MONDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2014
Mrs Mash at The Skylark: songs, stories and joining in fun from Mrs Mash aka Marie Louise Cochrane, the Storytelling Cook, for the under-5s and their parents and carers – this week with patterns for knitted mice! 10.30am, The Skylark, 241/243 Portobello High Street.
Tiger Tales: parent and child story and craft session aimed at ages 4-8 after school. 3.30-4.15pm, South Neighbourhood Office and Library, 40 Captain’s Road. No booking required – just come along!
Write Shoot Cut: Skeletons. The Write Shoot Cut platform is dedicated to showcasing independent film from Scotland and beyond. Skeletons is the debut feature film from Scottish filmmaker Craig-James Moncur, ‘a voyeuristic assessment of what goes on behind closed doors’ shot on a micro-budget in Edinburgh. Followed by a Q & A session with Craig and various cast and crew members. 6.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets £6/£5 from the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or online.
Writers At War: three experts from the University of Edinburgh will consider changing representations of war in the work of Scottish writers. Professor Greg Walker will discuss David Lindsay’s play A Satire of the Three Estates, Dr Alex Thomson will explore Walter Scott’s fiction and Professor Penny Fielding will examine work by Robert Louis Stevenson. 6-7pm, The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. A Previously….Scotland’s History Festival event.
The Edinburgh Quilting Collective: come and join this monthly collective, who make, sew and do! Edinburgh Quilting Collective creates group quilts, designed and made by its members; the quilts are then exhibited or donated to charities. A friendly group welcoming all levels of ability. 6.30-9.30pm tonight and the last Monday of every month, 3rd Floor, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Contact lorna@lovelorncreative.com or see the collective’s Facebook page.
The Two Roberts: An Introduction. Patrick Elliott, Senior Curator at the Gallery of Modern Art and curator of this new exhibition, discusses the lives and work of Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Edinburgh Napier University Inclusion Week: Transforming Preconceptions – a personal view on inclusion through the perspective of artistic practice from engaging and inspirational speaker Sue Austin, whose accomplishments include scuba diving in an adapted wheelchair and taking part in the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Sue’s film Finding the Flame was specially commissioned for the Paralympic Flame Festivals and shows her retrieving the torch from an underwater cave in the depths of the ocean. This event forms part of a week of events at Napier to promote and enhance approaches to inclusiveness and develop knowledge and awareness of inclusiveness issues. 1-2pm, The Glassroom, Edinburgh Napier University Merchiston Campus, Colinton Road. Free but please register with disabilityandinclusion@napier.ac.uk.
Daily Highlight Tours of the Portrait Gallery: 30 minute guided tours of the gallery. Discover more about the history of the building and explore highlights from the collection with a curator, educator or gallery attendant. 3-3.30pm today and every day until 19th December 2014, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free but places limited to 15 per tour: book your place at the Portrait Gallery information desk.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Tom Pow: A Wild Adventure and Concerning the Atlas of the Dead. Tom Pow discusses his poetry collection Wild Adventure on the remarkable life of Thomas Watling, and his own experience as Writer in Residence at the National Library of Scotland’s Map Library. Tom Watling was born in Dumfries in 1762 and later transported to Botany Bay for forging bank notes; as the first professional artist to arrive in the colony, he was seconded to its Surgeon General (and amateur naturalist) John White. His pioneering pictures of birds, animals and landscapes became some of the principal records of the first days of the colony. Concerning the Atlas of Scotland, meanwhile, was inspired by the Map Library’s collection and is a ‘beautiful and quite haunting collection (that will) appeal to map lovers as well as poetry lovers.’ 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
South Queensferry Library Craft Club: a chance to get together and share knowledge and skills. This month a member will demonstrate how to make bunting, so bring material scraps, ribbons, etc as well as your needles and thread! 6-7.45pm tonight and the last Monday of each month, South Queensferry Library, 9 Shore Road.
Faith and Identity: Documentary Premiere. Edinburgh Interfaith Association premieres this short documentary exploring the daily lives of three young women from different faith traditions – Islam, Judaism and Sikhism – in response to a recent government report on the rise in hate crime towards minority religious communities. The film (and accompanying educational pack) highlights the fact these are young women with shared hopes and fears that all can identify with, regardless of beliefs, values and practices. Followed by a Q & A session with producer Nur Sakina Kadar and director and filmmaker Justine Gordon-Smith. 7pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579. Shown as part of Scottish Interfaith Week.
Guided Tour of the National Library: a tour of the building and an introduction to the library’s collections and history. Please let the library know if you have any special access requirements. 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but numbers are limited and booking is essential, either online or by calling 0131 623 3734.
LGBT: Spiritual Space. Maxwell Reay, NHS Mental Health Community Chaplain,offers a supportive space for people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity. For people of all faiths or none. This month: Forgiveness – what does it mean to forgive ourselves or others? 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly Drop-In, which is open 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street.
Philosophy Think Tank 2014: the most promising philosophers at the University of Edinburgh will showcase their exciting and thought-provoking research in 5-minute presentations at this vibrant event. From Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Philosophy of Language to Epistemology and Ethics – be inspired by the future of philosophy! 6-7pm, Informatics Forum, 10 Crichton Street. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.
Hello World: The Poetics and Processes of Code. A collaborative event celebrating the aesthetic and creative potentials of computing and software development, co-convened by three leading academics at the University of Edinburgh, Maria Fusco (School of Art), John Lee (School of Informatics) and Chris Speed (School of Design). The day is split into two sessions: 10am-12 noon – a keynote lecture by Dr Geoff Cox, Associate Professor in the Department of Aesthetics and Communications at Aarhus University, Denmark, 2-4pm – a practical workshop led by ECA Research Associate Hadi Mehrpouya, in which you will have the chance to put some technical processes into action. No prior experience is necessary but you must bring a laptop, charger, etc. The lecture is free and open to everyone: no booking is required. The workshop, with lunch before, is also free but places are limited and must be booked by emailing the organiser Fabrizio Gesuelli at f.gesuelli@ed.ac.uk. The event will take place at Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place.
Until Only The Mountain Remains: four short public talks on the themes in the Talbot Rice Gallery’s new Christopher Orr exhibition. Viccy Coltman, Senior Lecturer in History of Art: The Romance of Romanticism, Kate McLean, Lecturer: Gothic perspectives: at the edge of the uncanny, Russell Jones, Researcher and Writer: Technophilia: dreamed technologies and technological dreams, and Lena Wanggren, Research Fellow in English: Gazing at the Technological Sublime. 6-8pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.
Royal Norwegian Advent Concert: carols and music for advent and Christmas from Schola Cantorum of Edinburgh (Conductor and Solo Organ: Eric von Ibler) and The Edvard Grieg Choir of Hordaland, Norway. 7pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free entry.
TUESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2014
Spanish Rhymetime! Sesiones de Rimas en Espanol! Rhymes and songs for babies and children aged 0-4 and their parents or carers. For Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers. 10.30am today and the last Tuesday of each month, Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue. Ole! Come and enjoy with us!
