germany. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Walk The War: join Andrew Grant on a tour of Leith. 10am-1pm, starting at Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free but please book in advance by emailing the library at leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or calling 0131 529 5517. Part of the Leith in World War One season.

Charity Cake Extravaganza: Edinburgh Bakers, It’s Good 2 Give and Lauriston Castle host this charity event, with all proceeds going to It’s Good 2 Give. Magician, raffle – and four slices of cake per ticket! Pledges of cakes required: tickets cost £5 if you pledge a cake, £10 if you just want to eat it. 6.30-8.30pm, Victorian Glasshouse (outside if good weather), Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. See Edinburgh Bakers’ website for more details and how to obtain tickets – NB numbers limited.

After School Art Club: a chance to experiment and learn from others, be creative and above all have fun. For children aged 4-12. 5-6.15pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. £1 per person.

Zoo Arts: visual art sessions for local young artists who would like to improve their skills and be inspired and involved with exciting projects that run on a 2-4 week basis. For ages 9-14. 4-5.30pm, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. 50p per session, includes healthy snack. More information here.

Gaelic Workshop: free, very informal language class/workshop for total beginners. 2.30-3.30pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place.

Free The Technics Two (vinyl session): ‘not only do we demand a revolution we can dance to, we want to dance to our own tunes.’ 4-7pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place

Samba Drumming Workshop @ FC+: 5.50-7.30pm, Forest Centre Plus, 38 Castle Terrace.

Leith Community Safety Surgery: tenants and homeowners welcome to come along and meet local officers from the police and council. Seek advice, raise concerns or chat about your community. 12 noon – 2pm, McDonald Road library, McDonald Road. No appointment needed.

THURSDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2014

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.

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.

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.

LGBT 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.

FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2014

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.

SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2014

The Reluctant Time Traveller: Janis MacKay, winner of the Scottish Children’s Book Award 2013, will sign copies of her new book, ‘a time-twisting adventure full of historical details about World War One, bringing early 20th century Scotland to life for young readers.’ 2pm, Waterstones Edinburgh Fort, Fort Kinnaird. More information on 0131 657 5493.

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.

Land and A Cow: the Croft in the Outer Hebrides: Anne Campbell, David Greenall, Ruth O’Dell and Simon Rivett are artists from the Outer Hebrides, all of whom have lived and worked as crofters and painters for the last two decades. Exhibition open 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 12-5pm Saturdays, Doubtfire Gallery, 3 South East Circus Place.

Impressionist Gardens Sketchbooks: recreate the style of the Impressionist artists, emphasising natural light, form and colour. Create a series of sketches that can be developed into an impressionist painting; be inspired by the picturesque Japanese garden. 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-3.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. £5 per person: tickets must be obtained in advance from the Usher Hall box office, in person, by telephone or online.

Lunchtime Concert: Evangelical Broadcast Television Station from The Netherlands. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Art & Dance Workshops: for ages 5-8 and 9-12. The two groups alternate between high energy dance workshops and colourful art and craft workshops, with a healthy snack provided in between. 10am – 12 noon, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. 50p per session. Drop-in event but arrive in plenty of time, as sessions fill up fast!

Seaweeds for Food and Health: in addition to playing a vital role in our seas, seaweeds are increasingly eaten as and in our foods. A chance to taste, touch and learn about the incredible health benefits of seaweeds. 11am-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden. Free, no booking required, also available at same times on Sunday 7th September. With the Seaweed Health Foundation.

SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2014

Art Maker: join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpiece with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. For ages 4-12. 2-4pm (drop-in), Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. No booking required. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Riding of the Marches: to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, and in partnership with Poppyscotland, over 300 riders will inspect the city boundaries, emblazoned with poppies on their saddlecloths. At the conclusion of the ride, a minute’s silence will be observed at the Mercat Cross and a wreath will be laid at the War Memorial at the City Chambers. The Riding of the Marches commemorates the tradition of inspecting the city’s boundaries first recorded in 1579. Up to 15,000 spectators are expected. Starts 9.30am at Sheriffhall, then various key points around the city, arriving at Mercat Cross at 3.56pm. Entertainment (pipe band, silver band, and re-enactments) at the Mercat Cross 2-3pm. Free. For more information see the Riding of the Marches website here.

Edinburgh Living History 1910: An Indian Summer. Experience great costumed interpretation of the castle on a special tour. Be transported back to the Edwardian period and meet Mr & Mrs Reid, their staff, family and friends as they go about their daily life at Lauriston Castle. The end of the summer is approaching and Mr & Mrs Reid are preparing to travel abroad. However, they still have visitors in the house and have to entertain them. An event for families. 3pm or 4pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. £5/£3, or family ticket £12.50: tickets must be obtained in advance from the Usher Hall box office, in person, by telephone or online. Edinburgh Living History is a group of volunteers working with City of Edinburgh museum staff.

St Giles’ at Six: organ recital by Dorothea Harris. Buxtehude, Bach, Franck and Leighton Prelude, Scherzo and Passacaglia. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.

Come and Sing: an hour of hymns led by a choir from the Netherlands. 5-6pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place.

Free Jazz Festival: live jazz played by Brian Kellock (piano) and Kenny Ellis (bass.) 2-5pm, Shore Bar, Leith.