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.