Tinderbox Presents Youth Music Showcase: The Frontiers Orchestra! An evening of new music from some of the finest young musicians from all over Edinburgh. Tinderbox has been running a brand new orchestra at North Edinburgh Arts, bringing together orchestral instruments, samba drums and electronics. This exciting evening will feature performances from the orchesta plus tunes from their Creative Sessions project, together with a performance by Jellyman’s Daughter. 7pm (doors open 6.30pm), Festival Theatre Foyer, 13-39 Nicolson Street. Suggested donation £3 per person.
Cafe Ceilidh: St Andrew’s Day Celebration. Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for a relaxed afternoon of songs and music celebrating Scotland’s patron saint. 2-4pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free and unticketed.
War Artists Series – The Second World War: Fighting Fronts and Home Fronts. Dr Patricia Andrew, freelance art historian, traces the progress of war art from the 1930s to the end of the Second World War in 1945, discussing both official schemes for professional artists and the work of numerous unofficial and amateur artists. This was a war in which everyone was involved, and the images of civilian life are as important and interesting as those which depict actual conflict. This lecture will focus in particular on Scottish artists at home and abroad, and Scotland as seen by the many artists who visited during wartime. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Mindfulness: learn the mindfulness techniques of breathing and knowing, and bring your attention to the present moment, invoking your inherent capacity for healing and renewal. 12.15-2pm, St Mark’s Unitarian Church, Castle Terrace. More information here.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Judah Passow and Michael Mail: The Scots Jews. Photographer Judah Passow has created a portrait of Jewish people who live north of the border, exploring the place of the Jewish community in contemporary Scottish society. This fascinating photographic essay shows Scotland’s Jews as firmly rooted in their Jewish identity, but also as patriotic Scots. The photographs are introduced by author Michael Mail, who conceived the project to document Scottish Jewish life. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Interestit in yaising the updatit online’ Dictionar o the Scots Leid‘? Staff from Scottish Language Dictionaries will be available to help and answer questions, and Book Week Scotland publications will be available. 2-4pm, Edinburgh and Scottish Collection area, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite.
Christmas Wreaths: make your own seasonal wreath, with materials supplied by Bridgend Growing Communities. 2-3pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Places limited: please book yours by calling the library on 0131 529 5628.
Advancing Religious Freedom: a lecture and discussion by Dr Kishan Manocha, Chair of the International Association for Religious Freedom British Chapter. 7.30-9pm, University of Edinburgh Chaplaincy, 5 Bristo Square. Part of Scottish Interfaith Week.
The Seven Professors of the Far North: children’s author John Fardell will be talking about his new book. For ages (approximately) 7-12. 6-7pm, Sighthill LIbrary, 55 Sighthill Road. Free: please call 0131 529 5566 or drop in to the library to book your place. A Book Week Scotland event.
Introducing Weegee: David Hopkins (University of Glasgow) talks about photographer and photojournalist Weegee – an enigmatic figure known for his stark black and white street photography and his ability to beat police to the scene of crimes in post-war New York. The imagery of Weegee’s work sits behind Stan Douglas’s photographic series Midcentury Studio: read The Edinburgh Reporter’s review of Stan Douglas’s current exhibition here. 7pm, Fruitmarket Gallery, Market Street. Tickets cost £5 and are available from eventbrite. Part of Previously…..Scotland’s History Festival.
Keeping Active Over 50: a talk on the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle, including a short exercise taster session, tips and a demonstration. 2-3pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Delivered by the Active Lives Project in partnership with Living Well.
Ian Stephen: Poet, Author, Playwright. Ian Stephen is a writer, artist and poet from the Isle of Lewis. His latest publication A Book of Death and Fish tells the story of Peter MacAulay, for whom the writing of his will sets off a compulsive series of reflections on his own life, and how key events in the post-war world filtered through to his Stornaway home. 6-7pm, McDonald Road Library, 2 McDonald Road. Please book via eventbrite. A Book Week Scotland event.
Doug Johnstone The Dead Beat and other writings: Edinburgh writer Doug is the author of five novels, including the acclaimed Gone Again. He is also a freelance journalist, songwriter and musician and has a PhD in Nuclear Physics. 7-8pm, Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue. Please book via eventbrite.
The Sonics LGBT Basketball Group: a friendly and informal group for beginners and experienced players alike. 7-8pm, Leith Community Education Centre, 12a New Kirkgate. Conact Jules on 0131 523 1100 for more information.
Lunchtime Concert: The Edinburgh Quartet performs Takemitsu Landscape (1960) and Elgar String Quartet in E Minor, Op.83. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh. Free and unticketed.
War Poets Collection Guided Tours: Catherine Walker will provide a guided tour of Edinburgh Napier University’s collection of material relating to the history of its Craiglockhart campus, and will talk about the many interesting characters who have had links with Craiglockhart over the years. 11am-12 noon or 2-3pm, War Poets Collection Exhibition Area, Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, Glenlockhart Road. Free but numbers are limited to 12 per tour, so please register by calling 0131 455 4260 or emailing events@napier.ac.uk. Also available at same times on Friday 28th November.
FameLab 2015 Edinburgh Heat: How do 3D Glasses Work? Why do men have nipples? Why is wearing red an advantage in sport? How do cabbages keep warm in winter? These are the types of things you could learn at the Edinburgh Heat of FameLab UK – see the region’s finest science communicators as they battle it out to win a place at the FameLab Scottish Final. For ages 18+. 7-9pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free.
National Museum of Scotland Annual Open Meeting: find out more about NMS’s work, collections and plans for the future at all of its museums. Hosted by Bruce Minto (Chairman) and Dr Gordon Rintoul (Director). 6-8pm, Auditorium, Level One, (via Lothian Street at rear of Museum), National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free: advance booking essential – email events@nms.ac.uk.
Evergreen: Ideas, Poems, Songs. An evening in the beautiful and historic Riddles Court: celebrate the publication of The Evergreen with poets Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, Richie McCaffery, Ian McDonough, Andrew McDougall, Mario Relich, Nancy Somerville, Jock Stein and singer Kirsty Law. Richie McCaffery will also give a short talk on Patrick Geddes and Hugh MacDiarmid. 7-9pm, The Geddes Room, Riddles Court, Lawnmarket. Free and unticketed: more information from andrew.mcdougall1@btinternet.com.
WEDNESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2014
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents JD Oswald: The Ballad of Sir Benfro. An epic fantasy series from one of Scotland’s most successful new crime writers, ‘an unputdownable tale of the great dragons returning to the kingdom of men’. In a small village, miles from the great cities of the Twin Kingdoms, a young boy called Errol tries to make his way in the world….Deep in the forest Benfro, a young dragon, begins his training in the subtle arts. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk. Part of Book Week Scotland.
