Lots of Christmassy things this week, from craft fairs to carols and music to markets – but if the very thought of anything festive sends you running from the room, fear not – there are plenty of alternatives; films, plays, quizes, choirs, fabulous fundraisers…..and even if you already wish it was January, you’ll surely be hard put to resist Saturday’s Christmas Dugs N Pubs….
MONDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2014
Animal Art: new mosaics, lino-cuts and monoprints from artist Freya Levy. Private view tonight 6-8pm, Glass & Thompson, 2 Dundas Street. Refreshments provided! Exhibition continues until Christmas: read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about Freya’s work here.
National Museum of Scotland Tours: free daily guided tours with a different theme each day: see website for details. Today: An Orkney Story. For adults and groups of 6 or less (larger groups should book a tour via the Museum’s website). 3-4pm, today and every day in December, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street (meet Tour Guide at Tour Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0). No booking required.
Open Eye Gallery Christmas Exhibitions: Perfect Balance investigates abstract form and composition through the medium of printmaking, Feast Your Eyes invites a number of gallery artists to interpret this seasonal title, and On A Small Scale is a postcard exhibition by a wide range of gallery artists. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, Open Eye Gallery, 34 Abercromby Place. Exhibitions end 24th December 2014.
Craft and Chat: if you enjoy knitting, sewing, crochet, quilting, embroidery, papercraft – or any other form of craft! – and fancy some company while you work, come along to Fountainbridge’s new monthly group. Bring your project, get ideas and tips, and the library will provide the tea and stickies. 6-7.30pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street.
Christmas Movie Mondays: Home Alone 1 & 2. An 8 year old is accidentally left at home alone when his family fly off to France for Christmas. 8pm (Home Alone 1) and 10pm, (Home Alone 2), Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free.
Tricolour: monthly night showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life: this month Harry Giles, Jo Clifford and TS Rosenberg. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free tickets can be booked here, or call the Library on 0131 623 3734.
World Aids Day Gathering: an annual community gathering to remember everyone affected by HIV. This year the theme is ‘tackling HIV together‘. 6-8pm, St John’s Church, Princes St/Lothian Road. Meet at LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, to walk to the venue together, or meet up there – if making your own way, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a seat.
Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today The Rehearsal (1974), Jules Dassin’s inspiring account of student heroism in the Athens’ Polytechnic’s rising against the Junta and the Greek Colonels, starring Arthur Miller, Laurence Olivier, Melina Mercouri, Lilian Hellman, Olympia Dukakis and Mikis Theodorakis. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Monthly Book Quiz: if you know your Waugh from your Peace and your Meyer from your Heyer, try Blackwell’s book quiz! Teams of up to 5 people can take part; please arrive early to secure your place. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. For more information contact events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2014
Mac’s Munchkins: an hour of farm-themed storytelling, crafts, playgroup and songs. For ages 2+. 10am and 3pm, today and every Tuesday, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. £2 per child, no booking required, just come along and meet up at the Red Tractor.
Cancer Research UK’s Annual Art Exhibition: a week of original and unique art. Paintings from £30 to over £1,000, plus crafts, cards and handmade jewellery. Lots of great gift ideas! Teas, coffees, soup and home baking available to purchase in the cafe. 10.30am-5pm today and Wednesday to Friday, 10.30am-4pm Saturday, Adam House, 3 Chambers Street. Ends 6th December 2014.
Le Havre (2011): Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms), a former bohemian and struggling author, has given up his literary ambitions and relocated to the port city of Le Havre. He leads a simple life based around his wife Arletty (Kati Outinen), his favourite bar and his not too profitable profession as a shoeshiner. As Arletty suddenly becomes seriously ill, fate throws the young African refugee Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) into his path. Director Aki Kaurismaki’s masterpiece champions the downtrodden and celebrates the little things that make life worth living. ‘A glorious, colourful and deeply humane work.’ Shown in French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free. Also showing 1-2.30pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2014.
Janice Cairns: Forgiving Nancy. Janice will read from her first suspense romance novel, and talk about her journey to publication and the challenges she faced – a story that many unpublished writers will find inspiring. Refreshments available! 2-3pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. No booking required, just come along.
Dementia Awareness Talk: over 86,000 people in Scotland have dementia, and the number is expected to double over the next 25 years. In this talk Andrew Senew, Director of Home Instead Senior Care, will discuss the causes, symptoms and different types of dementia, and the importance of diagnosis, medication, diet and lifestyle. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies: 10.30am, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.
