What’s On is truly international this week, with Poland, Italy, Spain, Afghanistan, Palestine, Denmark, China, France, the USA, Canada, Japan and the entire African continent all being involved in events in Scotland’s capital. Closer to home, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival can take you from the Old Town to the Borders, the Highlands, the Western Isles – and to its sister festival in the far north, ‘edged by glorious fishing and surfing beaches.’ And of course that’s not all – there’s plenty going on all over the city, so read on!
MONDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2014
Golden Hare October Book Group: The Village Against The World by Dan Hancox. Author and Guardian journalist Dan’s ‘vivid and even-handed book’ is a fascinating and highly entertaining true account of life in the unique Spanish village of Marinaleda, a small village that has bucked the trend of the Spanish economic crash with 100% employment through the years of austerity and depression. Marinaleda’s secret is a kind of old-fashioned socialism underpinned by values of collectivism and solidarity that many thought had vanished at the end of the Cold War – but does it offer a viable alternative to global capitalism in the 21st century? Come along for what promises to be a lively discussion. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge.
Tea Dance at the Portrait Gallery: a spirited tea dance with a wartime theme, inspired by the exhibition Remembering the Great War. Sing and dance along with hosts the Flyright Dance Company and enjoy live music provided by That Swing Sensation. Suitable for community groups including care homes and those affected by dementia. 2-4pm, Great Hall, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free but please call the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560 to book your place. Part of Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival.
Gilmerton Library Writers’ Group: a brand new group to which everyone is invited, whether you like experimenting with fiction, poetry or plays. 6.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. For more information call 0131 529 5652.
Having Put Herself in the Picture: Tracing a Line Through Kate Davis’ Recent Work. Art historian Dr Dominic Paterson introduces a number of Kate Davis’ works, spanning the period between the series Who is a Woman Now? (2008) and video installation Denkmal (2013). The talk will particularly address Davis’ use of the medium of drawing, often in combination with objects or films, to articulate feminist visual politics and aesthetics. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery. Free and unticketed.
LGBT Workshop – What is Art Therapy? Meet with art therapists to learn what this therapy actually involves and to find out about individual and group options available at Howe Street. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly drop-in session, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street.
Stories and Songs of Sir Walter Scott: Borders storyteller Mary Kenny introduces the songs and stories of Scott in the anniversary year of his first novel, Waverley. A session for adults. 2-3pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate. Free: part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014. Also available at same time on Wednesday 29th October.
Tiger Tales: a new parent and child craft and story session for 4-8 year olds after school. Each session will consist of a story and a related craft or activity. 3.30-4.15pm today and every last Monday in the month, South Neighbourhood Office and Library, 40 Captain’s Road. The library has more information and a display of the books.
Edible Gardening Seasonal Advice: drop in to find out how to grow your own food, and take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project Team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. Also available at same times on Tuesday 28th October.
Scotland’s Traditional Tales with Lari Don: Lari Don introduces a super new series of illustrated tales, and shares her version of Tam of the Linn and other fantastic Scottish stories. For ages 4-7. 2.30-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but please book via eventbrite. Part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Studying Elsewhere – Stories of Learning Abroad. University of Edinburgh exchange students share the stories they gathered while living and learning abroad. Is narrative the clue to understanding another culture and being ‘found in translation’? 4-5.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile. Free tickets can be booked via the Storytelling Centre Box Office, online, by phone or in person. Part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
The Great War At Sea: a presentation by Andrew Grant and David Seaton looking at the broad areas of conflict and war at sea, and focusing on ships from Leith and Newhaven and the individuals who served in them. 6.30-7.30pm, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Please call the library on 0131 529 5517 or email leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk to book your place.
Tour of the National Library: a guided tour of the NLS building and and an introduction to the collections and history. 2-2.45pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is essential as numbers are limited: book via the NLS website or by calling 0131 623 3734. Please inform the Library of any special access requirements.
City Lights: an exhibition of photography created by Alex and Gabiela Ingle to celebrate the renewed city partnership between Krakow and Edinburgh. This unique collection of images is a tribute to the cities’ similarities and shared beauty. Continues during usual opening hours until 31st October 2014, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Part of the Scottish Polish Cultural Association City Lights Project.
Creature Features! 1950s classic horror double bill with The Fly and Invaders from Mars. With 1950s-themed film fancy dress competition and more. 6.45-10.45pm, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive. To book your place call the library on 0131 529 5244 or email drumbrae.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
Film Night: War Horse (2011). In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Cert. 12. 6.30-8.30pm, St Brides Centre, Orwell Terrace. Free. (Shown as part of Gorgie War Memorial Hall’s World War One Commemoration Events.)