Dr Patricia Andrew: Scottish War Art and Artists in the 20th Century. Dr Andrew discusses her new book A Chasm of Time: Scottish War Art and Artists in the 20th Century, looking at Scottish artists and their experience of war, and how they recorded and interpreted Scotland at war. 2.30-3.30pm, George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite.
Catriona Child: Swim Until You Can’t See Land. Catriona’s latest novel contrasts the struggles of injured swimmer Hannah Wright with the life of Mariele Downie, a wartime spy. 7-8pm, South Queensferry Library, 9 Shore Road. Please book via eventbrite. A Book Week Scotland event.
Patrick Richardson: In Search of Landfall: The Odyssey of An Indefatigable Adventure. Patrick Richardson will talk about his second book , ‘an almost mythical meditation on childhood, the loss of innocence, love and the passing of time’. He has been travelling to exceedingly remote parts of the world for the past 45 years, and writing travel articles about these places for the last 20; ‘teeming with the fascinating characters and even more fascinating encounters that have contributed to a very rich life‘ (Alan Spence). 7-8pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. To book a place call the library on 0131 529 5665 or email stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Gorgie Tots: for babies and children 0-5 years – come on in and enjoy tea, coffee and snacks. 10am-12 noon, Destiny Church, 52 Gorgie Road. All welcome: £1 entry.
Morningside Justice and Peace Group: Our Work In The Middle East – a speaker from Mercy Corps, which has the largest humanitarian presence in Gaza after the UN. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door 420 Morningside Road. All welcome: for more information see website or email b.darcy20@gmail.com. £1 per person.
Russel McLean: Crime Noir. Russel D McLean’s new novel Cry Uncle is a sequel to four previous criminal stories featuring private investigator J McNee. In his mission to get closer to ageing gangster David Burns and uncover his secrets, how far can McNee go until he crosses the line? 7-8pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Please book your free place via eventbrite.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 10.30-11.15am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road.
Arts by the Book: meet local artists, appreciate original art, listen to live music from The Spylaw Scarlets with Frances Cockburn, enjoy wine and nibbles – and the library will even be open for the borrowing and return of books! 5-7pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 2pm, Piershill Library, Piersfield Terrace.
LGBT: Stigma and Stones – living with a diagnosis of BPD. Poets Jo MacFarlane and Sally Fox share their relationships with the stigmatising diagnosis of borderline personality disorder through creative and compassionate spoken work performances, discussion and information. Whether you feel personally or professionally impacted by this often misunderstood diagnosis, or you simply love poetry that will make you want to laugh, cry and become an activist, this event is for you! 6-8.30pm, Serenity Cafe, The Tun, 8 Jackson’s Entry, off Holyrood Road. Free but booking is essential and can be made via eventbrite. A Book Week Scotland event.
LGBT Community Discussion: the Future of LGBT Equality in Scotland. A unique opportunity to explore what’s next for the campaign for equality in Scotland, with guest speakers Tom French from the Equality Network, Jacq Kelly from Leonard Cheshire Disability and trans playwright Jo Clifford, this friendly, informal event will give you the chance to have your say on equality issues and hear what others’ hopes are for LGBT people in Scotland. 6.30-9.30pm, Eric Liddell Centre,15 Morningside Road. Please book if possible, via this online link or by contacting Jules on 0131 523 1100.
LGBT: Edinburgh Gay Men’s Book Group – an inclusive book group where you can meet new people and read and discuss interesting books. 7-9pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact info@gaybookgroup.co.uk.
Anselm Kiefer: Forest Stories. Dr Christian Weikop delivers this talk about the importance of the representation of trees and mythic forests in Anselm Kiefer’s art practice, from his earliest artworks to more recent, large-scale, composite woodcuts, drawing on an interview Christian conducted with the artist in Paris in 2013 as an envoy of the Royal Academy. This event coincides with the current major retrospective of Anselm Kiefer’s work at the Royal Academy, London. 5-6pm, Main Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. RA exhibition ends 14th December 2014.
Edinburgh Napier University Undergraduate Web Chat: if you are a UK student and thinking of studying at Napier, join in online and chat to staff and other potential students – about courses, the UCAS process and living in Edinburgh. 4-6pm: register here.
Conversations in Faith: the third in a series of six sessions aiming to foster understanding and respect, make a contribution to world peace and create an international community of faith. The conversations will be chaired by Dr Anthony Allison on behalf of the Bishops’ Committee for Interreligious Dialogue. This week: Janice Oliver will speak about Islam. 7.30-9pm, Lauriston Jesuit Centre, 28 Lauriston Street. For more information call 0131 229 9821.
THURSDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2014
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 10.30-11am, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.
Live Music Now: Slide Too Far. Formed two years ago in Glasgow, trombone quartet Slide Too Far has gone from strength to strength, winning prizes and performing throughout the UK and Europe. Described as theatrical, virtuosic and with beautiful lyricism, their repertoire links the visual art of Venice with opera overtures and Italian arias, as well as music dating from the time of Titian (using period instruments). From Scotland, there are Dougie Maclean, Phil Cunningham and traditional Scots songs to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. 6-6.30pm, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Gaelic Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 10.30am, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Elizabeth Laird: The Lure of the Honey Bird. In 1967, at the age of 23, Elizabeth Laird set off for Addis Ababa to take up her first teaching post. She was introduced to Haile Sellasie, made a pilgrimage across the mountains on foot to the ancient city of Lalibela, hitched a ride on an oil tanker across the Danakil Desert and was arrested for a murder she had not committed. Back in Britain Laird established herself as a major author of fiction for children and young adults, but she always wanted to return to Ethiopia and her chance came in the late 1990s when the British Council in Addis Ababa invited her to collect folk stories from every region of the country. Encountering ex-guerilla fighters, camel traders, Coptic nuns and tribal people en route, Laird has written a remarkable account of her journey, interwoven with a treasure trove of stories featuring princes and maidens, snakes and lions, zombies and hyena-women. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 11am, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace.
Bridgend Growing Communities Gardening Workshop: help transform the garden into a friendly and relaxing space for the whole community. No experience necessary, all tools and materials provided. 12 noon-2pm today and every Thursday, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road.
Banned Book Club: Little Brother. Author Cory Doctorow is a science fiction writer, journalist, activist and blogger: his book Little Brother has been challenged by a Florida school for questioning authority and lauding hacking culture. This evening the group will be led by Cory himself, in a friendly discussion about freedom of expression at home, online and internationally. Cory has made the book available free here: please read it before attending the meeting. 5.15pm, The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street. Free but please book via Brown Paper Tickets as space is limited. A Book Week Scotland event.
Ewan McLennan playing live at Coda: Ewan McLennan has, in a short space of time, become known as a guitarist, balladeer and storyteller cut in the old style: a songwriter for whom social justice is still a burning issue. His new album was released just last month, and he drops in today as part of his UK promotional tour. 5.30pm, Coda Music, 12 Bank Street, The Mound. All welcome.