Community Navigator Information Stall: if you are 65+ and would like to find out about interesting local activities, groups, organisations and services, drop in to the library today or any Tuesday and say hello to the Health in Mind staff. 10am-12 noon, Oxgangs Library, 43 Oxgangs Road North.
Edinburgh Film Music Orchestra Concert: the orchestra and Edinburgh College of Art present a concert of varied film music, game scores and collaboration film music. Conductor: Yato Durant. 7.30pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. Entry by donation.
Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today September (2013): a gentle film about loneliness in the suburbs of Athens. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.
The OCP Pub Quiz: £5 per team, winner takes all, with some ‘tasty’ prizes for the runners-up. 8-10.30pm, Old Chain Pier, 32 Trinity Crescent.
WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2014
The Edinburgh Telephone Choir and special guests The St John’s School Children’s Choir perform an evening of carols (with sing-alongs!) to raise funds in aid of the Ebola Crisis. 7.30pm, St John’s RC Church, 35 Brighton Place, Portobello. Free entry: donations encouraged as you leave!
Kellan MacInnes: Caleb’s List. Kellan tells the story of how he discovered Victorian mountaineer Caleb George Cash’s long-forgotten list of the mountains visible from Arthur’s Seat, and explains what led him to take on the challenge of climbing them all. ‘More than a climbing book, Caleb’s List is the story of a survivor.’ 6.30-7.30pm, Morningside Library, 184-186 Morningside Road. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite or by calling the library on 0131 529 5654.
Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today 45m2 (2010) ‘a precisely observed and coherent portrait of Greece as it is now, from handbag shops to rotten boroughs’. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.
Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England, their Presence, Status and Origins. This ground-breaking publication by Onyeka challenges the deep-held beliefs of what it is to be English. Onyeka has examined 250,000 documents during 10 years of research; this is the first time that a major historical publication has focused on the status and origins of Africans in Tudor England. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
LGBT Bi and Beyond: a fortnightly social gathering for people who identify as bisexual and non-monosexual. With organised social activities and refreshments provided, whatever your label or lack of label we welcome you. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information email biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com.
Le Havre (2011): Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms), a former bohemian and struggling author, has given up his literary ambitions and relocated to the port city of Le Havre. He leads a simple life based around his wife Arletty (Kati Outinen), his favourite bar and his not too profitable profession as a shoeshiner. As Arletty suddenly becomes seriously ill, fate throws the young African refugee Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) into his path. Director Aki Kaurismaki’s masterpiece champions the downtrodden and celebrates the little things that make life worth living. ‘A glorious, colourful and deeply humane work.’ Shown in French with English subtitles. 1-2.30pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free.
Lounge Act feat. Katya Mansell, Claire Brierly and Joshua Brooke-Lawson: an all acoustic night. 8pm (doors open 7.30pm), Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free entry.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Nikki Welch’s Pocket Guide to Wine: a perfect, concise guide for anyone who loves wine and wants to find out more, arranged in an easy-to-use format in which different types of wine are shown schematically on a map like the London underground. Nikki Welch spent 10 years selling and marketing wine and is now the owner of Convivium Wine. This event will include tastings of two wines. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be collected from Blackwell’s front desk or reserved by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Morningside Justice and Peace: Alexandra Smith, Reader in Russian Studies, University of Edinburgh, speaks on Russia Today, followed by questions and discussion. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door, 420 Morningside Road. All welcome: £1 per person. For more information contact b.darcy20@gmail.com or call 0131 228 1807.
THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2014
Balkans Music Camp Fundraiser: guitarist Dan Abrahams is raising funds for this project, which offers music therapy for conflict-trauma victims and those with special needs. Loads of great party music from folk trio Caro River and The Bridges, Croatian singer Erik Balija, superfunky Foo Birds, Blues/RnB outfit The Blueswater, and a Van Morrison soul/folk/jazz mix from The Lo Birds. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door, cash only.
From Advent to Christmas: upholding the Portrait Gallery’s longstanding tradition, The Edinburgh University Singers return for their annual concert of seasonal music, introduced by John Kitchen. 1.15-1.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
Bookbug: rhymes and songs for very young children and their parents and carers. 10.30-11am, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street.