The Edinburgh Philosophy and Psychology Group October Meeting: Women’s Work! Many career areas seem to have significant gender imbalances – what causes them? Are there women’s or men’s jobs? The group’s discussions are non-academic, with members coming from a range of ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Non-members are welcome, and meetings are free, with free sandwiches! Attendance is usually around 20 people. 8-9.30pm, The Links Hotel and Bar, 4 Alvanley Terrace. Please RSVP if you plan to go along.
Polish Bookbug: storytelling for young children. 10.30am, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Part of From Poland With Love: Scottish-Polish Cultural Week.
TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2014
Africa in Motion : Music Documentary Afternoon. Heavy metal and electronica in Africa? Yes! Africa is changing fast. Electro Chaabi (cert.15) offers an insight into the mindset of today’s restless Egyptian youth, focusing on this new underground craze, a dance form ‘combining punk spirit with a hip-hop attitude, set against a furious cascade of drum, bass and electronic vocals.’ Meanwhile March of the Gods: Botswana Metalheads (cert.15) explores the life of the Heavy Metal Brotherhood in Botswana and the struggle of a band called Wurst, who end up on stage at SoloMacello in Milan. 1.30pm (Electro Chaabi) and 3pm (March of the Gods), Lecture Room 017, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Free. Both films are subtitled. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the Africa in Motion Festival here.
Leith School of Art Open Days: come and find out more about the range of courses on offer at the School, from part-time day and evening classes to weekend workshops, the full-time one year Foundation and Graduate Studies courses and the six-week Summer School. 10am-3pm, Leith School of Art, 25 North Junction Street (St James Campus on Leith Links also open). All welcome, no need to book – but if you are bringing a group please let the School know your planned time of arrival. If you would like a portfolio review, please call the school in advance. Also open at same times on Wednesday 29th October.
Organisation for Promoting Afghan Women’s Capabilities (OPAWC): Latifa Ahmadi, director of OPAWC, will talk about current issues and what OPAWC does. OPAWC was founded in 2003 by a group of women eager to do something proactive, concrete and achievable to empower Afghan women, focusing on literacy, practical wage-earning skills and health. More information here. 7-9pm, St John’s Church Hall, Princes Street.
A Royal Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography. Anne Lyden, International Photography Curator at NGS, explores Queen Victoria’s role in shaping the history of photography – and photography’s role in shaping the image of the Queen. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery. Free and unticketed.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents MJ Carey: The Girl With All The Gifts. ‘Every morning Mary waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun trained on her whilst two of his people strap her into her wheelchair. She thinks they don’t like her. She jokes that she won’t bite. But they don’t laugh. Mary is a very special girl.’ MR Carey is the pen name of an established writer of prose fiction and comic books. ‘A must for fans of the sci-fi/fantasy genre’. 6.30-7.45pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.
Lunchtime Concert: Oliver Webber (violin), Christopher Suckling (cello) and Jan Waterfield (harpsichord) play Corelli Sonata Op.5 No.7 in D Minor, JS Bach excerpts from The Art of Fugue, Domenico Gabrielli Sonata in G, Merulo Toccata Quinta from Primo Libro (1598), Rognoni Divisions on lo son ferito and Geminiani A Selection of Scottish Airs. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free.
Commonwealth Stories of World War One: Scottish-Canadian storyteller Phyllis Davison evokes the many experiences and connections of ‘the war to end war.’ 2-3pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate. Free: part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014. Also available at same time on Thursday 30th October.
Edible Gardening Seasonal Advice: drop in to find out how to grow your own food, and take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project Team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required.
Ma La Divisa Di Un Altro Colore: author Pietro Neglie in conversation with Professor Philip Cooke (University of Strathclyde) for World Italian Language Week. In 1915 a religious peasant from Friuli and an electrician from Rome are both called to the front. After the war their paths diverge, one joining the fascist party, the other becoming a trade unionist, socialist and partisan. Many years later history brings them back together. The event will be chaired by Dr Davide Messina (University of Edinburgh) and will be in English and Italian with simultaneous translation provided. 6pm, Italian Cultural Institute, 82 Nicolson Street.
Alan Bruford Memorial Lecture: Lost Horizon or Living Landscape? Place, Time and People in Gaelic Tradition. For most visitors, and many Scots, the Highlands of Scotland – the Gaidhealtachd – suggst a region of misty mountains, the odd ruined castle perched by a loch and the perfect holiday spot for the romantic imagination. Dr Virginia Blankenhorn presents songs and stories from the Scottish Studies Archives to illustrate the relationship of ordinary Gaels with the lands they inhabited – the people and events that shaped them and the memories of those taken abroad and forced to emigrate from home. 6.30-7.20pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile. Free tickets can be booked via the Storytelling Centre Box Office, online, by phone or in person. Organised by the Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh, as part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Geographies of the Prime Meridian: the prime meridian – 0 degrees longitude – is where the world begins in space and time. From 1884 it has been at Greenwich in the UK. In this illustrated talk Charles Withers, Ogilvie Chair of Geography at the University of Edinburgh and co-author of the award-winning Scotland: Mapping the Nation, will examine the many different prime meridians in use before and after 1884, and explore the complex geographies and politics of this seemingly simple world-defining feature. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required via the NLS website or by calling 0131 623 3734.
