A police investigation is underway after the body of a 23-year-old man was found in Grassmarket area.
Emergency services were called to George IV Bridge at about 14:45 on Sunday after reports that a man had fallen from a bridge.
The man’s body was found below the bridge in Merchant Street.
It is thought the death is being treated as unexplained at this stage and officers are attempting to establish the circumstances involved.
A teenager has today been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Dylan Jenkin pleaded guilty to causing the death of theatre nurse Jill Pirrie after he lost control of his car on Old Dalkeith Road on Thursday 12th May.
Jill Pirrie (33) was on her way home from work when she was fatally injured in the collision.
The Ford Ka driven by eighteen-year-old Dylan Jenkin was being followed by police after he failed to stop when officers signalled him to do so.
Chief Superintendent Kenny Macdonald, Edinburgh Divisional Commander said: “Dylan Jenkin was convicted following a robust investigation by the inquiry team and demonstrates our determination to bring those responsible for offences to justice.
“The tragic consequences of Dylan Jenkin’s reckless behaviour cannot be reversed but I sincerely hope this conviction will give Jill Pirrie’s family some sense of justice having been carried out.
“We have reported the circumstances that preceded this collision to the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service and in turn they have instructed the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner to carry out an independent investigation, as is standard practice in incidents such as these.
“PIRC are instructed to investigate deaths following police contact or involvement, and we are cooperating fully with their inquiry.”
Artist and patron to receive honorary degree
Professor Richard Demarco CBE, British artist and patron of European visual and performing arts, will receive an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University.
Born in Edinburgh in 1930, Richard has been a major figure in the promotion of European arts for more than 60 years, through the Edinburgh International Festival which he has attended every year since its inception in 1947. Our photograph shows him receiving the Edinburgh Award in 2014.
Richard will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts at 11am on Wednesday 27 July 2016.
In 1963, Richard co-founded the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh before establishing the Richard Demarco Gallery three years later. For many years, the Gallery promoted cross-cultural links, both in terms of presenting European artists within Scotland and in establishing outgoing connections for British artists across Europe. In the early 1990s, Richard transformed the Gallery into the Demarco European Art Foundation to emphasise the educational nature of his work as Kingston University Professor of European Cultural Studies in the Nineties.
Richard has been a keen promoter of Anglo-cultural links with Eastern Europe throughout his career, introducing the work of many European visual and performing artists to the UK through the Demarco Gallery. During the Cold War, he crossed the Iron Curtain over sixty times.
As a result of his seventy years of work, Richard has amassed unique material: including artworks, photographs, as well as audio and moving image material, correspondence, posters, and programmes in the form of a multi-lingual library. This is now on display at the Summerhall performance venue in Edinburgh. However, part of the Demarco Archive is in the collection of The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art which was acquired in 1995. The Demarco Archive, as it is now known, has become a unique academic resource for scholars all over the world studying European arts, curatorship, developments in cultural policy, and the history of the Edinburgh Festival.
Over his years of involvement in the Edinburgh International Festival, Richard has put on a wide variety of challenging theatre productions, art exhibitions and other cultural events. In 1972, he transformed The Demarco Gallery into a British version of The Bauhaus and Black Mountain College, in collaboration with Edinburgh University. Many of the artists, actors, directors, musicians, and filmmakers who first appeared outside their home countries at his Edinburgh festival venues, including George Melly, Arthur Oldham, Richard Buckle, Sophie Thomson, Miriam Margolyes, Sir Richard Eyre, Richard Johnson, Jim Sheridan, Bill Forsyth, Rachel Weiss, David Farr, Stuart Hopps and Yvette Bozsik, subsequently became world-renowned.
For the 2016 Edinburgh Festival exhibition, The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is presenting, in collaboration with the Demarco European Art Foundation, an exhibition entitled ‘Richard Demarco and Joseph Beuys: A Unique Partnership’.
As an artist, Richard is represented in over 2,500 art collections, both public and private, including the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The British Government Collection, the National Gallery of Lithuania and many municipal and university collections.
Richard’s contributions to all the aspects of the arts have been recognised, not only by the British Government with both an OBE and a CBE, but also other honours of a similar kind from Poland, Romania, Germany, Italy, France and the United States. In 2013, the European Parliament gave Richard their medal citing him as European Citizen of the Year 2013. He received this from Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament. This medal was awarded for his efforts in helping to bring down the Iron Curtain through the language of all the arts. He is an artist expressing himself in watercolour, mural painting and print-making. In 2010, The Royal Scottish Academy presented an exhibition, honouring his 80th birthday. It was entitled ‘A Life in Pictures’; alongside this exhibition, there was another entitled ‘Ten Dialogues: Richard Demarco – Scotland and the European Avant-Garde’. This exhibition celebrated his fruitful collaborations with major artists – Joseph Beuys, Paul Neagu, Tadeusz Kantor, Guther Uecker, Marina Abramovic, Alistair McLennan, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Rory McEwen and Ainslie Yule.
Last year, he was honoured by an exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow by an exhibition entitled ‘Beuys, Kantor, Demarco’ and this year during the Edinburgh Festival, The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art are presenting the exhibition entitled ‘Richard Demarco and Joseph Beuys: A Unique Partnership’.
Leeds Beckett University Chancellor, Sir Bob Murray CBE, said: “Richard has long been a supporter of Performing Arts here at Leeds Beckett and was integral in establishing our performing arts teaching provision.
“He commissioned our University’s first performance at the Edinburgh Festival, and our work with the Demarco European Art Foundation has resulted in many student and staff projects being performed at the Festival over the years. Richard’s European connections have encouraged the international developments in Performing Arts at Leeds Beckett and his archive is a crucial research resource for our students and staff; we now have a PhD student working with the archive and several other projects in development.”
Norwich band Young States will be playing Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s, which is their first ever show in Scotland on 29 July 2016.
Young States released their debut EP ‘Down To You’ in 2015. Young States are a young band, aiming high. Rather than taking their cues from the flavour-of-the-week trends, the overproduced sounds of the ’00s, or the race-to-the-bottom intentional lo-fi pretenders, Young States play the sort of rock reminiscent of the genre’s halcyon days. You know, when rock and roll was simply rock and roll.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrVXq_L02-E?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]
Formed at the end of 2014, the band met at Access To Music in Norwich. Libby was on a sound engineering course, the others on a music performance course. Amy got Young States together as she was bored of seeing male band after male band, and wanted to form an all female group. She approached the others in the corridors of college after seeing them carrying their instruments.
With a love of Brand New, Arcane Roots and Mallory Knox, Young States quickly wrote and recorded their debut EP ‘Down to You’. Young States first single ‘No More’ received TV play from Scuzz TV, as well as support from Amazing Radio and BBC Norfolk Introducing.
Support on the night comes from Dunfermline rockers Concrete Kingdoms and local singer-songwriter Robyn Herdman.
Tickets for the show are available to buy from Tickets Scotland.
Chris Forbes asked people to describe him in one word. This show is the result.
Have you ever wondered what people really think of you? Of course you have. People worry about it at the time, especially the ones who pretend they don’t. Through the medium of social networks, Chris asked his friends, family and acquaintances how they would honestly describe him in one word.
TALL. NEEDY. MUTANT. These were just three of the answers provided. There were many more.
Join Chris as he explores their meaning.
Chris Forbes is a two-time Scottish Comedy Award winner and star of BBC’s Scot Squad who makes his solo stand-up debut with this show. He has previously enjoyed success with the critically acclaimed sketch trio, How Do I Get Up There? The group went on to write and star in their own TV show for BBC Scotland.
Chris is also the creator of the much praised stand-up comedy character Damien Crow with whom he gained a full pilot script commission from the BBC.
Submitted by Sophie Gardner
Hibs recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Premiership side Motherwell in a challenge match at Easter Road Stadium yesterday with the goals coming from Jason Cummings, Grant Holt, John McGinn and James Keatings after Marvin Johnson had given ‘Well a second minute lead.
Following a draw with Berwick Rangers and a victory over Edinburgh City, this match was ideal preparation for Neil Lennon’s men ahead of their European tie against Brondby on Thursday.
Motherwell opened the scoring in the second minute when Johnson’s free kick struck the underside of the crossbar and flew into the net.
Hibs replied immediately when Cummings scored from close range after good work from striking partner Holt.
It was roles reversed in the 17th minute when Cummings cut the ball back to Holt who calmly knocked the ball into the net for his first goal for the club.
Hibs then added a third when John McGinn headed home a superb cross from Lewis Stevenson then could have made it 4-1 after Martin Boyle set up Fraser Fyvie but the midfielder missed the target from 12 yards.
Motherwell goalkeeper Craig Samson produced two excellent saves in quick succession to deny Cummings and then Boyle as Hibs looked to increase their lead.
Hibs eventually did this in the 66th minute when Dylan McGeouch won possession in midfield before finding Sam Stanton. The youngster passed the ball to Keatings who fired the ball into the net off the far post.
The Easter Road side continued to press forward and Samson produced a superb save from Stevenson then denied Keatings and Boyle from close range.
Hibs: Trialist (Virtanen 62’), Gray, Stevenson, Hanlon (Fontaine 46’), McGregor (Crane 80’), Bartley (McGeouch 46’), McGinn (Carmichael 74’), Fyvie (Stanton 51’), Holt (Handling 77’), Cummings (Keatings 62’), Boyle (Martin 80’). Substitute not used: Dunsmore.
Motherwell: Samson, Tait, Hammell, Heneghan, Cadden (Lucas 80’), McManus, McDonald (Thomas 80’), McHugh, Blythe (Ainsworth 51’), Johnson (Campbell 62’), Lasley (Moore 80’). Substitutes not used: Brill, McMillan, Chalmers, Kennedy, Maclean.
Referee: Kevin Clancy.
Police have arrested a 33-year-old man following an assault in Great Junction Street last Thursday.
The incident took place around 3.45pm at a bus stop near the Ladbrokes, and the 18-year-old victim was uninjured.
Officers believe that this assault is connected to a hate crime that had recently taken place in the area.
PC Christopher Paul of Leith said: “A man, believed to be boarding a number 22 Lothian Bus, was subject to racial abuse shortly before the assault and I’d urge him to come forward.
“This type of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and we’re also asking any witnesses, or anyone with information which can help, to get in touch.
“There was about three adults in the area of the bus stop at the time of these incidents who we’re particularly eager to speak to.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
What looks like an amazing opening event of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival takes place on 7 August and tickets go on sale today at 10am.
“Blending trailblazing technology, narrative drama and emotional storytelling, the Standard Life Opening Event: Deep Time embraces the work of academics from across science, arts and humanities, celebrating the wonders and beauties of the natural, the geological and the man-made, exploring the very foundations of Edinburgh itself.”
A second limited release will be available on Monday 1 August, with a further very limited release on Saturday 6 August – the day before the event.
The Standard Life Opening Event: Deep Time is a free, outdoor artwork which will see the western façade of Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock used as the 20,000m2 canvas for digitally animated projections inspired by the city’s past. The work is created by 59 Productions and set to a specially compiled soundtrack by Scottish rock band Mogwai, with an audience of up to 27,000 watching from the event arena.
The event is one of the largest architectural mapping projects ever undertaken by International Festival Artistic Associates, 59 Productions. The Tony award-winners created the acclaimed Harmonium Project which opened the 2015 International Festival, and were key to the 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremony, and world-wide hit stage play, War Horse.
Free tickets will be required for the event arena. Full details of how you can book tickets are available here.
The Scottish Government will reform planning to help deliver more homes and speed up the planning process, Housing and Planning Minister Kevin Stewart has announced.
Building on the momentum that gathered during the work of the independent planning review panel, the Scottish Government has identified 10 immediate actions including:
The Scottish Government says it will work with local authorities, developers and community groups to develop more detailed proposals for reform, which will be fully consulted on later this year. This will pave the way for a new Planning Bill to be brought forward to the Scottish Parliament in 2017. The programme of work will deliver more community engagement to ensure that more people can get actively involved in shaping the future of the places where they live and new and better tools to assist housing delivery.
Mr Stewart said:
“Planning affects everyone’s lives, from ensuring that we have enough of the right types of homes in the right locations, to driving forward regeneration and supporting business development which provides jobs.
“It is clear from the recommendations of the independent panel, and the feedback from local authorities, developers and communities, that our planning system can do more for Scotland.
“I firmly believe that Scotland’s planners can lead the delivery of great places, empower communities and provide a stable environment for investment through the uncertain times we live in.
“I welcome the positive report produced by the panel and am impressed that public and private interests in planning are willing to work together and with government to make changes happen. We must now work together to ensure our planning system is best placed to support economic growth and house-building, whilst protecting and enhancing the quality of life of all our communities.
“We will now develop proposals for further reform of the planning system over the coming months and will bring forward consultation proposals by the end of the year. The review’s proposed outcomes – including strong and flexible development plans, more high quality homes and collaboration rather than conflict – are all aims we share.”