Human Capital: an absorbing treatise on how the rich can ride roughshod over ‘the little people’ when their security is threatened, and also a thrilling and gripping drama with a mystery at its centre, Human Capital is set in a town in Brianza. A hit and run accident leaves a young cyclist dying – two well-known families are involved; director Paolo Virzi draws a ruthless and cynical portrait of family members, old and young. ‘A slick, sly fusion of class critique and murder mystery.’ The film will be preceded by a screening of Edinburgh International Film Festival award-winning short film Coral Red. 6pm, Italian Cultural Institute, 82 Nicolson Street. Free but please book online here. For more information contact the Institute on 0131 668 2232.
Big Book Group Christmas Quiz: test your literary knowledge at the annual quiz for ALL book groups in Edinburgh. Teams of up to 6 people should book in the name of the Group Leader, stating how many tickets are required. 6.30-8pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Contact Annie Bell on 0131 242 8046 or email her at annie.bell@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information.
LGBT Learning Disabilities Group: Winter Wonderland. Come and enjoy the Winter Wonderland; there will be time to look at the German Christmas Market stalls and watch activities like skating and the big wheel – bring money if you want to go on a ride or buy anything. Members of Dates N Mates will also be joining the group. 2-4pm – meet at LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, to walk to Princes Street together, or meet at 2.15pm at the entrance to the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens. Booking by 1st December is essential: call 0131 652 3281 or email george@lgbthealth.org.uk. The Learning Disabilities Project provides a range of opportunities for confidence building and friendship among LGBT people who also identify as having a learning disability or difficulty. Please bring a carer or supporter with you if you need help to participate.
Edinburgh Greek Film Festival concludes today with Miss Violence (2013); an 11 year old jumps to her death with a smile on her face: what is the secret that Angeliki took with her? How can the social services understand what goes on in clean, orderly homes like hers? ‘The harshest violence is that of silence, of the unspoken’. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.
Portobello Christmas Street Fest: an evening of festive entertainment and late-night shopping with around 40 local shops taking part. Lots of one-night only special offers and festive hospitality! Santa, characters from Frozen, a fire engine, elves, carols, dance, music. Streetdance from Lothian Dance Academy at 5.30pm, Santa will arrive at about 5.45pm, lights switched on at 6pm. Children with a golden ticket will receive a gift from Santa: tickets can be purchased in advance for £5 from Favers. (This is a non-profit making gesture). Dress for the occasion – Santa hats, reindeer antlers and sparkly clothes encouraged! 5-8pm, Portobello High Street.
University of Edinburgh Ethics Forum: should the university employ prisoners? A lunchtime session examining prison labour and the university’s role in the rehabilitation of prisoners in Scotland. 1-2.30pm, Seminar Room 4, Chrystal Macmillan Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square. All welcome.
Science on a Winter’s Evening: the University of Edinburgh College of Science and Engineering presents a celebration of two distinctive research areas, with public lectures, displays, interactive activities and live music. Looking to the future, Professor Harald Haas describes the potential for Li-Fi developments to change the face of modern communication; investigating the past, Dr Steve Brusatte reveals the latest dinosaur discoveries and how his work is made possible. 6-8.30pm, Michael Swann Lecture Theatre, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, King’s Buildings EH9 3BF. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. For more information contact sciengmail@ed.ac.uk.
Polar Bears in Purgatory + Defenestrators + The Dead Sets + more: a night of punk and pop-punk. 7pm-1am, Henry’s Cellar Bar, 16a Morrison Street. £5 on the door.
Looking, Mediated: a new screening programme of moving image works by artists who utilise, address and challenge contemporary forms of visual experience. Often traversing formal boundaries, these works explore how we view and interact with imagery today, and how these interactions inform social and cultural relationships, both on and off the screen. Through forms of audio-visual production, such as green screen, 3D animation, avatars, ASMR, image galleries, self-broadcast and interpretive documentary, the potential of the screen as a site for the departure from, or surrogate to, reality is interrogated. Curated by Max Carter for LUX. 7-9pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free but booking required via eventbrite.
