The Gretna Disaster of 22nd May 1915: a talk on the effect on the people of Leith of the worst train crash in British rail history. One of the trains involved was carrying 500 men from the Leith Battalion, Royal Scots; over 200 died, and their bodies were brought back to the Drill Hall in Dalmeny Street. Many more were injured. 2-3pm, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free but please book by calling 0131 529 5517 or emailing leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Chatterbooks: a reading group for children aged 8-12 years. If you like books and reading, come along to meet new friends, chat about books and join in games and competitions. 3.45-4.45pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. For more information please ask at the counter, call 0131 529 5617 or email Mohammed.boussabou@edinburgh.gov.uk
Broth: an honest exploration of the experience of elders in 21st century Scotland, told by artist Donna Rutherford through the tradition of soup making. The show will explore the rituals and revelations that trace changes in people’s lives, families and wider communities through a series of personal storytelling conversations. Share a cup of soup on stage afterwards for an informal post-show discussion. Broth is an original performance commissioned by Seannachies, a research network supported by the Scottish Universities Insight Institute and led by the Institute of Design Innovation, Glasgow School of Art. 6pm (drinks reception), 7pm (performance), 8pm (post-show discussion and soup), Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5/£3 and can be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579.
Edinburgh University Singers Present ‘Classical Beauty, Baroque Effervescence and Contemporary Grace’ featuring Mozart Vespers (K339), Bach Lobet den Herrn and Claire McCue Kneeling – an exciting new piece for clarinet and choir. 7.30pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Tickets cost £10/£5 and can be purchased on the door or by calling 0131 668 2019.
Watching: a new opera for children about sleep. Ada can’t sleep – will the two apothecaries Dewberry and Frostbait have the remedy for her sleeplessness? A promenade performance through the gardens and glasshouses of the Royal Botanic Garden, performed by Music in the Community at Edinburgh College of Art and children from Leith Walk Primary School. Please note that this is event is partially outdoors: dress warmly. 7pm (entry from 6.45pm), North Gate, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Place. Tickets cost £10/£5 and must be purchased in advance only from Brown Paper Tickets here (transaction fee applies). Also at same time on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March. Funded by The Wellcome Trust.
The James Young High School Science Fair: a showcase of science projects led by P7, S1 and S2 pupils who will be presenting their findings from their own experiments made at home. Prizes will be awarded, and there will be a short presentation by the former head of the Royal Society of Chemistry during the judging process. Part of British Science Week. 6.30-8.30pm, The James Young High School, Quentin Rise, Livingston.
Botanic Cottage Update and Stories: an informal talk about the cottage as it is rebuilt stone by stone. For ages 10+. 1-1.30pm, Blue Shed, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free and unticketed.
LGBT Bi & Beyond Edinburgh: a fortnightly social gathering for people who identify as bisexual or 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.
The Gondoliers: let Portobello & Joppa Parish Church Drama Group take you away from the Scottish weather to sunny Italy with their production of the Gilbert & Sullivan favourite! 7.30pm, Church Hall, Portobello & Joppa Parish Church, 1 Brunstane Road North. Tickets cost £10/£5 and may be purchased by emailing office@portyjoppachurch.org. Also at same time on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March 2015.