Our newspaper (all 5,000 copies of it) is now available. If you would like some copies delivered to your business then please get in touch. editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk
Just spotted a lively concert in the city centre! @The_SCOTSpic.twitter.com/MGve4KXuf6
— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) July 10, 2016
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Standard Life Opening Event: Deep Time explores ‘deep time’ – a geological concept which explains the age of the Earth in terms of billions of years. Charting 350 million years of Edinburgh’s history, the event uncovers the unique geology of the city’s landscape, starting with its volcanic beginnings. It explores the intellectual legacy of the city – in particular the work of Edinburgh scientist James Hutton, who pioneered the theory of ‘deep time’ – and celebrates the cultural and scientific thinkers who have made Edinburgh their home through the ages, as well as the Edinburgh community which has lived and worked in the city in recent times. 59 Productions will use cutting-edge 3d animation and projection techniques to create the event, working in partnership with University of Edinburgh academics, who have lent their expertise to help tell the complex geological story.
In order to create this moment, the International Festival and 59 Productions are asking the public for their help. Organisers are looking for hundreds of photographs of people who have called Edinburgh home – both those who live or have lived in the city. The photographs will help form the finale of this spectacular art work.
Photographs should be of individuals with their faces clear in the picture, and can be submitted via the International Festival’s website at eif.co.uk/deeptime by Monday 25 July. Further information on how and what kind of images to submit is available on the website.
Leo Warner, Creative Director of 59 Productions and director of Deep Time, said: ‘We were inspired to create this epic story by Edinburgh resident James Hutton and his pioneering geological work, which impacts so much on how we view the world now. As part of that story, we want to celebrate the people who make the city what it is today. We ask those who live here, or have moved away, to share with us photos of themselves or of family who have lived here. These images will make up the grand finale of the event and bring the story of Edinburgh over 350 million years bang up to date. Please share your photos and be a part of something truly epic.’
Fergus Linehan, Edinburgh International Festival Director, said: ‘I’m so excited by the prospect of the Standard Life Opening Event: Deep Time and this amazing artwork through which we’re celebrating our home city’s impact on the world stage throughout history and today. Working with Standard Life, 59 Productions, the University of Edinburgh, EventScotland, Edinburgh Castle and Blue-i Theatre Technology & mclcreate, we invite Edinburgh residents and visitors to experience the event with us and book their free arena tickets. This year, and in the future, the Standard Life Opening Event will declare to the world in spectacular style that the International Festival, and Edinburgh’s summer festival season, is truly open.’
Keith Skeoch, Chief Executive, Standard Life, said: ‘We’re counting down the days to this unique event which will give the people of Edinburgh, including our employees, the opportunity to be part of an incredible work of art. As a global business founded in Edinburgh almost 200 years ago, we’re proud of our heritage and to be part of this city and its wider community. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the pioneering spirit of the people of Edinburgh, past and present, being brought to life at the Standard Life Opening Event for this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.’
Next week at Southside Community Centre there is sure to be a brawl.
The World Wide Wrestling League are putting on live American style wrestling there on 16 July 2016. Doors: 2.30PM, Bell: 3PM.
Tickets: General Admission £13, Concession £11, Family of Four £37 – Available @ www.W3Lwrestling.com and Ripping Records (South Bridge).
Southside Community Centre is set to host the stars of the World Wide Wrestling League (W3L) as wrestlers from around the world bring action packed wrestling matches featuring the very best in wrestling to town!
The promoters will be taping matches for their weekly internet show “Wrestling Showdown” which is downloaded by wrestling fans through W3LNetwork.com across the world weekly.
In action at the event will be top stars such as former W3L Heavyweight Champions Nathan Reynolds and Mike Musso. Musso will take on Dickie Divers, whilst Reynolds will do battle with Darkside – both members of the controvercial “Contingency Plan” – a group of wrestlers that have risen through the W3L ranks through rule breaking tactics.
The event will also include a Women’s Championship match as Edinburgh’s Carmel Jacob challenges current Champion Belfast’s Kasey Owens.
The afternoon promises Bodyslamming action not to be missed!
Edinburgh architect Malcolm Fraser who retired from practice in 2015 describes the private finance model as ‘financial pestilence” and claims that it actively promotes “architectural shoddiness”. Writing in a pamphlet entitled “Shoddy Schools and Fancy Finance : the Mis-Selling of PFI produced by independent charity the Saltire Society he has launched an attack on the use of PFI schemes to fund public buildings.
In the aftermath of the Edinburgh schools closures earlier this year, the pamphlet has been published as part of a programme of events to mark the Saltire Society’s 80th anniversary year. The launch coincides with 2016 being the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in Scotland.
Edinburgh cyclist Andrew Dickson continues to make new friends in Canada and he has finally encountered a moose and a ‘bear.’
The former Lothian and Borders Police officer is cycling, unsupported across Canada to raise money for the Craig Gowans Memorial Fund, FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh) and the Friends of the Sick Kids Foundation.
To donate to these worthy causes click here.
This is Andrew’s story in his own words:
“Think it’s fair to say Western Ontario is undulating compared to the Prairies. Lots of beautiful lakes, both open and secluded and surrounded by forest. Some of the roadside verges are a riot of colour with the wild flowers. I can’t understand why some folk say there’s nothing too see out here.
“Met Don & Eileen Macdonald in the lovely park by the lake in Vermillion Bay. They offered me coffee with water boiled in a Kelly kettle which I helped stoke. Now that’s how coffee/tea should be made. Picked up supplies in Dryden before camping in a lake side picnic area to east of Dinorwic.
“Have met several touring cyclists over the last few days. French speaking guy from Quebec Provence, Zak from Niagara Falls, Brian from NZ, Al (photo) from Niagara Falls, Evan from Ontario, Rieteke from Montreal (photo of Evan & Rieteke) and Sheri (photo) from BC. Five were cycling west against the generally accepted prevailing wind direction. 71 year young Rieteke, tours in Canada and Australia on her Raleigh/Falcon purchased In London in 1986.
“On Wednesday I was luckily in Ignace tourist office with Rieteke and Evan when a lightning storm struck. One bolt struck a mobile unit in the local RV park and knocked out the town’s power supply. Big thank you to Chantelle for the magically providing the big box of chicken wings, legs and sauces for dinner. The three of us were delighted.
“Thursday was a bit special. Started off ordinary from Ignace in the rain. Then 20 miles out of town I saw my first ever pair of real, live, wild wolves. Both crossed the highway just ahead of me. One hung about for a few minutes but ran off when I stopped to take out the camera. I know it just looks like a photo of a road sign but there’s a pair of eyes looking out from that undergrowth.
“Camped at the historic Savanne Portage site which is also the spot on Hwy 17 where ‘Central’ time (6pm) changes to ‘Eastern’ time (7pm). It was a pest constantly changing my watch as I went back and forth from the picnic bench (Central) to my tent (Eastern). Should have pitched next to the bench and saved myself lots of hassle. This location is just at the bottom of the red line in the orange area (Ontario).
“The two plaques about Sir Sandford Fleming (born Kirkcaldy, 1827) who first proposed the system of world time zones, are worth reading.
“Friday was a public holiday for Canada Day but the Wildwoode Variety cafe/shop/service station on Hwy 102 to Thunder Bay was open. This is another great rural family run café, serving really nice, wholesome food and great coffee. New owners Jenna & Tyler and kids Maddison & Phoebe who were very welcoming, hope to keep this community asset viable. “Good luck guys”.
“Couldn’t cycle on the Freeway out of Thunder Bay but the parallel service road (probably the original highway) was excellent and gave the first view of Lake Superior. Camped in the grounds of Shuniah Fire & Emergency Services Station and sat by the banks of Lake Superior in the evening.
“On Saturday received a donation from Lisa & Doug Fertile, their kids Shayne, Mason & Autumn and Ruby the lab. “Thank you folks. The charities involved are very grateful”.
“At Nipigon I said farewell to Rieteke who was using Hwy 11 on her route home to Montreal, being relatively flat and with a tailwind,
“Monday ended up being a 100 mile day. My third so far on this trip.
“Called in at White River which lays claim to being at the origins of the Winnie the Pooh stories. A military officer bought a little orphaned bear cub in the town and called it Winnie after his home town of Winnipeg. He later donated the little creature to London Zoo where it became a very popular attraction. The author AA Milne apparently visited the zoo several times and realised the potential for a book. Also had my first sighting of the flag of Nova Scotia in White River. Looks familiar.
“Camped at the Depew River rest/picnic area. While I really want to see a beaver close up at some point on this trip, I was thankful one didn’t appear in the night and continue gnawing on this tree!!!!!
“Reached Wawa at noon on Tuesday and had a rest day Wednesday staying with Colleen and Sasha. The introduction had been made by my friends Mary & Frank from Selkirk. To Colleen, “Thanks for the invitation, the great meals and all the rest you did for me over the 2 days. It was lovely and I really enjoyed my stay. Take care”.
“Picked up Hwy 101 out of Wawa on Thursday and managed to reach Chapleau by evening and camped in town by the river.
“Think it’s fair to say Friday was a wet day. Started heavily at 8am and went on until about 3pm. Still, there was no wind and it was warm, so things were OK. Was dry by the time I got to Opishing River rest/picnic area on Hwy 101 where I camped. The real down side about the rain meant it was perfect mosquito conditions, so I was forced to cover every centimetre of skin. Waterproof leggings, jacket, buff, hat, trousers tucked into socks, head net and latex gloves. That sure makes me sweat though.
“Saturday morning started like Friday evening. Fully clothed for the mosquitoes. Thankfully it all comes off when I’m cycling. Was heading towards Timmins when I had my first ever, real, live, wild moose moment. I know it looks pretty far away but it is a moose. Think it’s a female. So that’s another ‘must see’ ticked.”
Police are “increasingly concerned” for the welfare of a West Lothian woman Lauren Johnson (28) who has been missing since Wednesday.
She was last seen in Main Street, Broxburn and is thought to have travelled to Glasgow.
She has connections to the Paisley area of Renfrewshire.
Ms Johnson is around 5ft tall with a fair complexion and shoulder-length blonde hair and has a Prince tattoo on her left arm and a design of a black phoenix on her right arm.
It is thought she could be wearing a black bomber jacket with pink sleeves.
Police are urging anyone with any information to come forward.
“Similarly if Lauren herself sees this appeal, we would ask her to contact us or her family and let us know that she’s safe and well.”
If you have seen Ms Johnson or have any information regarding her whereabouts, you can call Police Scotland on 101.
Former policeman-turned-Radio Forth DJ Grant Stott debuts his dazzling solo show following his appearances in the sold out Fringe First-winning ”Kiss Me Honey, Honey” and ”Willie and Sebastian”.
You might have also seen Grant as a regular King’s Theatre Edinburgh panto villain…(oh yes you have!)
Directed by Andy Gray, Grant will be sharing some of the funny, strange, awkward and bizarre moments that have happened to him on and off air in the past 26 years.
What was Daft Davie trying to say to his Mum on the radio? How did a well-known Rangers player’s name make Grant say the worst possible swear word live on air? And how did that song about Fife come about?
Join Grant to find out!
Tickets here.
Submitted by Sophie Gardner
The summer is now really here, all the Edinburgh festivals are just about to start with the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival this week and the Olympics round the corner. You will need lots of energy to get through a summer in Edinburgh and Edinburgh Leisure believe they have the answer to keep up your energy levels and enjoy your fittest summer ever.
Edinburgh Leisure has launched its ‘Summer Pass’, so that during this summer of sport, everyone can keep active and healthy throughout the heady days of the summer.
The ‘Summer Pass’ offers unlimited access to the city’s 14 gyms, 9 swimming pools, over 700 Fitness Classes, saunas, steam rooms, Turkish Baths and climbing at the EICA until 31 August for £59 only, plus 25% off lots of other activities including golf and racquet sports.
A ‘Junior Summer Pass’ costs £39 for Under 18’s and juniors get access to racquet sports and golf for this price, on a turn up and play basis before 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Booking in advance is not possible. The Junior Pass will expire on 21 August 2016.
Catherine Wilson, Marketing Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Anyone lucky enough to be in Edinburgh for the festival knows it is always a fantastic atmosphere, and it takes energy to take in so many shows and party into the small hours.
“And during the year of the Rio Olympics, we’re inviting festival-goers and workers, visitors to the city and juniors to be inspired and keep their energy levels high by keeping fit and active throughout the summer.
“Classes like Zumba or Sh’bam are brilliant fun and a great way to get you in the mood to party, while a workout at the gym will boost your energy for the night ahead. We’ve also got some quick hit X-press gym classes, which used high intensity training (HIT) methods with explosive bursts of speed and activity to achieve a total workout in a short period of time, as 30 minutes. And if you have really overdone it, you can spend the morning chilling out with a swim and sauna, or even the Turkish Baths at Portobello.”