The Scots in Poland: a Forgotten Diaspora. An illustrated talk by writer and broadcaster Billy Kay, author of The Scottish World. Drawing on a lifetime of exploring, writing and broadcasting about Scots, their culture and journeys across the globe, Billy Kay reflects on the history of the Scots in Poland. He will celebrate the historic cultural connections that developed between Poland and Scotland, and illustrate the talk with clips from his Radio Scotland series Merchants, Pedlars, Mercenaries and Societies with Secrets. He will also compare and contrast the present day Polish migration to Scotland with the heyday of the Scottish Brotherhoods which existed in twelve Polish cities in the 17th century. How many of the Poles living in Scotland today are in fact Scots returning to their original homeland? 6-8pm, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. Part of From Poland With Love: Scottish-Polish Cultural Week.
To Absent Friends – Scrapbooking Workshop. To Absent Friends is a festival of storytelling and remembrance, held for the first time 1st-7th November 2014. At this event you can remember, celebrate, tell stories and reminisce about people you love who have died, by scrapbooking a favourite photo of a loved one. Bring a photo 6″ x 4″ or smaller; all other materials will be supplied, but if you have any small pieces of memorabilia or something special you would like to include, please feel free to bring these along. 2-4pm, George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but please book via eventbrite.
St Mary’s RC Cathedral Tuesday Concerts: Jeremy Filsell (piano), Rebecca Kellerman Petratta (lyric soprano) and Simon Nieminski (cathedral organist) play Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto and French music for piano, organ and voice. 7.30pm, St Mary’s RC Cathedral. Free: retiring collection.
WEDNESDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2014
Golden Hare Books presents An Evening with Allan Massie. An eminent Scottish author and journalist, Allan has written over thirty books; his latest, Klaus, is the story of Thomas Mann’s son, a bold political activist who strove beyond his father’s shadow to become an important author. Klaus was an exile forced abroad whilst the Nazis defiled his homeland, a homosexual in a time of bigotry and intolerance, a heroin addict slithering between recovery and relapse – but above all he was a writer. Klaus explores one writer’s struggle for identity and recognition in a time of historic and personal crisis. 6.30-9pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. Free tickets may be booked via eventbrite.
KinoKlub presents The Hourglass Sanatorium: a screening of Wojciech’s Has’s bizarre and extraordinary film. The story follows Joseph, who visits his dying father in a dreamlike sanatorium and becomes lost in a series of his own memories and fantasies. The Hourglass Sanatorium is a loose adaptation of a novel by the Jewish Polish painter and writer Bruno Schulz. KinoKlub is Edinburgh’s world surrealist cinema collective, formed by Morvern Cunningham and Malgorzata Bugaj, committed to showcasing some of the best in surreal and experimental film from all eras and across the globe on a regular basis. 5.30-7.30pm, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. Part of From Poland With Love: Scottish-Polish Cultural Week.
Stories and Songs of Sir Walter Scott: Borders storyteller Mary Kenny introduces the songs and stories of Scott in the anniversary year of his first novel, Waverley. A session for adults. 2-3pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate. Free: part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Leith School of Art Open Days: come and find out more about the range of courses on offer at the School, from part-time day and evening classes to weekend workshops, the full-time one year Foundation and Graduate Studies courses and the six-week Summer School. 10am-3pm, Leith School of Art, 25 North Junction Street (St James Campus on Leith Links also open). All welcome, no need to book but if you are bringing a group please let the School know your planned time of arrival. If you would like a portfolio review, please call the school in advance.
Level Up: Reading XP. Read, gain XP, level up! Get the gamer experience – great books, games and excellent activities. For ages 10-14. 4-5pm today and every Wednesday, Ratho Library, School Wynd.
Morningside Justice and Peace Group: Jim Moffat, Secretary of Edinburgh South Amnesty International Group, discusses Amnesty International – an Ongoing Movement. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door, 420 Morningside Road. All welcome; for more information contact b.darcy20@gmail.com. A contribution of £1 is requested at each meeting to cover costs.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents J David Simons’ The Land Agent: in 1920s Palestine Polish-Jewish immigrant Lev Sela is working as a land agent for one of the richest men in the world when he stumbles upon a strategic area of land that does not exist on any map. The resultant struggle for ownership involves the Jews, Arabs, Zionists, British, an ambitious Russian engineer and the local Bedouin, and draws Lev into a relationship with beautiful pioneer Celia Kahn. J David Simons is Scotland’s pre-eminent Jewish novelist. 6.30-7.45pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.
