Wednesday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

Holocaust Memorial Day Edinburgh: a programme of readings and music by the pupils of Boroughmuir School, with speakers Ela Weissberger, survivor of the Terezin ghetto, Hasan Hasanovic, Bosnian survivor, and Irena Winfield, who will give testimony of her family’s experience of the 1915 Armenian genocide and later conflicts in Armenia. There will be a buffet reception for all those in attendance (donations welcome). 6.45pm, Boroughmuir High School, 26 Viewforth. To reserve your place please email  sakina@eifa.org.uk

Scotland’s Gem: the Diverse Social Circles of Jane, Duchess of Gordon: Jane Maxwell, Duchess of Gordon, was a vivacious figure among the nobility in eighteenth century Britain. Although relatively unknown now, the Scottish duchess had a broad social network which ranged from Highland labourers to British and French royalty. Art historian Heather Carroll will explore the portraits of Jane’s friends and family to assess her role as a political hostess, patron of the arts and staunch Scot. 12.45-1.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Chatterbooks: a monthly reading group for ages 8-9. Come and talk about what you’re reading and why you do – or don’t! – like it; there’ll also be a craft or game to accompany the chat. There are currently four spaces available, so if you are interested come into the library and talk to a member of staff. 3.45-4.45pm, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road.

LGBT Icebreakers. Are you new to Edinburgh? Want to meet new people? Just coming out? Icebreakers is an informal, fun and friendly social group for LGBT people and those questioning their sexuality or gender identity. For those aged 18+. 7.30-9.30pm, The Regent, 2 Montrose Terrace. Email admin@lgbthealth.org.uk for more information.

Morningside Justice and Peace Group: Martin Petty, Chairman of Harlaw Hydro Ltd, Balerno, will talk about Community Energy – Here in Edinburgh. The talk will be followed by a Q & A session 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.

Sheena McDonald in conversation with Olivia Giles. In 2001 Olivia Giles’ life was changed forever when meningitis left her a quadruple amputee; she gave up a successful legal career to focus her energy on helping people in sub-Saharan Africa. Broadcaster and journalist Sheena McDonald understands better than most the life-changing effects of illness or accident: in 1999 she suffered a life-threatening head injury when she was knocked down by a van. Join Sheena and Olivia in conversation, when they will discuss Olivia’s work in Africa and the BIG Dinner campaign.  7pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £7 and can be booked online here or by calling the box office on 0131 556 9579.

Edinburgh University Theatre Company Presents The Real Inspector Hound: an original comedy by Tom Stoppard. 7.30pm tonight and Thursday 29th January, Bedlam Theatre, 11b Bristo Place. Tickets cost £5/£4.50/£4 and are available from the theatre.

LGBT Age (50+): Lang May Yer Lum Reek. All those aged 50+ who would like to meet up with others are welcome to attend these events, which take place in Edinburgh and Glasgow. This month: an alternative to the usual Burns Night – ‘Bring your stories, your songs and your best funny turns/As we raise a toast to the Bard, Rabbie Burns!’ 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking is preferred: please contact Lynda Peachy on 0141 271 2330 or email lynda@lgbthealth.org.uk.

College of Naturopathic Medicine Winter Health Series: Recharge Your Resolution. Join CNM therapist Roisin Cooke as she provides tips on how to get back on track with your New Year resolutions, lose those Christmas pounds forever and eat well, live well and stay healthy in 2015. 6.30-8.30pm, Hendersons, 94 Hanover Street. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.

What is happening to the Russian economy? Towards the end of 2014 the Russian economy was plunged into crisis: at this event, organised jointly by the University of Edinburgh and the Scotland-Russia Forum, a panel of experts will discuss the reasons for the crisis. its likely outcome and its effects on Russia, her neighbours and the rest of the world. 6.30 (registration from 6)-7.45pm, Auditorium, University of Edinburgh Business School, 29 Buccleuch Place. All welcome: free, but registration required; book via website or contact Shona Black at events@business-school.ed.ac.uk/0131 651 5981. The event will be followed by a networking reception.

Edinburgh Gay Men’s Book Group: an inclusive group where you can meet new people and read and discuss interesting books. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Group contact: info@gaybookgroup.co.uk.

Canongate Kirk Concert: Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. 1pm, Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate. Free: retiring collection.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children. 10.30-11am, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.

Lunchtime Concert: Will Pickvance – Piano Speak. Piano requests and repartee at this popular event. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

After School Art Clubs: an opportunity for children to experiment with a range of materials and techniques to create cardboard constructions , masks, puppets, ceramic work, collages, painting and drawing. For primary and early secondary age children. 5-6.15pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 55 Newcraighall Road. For more information and to book a place, call 0131 669 8432. £1 per session. Also runs 1.30-3pm on Fridays.