Chocolate: History, Facts and Myths. Ali Gower, owner of The Chocolate Tree in Bruntsfield, will give insights into the growing of cacao in South America and explain the challenges of making chocolate, from bean to bar. The Chocolate Tree are Scottish craft chocolate makers who work directly with cacao growers to encourage the growing of heirloom cacao which will sustain biodiversity and fine flavour chocolate into the future. They also aim to provide growers with the best possible deal, cutting out the middle men. 7.30-9.30pm, Lecture Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden, 20a Inverleith Row. £6/£5, no prior booking required.
Edinburgh’s Budget Challenge: find out more about budget proposals in your community. 6.30pm, Fort Community Centre, 25 North Fort Street. For more information call 0131 553 1074.
Le Paysage: entre art et nature. What is landscape? Is it the touch of nature or the work of mankind? Is it space or the representation of space? Is it something we live in or something we look at? Philosopher and sociologist Professor Jacques Leenhardt questions the social construction of the so-called landscape throughout the history of perception and thought. A talk in English. 6.30-8pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free.
Ecumenical Friends of St Cuthbert’s: Margaret McGregor – Advent Meditation. Bring your own packed lunch; tea and coffee provided. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, 5 Lothian Road. £1.50 per person: all welcome. Organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop Artist’s Talk: Finnish artist Leevi Lehtinen talks about his work and presents a screening of Finnish Collective Muu’s Performance Voyage 4 video art collection. Leevi Lehtinen is an animation filmmaker and media artist whose passion is to combine traditional animation art with other art disciplines; Muu is an artist-run interdisciplinary artist association, founded in 1987 to represent and promote new experimental forms of art. 6pm, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Bill Scott Sculpture Centre, 21 Hawthornvale, Newhaven. Call 0131 551 4490 for more information.
Simply Singing: a group singing songs from all around the world in 3 or 4 part harmony. No need to be able to read music or understand musical terminology; songs are taught by ear in the traditional way. New members welcome. 7-9pm, Swap Shop (ground floor), St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. £4 per session.
Scotland-Russia Forum: sparkling Russian/English conversation over tea and cakes. 11am today and the first Thursday of every month, Summerhall Cafe, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. No booking required, just come along – all very welcome! No charge except for any food or drinks you may wish to buy from the cafe.
FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2014
Women By The Sea: portraits by Eleanora Scalise. Launch party for this new exhibition of watercolours painted on Eleanora’s recent trip to Southern Italy. From 7.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free refreshments!
Quartermile Christmas Market: street food, local designers, makers and artists, foodie treats, inspiring gifts. 11am-6pm, Lister Square, Quartermile.
Your World War One Family History – Drop-In Session: if you have any diaries, letters, photographs or medals that you’d like to know more about, or if you are trying to discover more about your family’s history in World War One, come along to this session and get some free help from the experts. 11am-1pm, Mezzanine Area, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required via eventbrite. If these times are not suitable for you, email edwar@ed.ac.uk for an appointment.
Scottish Society of Artists Annual Exhibition: the 117th exhibition opens today. Invited artist: Graham Fagan; invited curators include Pryle Behrman, Mark Daniels and Sarah Cook, who will curate an ambitious film and digital media programme; invited graduates: Marina Burt, Morgan Cahn, Jamie Davidson, Ryan Eeson, Davy Forsyth, Sophie Hopkinson, Liga Kocane, Lola Milne, Laura Mullan and Jess Standfast. 10am-6pm from today (7pm on Thursdays), Royal Academy, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Ends 20th December 2014.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies. 10.30am, Oxgangs Library, 43 Oxgangs Road North.
Katie’s Picture Show: 25 years of bringing art alive. To coincide with his exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery, James Mayhew will talk about all areas of his work, from 25 years of Katie and bringing art to life for children, to other book illustration and beyond. Find out about his work with musicians, as an educator and as a set designer. With examples from sketch books and other, less familiar, work, he will reveal his inspiration, materials and methods, and his plans for the future. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Edinburgh Napier University Campus Tours: Napier’s Student Ambassadors will lead tours at all three campuses, giving you a chance to see the fantastic facilities. Tours will begin at 2pm and run simultaneously at Craiglockhart (Glenlockhart Road), Sighthill (Sighthill Court) and Merchiston (10 Colinton Road) campuses. Early booking is essential and can be made here. For further information contact studentrecruitement@napier.ac.uk.
Vive the (R)evolution: Poems in Translation. Madeleine Campbell will give a bilingual reading of prose and poetry by Mohammed Dib, and discuss ways in which her approach to translation is dictated by his very singular style in the broader context of Maghrebi literature of French expression. 7-8pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. £5/members £3. For more information see website.
