Friday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
St Mary’s Cathedral Tours: free tours of Scotland’s largest cathedral, a renowned masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. 2.15pm, St Mary’s Cathedral (meet inside West Door), Palmerston Place. Free.
Edinburgh Book Fringe: daily events – all of them free (donations appreciated) – for two weeks at Word Power Books, Edinburgh’s independent radical bookshop. In today’s closing session, Janice Galloway reads from Jellyfish: A Short Book of Short Stories and discusses her work. ‘Stories that walk with steady, nerve-cracking skill down a nightmare edge. A virtuoso work’. (New Statesman). 1pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. All welcome! No booking required, but arrive promptly as space is limited.
The Big West Fest: Whale-Pod – an introduction. A drop-in session for anyone who feels that they could do more with their creative skills; David Henderson of WHALE Arts will talk about the Whale-Pod, a space in the WHALE Arts Centre for anyone from the community with an interest in arts, crafts and design to come to to think about the possible development of their skills. Local crafter Margaret Stewart, who makes and sells her own jewellery and cards, will also be available to chat. 12 noon-1pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Tea & biscuits provided! This event is part of The Big West Fest, WHALE’s on-site festival offering a programme of free performances and activities from today until Saturday 29th August for anyone over the age of 16.
The Macular Society: Sarah Kilbey will talk about her work with deafened and hard of hearing people. Sarah, who has had hearing loss since her teens and is now profoundly deaf, is a non-stipendiary priest at St John’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh. She spent 25 years initiating and developing a lipreading service for Lothian Region, for which she was awarded an MBE. 10.30am, Church Hall, London Road Church, corner of London Road and Easter Road. All very welcome; feel free to bring a friend. The Macular Society was formed to help those with macular degeneration to understand their situation and find resources of help and support; through the society, people can receive information about research, discover their capabilities and discuss problems and solutions with others who have macular problems. The main Edinburgh branch meets on the last Friday of every month except December, and there are also local support groups meeting regularly in Morningside, Stockbridge and Portobello. For more information contact the group leader on 0131 449 7716 or deputy leader on 0131 667 3598. Further information may also be found on the Macular Society’s website here.
The History of Whisky with Cadenheads: Mark Davidson, Jolly Toper, whisky tasting host of over 10 years and manager of Cadenheads Whisky Shop, Canongate, will explore a short history of whisky production and blending in Edinburgh. You will also be invited to sample five different types of whisky; a blend, a single grain, a malt, a whisky influenced by sherry cask maturation, and finally a peaty dram. For over 18s only. 7pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate. Tickets cost £10 each and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here.
In Focus: Jacopo Tintoretto and Workshop, A Bishop Saint, and St Lawrence Interceding with the Virgin and Child on Behalf of a Group of Girls and Boys, 1570s-80s. Deputy Director of the Scottish National Gallery Tricia Allerston explores this rarely hung painting, about which little is known; it is possible that the girls in it are orphans, and this suggestion will be explored with reference to the many charitable institutions in Venice in the 16th century. 12.45-1.30pm, Ground Level, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
St Mary’s Cathedral Coffee Concert: John Bryden plays Dvorak on the Cathedral Steinway. The recital will be followed by coffee and shortbread. 10.30am, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free.
Royal Edinburgh Hospital Summer Fete. Stalls, games, tombola and much more! 11am-2pm, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Terrace.
The Greg Proops Film Club: a new podcast covering old and new movies. Comedian Greg Proops invites listeners to sit down and watch some of his favourite films with him. At these screenings, Greg will record 30 minute live introductions, which will be recorded for the podcast; after the film join him in the foyer, where he will be signing copies of his new publication, Smartest Book in the World. Today’s film is Young Frankenstein (PG) starring Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman and Madeline Kahn. 8.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 6382 or online: prices vary.
St Mary’s Cathedral Lunchtime Recital: City of Edinburgh Music School. 1.10pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free.
Guid Crack: A Canuck in Scotland. Canadian storyteller Michael Williams shares stories that link Canada and Scotland, gathered during his thirty years of living in his adopted home. Come and celebrate your own stories of home and adopted homes at Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling night. Accompanied young adults welcome. 7.30pm, The Waverley Bar, St Mary’s Street. Entry by suggested donation of £3.
Planet Earth Rock and Roll: ‘with at least one kaftan’… 9pm, The Skylark, 241-243 Portobello High Street.