In The Shadow of Forward Motion: this film, a collaboration between artists David Wojnarowicz and Ben Neill, will be screened as part of Edinburgh College of Art’s History of Art Research Seminar series. 5.15pm, Hunter Building Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place.
LGBT: What You Need To Know about Power of Attorney. A special presentation by family counsel Alan Inglis on the benefits of Power of Attorney and its value to the LGBT community; there will be an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. 2.30-4pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking preferred: contact lynda@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 523 1100.
The Naming of Cancer: Tracy S Rosenberg launches this fourteen-poem book, which begins in hospital and from there explores the experience of cancer from a multitude of perspectives. 6-7pm, Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.
Poets Against Humanity. Poets are horrible people – to prove this Rachel McCrum, Marianne MacRae and Kevin McLean will be inserting rude things into works of great literature, in order to desecrate and entertain in equal measure. Based on the game ‘Cards Against Humanity’ – but with poets. 8pm, Banshee Labyrinth, Niddry Street. Free: donations welcome! No booking required – just turn up. For more information contact chutneyexhibition@gmail.com.
Lunchtime Concert: Tim Cais (cello) and Chris Harding (piano) will play Mendelsshon Cello Sonata in B Flat Major Op 45, Prokofiev Cello Sonata in C Major, Op 119 and Webbern Two Pieces for Cello and Piano (1899). 1.15-2.15pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. Free entry.
Telling Stories: Collecting Contemporary Middle Eastern Art at the British Museum. Venetia Porter, Curator of Islamic and Modern Middle East Art at the British Museum, will explore the process by which art from the Middle East is both acquired and displayed at the BM. 6-8pm, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.
Ecumenical Friends of St Cuthbert’s: Hanne Gormley – The Story of the German Church. Everyone welcome: bring your own sandwiches, tea and coffee provided. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road. £1.50 per person, Organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.
Book Marks: a festival of books, celebrating the huge variety of ways in which the book form is used by staff, students and alumni of the College. Meet the makers, browse and buy zines, comics and artists’ books, or debate the future of the book over a coffee in the College’s Grand Sculpture Court. 4-8pm, Grand Sculpture Court, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Free and open to all. For further information call 0131 651 5732.
Michel Doneda 60th Birthday Concert: Swiss improvising saxophonist Michel Doneda will celebrate his birthday with a concert of solo improvised saxophone; he will be joined and supported by Edinburgh’s free improvisation collective, Edimpro.This event is part of the gap in the air festival, a celebration of experimental music and sonic art at the Talbot Rice Gallery. 8.45 for 9pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.
McCrae’s Battalion: a service to commemorate the centenary of the Raising of the Battalion in the Parish of St Cuthbert. Made up of young Edinburgh men from all walks of life, it was officially the 16th Royal Scots, but is better known by its affectionate name, McCrae’s Battalion, after its charismatic colonel Sir George McCrae. It is also known as the sporting battalion because it was largely composed of professional and amateur sportsmen. The 1350 men who signed up after a meeting in the Usher Hall 100 years ago today made their way on foot down Lothian Road, past St Cuthbert’s and St John’s, to sign up formally in Castle Street. The Padre to the Battalion was The Revd James Black, later to become Minister of St George’s West (now St Andrew’s and St George’s West), and subsequently Moderator of the General Assembly. The men left to go to war from Waverley Station, most of them destined never to return. 12.45pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road. All welcome. Organised by OASIS in partnership with Business Matters, Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland and McCrae’s Battalion Trust.
Edinburgh Napier University Postgraduate Open Evening: whether you want to study full-time, part-time or by distance learning, find out more about postgraduate and professional courses at Napier, with start dates in January and September 2015. Talks, plus the opportunity to discuss your questions about courses, finance, accommodation and admissions with academic and support staff. Refreshments available; live music from Napier students! 5.30-7.30pm, Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, Glenlockhart Road.
Dinner Church at Canongate Kirk: a community potluck meal around a common table. Eat together, read scripture, offer prayers, reflect and sing. Whatever your tradition, whatever your community, everyone is welcome at the table – visitors to Edinburgh as much as local residents. Dinner Church is based on an idea from St Lydia’s Church in Brooklyn. 6.30pm, Harry Younger Hall, Little Lochend Close, down the Royal Mile from Canongate Kirk. All welcome; for more information contact Katie at katiemunnik@yahoo.ca.
PRINT MEDIA: a series of lectures exploring the broad scope of print within the field of contemporary visual arts practice. Henry Collingham, a designer from NE England working across media in product design, interaction design, film and animation – and a ‘committed nerd’ – will consider how 3D printing has changed our world, and explore technological advances within artistic printmaking practice, how they often herald new developments in the industry, and what problems these advances have addressed. 6.30-7.30pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, Union Street. Tickets cost £5 or two for £8 and can be booked via eventbrite.
St John’s RC Primary School Parent Council’s Pamper, Presents and Prosecco Spa Night! Amazing beauty treatments and unique handmade gifts. Complementary glass of bubbles on arrival and free goody bag for the first 50 people. 7-10pm, St John’s School Hall, Hamilton Terrace, Portobello. Tickets £5 – reserve via the Parent Council Facebook page or pay on the door.
FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2014
Serenity Cafe Club Night: Robbie Williams Tribute. Serenity Cafe is run for people in recovery by people in recovery – and for anyone else who wants good value, good quality food in a relaxed space. Serenity’s club nights are family friendly and drink and drug free. Serenity Cafe, 8 Jackson Entry, The Tun (off Holyrood Road). £4 unwaged, £6 waged. Contact Serenity on 0131 556 8765 for times.
Storytime with Lapin: a puppet show performance for 3-5 year olds with Tania and rabbit Lapin. Tania set up puppet theatre company Le Petit Monde to introduce young children and their families to her native French language and culture in the most natural way – through authentic French-speaking puppets! 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street.
Regi Claire: The Waiting. Regi Claire discusses her latest novel, set against the backdrop of wartime Edinburgh. Elderly Lizzie Fairbairn opens her door to a strange young girl with stigmata-marked palms; her name is Rachel and she is a Scottish-Swiss student bent on discovering more about her grandmother, Lizzie’s esrtwhile friend Marlene. What follows is a pilgrimage of recollection, a cathartic skittering between past and present. 3-4pm, Writers’ Museum, Lady Stair’s House, Lady Stair’s Close, Lawnmarket. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. A Previously….Scotland’s History Festival event.
Gallery Social: Highlights from the National Collection. Join artists for relaxed guided tours for anyone affected by dementia, their friends, relatives and supporters. This very informal tour will explore highlights from the permanent collection and will begin with refreshments in the Learning Centre. 10.30am-12 noon, National Gallery of Scotland (meet at Gardens Entrance), The Mound. Free but please book by contacting the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and babies. 10.30-11am, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.