For further information simply pop into any Edinburgh Leisure venue across the city or visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
Once again, we’ve trawled far and wide for school holiday activities – and we’ve found over 40 of them, with none costing more than £4 per child (most are free). If you’re not a child (or a beleaguered parent) there are plenty of options for you too – the Retina Scottish International Photography Festival is in full swing, the Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival is on its way, and the Scottish National Gallery offers you an amazing opportunity to hear none other than The Guardian’s Editor-at-Large discussing what President Obama’s legacy might be. And as if that’s not enough, The Mad Ferret Band is at Leith Folk Club on Tuesday. How we spoil you.
As always, please check all details with the organisers before setting out to any event.
MONDAY 11TH JULY 2016
North Edinburgh Arts Summer Programme: a packed timetable of activities throughout the holidays. This morning’s sessions (10am-12 noon) for ages 5-12 (two age groups) are: Suncatchers and Creative Dance; in the afternoon (3.30-4.30pm) it’s Library Garden Club. North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court, Muirhouse. £1.50 per session (50p for Good Neighbours card holders), healthy snack provided. No booking required but sessions can be very busy, so please arrive early to secure a place. For details of all activities and events at NEA this summer, click here or call NEA on 0131 315 2151.
Colourful Collograph Printing Workshop: take inspiration from the beautiful grounds of Lauriston to create your own colourful prints by building up a range of textures and materials. With Bragela Hornal. For families with children aged 5+. Please note that children cannot be booked into events alone; at least one paying adult must accompany them. 10.30am, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. £4 per person; places must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here.
Picturehouses Toddler Time: exclusive short screenings for pre-school children and their parents and carers. Today: Bing Programme 8 [U]. A groundbreaking television series for CBeebies that celebrates the noisy, joyful, messy reality of life when you’re a preschooler. Just as Bing thinks he’s got the hang of something new, life swings back and knocks him over – but with a bit of help from Flop, his constant companion and carer, things work out okay in the end. As Flop always says: ‘Never mind Bing, it’s no big thing.’ 11am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets cost £3 per child, accompanying adult free.
Retina: Refugee Cameras Project. Photographer Kevin McElvaney gave single-use cameras to refugees he met in Izmir, Lesbos, Athens and Idomeni. Three months later, seven of the fifteen cameras came back (one got lost, two were confiscated by border authorities, two are still in Izmir and three other cameras, and the refugees to whom they were given, remain missing to this day). This exhibition is the result of Kevin’s project, in which he tries to give one of the best documented historic events of our time a new perspective – and the refugees the opportunity to document their own journeys. 9.30am-7pm daily, Image Collective, Second Floor, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Leith. Ends 21st July 2016. The Retina Scottish International Photography Festival is on now, with events and exhibitions at various venues across Edinburgh; for full information visit Retina here.
For Crying Out Loud: special screenings exclusively for parents, carers and their babies under the age of 12 months, with a maximum of two adults per baby. Baby-changing, bottle-warming and buggy parking facilities are available. Today’s film is When Marnie Was There (U): the final release from Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli before its hiatus, When Marnie Was There from Hiromasa Yonebayashi (Arrietty) is a suitably nostalgic and compelling story, as well as another superb artistic achievement. Anna, a keen artist, is sent to live with relatives on the coast to recover from an illness. She meets and befriends Marnie, who lives nearby in an old mansion. Sometimes this strange house looks new, clean and full of guests; but sometimes it’s empty and dilapidated. Which is real? And what is Marnie’s secret? 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4.50/£3.50 per adult.
Macmillan Cancer Support Information Sessions: information, support and signposting for people affected by cancer. Macmillan are looking to recruit volunteers with good listening skills and an interest in helping people – full training will be given and expenses payable. Come and find out about Macmillan’s holistic and accessible service in local communities. 11am-3pm, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. For more details just ask library staff or call the library on 0131 529 5597. Also at same times on Monday 18th July, and at the Central Library, George IV Bridge, on Thursdays 14th and 21st July.
National Museum of Scotland Summer Activities: Sci-Art Summer. The museum is offering lots of drop-in events during the holidays – today it’s Sci-Art Summer: come and explore the fantastic new Science and Technology and Art, Design and Fashion galleries! Take part in craft activities, enjoy live demonstrations and displays and meet some interesting characters. 12 noon-4pm today and every day until 31st July, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free, drop-in. See also History Happenings (Thursday).
Lunchtime Concert: British Columbia Boys Choir sing in the Cathedral en route to Stirling Bridge Youth Arts Festival. The internationally acclaimed choir was founded in 1968 and is one of the few four-part secular boys choirs in North America. Artistic Director: Tony Araujo. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Spacecrafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 2pm today and every Monday during the holidays, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
Summer Sound 2016: a free 4 day programme of music and creative workshops for ages 12-19. Workshops, tuition (drums, keyboard, guitar, bass and vocals), recording studio and rehearsal space. Sessions will include graffiti/stage decoration with #artcore, songwriting sessions with Urban Word, digital DJ-ing, digital photography with Reel Youth Media – and many more! (for the full list click here). 2-8pm today, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, South Bridge Resource Centre, Infirmary Street. Places are limited so booking is essential and may be made here.
Wreck the Rulebook: Reanimate Zombie Books. If you love writing, come and breathe some new life into dusty dead books with Leith Library and Creative Writing students from Napier University. Ripping, scribbling, sticking and even glittering. Anything goes to make a new story. We just need your braaaiiinss. For ages 11-15. With refreshments! 2pm, Leith Library, 28 Ferry Road. For more information and to book your place please email leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or ask in the library. There will be further Wreck the Rulebook sessions on 25th July (Flash Fiction Journeys) and 8th August (Magazine Mashup).
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Colinton Library throughout the summer holidays. Today (and every Monday & Friday): Roald Dahl Crafternoons – help build volcanoes, design your own fancy dress, create your own Mr or Mrs Twits’ beard and much, much more! For ages 4-12. 2.30pm, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road. Free, no booking required – just come along!
Professor Neil’s Incredible Science Crafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 3pm today and every Monday during the holidays, Ratho Library, School Wynd. Free.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Fountainbridge Library throughout the summer holidays. Today and every Monday throughout the holidays: Roald Dahlastic Challenge! 3pm Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Free, no booking required – just come along!
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Stockbridge Library throughout the summer holidays. Explore a Roald Dahl story each week, with fun activities and the chance to make new friends. Today: BFG Dream Jars and all sorts of imaginings! For ages 7-10. 3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. Free, no booking required – just come along! Next week at the same time Easily an Enormous Adventure? – a storymaking workshop. There is also a Dahl-themed event for all ages every Friday afternoon – see separate listing.
Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom: July meeting. All women welcome; come and discuss a response to Brexit, Trident and other issues. Tea, coffee and cake provided. 6.15pm, Engender, 1a Haddington Place. For more information please see WILPF’s Facebook page here.
Michel Faber: Undying. The award-winning author of The Book of Strange New Things, Under the Skin and The Crimson Petal and the White will be in conversation with Chitra Ramaswamy as he launches Undying – a collection of poems written to honour the memory of his wife Eva, who died after a six-year battle with cancer. Bright, tragic, candid, heartbreaking, honest and true, these poems chronicle Eva’s diagnosis, illness and death, and Michel’s mourning process. They are an exceptional account of what it means to find the love of your life, and what it is like to have to say goodbye. 6.30pm, Waterstones, 83 George Street. Free tickets are available from the store; for more information please call 0131 225 3436.
Live at the Café: up and coming DJ’s have a chance to get their foot in the door at these sessions, while the top DJs in Edinburgh ensure nothing but the best tracks are being played. Tonight a late night bar set from Daniel Murphy. 10pm-3am (bar open from 5pm), Cabaret Voltaire, Blair Street.
Grassmarket Community Cinema: Short Term 12 (15). This film’s originality begins with the setting: a foster-care centre for at-risk teens whose troubles run the gamut from depression to substance abuse to self-mutilation. Writer-director Destin Daniel Cretton based Short Term 12 partly on his own experiences working at such a centre, and previously made a short film on the subject. 
In drawing the story out to feature length, Cretton takes an abidingly naturalistic, conversational approach to both the complicated issues these kids face and the no-nonsense way their counsellors try to help them. Chief among them is Brie Larson as the twenty-something Grace, a formerly troubled teen herself who now hopes to serve as a guide for others. 7pm, Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. All welcome, free admission: donations very welcome! The Grassmarket Community Project is a charity providing mentoring, training and education to participants, many of whom are amongst the most vulnerable of Edinburgh’s citizens, in a nurturing environment. It operates a community cafe, woodwork and tartan social enterprises, and a range of social integration and educational activities for members, aimed at enhancing life skills and developing confidence. To read about The Edinburgh Reporter’s afternoon at the Project, click here.
Old Chain Pier Folk Night: pop on down and enjoy some traditional Scottish folk music with Fozzy and Alistair. You’re welcome to join in too! 7.30pm, The Old Chain Pier, Trinity Crescent.
Blind Poetics: July’s Blind Poetics features previews of two up-and-coming Fringe spoken word shows: Blair and McCleary’s Panda to the Audience and Beattie and Scratchmann’s Edinburgh in the Shadows 2. Plus open mic – email blindpoetics@gmail.com to book a 5 minute slot. Hosted by Alec Beattie and Roddy Shippin. 8pm, The Blind Poet, West Nicolson Street. Free.
TUESDAY 12TH JULY 2016
North Edinburgh Arts Summer Programme: a packed timetable of activities throughout the holidays. This morning’s sessions (10am-12 noon) for ages 5-12 (two age groups) are: Baby Turtles and Creative Dance. North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court, Muirhouse. £1.50 per session (50p for Good Neighbours card holders), healthy snack provided. No booking required but sessions can be very busy, so please arrive early to secure a place. For details of all activities and events at NEA this summer, click here or call NEA on 0131 315 2151.
Tiny Tales: Shake Your Tiny Tales. Fergus McNicol leads a morning of stories and dancing for little ones- bring some energy and be ready for fun! For children aged 1-3 and their parents and carers. 10am or 11.30am (40 minute sessions), Storytelling Bothy, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Please book in advance: tickets cost £5 per child, accompanying adult free, and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here. Please remember to select a free adult ticket when you buy a ticket for your child.
Retina 2016: putting emerging and established international talent firmly in the frame by showcasing the best from the world of photography in a range of venues across Edinburgh. Featured photographers at Gayfield this year include Jason Bell, Kareem Black and Dougie Wallace. 10am-5pm, Gayfield Creative Spaces, Gayfield Square. Ends 30th July 2016. For full information about The Retina Scottish International Photography Festival visit Retina here.
Tiger Tales: stories and crafts for ages 4-7. 10.30am today and every Tuesday throughout the summer, Balerno Library, 1 Main Street. Free.
Water of Leith Visitor Centre Children’s Summer Events. Today: BUGS!! Track down the mini-creatures which call the river banks home and design your own extreme bug! Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-3.30pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road. £4 per child, accompanying adult free: booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk. For details of the centre’s summer and autumn programme – which includes events for all ages – click here.
WHALE Arts Children’s Summer Programme: free art, crafts, dance, circus skills and films throughout the holidays. Today Expecting Something: for parents under 25 with a bump or a child under 2. A variety of fun creative sessions geared towards young parents and young children, with space to chat and a free, fresh, healthy lunch. 10.30am-1pm, WHALE, 30 Westburn Grove, Wester Hailes. For more information click here, call 0131 4589 3267 or drop in to WHALE.
Odeon Silver Cinema: if you are 55+ come along to these special screenings for only £3 per person, and enjoy a free tea or coffee and biscuits before the show. Today’s film is Eye in the Sky (15): Helen Mirren leads a cast including Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman and Barkhad Abdi in a pulse-pounding thriller about the complexities of modern war. 11am (doors open 10.15am for refreshments), Odeon Lothian Road, 118 Lothian Road.
Lunchtime Concert: St Marylebone C.E School Choir and Instrumental Ensemble. St Marylebone is a highly successful girls’ comprehensive in central London with specialist status in the Performing Arts and a thriving Music department. Within London, students have performed at venues including the Wigmore Hall, Imperial College and Southwark Cathedral, as well as their widely-attended regular concerts and services at St Marylebone Parish Church. Previous music tours have included Paris, Cardiff & Barcelona, but this is their first time in Edinburgh! 12 noon-1pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free: all welcome.
Lunchtime Concert: Wycombe High School Choir and Ensemble. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
LGBT Age Reference Group: the LGBT Age Reference Group has expanded and is welcoming new members. The Group aims to make services more accessible and relevant for LGBT older people; past activities have included providing consultation to Health & Social Care Partnerships and National Galleries of Scotland, and working with Pride Edinburgh to make sure older LGBT were visible and welcomed. If you are an LGBT person aged 50+ and would like to get involved the Group wants you! 1.30-3.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking is essential and may be made by contacting Jean Monaghan on 0131 523 1100 or emailing jean@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Picturehouses Silver Screen: if you are over 60, join the Silver Screen Club (membership is free) for discounted tickets at these special weekly screenings, plus a free tea or coffee before the show. This week’s films are The Neon Demon (18) (1.15pm and 3.50pm), Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (15) (2pm), Maggie’s Plan (15) (3.40pm) and Weiner (15) (1.25pm and 4.20pm). Non-members are welcome at these screenings but pay standard prices. Cameo, Home Street.