Will We Ever Speak to Aliens? Professor Charles Cockell, University of Edinburgh, is this month’s guest speaker at The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh. 8pm, Church Centre, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge. All welcome: free.
Wildings of Winter: launch of a fantastic collection of art work by designer and illustrator Caroline Halliwell. 7pm onwards, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk. Refreshments provided!
Uniting for Peace – Scotland: Edinburgh Christian-Muslim Interfaith Event. Global Threats & Global Prospects: Faith Reflections for World Peace. Speakers: a representative from the Pakistan High Commission, Mark Lazarowicz MP, Ms A Andregeli (Pax Christie) and Rev Brian Cooper (Churches and Interfaith Secretary, Uniting for Peace). The main event will be followed by an informal gathering and refreshments. 7.15-9.15pm, Annandale Street Mosque, Annandale Street (off Leith Walk). Further information from Rev Brian Cooper on 0131 446 9545. Arranged by Uniting for Peace and Annandale Street Mosque: donations towards costs very welcome!
Illicit Ink: The Company We Keep: a sinister story of capitalism, corruption and office romance gone awry. For ages 16+. 8-9.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets £6/£4, available from the Storytelling Centre on 0131 556 9579 or online here.
It’s In The Bag Christmas Charity Spectacular! Join the award-winning It’s In The Bag for their Christmas Storytelling Spectacular! Snowflakes, jingle bells, elves, little donkey and much more to get families into the festive spirit. It’s In The Bag use songs, creative games, drama and more to bring their stories to life. For children 0-5 years and their parents and carers. 9.30-10.15am or 10.30-11.15am, Whale Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Tickets cost £5 per child, adults free, and booking is essential (25 children per session): call Whale on 0131 458 3267 to reserve your tickets – proceeds will be donated to Whale Arts Youth Projects and The Toybox, a charity for street children in Guatemala.
at source III: exhibition of works by Lorna Fraser, Fiona Hutchinson, Anna King, Tony King, Gerry McGowan, Teena Ramsay, Carol Sinclair, Robert Balfour Ward, Keiko Mukade and Mark Powell. 5.30-8.30pm tonight, 11am-5pm Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December, Patriothall Gallery, 1D Patriothall, off Hamilton Place, Stockbridge.
SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2014
Christmas Special Dugs N Pubs: dress your pooch up as a Christmas pudding, Santa or Rudolph and meet your favourite doggy friends at Sofi’s! 12 noon, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street.
Out of the Blue Christmas Arts Market and Open Studios – stalls will include furniture, jewellery, illustrations, photography, textiles, paintings, ceramics, clocks, vintage wear and mulled wine. There will also be a small Music Fair organised by local labels (Hobbes Music, Hero Records, Glint Recordings, mini50, Tabernacle and Groove Line) selling their own releases whilst their DJ Collective plays throughout the day, and an Open Studios event offering a chance to see behind the scenes and meet some of the Drill Hall based artists and makers. 11am-5pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Entry £1.
Ukrainian Craft and Food Fair: a charity event featuring Ukrainian crafters who live in Scotland. 12 noon-4pm, Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace. Entry £1 (children free), which includes a tea or coffee and a mince pie. Organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.
Edinburgh University Brass Band: a concert of music from various genres and time periods, conductor Angus Tully. 7.30pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. £5/£3, tickets available on the door. More information from eubrassband@gmail.com.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies: 2.30pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.
FACE (Fighting Against Cancer in Edinburgh) Christmas Fair: crafts, books, cakes, candy, bric a brac, tombola, raffle, Santa’s Grotto, children’s games, police motorbike, refreshments, carols and much more. 11am-3pm, Edinburgh Cancer Care Outpatients, Western General Hospital (Off Crewe Road). Free entry.
Maharaja Duleep Singh and Queen Victoria: removed from his throne in Northern India by the East India Company, Duleep was separated from his mother at the age of 10 and brought up by his Scottish guardian, Dr John Spencer Login. He was eventually ‘adopted’ by Queen Victoria and became a popular figure amongst British high society. Priya Atwal (University of Oxford) explores Duleep’s peculiarly British upbringing across mid-19th century India, England and Scotland and delves into how the queen and the doctor attempted to mould Duleep into a new kind of ideal ‘Anglo-Indian prince’ during a formative period of the British Raj. 2-3pm, Auditorium, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Booking required: free tickets can be reserved online, by calling 0300 123 6789 or in person at the Museum’s information desk.