Guid Crack: Broth, Breid and Bannocks – a feast of tales celebrating guid Scots fare with storyteller Sheila Kinninmouth. Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling night, upstairs at the Waverley Bar (accompanied young adults welcome). 7.30-9.30pm, Waverley Bar, 1 St Mary’s Street. Free – suggested donation £3.
Stories from the NLS Shelves: a two-part workshop led by James Robertson. In the morning there will be a behind-the-scenes tour with a curator; after lunch novelist and poet James Robertson will lead a writing workshop based on the morning’s experiences. For more information about the workshop click here. 10.30am-3pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but numbers are limited and booking is essential via info@moniackmhor.ork.uk. This event is sponsored by Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s creative writing centre.
Understanding the role of meditation in religion: Alex Holmes (Christian Meditation Scotland), Bryan Webb (Wild Geese Sangha) and Ani Rinchen Khandro (Kaygu Samye Dzong Edinburgh) will discuss this topic. 3-4pm, St Mark’s Unitarian Church, Castle Terrace. Part of Scottish Interfaith Week.
Eco Kidz Pop Up Stall: a fantastic selection of recycled gifts. Eco Kidz is a Creative Social Enterprise project for children aged 8-12, set up by North Edinburgh Arts and funded by the Big Lottery Young Start Fund: it aims to develop young people’s art, design and business skills by helping them to create their own brand of handmade market-ready products using recycled materials and upcycling techniques. The pop up stalls will offer jewellery, notebooks, pincushions, vases, brooches, key rings, magnets, Christmas cards and more. Today there will also be an Eco Kidz workshop in which you can make your own Christmas cards and gift tags from recycled materials. 2-4.30pm, Muirhouse Community Shop, Pennywell Road. (Next pop up stall 30th November at Ice Retail, St James’s Centre, Princes Street.) For more information click here.
Mokssh: Journey of the Soul (Ajit Bhairavkar, 2013, Hindi with English subtitles). An adaptation of the multiple award winning Marathi film Gajar – ‘a fascinating tale of spirituality and self-discovery’. 6pm, Screening Room, G.04, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh. Shown as part of Scottish Interfaith Week.
LGBT Women’s Wellbeing Group: an inclusive group offering the opportunity to meet other LGBT women in a relaxed environment, Chat, information and activities promoting health and wellbeing. The group is open to all LGBT women and we welcome transgendered people who primarily identify as women. This week: We Got The Power – Disability History Month discussion on how different forms of disability impact LGBT women, with a focus on how activism has given people a platform to be visible and heard. 2-4.30pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. To stay up to date with the group, including meeting times and locations for outings, email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk
Shot At Dawn: free drop-in tours of Chloe Dewe Mathews’ current exhibition. 5.30-6pm today and every Friday, Stills Gallery, 23 Cockburn Street. No booking required, just turn up! Also available on Sunday 30th November at 2pm.
LGBT Film Nights: see LGBT and mainstream films in a friendly sociable setting. Vote via email and at the events for each month’s film choices; you are welcome just to turn up, but please be aware that the film for that month will already have been chosen. This month: Trans Remembrance. 6.30-9.30pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact admin@lgbthealth.org.uk.
War Poets Collection Guided Tours: Catherine Walker will provide a guided tour of Edinburgh Napier University’s collection of material relating to the history of its Craiglockhart campus, and will talk about the many interesting characters who have had links with Craiglockhart over the years. 11am-12 noon or 2-3pm, War Poets Collection Exhibition Area, Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, Glenlockhart Road. Free but numbers are limited to 12 per tour, so please register by calling 0131 455 4260 or emailing events@napier.ac.uk.
St Andrew’s Day Talk with Professor Gordon Findlater: with the increase in anatomy schools in the 18th century, a growing demand for bodies for dissection provided ideal conditions for the infamous serial killers Burke and Hare. Join Edinburgh University Museum of Anatomy’s Gordon Findlater to discover the historic landscape of Edinburgh, where Burke and Hare preyed on the vulnerable to sell bodies to anatomist Robert Knox. 6-7.30pm, Surgeons’ Hall Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons, Nicolson Street. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.
Edinburgh Greek Film Festival starts today and continues until 4th December 2014. It will present some of the most exciting new Greek films, alongside a modern masterpiece of Greek resistance The Rehearsal (showing on 1st December). Tonight: The Enemy Within/O ehthros mou (2013) Cert 18. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session with director Yorgos Tsemperopoulos. Film shown in Greek with English subtitles. 8.20pm , Filmhouse, Lothian Road. For prices and tickets contact the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or book online
Crohn’s and Colitis Fundraiser Ceilidh with The Occasionals. 7pm-12 midnight, St Brides Centre, Orwell Terrace. Tickets are £10.50 and can be booked via eventbrite.
SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2014
Garvald Christmas Bazaar: handcrafted goods made by members of Garvald Edinburgh, live music, children’s activities, refreshments. 10.30am-1.30pm, Garvald Gorgie Workshops, 454/1 Gorgie Road. Entry by donation. Garvald Edinburgh is a Scottish charity offering creative opportunities and support for people with learning difficulties.
Advent Fair: want to celebrate Advent in the countryside? The Pishwanton Community Wood near Gifford will be holding its Advent Fair today, 11am-3pm: traditional crafts and products for sale (cards, books, jams, baking, gifts), craft activity workshops – make an Advent wreath or a candle holder, – homemade organic food, hot soup and rolls, hot punch and cakes. From 3-5pm there will be a candlelit concert with music from Peaty Millers and Frank’s Folk Group and readings and poems with Charles Lawrie. Pishwanton Community Wood, Longester, Near Gifford, East Lothian. Free entry to the fair, suggested donation of £5 for the concert. For more details contact The Life Science Trust on 01620 810259 or email admin@pishwanton.com.
Enchanted Edwardian Christmas: a craft workshop for families with the Lauriston team. Enjoy Lauriston’s very special Edwardian Christmas experience, evoking the memories and atmosphere of a past era, and take home some charming crafts. Christmas snacks included! 10am-1pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. £7 per person: booking must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by phone or via the Usher Hall website. Also available at same times on Sunday 30th November.
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, 75 Belford Road. Free and unticketed.
Linlithgow Advent Fair: 10am – craft fair in The Burgh Halls and a street fair around The Cross Well; 4.30pm – torchlight procession from Low Port Centre/School along High Street; 6pm – Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On at Linlithgow Cross.
Portobello and Joppa Parish Church Guild Table Top Sale: baking, stocking fillers, jewellery, cards, arts and crafts, bespoke gifts. Visit Santa’s Grotto! 10am-12.30pm, Portobello and Joppa Parish Church, 1 Brunstane Road North, Joppa. Admission free: refreshments for sale.
National Gallery Highlight Tours: An introduction to, and tour of, the Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Mrs Mash The Storytelling Cook: join Mrs Mash for a generous serving of Scottish stories about our nation’s fabulous food. Taste for yourself the Queen’s ‘Balmoral drop scones’, which will be made on Mrs Mash’s very own cast-iron girdle. For ages 4+. 10.30-11.30am, Storytelling Bothy, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. £5 per child (accompanying adult free). Book via the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online – please remember to select a free adult ticket as well as a ticket for your child.