Around the World Crafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 2pm today and every Tuesday during the holidays, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
A Calendar of Memories: tales, songs, laughter and reminiscence in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court. Hosted by Life Stories, who specialise in sharing stories with older people to help rekindle imagination, trigger memories and increase communication. Today’s storyteller is Jane Mather. 2.30pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Free. To book contact the Box Office on 0131 556 9579.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Corstorphine Library throughout the summer holidays. Today Summer Reading Frieze – help get the library frieze started. For ages 4+. 3pm, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan. Free, no booking required – just come along! Next Tuesday at the same time: Chocolate Factory Cakes (ages 4+).
Traditional Tales: a summer season of traditional tales from Scotland. Hear the truths, myths and legends of Scottish folklore, past and present with some of our nation’s best storytellers. Authentic entertainment and insight, all in one hour! This week’s storyteller is Calum Lykan. For ages 12+. 3pm, Library, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Please book in advance: tickets cost £8/£6/£5 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here. Also at same times on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th July.
Xbox Summer Football Challenge. 3pm today and every Tuesday throughout the holidays, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Free, no booking required – just come along!
Spacecrafts – Out of This World Crafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 3pm today and every Tuesday during the holidays, Ratho Library, School Wynd. Free.
Waterstones Teen Reading Group: come and try this monthly group, currently reading Butter by Erin Lange: ‘I can’t take another year in this fat suit, but I can end this year with a bang. If you can stomach it, you’re invited to watch …as I eat myself to death’. Prepare to gasp, laugh and cry at one boy’s journey from lonely outcast to toast of the school as he nears his dreadful deadline… 4.30pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. For more information please call the shop on 0131 226 2666.
Yes, He Tried: Obama’s Legacy. Images of presidential power, such as Gillian Laub’s striking double portrait of the Obamas on show as part of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Prize Exhibition, have been a key feature of Barak Obama’s presidencies. Gary Younge, The Guardian’s Editor-at-Large, will be reflecting on what Obama’s legacy might be. 6-7pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. The Taylor Wessing Photographic Prize Exhibition is on at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, until 2nd October; admission is free.
Einstein’s Gravity: What is it? And can we observe it? In the early 1900s Einstein revolutionised our understanding of gravity with the introduction of General Relativity. To date, it is still the widely accepted interpretation of gravity, passing many astrophysical tests. Join St Andrews astronomer Alistair Hodson to hear about Einstein’s gravitational model, what it is, how it works and how we observe the effects, – and see how General Relativity has influenced our day to day lives. 6-7pm, Upper Hope Park Church Gallery (Summerhall), off Hope Park Terrace. Free. For more information call Summerhall on 0131 560 1580.
Picturehouses Discover Tuesdays: cult classics, art-house gems and riveting documentaries – there’s always a chance to see something different and brilliant in the Cameo’s weekly slot. Today’s film is Evolution (12A) (in French with English subtitles). Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s eerie mood piece echoes many of the themes and preoccupations of her previous film, Innocence, sharing its remote setting, child cast and unnerving imagery, but here the director moves into darker, more supernatural territory with a story of small boys at an isolated seaside hospital, suffering from an unknown ailment and tended to by an enigmatic team of nurses whose motivations may be ominous. A strange, near-wordless and nightmarish film, almost unclassifiable in terms of tone and genre, Evolution is utterly mesmeric, right up until the mysterious and grisly finale. 6pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
School of Poets: ‘We don’t teach how to write poetry, but we learn by sharing and discussion’. The sessions begin with the forming of small sharing discussion groups and conclude with a read-around of poems in which all participate. Bring 5 or 6 copies of one of your own poems to share with the other members of the group, where you should get very useful feedback. You will also be able to contribute your thoughts on other people’s poems. 6pm, The Space, Scottish Poetry Library, Crichton’s Close. For further details please contact Angus Ogilvy at schoolofpoets@yahoo.co.uk. There is no need to join immediately – you can come for a ‘taster’; visitors are asked to pay £2 per meeting. If you do decide to join, the annual subscription is £10 (£5 conc).
Blackwells Edinburgh Presents Ian Garden: Battling with the Truth. In his new book, a follow-up to The Third Reich’s Celluloid War, Ian Garden offers fascinating insights into the ways in which both the Axis and Allies manipulated military and political facts for their own ends in the Second World War. By analysing key incidents and contemporary sources from both British and German perspectives, he reveals how essential information was concealed from the public. Asking how both sides could have believed they were fighting a just war, Garden exposes the extent to which their peoples were told downright lies or fed very carefully worded versions of the truth. Often these ‘versions’ gave completely false impressions of the success or failure of missions – even whole campaigns. Ultimately, Battling with the Truth demonstrates that almost nothing about war is as clear-cut as the reporting at the time makes out. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from the shop’s ground floor desk, by calling 0131 622 8222, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here.
Edinburgh Hacklab Open Night: Edinburgh Hacklab is part of the worldwide movement of Hackerspaces – shared spaces for people who mess around with technology for fun. By creating a shared space to do this, the group provides access to better facilities than you could have at home, as well as opportunities to collaborate, learn, and socialise. Anyone is welcome to come along to the weekly Hacklab Open Nights to hang out, discuss, and work on their projects. If you have an idea or a project but you’re not sure where to start, or have got stuck somewhere along the way, then come down and see if anyone can help. Don’t have a project but want to have a chat with some geeks? You’re more than welcome! 7pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. For more information email info@edinburghhacklabd.com.
Fringe Preview: Silky & Bruce Fummey. A work-in-progress show from Fringe comedy favourites, before their hotly anticipated shows at The Stand this August… 7.30pm, The Stand, 5 York Place. Tickets £8/£7 (members £1) from the Box Office on 0131 558 7272 or online.
Leith Folk Club: The Mad Ferret Band. With their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music, The Mad Ferrets’ lively, energetic performances are packed with ‘blisteringly fast mandolin solos’, tight harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds. With support: Martin Lennon. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £8 and may be reserved by completing the online form here or texting the club’s dedicated booking line on 07502 024 852. Reserved tickets must be collected by 7.30pm on the night.
Jazz on a Summer’s Day (U): acclaimed as one of the best jazz films ever made, Jazz on a Summer’s Day focuses on the Newport Jazz Festival, combining footage from the musical event with highlights of the 1958 America Cup Yacht Race. Director Bert Stern manages to capture, for the first time in colour, some legendary performances by the likes of Thelonius Monk, Anita O’Day, George Shearing, Dinah Washington, Gerry Mulligan and Louis Armstrong, transporting the viewer back to that clear day in 1958. Plus short: A Year Along the Abandoned Road (Året gjennom Børfjord). 8.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. Jazz on Summer Days (12th July-2nd August) is a diverse season of films that celebrate jazz on screen – from portraits of iconic musicians, to improvised soundtracks, to captivating performances that punctuate the cinematic drama; the next film is Thelonius Monk: Straight, No Chaser, showing on 13th and 14th July. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns from 15th July with a host of events across the city and performances from some of the most sought-after names in jazz and blues.
WEDNESDAY 13TH JULY 2016
North Edinburgh Arts Summer Programme: a packed timetable of activities throughout the holidays. This morning’s sessions (10am-12 noon) for ages 5-12 (two age groups) are: Plant Printed Notebooks and Creative Dance. North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court, Muirhouse. £1.50 per session (50p for Good Neighbours card holders), healthy snack provided. No booking required but sessions can be very busy, so please arrive early to secure a place. For details of all activities and events at NEA this summer, click here or call NEA on 0131 315 2151.
WHALE Arts Children’s Summer Programme: free art, crafts, dance, circus skills and films throughout the holidays. Today: Build a Band – form a band, write lyrics and perform live! For ages 10+. 10am-4pm, WHALE, 30 Westburn Grove, Wester Hailes. For more information and to book your place click here, call 0131 4589 3267 or drop in to WHALE.
A Guided Tour of the National Library: a tour of the building and an introduction to the Library’s collections and history. 10.30am, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but numbers are limited, so booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or via Eventbrite here. Please let NLS know if you have special access requirements.
Getting Started at the National Library: learn how to get a library card, find your way around the Library and request materials from the collections. The workshops will include a tour of the reading rooms and last around 90 minutes. If you plan to register for a library card when you visit, please bring evidence of identity with you (for details of acceptable documents see the NLS website). If you have specific access or other additional needs, please let library staff know in advance when you book your place. 2.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but numbers are limited, so booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or via Eventbrite here.
Summer Reading Club: 11am today and every Wednesday throughout the holidays, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. For more details just ask library staff or call the library on 0131 529 5597.
Lunchtime Concert: Belle Canto Women’s Ensemble (Edmonton, Canada). Founded in 1991, Belle Canto is regarded as one of Canada’s leading women’s choral ensembles. Conductor and founder:Heather Johnson. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Explore Learning Creative Writing Workshop: for ages 7-10. 1pm Colinton Library, Thorburn Road. Free, but places are limited so please book by asking in the library or calling 0131 529 5603.
Explore Learning Creative Writing Workshop: for ages 7-10. 2.30pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Free, but places are limited so please book by asking in the library or calling 0131 529 5609.
Explore Learning Creative Writing Workshop: for ages 7-10. 4.30pm, Balerno Library, 1 Main Street. Free, but places are limited so please book by asking in the library or calling 0131 529 5500.
Professor Neil’s Incredible Science Crafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 2pm today and every Wednesday during the holidays, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Kirkliston Library throughout the summer holidays. Today: A Swizzfiggling Splendiferous Summer Sensation! Dress up as a Roald Dahl character and play party games. For ages 5-12. 2-3.30pm, Kirkliston Library, Station Road.
Junior Knitting: if you are 7 or over, come and learn knitting skills with the Library staff. 2.30pm today and every Wednesday, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road. Free, no booking required – just come along!
Chatterbooks: come along and discuss your favourite Roald Dahl books. For ages 4-12. 2.30pm today and the second Wednesday of each month, Balerno Library, 1 Main Street. Free.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Fountainbridge Library throughout the summer holidays. Today and every Wednesday throughout the holidays: Big Friendly Crafts. 3pm Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Free, no booking required – just come along!
Blackwells Edinburgh Presents William Egginton: The Man Who Invented Fiction or How Cervantes Ushered in the Modern World. William Eggington, (Johns Hopkins University) explores Miguel de Cervantes’s life and times, showing how his life and influences converged in his work, and how his writing – especially Don Quixote – radically changed the nature of literature and created a new way of viewing the world. Professor Eggington explains how that worldview went on to infiltrate art, politics and science, and how the world today would be unthinkable without it. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from the shop’s ground floor desk, by calling 0131 622 8222, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via Eventbrite here .
LGBT Poetry Open Mic: an open-mic that especially welcomes LGBT+ themes – ‘come along with your friends and have a gay ol’ time!’ If you would like to perform, please contact saryawu@gmail.com to reserve a slot. 7pm, Sketchy Beats, 208 Great Junction Street. All welcome, free entry, BYOB – small charge for corkage.
Fringe Preview: Vladimir Mctavish, Fern Brady and The Lost Voice Guy. A work-in-progress show from Fringe comedy favourites; before their hotly anticipated shows at The Stand this August… 7.30pm, The Stand, 5 York Place. Tickets £8/£7 (members £1) from the Box Office on 0131 558 7272 or online.
Thelonius Monk: Straight, No Chaser (PG): Expanding on footage shot of progressive jazz enigma Thelonious Monk for West German television in the late 1960s, Charlotte Zwerin (Gimme Shelter) was enlisted to adapt these raw outtakes – rare in their extraordinary intimacy with Monk – as the focus of a new documentary in 1988. A lively film, with incredible performance footage and newly shot interviews with friends and family, Straight, No Chaser was described by the New York Times as ‘some of the most valuable jazz ever shot’. 8.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. 
Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. Also showing at 3.50pm and 6.10pm on Thursday 14th July. Jazz on Summer Days (12th July-2nd August) is a diverse season of films that celebrate jazz on screen – from portraits of iconic musicians, to improvised soundtracks, to captivating performances that punctuate the cinematic drama; the next film is All Night Long, showing on 27th and 28th July. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns from 15th July with a host of events across the city and performances from some of the most sought-after names in jazz and blues.
‘Never Group’: maverick Russian-born, London-based, saxophonist Zhenya Strigalev is fast building a reputation on both sides of the Atlantic for his exhilarating take on contemporary jazz. His live shows are as exciting as they are eccentric, and here he brings his new powerhouse trio, featuring extraordinary US bassist Michael Janisch (Joe Lovano, Miguel Zenon, Gary Husband) and first-call Spanish drummer Marc Ayza (Jason Linder, 
Greg Osby), with a blend of jazz, funk, rock, electronica and improv – a genre-mash of high calibre interplay and raw emotion. ‘A typical Strigalev collision of hip jazz virtuosity and surrealism, his alto sax displays bebop agility, shivery lyricism, and sometimes a bluesy Ornetteish swerve’ (The Guardian). 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £7/£5 on the door: please note this venue is strictly cash only. Also at same time on Thursday 14th July.