Newington Library Knitting Group: 6.45-7.45pm tonight and every Wednesday, Newington Library, 17-21 Fountainhall Road.
Play Poland Film Festival: Short Waves. Play Poland is the largest mobile film festival in the UK, aiming at presenting and promoting Polish contemporary cinema. Tonight’s short films are Franek, Moko, Arena, Edward, Shame, Survey About Women, and The See. For ages 15+. 6.30-8.30pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £4.50/£3.50 and are bookable via the Summerhall website.
Edinburgh Napier University UK and EU Postgraduate Webchat: if you are from the EU or UK and have any questions about studying at Napier (whether about the courses on offer, the University, or the city itself) at postgraduate level, this is an opportunity to chat to staff and other potential students online. Register here if you would like to participate. If you are based outside the EU, see the Napier website for details of visits by university staff to various countries. For more information contact Ruth Swann at studentrecruitment@napier.ac.uk or for EU enquiries, Anna Frankowska at studyabroad@napier.ac.uk.
Edinburgh Napier University UK Undergraduate Webchat: if you are from the UK and have any questions about studying at Napier (whether about the courses on offer, the UCAS procedure, or the city itself) at undergraduate level, this is an opportunity to chat to staff and other potential students online. Register here if you would like to participate. For more information contact studentrecruitment@napier.ac.uk.
Africa in Motion: Short Film Night. A hand-picked selection of African short films, each one from a different country; a night of relaxed banter in the cosy atmosphere of Woodland Creatures. Tonight’s films are L’autre Femme (Senegal), Thongo (S Africa), Picture Perfect Heist (S Africa) and Beleh (Cameroon). 7pm, Woodland Creatures, 260 Leith Walk. Free entry. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the Africa in Motion Festival here.
THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2014
Magazine Showcase: Far Off Places. Far Off Places, the magazine of written whimsy, was launched in November 2013. Since then five issues have been released, apps developed and podcasts recorded. Dressed in Halloween costumes for the occasion, editors Annie Rutherford, Ceris Aston and Bethany Wolfe will talk about their experiences of creating a literary magazine. Contributors will also be there to haunt the audience with their words. Fancy dress encouraged. 6.30pm, Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate. Tickets are £5/£4 and can be booked via eventbrite.
Wordplay: The Installation as Empty Set. Wordplay: ‘a creative generator for participants to encourage fresh perspectives on writing in and around contemporary art’ – gallery-based writing sessions inspired by GENERATION. ‘The artist who makes an installation prepares a stage for the audience to wander and onto which to project its own meaning. This session will look at the installation as empty stage and as instructions for a drama to take place within’. 5.30-6.45pm, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound. Free: to book a place call 0131 624 6410 or email education@nationalgalleries.org. For more information click here. Part of GENERATION By Night.
Alina Bzhezhinska: acclaimed harpist Bzhezhinska will be joined by a special guest for a programme on the theme of love; Bach, Debussy and traditional songs. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Gallery. Free and unticketed.
Through Border Eyes – John Buchan’s Guide to Walter Scott. Why is Scott the great unread? Let John Buchan be your guide to the delights and perils of the ‘Wizard of the North’. In the 200th anniversary year of Waverley, Donald Smith invites you to look again at Scott through Buchan’s eyes. 2-3pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free tickets may be booked via the NLS website or by calling 0131 623 3734. Part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Scott’s Singing Muse: Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders. All of Sir Walter Scott’s later achievements are foreshadowed by his first major work – a monumental collection of Borders songs and legends. Re-published this year, for the first time with the music and full background, the Minstrelsy is a kist of treasures and curiosities. General editor Sigrid Rieuwerts unveils this groundbreaking publication. 3.30-4.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free tickets may be booked via the NLS website or by calling 0131 623 3734. Part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Commonwealth Stories of World War One: Scottish-Canadian storyteller Phyllis Davison evokes the many experiences and connections of ‘the war to end war.’ 2-3pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate. Free: part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Portskerra International Storytelling Festival. Want to get out of the city this weekend? Portskerra is between Thurso and Tongue, and this is the most northerly storytelling festival on mainland Scotland. This year the festival focuses on place and intergenerational community, featuring storytellers from home and abroad, a traditional ceilidh called by Clapshot, and a Hallows Eve Silent Movie Night. ‘An intimate festival, edged by glorious fishing and surfing beaches.’ Today until Sunday 2nd November. For more information see www.portskerrastorytellingfestival.weebly.com. In conjunction with Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014
The Importance of Being: an evening with John Cairney. John Cairney will take you on a spiritual journey that is part autobiography and part a study and consideration of theology. He explores four stages of life: birth, infancy, maturity and old age/death – and the traumas we face in each, emphasising the importance of recognising the gift we have simply in living and how crucial it is to appreciate each moment of our lives. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required via the NLS website or by calling 0131 623 3734.