Edinburgh Palette Winter Open Studios: the artists, makers and craftspeople of St Margaret’s open their studios to the public in this weekend-long event. Family-friendly workshops, a craft fair, a cafe and one-off performances will take place across the building’s eight storeys. 10am-6pm, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Also on Sunday 30th November, 10am-5pm. For full programme click here or see event Facebook page.
The Makers’ Fair: as part of St Margaret’s Open Studios event, a cluster of St Margaret’s artists will offer paintings, cards, prints, ceramics, soaps, candles and textiles in this special two day fair. 11am-7pm, Gallery 2, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. The fair will also be open 10am-5pm on Sunday 30th November.
Murder At The Fruitmarket: as part of Book Week Scotland the Gallery hosts an evening of crime, which will include readings from Tartan Noir author Doug Johnstone, a specially commissioned short story from Hannah McGill and a private viewing of the Stan Douglas exhibition, whilst an exclusive performance from jazz chanteuse and La Clique star Becc Sanderson will take you back in time to the post war era. 7.30-10.30pm, Fruitmarket Gallery, Market Street. Tickets cost £5 and are available via eventbrite.
Lunchtime Concert: Giacomo Scinardo, piano. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Cramond Kirk Christmas Fair: gifts, crafts, toys, cakes, hampers, candy, refreshments, Santa, face painting, lunches. All proceeds will go to Fresh Start and the Forget Me Not Therapeutic Garden and Tea Room Project. 11.30am-2pm, Cramond Kirk Hall, Cramond Glebe Road.
The Torrance Gallery Christmas Exhibition: including jewellery by Sheana Stephen, inspired by gardens, sea and shore. Plus over 220 paintings by over 70 artists, sculpture, ceramics and glass -gifts from under £50 to £5,000! 11am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4pm Saturdays, from today until 10th January 2015, Torrance Gallery, 36 Dundas Street.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Hugh Cornwell: Arnold Drive. Nothing much has ever happened to the Reverend Arnold Drive…until the day his church is sold off to property developers. Thrust into the modern world, for which he is utterly ill-equipped, Arnold is faced with a series of moral dilemmas that test his faith, his judgement and his understanding of human nature. ‘The story of a man’s journey from innocence to experience.’ Hugh Cornwell was the original guitarist, singer and main songwriter for The Stranglers and is one of the UK’s finest songwriting talents and accomplished live performers. After the talk Hugh will sign copies of his book; please note he will not be able to sign any Stranglers’ or other music memorabilia unless a copy of the book has been purchased. 2-3.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Gavin Francis: Empire Antarctica. Gavin Francis, non-fiction category winner in the 2013 Scottish Book Awards, talks about Empire Antarctica: Ice, Silence and Emperor Penguins, based on his experience as a resident doctor with the British Antarctic Survey, ‘the last great wilderness on earth’. 2.30-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite.
The Scottish Gallery: four new exhibitions. Ed Kluz: Architecture of the Enlightenment (collages exploring the architecture of the New Town); Beth Legg: Surfaces (jewellery inspired by the Scottish landscape); Frances MacDonald: Beyond the Island of Storms, and Jill Fanshawe Kato: Nature’s Garden (ceramics). 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, until 24th December 2014. The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas Street.
James Oswald: Dead Man’s Bones. James Oswald is the author of the Inspector McLean series of detective mysteries set in Edinburgh, the first two of which were shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger Award; he has also written The Ballad of Sir Benfro, a classic fantasy series inspired by the language and folklore of Wales. 3-4pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Court. Please book via eventbrite. A Book Week Scotland event.
Millie Gray: When Sorry Is Not Enough. Sally Stuart’s adventures in post-war Leith continue with this thrilling sequel to The Tangling of the Web. Millie’s reading from her new book will be followed by a Q & A session and signing. Refreshments provided! 2.30-4pm, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free, but as space is limited please drop in to book with library staff or call them on 0131 529 5517.
LGBT Trans Action Theatre and Activism Workshop: a fun and supportive theatre workshop for trans people. Explore drama skills and ways to boost your confidence through voice and movement; no experience necessary – just a willingness to have a go. 2-5pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking essential via this link, which also has more details about the workshop.
Philip Guston: Late Paintings. A reception to celebrate the publication of this book, which documents the acclaimed 2012 Inverleith House exhibition and includes photography by Michael Wolchover and text by David Anfamm, Paul Nesbitt and Philip Larratt-Smith. 1-3pm, Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free, no booking required. A Book Week Scotland event.
Portobello Poetry Circus Presents Twenty Poets: two hours of Pulsating Poetry Performance on the Prom. 7.30 for 8pm, Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello. £3: tickets available from the Dalriada. For further details contact max.scratchmann@btinternet.com.
Winter Guided Walk: join a garden guide for a leisurely afternoon walk around the Garden. Discover stunning seasonal highlights and learn about the history of the Garden and its plants. For ages 14+. 2pm, Royal Botanic Garden (meet at John Hope Gateway reception), Inverleith Row. £5 per person, no booking required. Also available at same time on Sunday 30th November.
The Naming of the Shrew: A Walk with John Wright. Join John Wright, forager and author, on a stroll round the Garden to explore the stories behind the names we use to organise nature, and the humour and humanity of the people who devote their lives to giving names to it (over 2,000 new plant species are named each year). Expect to be entertained and to be left forever wondering about the people and stories behind the names. For ages 12+. 12.30-1.30pm, Royal Botanic Garden (meet at John Hope Gateway reception), Inverleith Row. Free, no booking required. John will also give a free talk about his new book The Naming of the Shrew at 2.30pm in the Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway.
Lau-Lau Festival Club feat. Anais Mitchell, Kris Drever and Eamonn Coyne, Mystery Juice and Martin Green: Celebrate the end of Lau-Land with this after show club party extravaganza. Sessions, tunes and cocktail invention competition. For ages 18+. Doors open 10pm, The Dissection Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. £5 – book via Summerhall website or call box office on 0131 560 1581.
Pop Maskulinity: a new, thought-provoking, collective exhibition by Polish, British and international artists. Eleven artists at different stages of their artistic practice will investigate the underexploited subject of masculinity in the 21st century. Via photography, painting, drawing, collage and sculpture the artists will provoke a discussion on the status of men and the meaning of masculinity in the contemporary world. Opening tonight at 5pm, then 10am-6pm every day until 11th December 2014, Gayfield Creative Spaces, 11 Gayfield Square. Organised by The Polish Contemporary Art Organisation.
Meet Your Maker: Jewellery. Join six makers in celebration of Scottish craft as they showcase the design, process and techniques behind their work. 10am-4pm, Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free drop-in, but please note that some makers will be unavailable at certain times – see website for details. Also available on Sunday 30th November.