GENERATION Tours at Modern One: free, discussion-led tours of the GENERATION 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.
The Open Orchestra Concert: Borodin, Eine Steppenskizze; Tom Cunningham, Edinburgh Suite, Mozart Haffner Symphony No.35 in D Major. Conductor: Andrew Lees. 7.30pm, Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate. The Open Orchestra is an established group of amateur musicians of all ages and abilities.
Christmas Crafternoon: a festive afternoon drop-in session at which you can make a Christmas decoration inspired by the Museum’s collections. 12 noon-4pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free. Also available at same times on Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2014.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies. 10.30am, Oxgangs Library, 43 Oxgangs Road North.
The Edinburgh Christmas Tree Festival: a festival of Christmas trees donated by local businesses. Today until 24th December, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street.
Illustrated Storytelling with James Mayhew: James Mayhew’s much-loved picture-book character Katie has been making art an adventure for children worldwide for 25 years. James’s infectious enthusiasm and fantastic events are legendary – find out why as you watch him tell amazing stories while painting upside down! Get your book signed in person – a perfect Christmas treat! For ages 5+. 2-2.30pm or 3-3.30pm, Main Gallery Floor, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. No booking required.
Portrait Gallery Thematic Tours: White as Snow. Monthly thematic tours of the Portrait Gallery’s collection: this month artist Emily Learmont traces the colour white through the art of portraiture, looking at the portrait of Mary,Queen of Scots, the history of lead white paint, and how artists painted shimmery white silk. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
Christmas Truce Concert: a concert in memory of the Christmas ‘truce’ between troops on the front in Flanders on Christmas Eve 1914. An evening of German and British carols performed by all-male vocal group Ensemble miXtur, accompanied by readings and poetry. Join the German Consulate General for this festive charity event. 6-7pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. All contributions will be donated to charity.
Ponte City: Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse – Opening Talk. South African photographer Subotzky and British artist Waterhouse discuss their collaborative project Ponte City with Anne Lyden, International Photography Curator at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The project, currently on show at the Portrait Gallery, documents the Ponte City building in Johannesburg from 2007 to 2012. 2-3pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Christmas Craft Fair: 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. 10am-12.30pm, North Edinburgh Arts Cafe, 15a Pennywell Court. For more information click here.
Edinburgh Youth Choir: the Choir performs two short concerts of your favourite Christmas songs. From traditional tunes to jazzy jingle bells, there will be something for all the family to enjoy and get involved in! 11.30am-12 noon or 1-1.30pm, Great Hall, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
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 instrument – some percussion supplied. 1-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. No need to book, just turn up! For more information contact biglgbtmusicjamedinburgh@gmail.com.
Christmas Craft Fair: hand-crafted gifts, Santa’s Grotto, carols. 1-4pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road.
Natural Partners: Forests and Education. Forests, trees and woodlands, and all aspects of wood as a material, offer fantastic opportunities for learning. Explore a number of hands-on activities, suitable for all ages. 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. Facilitated by students from Moray House School of Education and staff from Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland. Also available at same times on Sunday 7th December.
Bohemia Art, Craft and Vintage Christmas Fair: browse and buy from local artists, designers and makers. Cafe open. 11am-4pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free entry.
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, meet at John Hope Gateway reception, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. £5 per person, no advance booking required. Also available at same time on Sunday 7th December.
TF Muir: The Meating Room. Best-selling Scottish crime writer TF Muir will be signing copies of his new thriller, The Meating Room, the fifth book in his DCI Andy Gilchrist series. When Andrew Magner’s business partner is found dead in his car in Anstruther all the evidence points to suicide – why did he do it?And was Magner himself a serial rapist in his youth – or something even worse? ‘Gilchrist might just be the bloke to put St Andrew’s on the crime fiction map’ (Daily Record). 2pm, Waterstones, Ocean Terminal. For more information call 0131 554 7732.
Coburg House Open Studios: come out of the cold and explore Coburg’s four floors of working artists’ studios in the heart of Leith. Meet the creators of the work on display and pick up the perfect hand-crafted piece. Painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and more. 11am-6pm, Coburg House Art Studios, 15 Coburg Street. Also open at same times on Sunday 7th December 2014.