Gaelic Songs and Rhymes. For children and babies. 10.30am, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road.
Chrystal Macmillan Lecture 2014 – Ladies in the Lords: Women’s Representation. In 1958 the Life Peeerages Act enabled women (without an hereditary title) to sit in the Lords for the first time. Today there are 189 women in the House. The Lord Speaker Baroness D’Souza will discuss with Baroness Goldie, Life Peer, the role of women in the House of Lords past and present, and the impact those Members have on political life. Chaired by Professor Fiona Mackay, School of Social and Political Science. 5.30-7.15pm, followed by a drinks reception and an exhibition about Chrystal Macmillan until 8pm, Meadows Lecture Theatre, William Robertson Wing, Doorway 4, Medical School (Old Medical School), University of Edinburgh. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite, which also has directions to the venue.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Leith Through Time: an informal drinks reception launching this new book by Jack Gillon and Fraser Parkinson. Leith Through Time features a fascinating selection of photographs tracing some of the many ways in which Leith and its surroundings have changed and developed over the last century. Meet the authors, enjoy a glass of wine and peruse some wonderful stills and film of Leith. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. For more information contact Roanna Brannigan on 0131 622 8220 or email stationery.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Found Drawings by Jesper Christiansen: one of the most recognised modern artists in Denmark, Christiansen (1955-) was a professor at the Royal Danish Academy for Fine Arts 2002-2008. Most of the works in this show formed part of his critically acclaimed exhibition GO BACK at the museums Brandst and Holstebro Kuntsmuseum in Denmark, and Christiansen also designed the poster for this new show. Opening and artist’s talk at 6pm today (booking essential: RSVP to event1@dancult.co.uk), then 10am-4pm, Monday to Thursday until 2nd December 2014, Danish Cultural Institute, Doune Terrace.
Learning Chinese in Diasporic Communities: book launch and lecture. Marking the publication of John Benjamins‘ book, co-editor Xiao Lan Curdt-Christiansen will talk on Learning Chinese in Diasporic Communities: Does it Matter? 6-7pm, Moray House School of Education, Room G43, Paterson’s Land, Holyrood Road. Free places may be reserved by emailing jo.law@ed.ac.uk. Organised jointly by the Confucius Institute for Scotland and CERES, the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland.
Ecumenical Friends of St Cuthbert’s: Forum – What Do We Stand For? United Together In Our Differences. All warmly welcome: bring your own packed lunch, tea and coffee provided. 12.30pm, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Hall, Lothian Road, £1.50 per person. Organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.
Thursday Club: a weekly programme of music, talks and demonstrations. Open to all, new members and visitors very welcome. This week: Dorie Wilkie talks on The Great Tapestry of Scotland. For more information contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234. 2pm, Mayfield Salisbury Church Hall, 18 West Mayfield, EH9 1TQ.
Dugs ‘n’ Pubs Halloween Party: prizes for the best dressed dug, special Halloween cupcakes and dug beer! 7pm, Cafe Tartine, 72 Commercial Street, Leith.
FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2014
March of the Daschund: children’s craft event. 3pm, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Free: no booking required. Part of From Poland With Love: Scottish-Polish Cultural Week.
Haunted Tales of Old Edinburgh: Royal Mile storyteller Calum Lykan captures some gruesome and spooky moments from Auld Reekie past and present. 2-3pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate. Free: part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
You CAN DO it! Free event launching a new project in Edinburgh, CAN DO. CAN DO delivers bespoke volunteering opportunities to young disabled people aged 16-35 – come along and find out what is on offer. All welcome: refreshments and entertainment provided. 1pm, St John’s Church, Princes Street. For more information contact kate.mamboininga@leonardcheshire.org.
ECA:Live: visit Edinburgh College of Art whilst its Art, Design and Landscape Architecture students are at work in their studios – see the College’s dynamic creative environment on a normal working day. A full programme of talks and tours will run from 10.30am to 2pm, covering everything from animation to jewellery, graphic design to textiles. These are expected to be busy, and if necessary priority will be given to prospective students. 10am-3pm, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Booking is essential and can be made via eventbrite. Enquiries about group bookings should be directed to the ECA Student Support Officers at eca-sso@ed.ac.uk.