Children’s Puppet Show and Storytime: Tania from Le Petit Monde is a native French puppeteer who introduces young children and their parents/carers to her language and culture through shows and workshops: for ages 3-5. 12 noon-12.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Free but booking required: drop into the library in advance or call them on 0131 529 5595.
Holomodor Commemoration: organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Edinburgh branch. A representative of the Scottish government will attend and all are welcome. 2pm, Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace.
Morningside Makers Market: over 40 talented makers will be exhibiting their work. Jewellery, woodwork, cards, toys, soaps, bags, glasswork, photography, candles, decorations and more.11am-4pm, Columcille Centre, Newbattle Terrace. Also at same times on Sunday 30th November.
German Speaking Congregation of Edinburgh Christmas Bazaar: 2-4pm with carol singing at 3.30pm, German Church, Laudate House, 1 Chalmers Crescent.
Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues today with Wild Duck/Agriopapia (‘the Greek Watergate’), Cert 18. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session with director Yannis Sakaridis. Film shown in Greek with English subtitles. 8.20pm , Filmhouse, Lothian Road. For prices and tickets contact the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or book online.
The Line of Best Fit: place + platform presents a collaborative exhibition and event featuring MR CHOON!, Deejay Yourself, The Occasional Flickers, Krishkrush, The Beirdo, Two Wrongs, Urvanovic and Edyta. Artists have been invited to respond to the theme on paper: musicians and performers will respond to it live on the night. 8pm, Settlement Projects, 34a Haddington Place, Leith Walk. Free entry.The Edinburgh Settlement is a multi-purpose voluntary organisation with a rich history spanning more than 100 years.
Portobello Pop Up Festive Market: ceramics, textiles, organic soaps, homewares, photography, art, jams & preserves, gifts, illustration & print, glass, jewellery and accessories, writing and poetry! 12 noon-5pm, Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello. Free entry.
Souper Saturday Annual Fundraising Jamboree: Souper Saturday provides food and friendship for those in need in St John’s Hall on Saturday mornings. Today you can help to raise funds for this worthwhile cause by buying postcard art by local artists, whilst enjoying live music – and of course, soup! 4-7pm, St John’s Episcopal Church Hall, Princes Street.
Winter 2014: a mixed exhibition including works from Michael G Clark, Simon Rivett, Linda Park, Alan McLeod, Mark Robertson, Laurna Ogilvie, Jane Gray, John Gardner, Annie Broadley, Anupa Gardner and John Wilson. 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 12 noon-5pm Saturdays, Doubtfire Gallery, 3 South East Circus Place.
Scots Music Group Ceilidh with the Canongate Cadgers: licensed bar (no BYOB), free water available. 8pm (doors open 7.30pm) -12 midnight, St Brides Centre, Orwell Terrace. Tickets £8/£6 in advance from St Brides (in person or by calling 0131 346 1405) or the Scots Music Group, £10/£8 on the door.
Calum Colvin: Artist’s Talk: Calum has created the stunning exhibition using the boarded-up windows of the former North British Rubber Factory at the Castle Mill Works in Fountainbridge; he uses a mixture of painting, sculpture and photography to create his beautiful images. Edinburgh Printmakers has won Heritage Lottery funding to transform Castle Mill Works into a new centre for printmaking and creativity opening in 2017 – in the meantime come and meet Calum and find out the secrets behind the making of these eyecatching artworks (more exciting exhibitions using the outside of the building coming up next year!) This talk is outside the building at 12 noon and is open to everyone, but please RSVP to Hannah Rye at communitylearning@edinburghprintmakers.co.uk.
Interfaith Shabbat Service: the service will be led by Rabbi Mark Solomon and will last approximately 1 hour 45 minutes; it will be followed by a special kiddush. Everyone is welcome, but please contact norman.crane@googlemail.com giving the names of all those intending to attend. 11am, St Mark’s Unitarian Church, Castle Terrace. Part of Scottish Interfaith Week.
Selected: a selling exhibition of craft and design bringing together 27 Scotland-based makers. Ceramics, jewellery, furniture,textiles, glass and silver from some of the most talented makers in Scotland today, hand picked by an industry panel. 10.30am-5.30pm, today and then Monday to Saturday until 21st December 2014, Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street.
Faith In Women: Fresh Perspectives – Seeing Through Young Women’s Eyes. 10am-12.30pm, St John’s Church Hall, Princes Street. Part of Scottish Interfaith Week.
SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2014
Filmhouse Junior: Antboy (Denmark 2013 – English language version) Cert PG. Re-energising the superhero genre for a younger audience – who needs Spiderman when Antboy is in town? ‘a rollicking good fun caper movie’. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. £3.50 per person, big or small! Tickets can be booked online or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. Part of the Discovery Film Festival’s touring programme.
The Big Interfaith Quiz: get your thinking caps on and test your knowledge of different world religions – one of the favourites of Scottish Interfaith Week returns! 7-9pm, The Mosque Kitchen, 31 Nicolson Square. A free buffet will be provided. Please contact Sakina on 0131 629 9058 or sakina@eifa.org.uk. Free entry: donations welcome.
Celebrate St Andrew’s Day in Edinburgh! A series of free events for all the family: live music, dancing and storytelling, historical tours of the area, free skate sessions on the ice rink, curling club demonstrations, Murrayfield Skating School performance, a St Andrew’s Day-inspired show from Pyroceltica, Robert Fish Band ceilidh, face-painting, fancy dress, children’s haggis hunt, The Scottish Market – and lots more. 10am-10pm (individual times vary), St Andrew’s Square. All events are free but some are ticketed: pre-book at edinburghschristmas.com to avoid disappointment. Part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals: read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the St Andrew’s Day launch here.
Santa Cruises with Re-Union Canal Boats! A fun, unique and memorable trip along the Union Canal and a special visit from Santa himself. Games, songs, craft activities, seasonal refreshments and a gift from Santa for every child. Begins at Re-Union Canal Centre, 1 Union Path. £10 per person, babies under 12 months go free (but must be included in booking). Booking & prompt arrival essential: see website: trips will run three times a day every weekend until Christmas, with an additional three trips on December 22nd.
Advent Music and Reflection: Mary, The Rose. Music by Michael Praetorius, Hugo Distler and Andrew Carvel, sung by the choir of St Andrew’s and Sr George’s West, with a reflection for the season of Advent. 1.30-2pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. Free entry: all welcome.
Shot At Dawn: free drop-in tours of Chloe Dewe Mathews’ current exhibition. 2-2.30pm today and every Sunday, Stills Gallery, 23 Cockburn Street. No booking required, just turn up!
Enchanted Edwardian Christmas: a craft workshop for families with the Lauriston team. Enjoy Lauriston’s very special Edwardian Christmas experience, evoking the memories and atmosphere of a past era and take home some charming crafts. Christmas snacks included! 10am-1pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. £7 per person: booking must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by phone or via the Usher Hall website.