THURSDAY 14TH JULY 2016
North Edinburgh Arts Summer Programme: a packed timetable of activities throughout the holidays. This morning it’s Create Lite: Summertime Trolls for young children aged 0-5 with their parents or carers. 10am-12 noon, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court, Muirhouse. £3 per first child, £1 for subsequent siblings, (50p for Good Neighbours card holders), healthy snack provided. No booking required but sessions can be very busy, so please arrive early to secure a place. For details of all activities and events at NEA this summer, click here or call NEA on 0131 315 2151.
Water of Leith Visitor Centre Children’s Summer Events. Today: River Dipping – join staff IN the river for this favourite activity! Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-3.30pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road. £4 per child, accompanying adult free: booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk. For details of the centre’s summer and autumn programme – which includes events for all ages – click here.
WHALE Arts Children’s Summer Programme: free art, crafts, dance, circus skills and films throughout the holidays. Today: Mini Eco Gardens– fun craft & gardening for families. 10am-12 noon, WHALE, 30 Westburn Grove, Wester Hailes. For more information click here, call 0131 4589 3267 or drop in to WHALE.
Retina 2016: Association of Photographers Exhibition. This exhibition features work by 35 AOP award-winning photographers. The AOP Photography Awards is one of the most prestigious competitions in commercial photography; now in its 33rd year, the competition remains highly regarded by commissioners, art buyers and photographers alike. 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith. Free admission. Ends 23rd July 2016. The Retina Scottish International Photography Festival is on now, with events and exhibitions at various venues across Edinburgh; for full information visit Retina here.
The Rannoch Centre and Drumbrae Library Hub Family Fun Day: music, dance, archery, crafts, treasure hunt, Zoolab, Digital Toy Box, toddler play area, community stalls, bike surgery, refreshments and more! From 10.30am, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive, and Rannoch Community Centre, 6 Rannnoch Terrace. For more information see the event’s Facebook page here.
Macmillan Cancer Support Information Sessions: information, support and signposting for people affected by cancer. Macmillan are looking to recruit volunteers with good listening skills and an interest in helping people – full training will be given and expenses payable. Come and find out about Macmillan’s holistic and accessible service in local communities. 11am-3pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. For more details just ask library staff or call the library 0131 242 8000. Also at the same times on Thursday 21st July, and at Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road, on Mondays 11th and 18th July.
The Fine Art Society in Edinburgh: New Exhibitions. (1) Re-awakenings: Scottish Paintings After the War 1945-1990; an exhibition of vibrant, varied art influenced by both the destructive consequences of the world, and dynamic shifts taking place in modern art; 
(2) Lair – A Selection of Mid Century Furniture, Lighting and Design. Lair (17 Dundas St) specialises in showcasing the craftsmanship and beauty of mid-20th century furniture and interior design; this exhibition includes pieces, primarily of Italian, French and Scandinavian design, selected to complement the artworks on display in the gallery’s festival exhibition Re-awakenings: Scottish Paintings After the War 1945-1990; (3) Annie Kevans: Seclected Portraits. An exhibition marking the first time that Kevans’ work has been exhibited in Scotland. Kevan’s paintings reflect our distorted perceptions of figures in the public eye. 
Her works examine the duality of truth and falsehood by creating ‘portraits’ which may or may not be based on real documentation. The subjects here include overlooked female artists, the mistresses of American presidents, and iconic figures whose struggles with mental illness and addiction came under public scrutiny. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 11am-2pm Saturdays, The Fine Art Society in Edinburgh, 6 Dundas Street. All three exhibitions end 3rd September 2016. Images: Alberto Morrocco Hotel Marina, Rosas; Annie Kevans Kathryn McGuire.
National Museum of Scotland Summer Activities: History Happenings. The museum is offering lots of drop-in events during the holidays – today it’s History Happenings: step back in time and encounter everyday characters from history. A suffragette with her invaluable bicycle, a weaver getting to grips with new technology in 1816 and a 1960s department store worker who dreams of designer fashion – who will you meet? 11am-1pm or 2-4pm today, and every Thursday, Friday and Sunday in July, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free, drop-in. See also Sci-Art Summer.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Currie Library throughout the summer holidays. Today (and every Thursday & Tuesday): Roald Dahl Crafternoons – help build volcanoes, design your own fancy dress, create your own Mr or Mrs Twits’ beard and much, much more! For ages 4-12. 2.30pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Free, no booking required – just come along!
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: Roald Dahl Crafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 3pm today and every Thursday during the holidays, Ratho Library, School Wynd. Free.
The Drawing Room – July: The Drawing Room examines the range of possibilities within contemporary drawing practice and explores how mark-making can also be conceived as sculpture, installation, video, performance, writing, sound, textiles and animation. All materials are supplied and no experience necessary. 5.30-6.45pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free (voluntary donation requested) but booking is required and may be made via Eventbrite here. Image: Emma Bowen.
Dandy Gilver & A Most Misleading Habit: Catriona McPherson launches her latest Dandy Gilver novel, set in Scotland in 1932, in which the aristocratic private investigator and her witty sidekick Alec Osbourne unite to solve sinister goings on at a convent on a bleak Lanarkshire moor. 6pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Free tickets are available in the store; for more information please call 0131 226 2666.
Blackwells Edinburgh Presents The Crime Factor: Four Men in Search of a Plot. Four Scottish crime writers (Neil Broadfoot, GJ Brown, Mark Leggatt and Douglas Skelton) discuss, and answer questions about, all aspects of crime novels – plotting, writing… general death and destruction. Author Peter Burnett will chair the discussion and attempt to keep the hilarity and body count under control. 6-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from the shop’s ground floor desk, by calling 0131 622 8222, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via Eventbrite here .
The Scottish Endarkenment: a series exploring a wide range of disturbing and provocative topics, from ever-escalating international conflict, social inequality and unrest to gender identity and sexual prejudice – all fired by the dialectical struggles within the Scottish psyche between good and evil, Self and the Other. Today’s film is The Body Snatcher (PG): the legendary Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi feature in this macabre tale of murder and blackmail in 19th century
Edinburgh, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s short story. John Gray (Karloff) is a taxi driver by day and grave-robber by night, supplying fresh cadavers for the surgery of Dr MacFarlane (Henry Daniell), whose predecessor was Dr John Knox – of Burke and Hare infamy… The film will be introduced by Scottish Endarkenment curator Bill Hare and an invited speaker. 6.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film in this series is The Brothers on 18th July. The Scottish Endarkenment is a project by Dovecot Studios, the University of Edinburgh and Filmhouse. Image: Jock McFadyen.
Café voices: Magic and Mystery. Join international storyteller and musician Marion Kenny for an evening of stories against the backdrop of Marie-Alice Harel’s exhibition Omoiyari – Where Stories Come From. The Centre’s monthly storytelling session, with an open-floor section for storytellers to tell their own tales, in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court. 7pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Please book in advance: tickets cost £5/£4.50 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here.
Boda’s Harry Potter Big Book Quiz: now on to the 5th book! If you think you are the ultimate Hazza P book geek then come along – there are prizes for second and third place, and if you win the number one spot you will walk away with a £30 bar tab. 7.30pm, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk. Call 0131 553 5900 to book a space.
Callum Ramm: live covers from the Edinburgh musician (and rugby player). 9-11pm, The Old Chain Pier, Trinity Crescent.
FRIDAY 15TH JULY 2016
WHALE Arts Children’s Summer Programme: free art, crafts, dance, circus skills and films throughout the holidays. Today: Under the Sea Playday – for children and young people with additional support needs, and their families. Lots of themed activities for all the family. 10am-12 noon, WHALE, 30 Westburn Grove, Wester Hailes. For more information and to book your place, click here, call 0131 4589 3267 or drop in to WHALE.
North Edinburgh Arts Summer Programme: a packed timetable of activities throughout the holidays. This morning’s sessions (10am-12 noon) for ages 5-12 (two age groups) are Create Your Own Dreamcatcher and Movement with Words. North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court, Muirhouse. £1.50 per session (50p for Good Neighbours card holders), healthy snack provided. No booking required but sessions can be very busy, so please arrive early to secure a place. For details of all activities and events at NEA this summer, click here or call NEA on 0131 315 2151.
Museum Socials: a series of relaxed and informal sessions offering anyone living with dementia, along with their relatives, friends and supporters, an opportunity to explore a different part of the museum each month with NMS’s learning staff. Sessions are free (booking is required) and include a cup of tea. Today: Romans, Picts, Vikings – explore these people and their impact on Scotland through the archaeology collections in the Early People gallery on level 0. 10.30am-12 noon (meet at the Tower Entrance at 10.15am), National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Please call 0300 123 6789 to book your place. The next session will be on Friday 19th August.
PDSA: Help a Vet Help a Pet: come and find out how to look after cats, dogs and other little critters! 11am, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. For more details just ask library staff or call the library on 0131 529 5597. Free, all welcome.
In Focus: The Vale of Dedham by John Constable. The Chiaroscuro of Nature: The Vale of Dedham (1828) is a landscape charged with the artist’s childhood memories, rooted in traditions of 17th-century landscape painting and yet revolutionary in its emphasis on the passage of time. Art historian Andrew Paterson will explore Constable’s aims and methods, and the meanings his imagery may have held for his contemporary audience. 12.45-1.15pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Adapting Miss Highsmith: described by Graham Greene as the ‘poet of apprehension’, Patricia Highsmith specialised in tightly plotted thrillers exploring the fear, jealousy, guilt and violence bubbling under the surface of outwardly civilised characters.
Neurotic men dominate her fiction, antiheroes with a plethora of dark secrets and obsessions, though she was equally capable of studies of great sensitivity and tenderness, as evidenced by one of her few forays outside the thriller genre, Carol. The artistry and intelligence of her work is widely considered to have transcended the thriller genre to rival that of mainstream literature, and has made for much compelling cinema. Today: Plein Soliel (PG); in the same year he starred in Luchino Visconti’s family drama Rocco and His Brothers, Alain Delon took on the role of Highsmith’s most famous character, the eponymous, ice-cold sociopath in the sun-soaked adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley. Although she felt that certain compromises had been made to reach as wide an audience as possible, Highsmith deemed René Clément’s picture – co-written by regular Claude Chabrol collaborator Paul Gégauff – to be ‘very beautiful to the eye and interesting for the intellect.’ 1.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. Also showing on Saturday 16th July at 3.40pm and 6pm and on Sunday 17th July at 8.15pm. The next film in this series is The Two Faces of January (12A), screening 20-21st July.
Lego Club: a new club for all Lego enthusiasts, big or small. 2-3pm today and every Friday, Kirkliston Library, Station Road. Free: all welcome.
Lego Club: for ages 5+. 2.30pm today and every Friday, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan. Free.
Wildflower Meadow Survey: help survey the wildflowers at Hillend Country Park. The survey began in 2008 – the wildflowers battle for dominance, with new species being found each year; 36 species were identified in 2013. Bring sturdy footwear! 1.30-3.30pm, Hillend Country Park (meet at upper car park), Biggar Road. Booking is essential. For more information and to book, please contact Pentland Hills Regional Park HQ, 69a Braid Road, 0131 529 2401, email pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Roald Dahl Crafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 2pm today and every Friday during the holidays, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Stockbridge Library throughout the summer holidays. Dahl-lightful events suitable for all ages, with fun activities and the chance to make new friends. Today: Get Foxy – make a foxy facemask! 2.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. Free, no booking required – just come along! Next week at the same time: Rhyme Stew – jokes, word games and alphabet crafts.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: events at Colinton Library throughout the summer holidays. Today (and every Friday & Monday): Roald Dahl Crafternoons – help build volcanoes, design your own fancy dress, create your own Mr or Mrs Twits’ beard and much, much more! For ages 4-12. 2.30pm, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road. Free, no booking required – just come along!
Street Games – with the outreach team from Edinburgh Museums. 2.30pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Free, no booking required – just come along!
Around the World Crafts: for ages 4-12 (children under 8 must be accompanied by someone over 12). 3pm today and every Friday during the holidays, Ratho Library, School Wynd. Free.