It’s Our Street! Big Draw All Day Art Event: come to the library and be part of creating a Big Draw collaborative art work celebrating your city. Take inspiration from the library’s 44 feet long scroll painted by the Japanese artist Furuyama Moromasa, which presents an extended street scene in Tokyo around 1700, to create a new street scene inspired by the local environment in Edinburgh. Work together in a group, using recycled materials from magazines and drawing with scissors by cutting out shapes and images to make a street scene glued on to an extended roll of paper. Suitable for all ages. 11am-4.30pm (drop-in session), George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free, no ticket required, but numbers will be limited to no more than 50 at any one time.
Spooky Halloween Walk: join the Rangers on an evening walk looking for ghosts and ghouls. Wrap up warmly and bring a torch. Suitable for families. 6.30-7.30pm, Sutherland Building/Visitor Centre, Beecraigs Country Park, near Linlithgow, EH49 6PL. Prior booking essential: tickets cost £3.43/£2.36 and can be booked by calling Beecraigs on 01506 844516 between 10am and 4pm or emailing mail@beecraigs.com.
Serenity Cafe Club Nights: Little Ruby. Serenity is run by people in recovery for people in recovery: Club Nights are drink and drugs-free and family-friendly. 7pm till late, Serenity Cafe, 8 Jackson’s Entry, off Royal Mile or Holyrood Road. All welcome: £6 waged, £4 unwaged.
Margaret’s Wardrobe: curatorial assistant and researcher Dr Chris Lee tells the lively personal story of one ‘ordinary’ woman, Margaret and her amazing high-end fashion collection. From the 1970s onwards Margaret bought herself a subscription to Vogue and accumulated a wardrobe of high-end High Street fashions from a Glasgow department store. By 2008 Margaret had been many things: nurse, air hostess, wife and mother, as well as a considerable shopper, but she had also begun to forget things and one day after shopping in Paisley she couldn’t remember how to get home. Dr Lee tells Margaret’s story through the fashions of each decade and as a moving case study of those living with dementia. There will be an opportunity to enjoy NMS’s Jean Muir handling collection. 2-3.30pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free tickets are available from the Museum’s reception or online. Part of Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival.
Gore By The Shore: a night of tricks and treats at ‘the freakiest party in town’: Halloween punch, buffet, best costume competition, live DJ. 10pm-2am, The Granary, 32 The Shore, Leith. Call in to get your wristband.
Recitals for Wrigglers – Halloween Special: a themed interactive classical music experience for under-3s! 10.30-11.30am, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh invites you to come and meet Julia Donaldson, one of the nation’s best loved children’s authors (The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Scarecrow’s Wedding). Julia will be signing copies of her latest book The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat, and is happy to sign one of her books brought from home in addition to anything you purchase in the store. 2-4pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Note: this is a signing, no tickets are required.
Halloween Party: come and join in the fun – make your own witches’ brew, masks and lanterns. For under-12s. 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street.
Lunchtime Concert: Emma Lloyd (violin) and Karin Schistek (piano) play Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Violin in C minor Op 30/2 and Debussy Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor L.140. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free.
Halloween Lanterns: for ages 4+. 2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place.
Africa in Motion: Beti and Amare. Celebrate Halloween African style with this unique, strangely engaging and genre-blurring film, a mixture of sci-fi, fantasy and historical romance. Set in a 1936 Ethiopia disrupted by World War One, it follows the story of a young Ethiopian girl fleeing Mussolini’s troops. ‘Stunning use of landscape and powerful imagery (create) an intensely visual experience.’ For ages 15+. 7-8.30pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked via Summerhall’s website. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the Africa in Motion Festival here.
Food Co-Op: buy cheap, quality food from Green City. Green City Wholefoods Workers’ Collective aims to create a non-exploitative workplace which takes into consideration the interests of the workers, the community and the environment as a whole. 3-6pm, Upstairs, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place.
Superheroes and Villains: Joseph Pearce’s Halloween Party. Dress up as your favourite villain or superhero ‘for one night villains and superheroes find peace – and party.’ From 6pm, Joseph Pearce’s Bar, 23 Elm Row.
Birds of Paradise Theatre: Crazy Jane. Jane Avril, dancer at the Moulin Rouge, cordially invites you to the Saltpetriere Asylum to join her, Professor Charcot and his junior staff Drs Freud, Tourette, Jung and Alzheimer in the waltz of modern psychiatry commonly known as The Fools Dance. The whole range of the Human Zoo will be present as Jane recounts her story and that of her good friend Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Birds in Paradise Theatre present a work-in-progress viewing of their new show Crazy Jane by Nicola McCartney with choreography by Janice Parker and music by Hector Bizerk. Suitable for ages 14+. 4pm or 4.45pm or 5.30pm (each show lasts 25 mins), Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free tickets can be booked via Summerhall’s website.