St Andrew’s Porty Ceilidh featuring Fun Fiddlers and The Belle Star Band. 3.30-5.30pm, The Wash House, Adelphi Grove, Portobello. £6 adult, £4 child, under-5s free: tickets on the door or in advance from Wild Flower Shop, 90 Portobello High Street.
Artists’ Books Spotlight: Jean Johnstone at the Royal Botanic Garden. Scottish artist Jean Johnstone invites you slowly to unwrap her artists’ books to experience the fine words of leading contemporary poets. Each small book contains one poem only, complemented by delicate images from the natural world, on Lokta, Tsasho and Resho papers. 11.30am or 2.30pm, Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Arboretum Place. Tickets £5/£4 available via eventbrite. A Book Week Scotland event in partnership with RBGE: for more information contact the Scottish Poetry Library at reception@spl.org.uk.
Morningside Makers Market: over 40 talented makers will be exhibiting their work. Jewellery, woodwork, cards, toys, soaps, bags, glasswork, photography, candles, decorations and more.11am-4pm, Columcille Centre, Newbattle Terrace.
Alpha Art Christmas Exhibition: a mixed exhibition of gallery favourites and new artists, plus a new collection of jewellery and gifts. 11am-5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12 noon-4pm Sundays, Alpha Art Gallery, 52 Hamilton Place. Today until 23rd December 2014.
Eco Kidz Pop Up Stall: a fantastic selection of recycled gifts. Eco Kidz is a Creative Social Enterprise project for children aged 8-12, set up by North Edinburgh Arts and funded by the Big Lottery Young Start Fund: it aims to develop young people’s art, design and business skills by helping them to create their own brand of handmade market-ready products using recycled materials and upcycling techniques. Today’s pop up stall will offer jewellery, notebooks, pincushions, vases, brooches, key rings, magnets, Christmas cards and more. 1.30-4pm, Ice Retail, St James’s Centre, Princes Street. (Next pop up stall 6th December, North Edinburgh Arts Cafe, 15a Pennywell Court.) For more information click here.
Shore Poets BE THE FIRST TO LIKE THIS Quiet Slam: Shore Poets host their first ever slam, teaming up with Book Week Scotland, the Vagabond Voices and their brand new anthology BE THE FIRST TO LIKE THIS. Six of the slam slots will be taken by poets who appear in the anthology; the other four slots will be open to absolutely anyone, with names being drawn from a hat. This is a ‘quiet slam’ that welcomes slam virgins, self-identified ‘page poets’ and anyone who’s always liked the idea of a slam but is worried about how noisy they look! Prizes for the winners! 7.15pm, Henderson’s @ St John’s, 3 Lothian Road. Tickets £5/£3 on the door. More information from publicity@shorepoets.org.uk.
Whale Arts Christmas Craft Fair: arts, crafts, gifts, accessories, designware – and a chance for children to have their photo taken with Santa! 1.30-4.30pm, Whale Arts, 30 Westburn Grove.
Winter Guided Walk: join a garden guide for a leisurely afternoon walk around the Garden. Discover stunning seasonal highlights and learn about the history of the Garden and its plants. For ages 14+. 2pm, Royal Botanic Garden (meet at John Hope Gateway reception), Inverleith Row. £5 per person, no booking required.
Garvald Christmas Market: handcrafted goods for sale, cafe with soup and cakes. 11am-2pm, Mayfield House, McSense Business Park, 32 Sycamore Road, Dalkeith.
University of Edinburgh St Andrew’s Day Celebration: a celebration of Scotland’s music and song traditions, including a special tribute to the late Dr Jean Redpath MBE. 7.30-9pm, McEwan Hall, Teviot Square. All welcome: free tickets can be booked via eventbrite, and must be printed out and brought to the event.
Finnish Christmas Carols and Bazaar: 11am-2pm, German Church, 1 Chalmers Crescent.
Meet Your Maker: Jewellery. Join six makers in celebration of Scottish craft as they showcase the design, process and techniques behind their work. 10am-4pm, Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free: drop in and chat to the makers – but please note that some makers will be unavailable at certain times; see website for details.
Scottish Jewellers in Conversation: Stephen Bottomley, Programme Director of Jewellery and Silversmithing at Edinburgh College of Art, hosts a wide-ranging discussion with three contemporary jewellers, Melanie Muir, Grainne Morton and Gilly Langton. 2-3pm, Seminar Room, Learning Centre, Level 4, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free tickets can be booked here.
Advent Sunday Service: 6.30pm, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place. All welcome.
Edinburgh Palette Winter Open Studios: the artists, makers and craftspeople of St Margaret’s open their studios to the public in this weekend-long event. Family-friendly workshops, a craft fair, a cafe and one-off performances will take place across the building’s eight storeys. 10am-5pm, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. For full programme click here or see event Facebook page.
The Makers’ Fair: as part of St Margaret’s Open Studios event, a cluster of St Margaret’s artists will offer paintings, cards, prints, ceramics, soaps, candles and textiles in this special two day fair. 10am-5pm, Gallery 2, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road.
Lapin Wants To See Santa! Lapin has decided to invite Santa for hot chocolate – but will he have time to accept Lapin’s invitation? Join Lapin and his friends in a festive adventure! An interactive Le Petit Monde puppet show performed in English with short French sentences from the puppets. All ticket holders will get a free place at the French Puppet Making Workshop, in which lolly sticks, crayons and material will be used to make your very own festive puppet – whilst speaking French! For children aged 3-5 and their families. 1.30-2.05pm (show), 2.45-3.30pm (workshop) St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Brown Paper Tickets. Part of St Margaret’s House Open Studios Weekend.
Danish Film Club at The Outhouse: Flame and Citron (2008). Copenhagen 1944: Denmark is occupied by Nazi Germany. Flame and Citron are two resistance fighters charged with liquidating Danish informers: when Flame is asked to execute his girlfriend Ketty, an enigmatic Stockholm courier, he questions his orders, wondering who Ketty really is. Based on true events. Subtitled in English. For ages 18+. 7pm, First Floor, The Outhouse, 12a Broughton Street Lane. Free and unticketed. Facilitated by the Danish Film Institute, the Danish Cultural Institute and The Outhouse.
Nativity Blessing and Carol Service: All are welcome to join Exile Gospel Choir, St Mary’s Leith Primary School Choir and Edinburgh Deaf Choir to celebrate the start of Christmas in the city. 3pm, St Andrew’s Square.
Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues today with A.C.A.B. – All Cats Are Brilliant?/Sygharitiria stous aisiodoxous? – ‘one of the funniest, most accurate and heartbreaking scenes of Greek family life’, Cert 15. Film shown in Greek with English subtitles. 8.20pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. For prices and tickets contact the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or book online.
St Giles’ At Six: The Southside Choir. Christmas is coming – Edinburgh’s Southside Choir present a light and varied programme to put you in the mood for the festive season. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
