Mrs Mash: a new weekly session with songs and stories for young children. 10.30-11am today and every Tuesday, Filmhouse, Lothian Road.
Lego Swap Shop: an event mainly for trading extra or double mini-figures, but come and see what else might be on offer! Lots of activities too, plus competitions. 3pm, Waterstones, Cameron Toll Centre, 6 Lady Road.
Edinburgh Book Fringe: daily events – all of them free (donations appreciated) – for two weeks at Word Power Books, Edinburgh’s independent radical bookshop. Today: acclaimed authors Nora Chassler, Kirsty Logan and Regi Claire read from their work. 1pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. All welcome! No booking required, but arrive promptly as space is limited.
St Mary’s Cathedral Lunchtime Recital: Taylor MacLennan (flute) and Sarah Park (piano). 1.10pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free.
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. 10am today and every Tuesday in August, St Mary’s Cathedral (meet inside West Door), Palmerston Place. Free. Also at 2.15pm each Friday in August.
RBGE Adult Education Evening: the Botanics run weekly classes and weekend workshops in many subjects, from botany and horticulture to herbology, garden history, art and wellbeing. Come along tonight to meet the tutors and find out about the latest range of courses – everything from one day courses to professional qualifications. Refreshments provided. 6-8pm, Conference Room, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20a Inverleith Row. Free, all welcome, no booking required.
The Big West Fest: Stitch ‘N Time Exhibition and WHALE Mural Launch. WHALE’S resident textiles group previews its new exhibition Stitching Through Time; participants’ stories accompany interactive displays of crafting and sewing techniques. The brand new WHALE mural will be unveiled, and there will be a screening of a new film, A Walk Around Wester Hailes. 6pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. These events are 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 Man Who Would Be King (U): John Huston’s classic adventure film screened to celebrate the 85th birthday of its star, and one of Edinburgh’s most famous sons, Sean Connery. In this adaptation of a story by Rudyard Kipling, two British soldiers-of-fortune seek their wealth in a remote region of Afghanistan. Co-starring Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer and Saeed Jaffrey. 2.30pm and 8.20pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 6382 or online: prices vary.
Edinburgh Art Festival – Spotlight Tours of Scottish Art: People, Places, Ideas. Guided tours of the City Art Centre’s Scottish Art collection, focusing on people, places and ideas. 11am or 3pm, (meet at reception) City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. No booking required, free – suggested donation £2. Also at same times on Thursday 27th August and Saturday 29th August 2015.
Edinburgh Festival Voluntary Guides Association: My Edinburgh. Hamish Coghill offers a personal odyssey of Auld Reekie, its beauty, its history, its characters, its literature, its nooks, its crannies – and its lifetime attraction. 7pm for 7.30pm, City Chambers, 253 High Street. Free; all welcome.
Chamber Music: String Quintet. Senior players from St Mary’s Music School perform Schubert’s sublime String Quintet and a new work by Tom David Wilson. 8.30pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Tickets cost £5 (children admitted free).
Cameo Silver Screen: if you are 60+ join the Silver Screen Club and enjoy weekly screenings for just £5 per person, which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Membership is free: ask at the Box Office. Today’s films are The Wolfpack (15) at 2.10pm and 3.55pm, Mistress America (15) at 4.20pm, Trainwreck (15) at 3.45pm and The Gift (15) at 1.20pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online; non-members are welcome to attend these screenings but will be charged the normal ticket prices.