Mapping Remembrance: ‘Where, Minister, is my consolation?’ A lecture given by the artist Alison King on the background to and making of her artwork, which reflects on the experiences of McCrae’s Battalion and the role of James Black, Chaplain to the Battalion during the First World War conflict. On 17th December 1922 the last remnants of McCrae’s men sat and listened to the words from the pulpit from ‘one who was there with them’ at the terrible Battle of the Somme, July 1916. James Black described how he had lost count of the times he had been asked ‘Where, Minister, is my consolation?’ This large mixed media piece was inspired by the question posed in the sermon and some of the words are reproduced on the panels. 7pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Washed Up: Flotsam from the Shores of Dance. This month Toxicologist is joined by veteran DJ Andy Unsworth, founder of seminal 90s clubs Carbolick Frolick and Dogtastic. His new venture, Sound Cellar Cafe, is coming soon and will be Edinburgh’s first audiophile cafe and record shop – taking its reference from Tokyo’s high fidelity bar scene with carefully curated music over the last 50 years. ‘An environment where music lovers can shamelessly reconnect and discover again the emotional and magical essence of music’. Andy will be showcasing some of these sounds tonight; expect the usual eclectic mix of dubbed out dance, soulful electronics and finely vintaged party tunes. 9pm- 12 midnight, The Skylark, 241 Portobello High Street.
Picturehouses Culture Shock: Nicolas Winding Refn Presents. A special season curated by Nicolas Winding Refn, director of The Neon Demon and Drive. Today: Carrie (18). Based on the novel by Stephen King, Brian De Palma’s celebrated shocker stars Sissy Spacek as a bullied teenager with telekinetic powers. 9pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
The Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival starts today! Acts include Colin Steele Quintet, Curtis Stigers, Jan Garbarek Group ft. Trilok Gurtu, Konrad Wiszniewski & Pawel Kaczmarczyk Quartet, Rumba de Bodas, New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, Ole Seimetz, 
Tommy Smith & Brian Kellock, Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Edinburgh Schools Jazz Orchestra, Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Lucky Peterson and many, many more. Various venues throughout the city; for full details of all events, tickets and venues click here.
*WANT TO GET AWAY THIS WEEKEND?* – after all that activity I’m not surprised… Here are two ideas:
Lossie Folk Club Festival: ‘an annual gathering of people to celebrate live music’. Unlike most festivals this one is totally free, with performers invited to come and play just for the craic. So there’s no published line up, but it all sounds good! The Beach Bar, whose food looks amazing, describes it as ‘a great weekend of free music (all day), with open concert and music in the bar every night. Featuring local ales, beers, lagers & cider – music, drink, food, fun – make this one weekend not to miss’. Starts 7pm, Friday 15th July, ends 12 midnight Sunday 17th July, Beach Bar, Commerce Street, Lossiemouth. Camping is available. For more information about Lossiemouth, including accommodation options, local activities and attractions, visit Lossiemouth Business Association’s excellent website here.
Pandorafest: describing itself as the ‘BEST Independent, Intimate, Underground, Eclectic, Scottish Music Festival this year’, Pandorafest aims to redress the gender imbalance at other festivals and make sure there are enough women onstage. It is not a women-only event – ‘Pandorafest is about music, good times and the joy of being part of the human race. That means that EVERYONE is welcome!’ Acts include Courtesans, Mathilde Santing, Sofia B, Cellista, Caroline Gilmour and many more. The festival is set in a replica Iron Age hill fort at Duncarron Mediaeval Village in the Carron Valley (12km from Stirling); it will have two stages of live music, plus market stalls, vendors, food and drink, local walks and mountain bike trails. 
Camping/parking is available for the night after the festival, as are Red Kite Yurts. Tickets from £25 (camping extra), children under 12 admitted free; to purchase click here. Tickets should also be available on the day, but please note cash is the only way you can pay, and there are NO cash machines or card payment facilities at all at or near the site. Gates open 10.30am, Saturday 16th July, music starts 11am and ends 11pm, DunCarron Mediaeval Village, Carron Valley, FK6 5JL. For full details of all acts, site facilities and directions (there is no public transport to the site; private taxis are available to book from Stirling Rail Station), visit the festival’s website here. Pandorafest is hosted by singer-songwriter Candace Cambden.
Hibs entertain Motherwell this afternoon in their third pre-season fixture this year as the side prepare for the UEFA Europa League tie against Brondby on Thursday 14 July.
Tickets for the game will be available from the Hibernian Ticket Office from 10am, with the Ticket Pods for all other stands open. There will be no cash gates in operation for this game. Fans are required to purchase a ticket to gain entry to the stadium.
Supporters who buy online will be able to print their tickets at home, which will save time on queuing to purchase tickets upon arrival at Easter Road Stadium.
A seasonal wall chart with all Hibs’ fixtures will be available from programme sellers pre-match, with additional content including a look back on the history of the Hibernian v Motherwell fixture, as well as looking at three players that played for both clubs.
The Hibernian Clubstore will be open from 10am on the day of the match.,
Behind the Goals will open at noon pre-match and will remain open until kick-off. Behind the Goals will not re-open post-match.
Supporters who attend the game are reminded not to engage in any unacceptable conduct at the match. This includes, but is not limited to; pitch incursions, usage of pyrotechnics and using foul and threatening language towards an individual based on their race and nationality, sexual orientation, any disabilities, gender, religious beliefs and transgender identity.
Hibs’ youngsters Ben Stirling and Sean Mackie have joined Berwick Rangers on Development Loans until 11 January 2017.
Both are highly rated within the club and impressed during last weekend’s game against Hawick Royal Albert.
Several players have made the journey south in recent years including Jordon Forster and Danny Handling.
Stirling 17, can operate in several positions, including centre-back and central midfield and has been a long-time member of the Hibernian Youth Academy, as well as a Scottish international at under-17 level.
Mackie joined Hibernian in February 2016 from Raith Rovers and became a regular in the Hibernian Development Squad. The 17-year old is equally adept at playing at left-back, as well as on the left-wing.
Both will remain eligible to play for the Hibernian Development Squad during their loan spells at Shielfield Park with John Coughlin’s side.
Police have released images of 12 more people they wish to trace in connection with the disturbance the end of the Scottish Cup final between Hibernian and Rangers on May 21.
A number of fans ran onto the pitch at the end of the game which Hibs won 3-2.
Since then a major enquiry has been ongoing and so far 40 people have been arrested.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Incident room at Govan Police Office, Greater Glasgow CID on 0141 532 5457, or use the email address Scottishcupfinalpitchinvasion@scotland.pnn.police.uk.
Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Dunfermline Athletic 3 Heart of Midlothian 1
Friendly – Saturday 9 July 2016 – East End Park
A makeshift Hearts team lost 3-1 to SPFL Championship newcomers Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park on Saturday.
Hearts were 3-0 down at half-time with the home side – who had Hearts striker Gavin Reilly in their team, being on loan for the season – scoring through Geggan and a double from Cardle.
Hearts pulled back a late goal through a Dario Zanatta penalty.
Dunfermline: Hutton, Williamson, Martin, Ashcroft, Richards-Everton, Wedderburn, McCabe, Geggan (Spence, 83′), Moffat (McMullan, 76′), Reilly, Cardle.
Hearts: Noring, Godinho (Brandon, 85′), Trialist, Souttar, Oshaniwa, Nicholson, Cowie, Buchanan (Vladislav, 60′), Zanatta, Todorov (Muirhead, 46′), Juanma (Reid, 77′).
Referee: Steven McLean
Hibs’ Head coach Neil Lennon has confirmed that talks are ongoing with Jason Cummings with a view to the youngster signing a new contract with the club.
The news will be welcomed by supporters ahead of the forthcoming campaign and Lennon believes that staying at Easter Road will prove beneficial to the striker’s future career.
Cummings scored after only twelve seconds against Berwick Rangers in Lennon’s first game in charge then added another against Edinburgh City on Thursday night.
Speaking after the game, Lennon said: “I think we are pretty close. I don’t think we’re far away at all now and that would be a massive boost for us. Jason is only 20, but I think he’s got really good attributes and there’s more to come from him.
“He’s best placed to do it here because it’s an environment he’s familiar with. He knows that myself and Garry (Parker)think very highly of him and he knows that he’ll play his fair share of games this season if he stays fit. That’s not guaranteed if he goes down the road.
“I think at least another year here will stand him in good stead going forward.
“He understands that and I think he’s pretty happy with that.
“I like him – he’s not the brightest but got a good sense of humour and his workrate is very good. He is honest on the pitch and he doesn’t shirk from his responsibilities.
“He’s willing to improve because he’s got that ambition about him. I think he’s got the knack that all good strikers have, he’s in the right place at the right time and scores the scruffy goals as well, which every team needs. I think that’s important. His attitude has been excellent.”
For one night only on 24 August 2016 Edinburgh’s own Dean Owens will take to the stage with The Celtabilly Allstars who are Kevin McGuire on double bass and Stuart Nisbet on lap steel guitar. These two used to collaborate with Dean in the acclaimed Scottish country band The Felsons.
All three recently recorded a new album called Setting the Woods on Fire (Songs I learned from Hank) a limited edition which will be available for you to purchase after the show.
The idea for this album started in Shetland earlier this year when Owens was asked to lead a tribute show to Hank Williams. The shows became sell-out successes and led to an invitation from The Queen’s Hall for a smaller version of the show. A couple of guests will play alongside Dean including singer songwriter Sheila Henderson and fiddler Bryan Gear.
Dean Owens is one of Scotland’s finest singer songwriters with fans who include Irvine Welsh and Bob Harris and this show will recognise Williams who was one of the most influential American musicians who died at the age of just 29 on New Year’s Day 1953.
Stand-up comedian, Katie Bonna bares all with her TEDdy talk.
Katie Bonna returns to The Fringe positing an imperative moral rhetorical question – ‘Would the World be a better place if we were all honest?’ Let us hope it is not specifically rhetorical otherwise those sixty minutes of audience internal ruminations are going to drag on a little in reflective silence.
In 2012 Katie Bonna, with co-writer/performer Richard Marsh, bagged a Fringe First gong with their alternative Rom Com ‘Dirty Great Love Story’ that also posited a conundrum – ‘Can a one-night stand last a life time?’ It transferred to The Old Vic and The Soho Theatre, and then made a critical hit at The Brits of Broadway, New York 2013.
Now the Brit is back with a brand new show which, on the surface, appears to be a TED talk on the science of lying. However, the clue is in the show’s title. TED have not actually asked her to do one – yet. TED is an acronym for a global forum sharing ideas and innovative thinking in Technology, Entertainment and Design. Part obsessional, part confessional (Bonna admits to duping her sister into drinking wee and part party to repeated infidelities) she unravels her personal peccadillos in order to confront humanity’s obsession with fibs. The Edinburgh Reporter caught up with Katie Bonna. Keep in mind throughout however, Oscar Wilde’s retort to the idiom, ‘The pure and simple truth,’ was ‘The truth is rarely plain and never simple.’
TER: Given the title of your show and the implications of its subject matter, can we expect you to answer any of our questions honestly?
KB: (There hangs a pause for a hearty, reflective laugh. It is still only 10.30am) I think that the only thing I have learned from writing this show is that the truth is often subjective. It’s quite a difficult question!
TER: This strapline – ‘Would the World be a better place if we were all honest?’ Avoiding any spoilers, do you actually arrive at a conclusion?
KB: Ah! The strapline has changed now, it’s ‘Part TED Talk, Part Confession, Mostly Lies.’
TER: No teasers then?
KB: To be honest, no! (see above Oscar!)
TER: Did your success with ‘Dirty Great Love Story’ have a direct impact on where your career stands now?
KB: Oh, a huge amount. Entirely actually! I don’t think I would have taken a show to Edinburgh if I didn’t have Richard (Marsh). He’s a real force of Nature. He encourages and motivates me to do what I just wouldn’t do otherwise.
TER: Tell us some thing about your interest, involvement in TED. Or were you just fibbing?
KB: I’m just a big fan girl! I just enjoy listening to the TED talks (many network platforms support these). I find them very therapeutic as well as inspirational. They often trigger unusual ideas when I’m in the creative process of writing.
TER: What was the last white lie you told and why? Be honest now!
KB: The last white lie I told, well I haven’t been up long enough to have told one today yet. (allegedly). It would’ve been yesterday. The one I do most easily, and many people probably, is when people ask you how you are. ‘Oh, I’m fine, I’m great thank you.’ Which was a lie yesterday because I had such a bad hangover!’
TER: Finally, what is your response to Epimenides’ Cretan self-referencing paradox – ‘I am a liar’
KB: What!?
TER: It is a contradiction in terms – how can you trust a liar to be telling the truth that they are a liar?
KB: Is that a question? Yes but then no, Maybe. What time is it?
The Edinburgh Reporter suggested she might keep it up her sleeve for a heckler put-down – were any to be so foolish.
All The Things I Lied About.
Katie Bonna
Theatre (comedy, spoken word)
Roundabout @ Summerhall (Venue 26)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/all-the-things-i-lied-about
Hibs Head Coach Neil Lennon has confirmed that Mark Oxley is in talks with Southend and that he will be comfortable selecting Otso Virtanen in the Europa League second qualifying round, first leg tie against Danish side Brondby at Easter Road next week.
Hibs currently have Virtanen and Ross Laidlaw on his books as well as 19 year-old Alex Palmer who is on trial from West Bromwich Albion.