Africa in Motion: Eric Kabera Masterclass. A talented Rwandan filmmaker and pioneer of the country’s film industry, Eric Kabera founded the Rwandan Cinema Centre and the film production company Link Media Productions, which produced the first feature-length film on the Rwandan genocide, 100 Days. Eric has made a number of documentary films to high acclaim; his directorial debut Keepers of Memory, an unforgettable documentary released ten years after the genocide, is screening today at 8pm; he also co-produced the critically acclaimed film Africa United. His latest documentary Intore will be released in early 2015. In this masterclass Eric will show clips from his films and talk about his filmmaking practice. 3-5.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Free entry. Eric Kabera’s visit has been generously supported by the University of Stirling.
SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2014
Save the Elephants Halloween Party: two bands, nibbles, mini-auction, raffle. All funds will go to Kuki Gallmann Conservancy in Kenya, which works with wildlife conservation, especially elephants. Come in your scariest fancy dress! 7pm-midnight, Function Rooms, Dalriada Bar, 77 Promenade, Portobello. Entry by £5 cash donation on the door (Dalriada bar open as usual with no entry charge.)
Thinking Out Loud: a young people’s gathering. Get involved, meet new people, talk about the things that are important to you, vote to decide the most important issues – whether they are equality, justice, the voting age, jobs, sex education, or something else – and enjoy music, face painting, selfies, lunch and smoothies. 12 noon-4pm, Waverley Gate, 2-4 Waterloo Place. Booking essential: call 0131 469 3354, email Mary.mitchell@edinburgh.gov.uk or speak to your local CLD worker. Organised by the Edinburgh Youth Participation Mentors Team.
Nature’s Beloved Son: Rediscovering John Muir’s Botanical Legacy. A major new exhibition celebrating the life of Scottish-American naturalist and author John Muir who, one hundred years after his death, is still celebrated for his understanding of the need to preserve wilderness. The exhibition traces his travels to Canada, Indiana, the American South-East, California and Alaska, and presents vivid images of the actual plants that Muir held in his hands, carried in his backpack, and preserved for all time. 10am-3.45pm, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free. Closes 25th January 2015.
Polish Bookbug: songs, stories and rhymes for babies, toddlers, pre-school children and their families. 11am, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace.
The Leith Gallery: Drummond and Durning – a new exhibition. 11am-4pm today then at same times Tuesday to Saturday until 29th November 2014, The Leith Gallery, 65 The Shore.
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. Free and unticketed.
Family Cinema – see your favourite films for free! Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs. Juice and choc ices available in the interval for 50p each. Best for children under 10: all children must be accompanied by an adult. Subtitles are available, please ask. This week: The Croods (2013), next week: Meet the Robinsons (2007). 10.30am-12.30pm, St Brides Centre, Orwell Terrace. Free.
The Edinburgh Poetry Tour. The Scottish Poetry Library has begun an annual tradition of bringing poets from around the world to stay for a two week residency; the first poet-in-residence will be Polish poet Maciej Wozniak – join the SPL as they show Maciej around Edinburgh, paying a visit to various places of poetic interest. 2pm, Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate, and other locations. Free: book via eventbrite.
St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Coffee Morning: 10.30am-12 noon, St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Lothian Road.
Portrait Gallery Thematic Tours – Hidden Gems: the Discovery of Medals, Miniatures and Medallions. Monthly thematic tours of the Portrait Gallery’s collection. This month Susanna Kerr, former Senior Curator, explores a varied selection of these tiny, often overlooked, treasures. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
Out of The Blue Flea Market: rummage for treasures at this monthly market – over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric-a-brac and so much more. Coffee and delicious cake available to buy from the Drill Hall Cafe. 10am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.
The Edinburgh Gallery November Exhibition: Sheila Macmillan PAI and Connie Simmers. Opening 11am-1pm today then 11am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm Saturdays, Edinburgh Gallery, 20a Dundas Street. Closes 29th November 2014.
Mickey’s Magic Pencil: storytelling and colouring fun with children’s author Vivian French. Suitable for children aged 4-8 years. 2pm, Christ Church Centre, 6a Morningside Road. Please contact The Edinburgh Bookshop on 0131 447 1917/mail@edinburghbookshop.com to reserve your free tickets.
The Edge of Winter: a new exhibition featuring work by Malcolm Dobbins, Michael Dawson, Christine Clark and others . Opening today 10am-5pm (with drinks and nibbles), then Sundays 12 noon-5pm, Thursdays to Saturdays 10am-5pm, Velvet Easel Gallery, 298 Portobello High Street. Ends 1st February 2015
Beginner’s Guide to Reading and Talking About Poetry: all you need to (re)start your enthusiasm for poetry and feel great sharing it with others – ‘a crash course poetry-spotter’s guide.’ Coffee, croissants and ‘no question deemed too daft.’ 10.30am-12.30pm, Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate. Tickets cost £5/£4 and can be booked via eventbrite.
