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Zoo Sleep Out 

Charlie MacLean whisky expert

The Dream of Shahrazad at The Filmhouse

Millie Gray 

Tickets available for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra tonight at the Queen’s Hall 

We told you about the Zoo Sleep Out that The Edinburgh Reporter took part in at the end of September and now it seems that it was all worth it as the funds raised have exceeded all estimates.

Edinburgh’s Lord and Lady Provost have transferred £28,127 of fundraising to local homeless charities following overwhelming support for their charitable Sleep Out at Edinburgh Zoo.

They were joined by 126 local fundraisers in late September as they braved a cold night at the Zoo where they slept rough for a night. The donations, which are being split between the Rock Trust and Four Square, were transferred today as the charities were presented with certificates from the Lady Provost Elaine Brand.

Kate Polson, Chief Executive of the Rock Trust and Jamie McGulloch, who has been housed thanks to the support of Four Square, picked up the certificates on behalf of the organisations.

Kate Polson, Chief Executive of the Rock Trust: “We hope that the people who slept out understand that because of the amazing amount of money raised, some of our young people won’t have to go through other nights like that. The Sleep Out participants have contributed to the provision of vital services which will help young people to overcome homelessness and build better futures. We are overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of all of those involved.”

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Scotland’s whisky expert Charles MacLean returns to Valvona & Crolla on Saturday 21st November, 1-3pm at Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row Edinburgh EH7 4AA

Charles will be signing copies of his newly updated bestseller Whiskypedia, as well as giving advice on the best whisky to be drinking right now, with the chance to taste some of Valvona & Crolla’s superb range of malt whiskies.

Charles MacLean is widely regarded as the world expert on Scotch whisky, having researched it for the past 30 years and written numerous bestselling books on the subject.  His latest Whiskypedia is the Bible to understanding malt whisky.

Tonight, for one night only, the Filmhouse is showing The Dream of Shahrazad, a unique music-led film looking at recent political events in Egypt and Turkey through the lens of the famous story collection known as One Thousand and One Nights.

At once observational documentary, concert film and political essay, the film (winner of Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival) uses the metaphor of Shahrazad (the princess who saves lives by telling stories) to explore how creativity and political articulation coincide in response to oppression.

Elretha Britz of Die Volksblad called itA phenomenal interweaving of fantasy [with documentary reality]… a film which leaves you gasping for breath.’ The Dream of Shahrazad will be followed by a short, Tripoli Stories: Land of Men, The Sandwich Maker, The Mosque (15). 

These screenings have been sponsored by the Peacebuilding through the Media Arts Project, which explores the potential of the creative arts for contributing to processes of peacebuilding and conflict transformation; the project is run by the Centre for Theology and Public Issues (CTPI) at the University of Edinburgh. A discussion on art and activism during the Arab uprisings will take place after the films. 5.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or online.

Meet Millie Gray: join bestselling local author Millie Gray this evening for the launch of her latest novel Silver Linings, set in World War II Leith. Millie was born in Leith and is a writer and professional storyteller; her previous books include When Sorry Is Not Enough and Eighteen Coupar Street. Silver Linings gives an insight into the part played in the war by local shipyards Robb’s, whilst following the ups and downs of the Anderson family as they struggle to survive. 6-7.30pm, Waterstones Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

Tonight the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will play the UK premiere of The Maiden in the Tower: Orchestral Suite by Sibelius with a pre-concert talk.

Tickets and further details here.

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.