Palmer will get a chance to impress on Sunday against Motherwell although Lennon will be at the European Championships final between France and Portugal fulfilling media contract duties.
Speaking after Hibs’ 6-1 win over neighbours Edinburgh City Lennon said: : “Mark has got the opportunity now to go and speak to Southend and it’s up to him and Southend now whether the deal goes through.
“I am really comfortable with playing Otso in goal in Europe. I have not had the opportunity to see what he can do. Otso has had 100 games at Finnish level and he knows the Scandinavian game quite well.
“I have spoken to Alan Combe about him and he has not had an opportunity here but he will get one now. We might have a good goalkeeper right under our nose but we don’t know that yet.”
“I’ve got Alex Palmer from West Brom who came highly recommended by Jonathan Gould and we will have a look at him on Sunday and see how it goes. He is lacking experience but he looks a talent but we are actively seeking a goalkeeper and Alex is ahead of the queue at the minute.”
An investigation is underway after an Audi A1 was recovered from the Union Canal near to Dorset Place in Polwarth at around 8am on Friday morning.
Police are eager to trace three youths who were seen in the area at the time.
A police spokesman said: “We’re working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and are conducting various lines of enquiry in the local area.
“Officers are particularly are eager to trace three males seen in the area around this time, described as 16-18 years old and of slim build.
“The first was wearing a grey top and black bottoms, the second wearing a black top and grey bottoms, and the third wearing a white T-shirt.
“Anyone with information about this is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
At Musselburgh Races yesterday HM The Queen had a special interest as three of her horses were running there.
Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited Musselburgh to unveil a sculpture to mark the bicentenary of the city’s closest racecourse, and to watch the horses bearing the royal silks.
The Bi-Centenary meeting was to celebrate 200 years of horse racing at Musselburgh.
See more of John Preece’s photos here.
Later today the Writers’ Museum have an event at 2pm when they will perform stories poems and pieces of prose, This is a drop in event and will last for about half an hour. Non-bookable event with a suggested donation of around £3.
This event will be repeated at 3pm and then at the same times next Saturday 16 July 2016.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street is closed this month as they undertake a major renovation project.
A new whisky bar will be opened on 1 August which will have a constantly changing menu of whisky flavours. The bar is being moved to the ground floor and is swopping places with the Dining Room which will now be on the first floor with a Charles Heidsieck champagne table.
The venue will host a free open house event on 5th August – more details can be found here: https://www.smws.com/qs-open-house
The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members around the world with branches in 19 countries.
The former school building on the Royal Mile, the C-listed red sandstone Canongate Venture building will become a 21 room luxury aparthotel managed by Apple Apartments.
The 21 double height serviced apartments each have a mezzanine level providing separate sleeping and living areas. All the rooms will look out to a central light-filled atrium in an area which has been unchanged since the building was first designed in 1901 as an infant school.
Billy Cowe who is opening a boutique hotel as part of the Canongate development
Launched in 2013, London-based Apple Apartments is fast-becoming one of the UK’s most successful niche aparthotel operators, specialising in the conversion of small-scale period buildings into high-quality serviced apartments. The company is run by Scottish businessman Billy Cowe and his brother Peter, who have been involved in global property management and development for the past 15 years.
“We knew straight away that this historic building would be perfect for our next specialist conversion project,” says Billy Cowe.
“As well as sitting alongside the Royal Mile, one of the world’s most iconic streets, it also has a range of striking features both inside and out, which make it genuinely stand out as a unique destination not just in Edinburgh but across the UK.
“There is a huge, growing demand for high-quality serviced apartments in good city-centre locations serving both corporate and leisure markets. The Canongate Venture is set to become a flagship aparthotel across our UK business, offering something a little different. As well as fully serviced rooms, we will also be incorporating 24-hour butler service, an exclusive customer lounge and a gourmet restaurant which will also provide room service for guests.”
The company is still in talks with various restaurants about the ‘in-house’ restaurant.
This development is all part of the New Waverley scheme which will have a £2 million public square in the middle of it and 3 hotels.
The doors to Edinburgh Leisure’s gym at Portobello Swim Centre are on schedule to reopen again on Monday, 11 July at 7am after its refurbishment.
The refurbishment includes new flooring, state of the art equipment including brand new treadmills, cross trainers, power mill, skill mill and much more, which will sync with customers’ mobiles or wearable devices so workouts can be recorded and tracked.
There is also an additional weights room, which has benches, weights and a squat rack.
For further information, visit: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/portobello-swim-centre
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Hearts have announced that tickets for their Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round, 2nd leg tie against Maltese side Birkirkara at Tynecastle will go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, July 12th.
As in the first round against FC Infonet, the match kicks-off at 8pm on Thursday, 21st July, a week after first-leg in Malta.
And again, as in the first round, Hearts have announced that prices for this match will be as follows:
Adults – £12
Concessions (O65/FTE/U18) – £6
Two loyalty points will be awarded for this fixture.
Hearts say season ticket holders will be given the opportunity to purchase their seats from 9am on Tuesday until 9am on Friday. Non-season ticket holders can also purchase tickets from 9am on Tuesday, in the Roseburn Stand. Once the exclusivity period for season ticket holders closes on Friday, all remaining seats will be released on general sale.
Season ticket holders who do purchase their own seat will have the match added to their smartcard.
Supporters can buy their tickets from 9am on Tuesday via the club’s three sales channels: online at Hearts eTickets, over the phone by calling 0333 043 1874, option 1 then 1, or in person at the Hearts Ticket Centre on McLeod Street.
Disabled supporters should contact the Ticket Centre directly by calling 0333 043 1874, option 1 then 8.
It’s another fine gesture from Hearts and a reward for the Maroon Army’s continued magnificent support for the team.
SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2016
North Edinburgh Arts Summer Programme: a packed timetable of activities throughout the summer. Today: Bioblitz Day – explore wildlife and nature in the NEA garden. Identify as many species of birds, bugs, plants and beasties as you can! Activities for families and children, with experts on hand from RSPB to help out. For all ages – but children under 6 must be accompanied. 9.30am-1.30pm, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court, Muirhouse. Free, drop-in, refreshments provided. For details of all activities and events at NEA this summer, click here or call NEA on 0131 315 2151.
Superhero Day! Celebrate the release of David Solomons’ new book My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord at Waterstones’ Superhero Day. Come along at any time for some fun superhero-themed activities and take part in a cool comic competition. Feel free to come dressed as your favourite superhero! 9.30am-7pm, Waterstones Fort Kinnaird, 26 Kinnaird Park. For more information please call 0131 657 5493.
Balerno Farmers’ Market: wonderful traders (including Arran Cheese, The Caffeine Fix, Tiphereth Trading, Edward Collins Fish and many more) with a tempting selection of fresh fruit and veg, olive oils, breads, cakes, cheese, fish and meat, game, juices, jams and Scottish Street Food. Harmeny Bikes will also be attending, with a great range of bikes for sale plus bike advice and repairs. Friends of Main Street will be gardening in Main Street’s flower beds, and as always they will welcome help from any volunteers; no gardening experience is required and all tools are supplied by the friendly team – all you need to supply is yourself and a sturdy pair of shoes. All ages are warmly welcomed. Come along and help keep your village centre blooming beautiful all year round. 9am-1pm, Main Street, Balerno.
Retina: Refugee Cameras Project. Photographer Kevin McElvaney gave single-use cameras to refugees he met in Izmir, Lesbos, Athens and Idomeni. Three months later, seven of the fifteen cameras came back (one got lost, two were confiscated by border authorities, two are still in Izmir and three other cameras, and the refugees to whom they were given, remain missing to this day). This exhibition is the result of Kevin’s project, in which he tries to give one of the best documented historic events of our time a new perspective – and the refugees the opportunity to document their own journeys. 9.30am-7pm daily, Image Collective, Second Floor, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Leith. Ends 21st July 2016. The Retina Scottish International Photography Festival is on now, with events and exhibitions at various venues across Edinburgh; for full information visit Retina here.
The Edinburgh Life Drawing & Sketching Group: Marcelline Levicky and Dianne McNaughton. A new exhibition by two local artists. Marcelline is an amateur who has developed her own expressionist style; one of her recent notable accomplishments is having one of her paintings accepted for exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery. Dianne is a self-taught artist who is passionate about painting and sketching in a variety of media. 10am-5pm today, then normal opening hours, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. For mnore information drop into the library or call 0131 529 5616. Ends 15th July 2016.
Bookbug Rhymetime: songs and rhymes for young children (0-3 years) and a chance for you to meet other parents and carers. 10.30am today and every Saturday, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. Free. Also at same time every Tuesday and Friday.
Jennifer Bailey: Will I Make a Good Father, Mother, Sister? A new exhibition by artist Jennifer Bailey, part of Satellites Programme 2016. Jennifer’s practice explores and questions the permeability of art production to patriarchal structures, desire, capital and paid work. Often revealing the conditions of its making, her work investigates the visual codes that constitute authenticity. Expanding from an interest in the productive body at work, a new wall drawing and series of sculptures point towards our bodily experience of materials and residues of work. Image: Jennifer Bailey, That’s Genetic, 2015, courtesy of the artist. 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday (10am-6pm daily in August), Collective Gallery, City Observatory & Dome, 38 Calton Hill. Ends 4th September 2016. Satellites Programme is Collective’s development programme for emergent artists and producers based in Scotland.
Bruncheon featuring Candythief, Callum Easter, Ewan Bush & Artcore Circus. A cracking line-up for the July Bruncheon, put together by special guest programmer Candythief (aka Diane de Caburrus) who will also be hitting the stage! Come along for top-notch live music, great food from the Drill Hall Arts Café, and excellent company! As a special treat this Bruncheon will also feature the brand new show by Artcore Circus. Life’s a Circus is the culmination of an 8 week youth circus training course taught by PyroCeltica and Full Cirqle. Live music 11.30am – 2.30pm, #artcore circus performance at 1.45pm. Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith. Free admission.
Damián Ortega: an exhibition by the Mexican artist, showcasing new sculptures that focus on how the forces of nature – wind, water, earth and fire – act on the earth both independently of and in relationship to humankind. ‘Ortega shows us clay as matter, as energy, as power. His is a restless imagination and the exhibition turns The Fruitmarket Gallery into an arena for the investigation of a world in flux’. 11am-6pm Monday-Saturday, 12 noon-5pm Sundays, The Fruitmarket Gallery, Market Street. Ends 23rd October 2016. There will be a free, informal tour of the exhibition with one of the gallery’s Information Assistants at 2pm today; no booking required, just come along.
Wee Treasures – July: storytelling for early years children and their families inspired by a different portrait each month; come and delve into the magic treasure chest to find out what the story will be! With fun rhymes and songs, puppet characters and lots of opportunities to join in. 10.30am or 11.30am, Scottish National Portrait Gallery (meet in the Great Hall), 1 Queen Street. No booking required: free, unticketed. Places limited – sign up on the day.
A Way of Seeing: a new mixed exhibition including works by Liz Doyle, Shelagh Boyle, Teresa Gordon, Catriona Millar, Sally Anne Fitter, Alan Glasgow, Basia Roszak, Maria Connolly, Lindsey Madden, Susan Reid, Col Dunbar, Christine Clark, Rosalind Walker, Jude Nixon, Brian Ballard and Helen Acklam. Opens today with prosecco and nibbles, then 10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday, 12 noon-5pm Sundays, The Velvet Easel, 298 Portobello High Street. Ends 30th October 2016.
Tiger Tales: stories and crafts for ages 4-7. 11am today and every Saturday, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Free.
Edinburgh PrintMAKERS MARKET: this great summer family event will showcase an eclectic mix of talented local crafters coming together to display, sell and promote their beautiful items, including jewellery, ceramics, paintings, zines and much, much more. Each piece has the added distinction of being both unique and hand crafted. This market will have something for everyone, so don’t miss out on this vibrant and child friendly event – browse the stalls, discover handmade wares and relax with delicious delights catered by the lovely Manna House Bakery! 11am-5pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, Union Street. Free.
Architecture Fringe: the Architecture Fringe is an independent, contributor-led series of events and projects across the arts which will explore architecture and how it makes a difference to our lives. Inspired by the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design this new fringe festival has been initiated by a group of architects, photographers, engineers, visual artists, curators and musicians. 
Complementing the Festival of Architecture 2016, the Architecture Fringe will host a number of events, exhibitions, talks and a community self-build, with activity taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Beith in North Ayrshire and Farr south of Inverness. The intention is to establish the Architecture Fringe as an annual event across Scotland. Gayfield Creative Spaces is hosting exhibitions by Robb Mcrae, Tamsin Cunningham, Ffion and Steven Blench, and Calum Ross and Andy Hodgkinson of Leith experimental band Hans Klammer. Today at 11am there will be a talk, The Neoliberal City, by Anna Minton and Andy Wightman. The exhibition will be open 10am-6pm today and 10am-4pm on Sunday 10th July, Gayfield Creative Spaces, Gayfield Square.