Open Eye Gallery: two new exhibitions – Ben Risk’s Field Work and Thomas Wilson’s Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread: Recent Drawings. The gallery is also showing jewellery by Sarah Straussberg and ceramics by Anna Noel. Preview today 12 noon-2pm, then 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, Open Eye Gallery, 34 Abercromby Place. Ends 25th November 2014
Death and Fish: Ian Stephen’s new novel is an exploration of storytelling and a lyrical exposition of living by and on the sea. Following the book launch with Saraband Publishing, Ian will weave material from Death and Fish with his new collection of traditional stories from the Western Isles. 5.30-6.20pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile. Free: part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
The Peerie Monster and the Christmas Sneak Thief: Edinburgh author Nyssa Pinkerton (The Peerie Monster and the Colour Crocodile) will read from her new book and sign copies. The Peerie Monster is a ‘hairy, grubby wee dog’ (based on Nyssa’s own dog) who, through a little bit of magic, courtesy of her different coloured eyes, saves the world. 10.30-11.30am, Waterstones, 83 George Street. More information on 0131 225 3436.
The Big LGBT Music Jam: a creative and supportive space for making music. Play, sing your own song, or just be an appreciative listener; all music tastes welcome. Bring your own instruments, some percussion supplied. 1-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, Howe Street. No booking required, just turn up: group contact: biglgbtmusicjamedinburgh@gmail.com
Doubtfire Gallery: City and The Sea. A new show from Edinburgh-based art teacher Chris Nugent, who has been exhibiting throughout Europe since graduating in 1986. ‘He has developed a fluid approach to the interaction of light and colour on the elements of land, sea and sky.’ 12 noon-5pm today, then 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 12 noon-5pm Saturdays, Doubtfire Gallery, 3 South East Circus Place.
Dugs ‘n’ Pubs: bring your dug for a pint and meet other four-legged furries. A great opportunity to socialise your dog and meet other lovely Leith pups and owners. 12 noon, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street.
Gallery Talk – Ruth Pelzer: Pictures of the Floating World? Japanese Print Then, Now and In Between. Ruth (Edinburgh College of Art) will examine Japanese printmaking since the early 20th century, drawing on her recent participation in the Second International Mokuhanga (Japanese Wood Block) Conference at Tokyo Geidai University. She will explore the implications of the Japanese print tradition for recent Japanese artists and question how contemporary artists relate to, reject, ignore and adapt this tradition. 2-3pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, Union Street. Free but booking should be made via eventbrite or calling 0131 557 2479.
Numbers Are Futile: Decagram 1.9.9. Decagram is a series of extended Saturday nights featuring Decagram artists and special guests, with short films, visuals, live music and club all in one. This is the last event of 2014 and an afterparty to series 1.0. 10pm-3am, Henry’s Cellar Bar, 16a Morrison Street. Tickets are £4 before 12pm and can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets. After 12 they are £6.
SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2014
Canongate: The Glorious Half Mile to Holyrood. Sir Walter Scott was inspired to pen his Chronicles of the Canongate and Charles Dickens got his ideas for Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol here, whilst Edinburgh’s makar Robert Fergusson found his last resting place at the Kirk. All life has gone up and down this street; in former times churches, palaces, taverns and brothels jostled for space, whilst more recently the return of the Scottish Parliament has once again made Canongate a scene of power play and intrigue. A glorious afternoon of Once Upon A Canongate will bring Edinburgh – city of story – to life, with free events, including storytelling sessions, walks and tours, at The Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate Kirk, the People’s Story Museum and Acheson House. 1-4pm, Canongate – various venues. Free – booking required for tour of Acheson House only, email info@ewht.org.uk or call 0131 220 7720. For more information see Scottish Storytelling Centre’s website or pick up the special programme from the Centre. Part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Sofi’s Open Mic: join host Arno Blok for a night of acoustic/unplugged open mic for songwriters, cover artists, poetry/spoken word or anything else you would like to perform for the audience. 8pm, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street.
GENERATION Tours at the Academy Building: free, discussion-led tours of the exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am or 1-1.45pm, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound.Free and unticketed.
Edinburgh School of Music Showcase: ESM director Kira Easson introduces four of her top students (vocal/instrumental). 3-5.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £3 – cash only.
Art Maker November: join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. For ages 4-12. 2-4pm (drop-in session), Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.
Teatime Acoustic: Hot Tin Roof. Stripped-back atmospheric blues/soul and lots of swing/blues dancing. 6.30-8.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free before 8pm.
St Giles’ At Six: Organ Recital. Paul Stubbings plays Grunenwald Hymne aux memoires heroiques, Franck Grande Piece Symphonique and Jongen Sonata Eroica. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free: retiring collection.