The Edinburgh Gallery Christmas Exhibition: opens today, then 11am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm Saturdays, The Edinburgh Gallery, 20a Dundas Street.
SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2014
Gorgie City Farm Christmas Craft Fair: festive fun and crafts. 11am-4pm, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road.
A Very Merry Swapshop: celebrate the festive season with a Lego Swapshop to close off the year! If you collect Lego minifigures of any kind, come along to the shop and trade out your doubles/extras and unwanted figures with other collectors for the ones you want. Prizes and games too! 3pm, Waterstones Cameron Toll, 6 Lady Road. Call 0131 666 1866 for more information.
Filmhouse Junior: Young Voices (PG). A selection of films made by young people who participated in the Filmhouse’s Understanding Cinema project at schools and cinemas across Scotland in 2013/14. Most of the films were made by primary school children, and demonstrate ‘wonderful imagination, skill and creativity’. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. £3.50 (all ages): book online or call the box office on 0131 228 2688.
Christmas at Lauriston: Edinburgh Living History 1910. Be transported back to the Edwardian era and celebrate Christmas with Mr and Mrs Reid, their staff, family and friends on these special costumed interpretation tours. 1pm or 3pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road. £5 per adult, £3 per child, £12.50 per family – or with refreshments £6.50/£4.50/£17. Bookings must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by phone (0131 228 1155, Monday-Saturday) or online.
Art Maker – December: 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), Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.
LGBT: Families Love? A workshop designed to give you a safe place to explore what ‘family’ means to you. How many of our beliefs, expectations, disappointments, happinesses and hurts are caused by a culture that was force-fed to us from childhood? By using creative methods, the facilitator will encourage you to work towards challenging what is positive and negative about how you relate to this word, possibly redefining what your idea of ‘family’ is. Through sharing with other members of the group, find ways to live at peace with your unique experience. Facilitators arre fully trained and experienced psychotherapists/counsellors. 10am-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking essential: for more information and to book, email Alison at alison@lgbthealth.org or call 0131 652 3283. Free.
Christmas Crafternoon: a festive afternoon drop-in session at which you can make a Christmas decoration inspired by the Museum’s collections. 12 noon-4pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free. Also available at same times on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2014.
Natural Partners: Forests and Education. Forests, trees and woodlands, and all aspects of wood as a material, offer fantastic opportunities for learning. Explore a number of hands-on activities, suitable for all ages. 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. Facilitated by students from Moray House School of Education and staff from Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland.
Advent Music and Reflection: Angels From Heaven. Music by David Willcocks, Max Reger and Will Todd, performed by the sopranos and altos of the church choir with Laura Cioffi (flute), directed by Brigitte Harris. There will also be a reflection for the season of Advent. 1.30-2pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. All welcome.
Mortonhall Crematorium Christmas Memorial Service: led by John E Jones, Civil Celebrant, with a performance by The Edinburgh Telephone Choir. All Books of Remembrance will be on display in the Pentland Chapel. Light refreshments will be provided. 3pm, Mortonhall Crematorium, Howdenhall Road.
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, meet at John Hope Gateway reception, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. £5 per person, no advance booking required.
Christmas Crib Exhibition and Afternoon Tea: come and see a variety of cribs and enjoy afternoon tea and a chat, with a short blessing service at 4.30pm. If you have any exhibits of your own cribs, whether homemade, bought, treasured over the years, strange or wonderful, please contact Rev Sophia Marriage on 0131 629 1219 or sophia.marriage@stmarksportobello.org. Cribs may be brought to the church during the week beginning 1st December. 2-4.30pm, St Mark’s Episcopal Church, Portobello High Street.
Open Mic with Matt Norris: a night of acoustic/unplugged open mic for songwriters, cover artists, poetry/spoken word and anything else you’d like to perform for an audience. From 8pm, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street.
Christian Aid Service of Thanksgiving: a chance to celebrate the work of Christian Aid partners around the world and to thank the supporters who make this possible. The service will be led by the head of Christian Aid Scotland, Kathy Galloway. All welcome: tea and coffee will be served after the service. If you are planning to attend, please email edinburgh@christian-aid.org or call 0131 220 1254 to enable the organisers to plan refreshments. 6.30-7.30pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. All welcome.