The Scottish Parliament Architecture Tour: Democracy by Design. A special tour launched as part of The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016, celebrating the innovation architecture and design of the Scottish Parliament. Discover more about the inspiration behind the architectural design which led to the creation of the accessible and award-winning Parliament building, and find out about its purpose, symbolism and uses. 12 noon, Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. Free but booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 348 5200 or emailing Visitor Services at visit@scottish.parliament.uk.
Picturehouses Culture Shock: the best in cult and genre films. Today: The Witches (PG). Anjelica Houston stars in this fantasy film based on Roald Dahl’s famous novel. In an alternate reality, where the world is plagued by infanticidal witches who masquerade as ordinary women, a boy and his grandmother try to destroy them. 1.20pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
Grassmarket Matinée of the Month: The Brothers Bloom (12). Twenty-five years of swindling people are too much for Bloom (Adrien Brody) and he wants out of the business. His brother, Stephen (Mark Ruffalo), convinces him to work on one final hustle, targeting an eccentric East Coast heiress named Penelope (Rachel Weisz). The con game fails to play out as planned when Bloom falls in love with this irresistible woman. 2pm, Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. All welcome, free admission: donations very welcome! The Grassmarket Community Project is a charity providing mentoring, training and education to participants, many of whom are amongst the most vulnerable of Edinburgh’s citizens, in a nurturing environment. It operates a community cafe, woodwork and tartan social enterprises, and a range of social integration and educational activities for members, aimed at enhancing life skills and developing confidence. To read about The Edinburgh Reporter’s afternoon at the Project, click here.
Scotland’s Gardens: Balerno Lodge. A two acre mature garden consisting of rhododendrons, azaleas, shrubbery and a small pretty stream leading into a pond. Within the walled garden there is a large central herbaceous border and a newly created insect friendly bed. Refreshments, plant sales (Macplants Nursery). 2-5pm, Balerno Lodge, Johnsburn Road, Balerno EH14 7DX – for directions click here. Admission £4 of which 40% goes to Canine Partners and the net remainder to SG beneficiaries.
Tiger Tales: stories and crafts for children aged 4-8, and a chance for you to meet other parents and carers. 2.30pm today and every Saturday, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. Free.
The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge Scotland: Roald Dahl Book Club. 3pm today and every Saturday throughout the holidays, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. For mnore information drop into the library or call 0131 529 5616.
The Scottish Parliament History Tour: Democracy by Design. Travel through the award-winning Parliament building and along a timeline from the 9th to the 21st century! Your guide will tell legends, stories and facts specially selected from 1100 years of Scotland’s fascinating history. Inspired by the Parliament building, its location and objects on display, learn about the legend of the Saltire, the lives of kings and queens, the outcome of battles and more. For adults and children aged 10+. 3.30pm, Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. Free but booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 348 5200 or emailing Visitor Services at visit@scottish.parliament.uk. Image: Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament.
Folk Gaze: A Chinese Language Film Weekend. A two-day screening event curated and organised by two University of Edinburgh MSc Film, Exhibition and Curation students. Today’s first film, showing at 4pm, is 7 days in Heaven (in Chinese and Taiwanese with English subtitles), a dark, poetic comedy centering on a woman’s experience of the death and funeral of her father. Mei, resolutely urban, returns to her rural hometown, where she and her brother arrange a series of arcane and elaborate funeral rites. The second film, showing at 6pm, is Heaven’s Will (in Shanxinese and Chinese with English subtitles), a documentary about Chinese local belief and fear of spirits. Naixiao, who lives in a small village in the bleak region of Shanxi Province, used to be a gangster, but recently has acquired the ability to predict life and death. Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. All welcome, free admission, but please book your place via Eventbrite here. More films on Sunday at the Screening Room, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh (see separate listing).
Is The Pale Blue Dot Special? For the last 400 years, scientific discoveries have unseated humanity from the centre of the Universe, from Copernicus’ heresy that the Sun was at the centre of the Solar System, to finally culminating in the astonishing consequence of modern cosmology that the Universe actually does not have a centre. Yet we do not detect human-like creatures or technology in other star systems. See whether St Andrews astronomer and astrobiologist Duncan Forgan can explain this. 4.30-5.30pm, Upper Hope Park Church Gallery (Summerhall), off Hope Park Terrace. Free. For more information call Summerhall on 0131 560 1580.
Surreal Encounters: Monthly Discussion Tours (July): discussion tours of the Surreal Encounters exhibition taking a more detailed look at the collectors and artists featured in the exhibition. 2pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Purchase of a ticket for the exhibition is required (£10/£8 – Friends of NGS free).
Picturehouse Documentaries: Weiner (15). With unrestricted access to Anthony Weiner’s New York City mayoral campaign, this film (directed by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg) reveals the human story behind the scenes of a high-profile political scandal as it unfolds, and offers an unfiltered look at how much today’s politics are driven by an appetite for spectacle. 6.35pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online. Also screening 10th-14th July – times vary.
Celebrating Solidarity with Refugees: a film screening and discussion. Thousands of Belgian refugees came to Scotland during the First World War (1914 – 1918). A 100 years on, a group of refugees and local Scots share what they’ve discovered about this hidden heritage and draw parallels with their own experiences of re-building their lives in Scotland today. Learn about their findings in an inspiring and powerful short documentary film produced by Scottish Refugee Council in collaboration with cinematographer Lou McLoughlan (BAFTA nominee 2015 for 16 Years of Summer). Some members of the group will be at the screening and there will be an informal discussion after the film. 6.30pm, Tribe Porty, 19 Windsor Place, Portobello. Admission £3 on the door.
Re-Act, Refugee Action Scotland Charity Concert: Sijie ‘Susie’ Chen (violin) and Liang-yu Wang (piano) perform Beethoven Sonatas 5, 6 & 7. Sijie Chen is a member of the SCO and has also worked with The Academy of Ancient Music, Manchester Camerata, Halle, and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras. Liang-yu Wang has made numerous concert appearances as a soloist and collaborative pianist throughout the world. She has worked with such artists as Raphael Wallfisch, Thomas Landschoot, Joseph Swensen and world renowned soprano Dawn Upshaw. Re-Act, Refugee Action Scotland is a not-for-profit humanitarian aid project launched in response to the worldwide refugee crisis, working to fundraise and collect vital donations from all over Scotland to transport to the refugee camps in Calais and throughout other crisis areas of Europe. ‘People, not swarms; refugees, not migrants’. 7.30pm, Broughton St Mary’s Church, Bellevue Crescent. Tickets £15/£10 on the door or in advance from susietickets@gmail.com.
Saturday Night Live & Unplugged: The GTs. A dynamic mix of blues, country, funk, soul and classics from this contemporary duo. 9pm-12 midnight, Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello.
Messenger Sound System: Scotland’s original Roots and Culture Sound System. Messenger has been spreading the word on its own custom built bass-heavy rig since 1987, with a flame burning brighter than ever today. 11pm-3am, The Bongo Club, Cowgate. £7 (£6 before 12).
SUNDAY 10TH JULY 2016
Filmhouse Junior: films for a younger audience. This week: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (U) (1971 version): Mel Stuart’s brilliant musical version of perhaps the most famous Roald Dahl book of them all. Enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious chocolate bars. Whoever finds these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of sweets… 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small.
Picturehouses Vintage Sundays: classic films back on the big screen. Today: Poor Cow (15). Ken Loach’s first feature film, starring Carol White and Terence Stamp (made in 1967), was based on the novel by Nell Dunn, who also wrote Loach’s earlier Wednesday Play, Up the Junction. 1pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
Portrait Detectives: collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! For ages 4-12. 2-4pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. No booking required: free, unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.
Scotland’s Gardens: Gifford and Broadwoodside. Gifford was laid out early in the 18th century and has retained much of its original charm. The village includes a beautiful church built in 1708, the Lime Avenue of Yester House, the Goblin Ha’ and Tweeddale Hotels and a wide range of gardens, all within walking distance of each other. The garden at Broadwoodside is planted in and around a farm steading, rescued from dereliction. Two sheltered courtyards are encircled by the old buildings; outside the planting extends into the surrounding farmland and woods on an ambitious scale. 
‘This is one of Scotland’s finest contemporary private gardens, with excellent structure, imaginative use of objects, and some of the most eye-catching planting in Scotland … who could ask for more?’ (Scotland for Gardeners, 2014). The Gifford gardens vary in size and types, from the compact and the informal to the large and formal, with a wide range of plants, shrubs and trees. 1-5pm, Gifford, East Lothian – for directions click here. Admission £6, of which 40% will go to local charities and the net remainder to SG beneficiaries.
Reunion Tea and Cake Cruise: go on a return journey from Edinburgh Quay to Slateford Aqueduct on board Reunion’s Lochrin Belle. Enjoy a voyage of discovery and a selection of homemade cakes and tea. 2pm, Edinburgh Quay, Fountainbridge. Tickets cost £18 and booking is essential, online here or by calling Reunion on 0131 261 8529. Re-Union Canal Boats is a social enterprise based on and around the Union Canal; it built and launched its first pilot boat in 2004, which was replaced by a wide beam canal boat in June 2008. Re-Union offers training and support to a wide range of volunteers in crewing (RYA) first aid, hospitality, health and hygiene and a variety of other courses that are identified and driven by the volunteers’ needs and requests, and engages meaningfully with canalside communities from Edinburgh Quay to Wester Hailes through a variety of projects including canoe building, supporting the development of a canoe club, orchard planting (which is now growing into a healthy eating garden project) and co-ordinating community consultations and the Edinburgh Canal Festival.
Strictly Smokin’ Big Band: a full 17 piece Big Band from Newcastle, with 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 4 rhythm, plus two vocalists! You’ll hear Rat Pack to Ella, Miller to Basie, Robbie to Bublé, and lots in between! Bring the family – no under-18 age restrictions on afternoon gigs. 3-5.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £3 on the door: please note this venue is strictly cash only.
Folk Gaze: A Chinese Language Film Weekend. A two-day screening event curated and organised by two University of Edinburgh MSc Film, Exhibition and Curation students. Today’s first film, showing at 3.30pm, is River (in Tibetan languages and Chinese with English subtitles), telling the story of the relationships between three generations in a Tibetan family. Through a little girl’s eyes, it shows the audiences the spectacular views in Tibet and the story of her family. At 6pm, Taiwan Spotlight, a programme of four excellent Taiwanese shorts, telling stories in various local languages about folk culture, family, history, love and saying goodbye. You will also have the chance to try traditional Chinese snacks! Screening Room, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh. All welcome, free admission, but please book your place via Eventbrite here.
Leith Conversation Cafes: bringing the different nationalities and cultures of Leith together through hosted conversation sessions in local cafés. Join in, speak out, be inspired! 4-5.30pm, Sketchy Beats, 208 Great Junction Street. All welcome! Also held at Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street, on Monday mornings, and the Yellow Bench Café, Crighton Place, on Monday evenings – full details here. ‘Our ultimate vision is a Leith community where people who have moved here from overseas feel included, informed, recognised and respected’.
Gorgie City Farm Fundraiser: come and enjoy the best views in the city while helping to raise vital funds for the community farm! Stalls with artwork, crafts and handmade goods, sand art for childre and an amazing silent auction with all funds raised going to the Farm. 25% of the bar takings will be donated to the Farm. Free admission, with a welcoming G & T courtesy of Arbikie Highland Estate. 5-9pm, SKYbar, 34 Bread Street. For more information please contact kalindsell@gmail.com. Gorgie City Farm is open free of charge every day (except Christmas Day & New Year’s Day), and works with over 100 volunteers every week through training, work experience, social opportunities and personal support.
Blind Poet Cinema Sundays: with free popcorn! 6pm, The Blind Poet, West Nicolson Street. Free.
St Giles’ at Six: Duo Canto y Piano. Camilla Garcia (soprano) and Jacqueline Urizar (piano) present Alcanzando la Poesía: a programme for voice and piano from Latin American and European composers, with music by Ginastera, Guastavino, Schubert, Duparc, Rachmaninoff and others. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
Singers Night with US vocalist William Young: an evening of superb vocals from the ex-Cincinnati Soul/Blues/Jazz vocalist, backed by a top-drawer jazz trio featuring swinging pianist David Patrick. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is strictly cash only.
On a lovely sunny day at Musselburgh Her Majesty The Queen watched three of her horses run on the East Lothian track from The Queen’s Stand.
The Royal standard was raised just as she arrived at the course.
There was a band provided by The Royal Regiment of Scotland and an exhibition harness racing event and both Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh appeared to have an enjoyable day before leaving just before 4 o’clock.
Racegoers were hoping for a Royal winner to mark the special occasion and the Queen’s horse in the feature race was well backed at 6/5 favourite but came in a valiant third, half a length behind winner Livella Fella.
The Queen presented the specially commissioned The Musselburgh Bi-Centenary Cup to Kevin Dalgleish, brother of the winning trainer Carluke-based Keith Dalgleish, and winning jockey Phillip Makin.