Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lights, Camera, Action! An exhibition of work by Primary 5 pupils from Trinity and Victoria Primary Schools. 10am-4pm, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Hawthornvale. All welcome: free. Also on Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June at same times.
Cafe Ceilidh:Old Town Edinburgh. Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon of songs and music celebrating Edinburgh’s Old Town. 2-4pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free and unticketed.
Let’s Glow: Edinburgh College Classical Music Degree Recitals.The College’s final year BA students perform on tuba, trombone, clarinet, piano and voice. From Sondheim and Gershwin to Mozart and Hindemith, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 1-5.30pm, The Music Box, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh College, Bankhead Avenue. Free and open to all. Further recitals will take place on Thursday 4th June (see listing).
French Cinema: 9 Mois Ferme. An off-the-wall comedy starring Sandrine Kiberlain, who won a Cesar for her interpretation of Judge Ariane Felder. Directed by Albert Dupontel. ‘A disconcerting but hilarious film’. In French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free admission. Also showing 1-2.30pm on Wednesday 3rd June.
Golden Hare Books and Vagabond Voices Present Chris Dolan: Aliyyah. The multi award winning writer launches his new novel, a modern Arabian tale set in an unnamed war-torn country. Captain Robert Haldane awakes in a strange room in an old house, surrounded by a beautiful but ramshackle orchard miles from anywhere. The last thing he remembers is his helicopter being shot down over enemy territory. It appears that he is in a safe house, cared for by an elderly holy man and his niece, but how did Haldane get there? And who are these people really? ‘A Romeo and Juliet story, but one for an age where scientific materialism is crossing bloody swords with religion’. 7pm, Golden Hare Books, St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. Free tickets are available via eventbrite here or by calling the shop on 0131 629 1396.
St Andrew’s & St George’s West Summer Lecture Series – Professor Hugh Goddard: Building Stronger Communities. In this new series of talks, three noted speakers will explore the issues of building stronger communities from interfaith, academic, economic and practical perspectives. Hugh Goddard is Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and the author of several books, including Christians and Muslims: From Double Standards to Mutual Understanding. 7.30-9.30pm, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free: all welcome.
Leith Folk Club: Scott Cook and Jez Hellard with support Ian Sclater. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £7 and may be purchased online here or via the club’s text booking line on 07502 024 852.
Edinburgh College of Art Film and Television Degree Show (15): films from this year’s crop of graduate students from the award-winning Film Department at ECA. Subjects range from a sparky coming of age drama about a young gay teenager to experimental work on perception and a nature documentary gathered from a self-made hide on the Water of Leith. 6.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. The Filmhouse is showing the best new work from film, TV, media and animation students at Edinburgh’s colleges and universities during May and June: work by Edinburgh College and Edinburgh College of Art (animation degree) students will follow, with the next event taking place on 10th June – see listings.
Waterstones West End Presents Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking. The influential performer and writer will sign copies of her new book. 12.30pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street.
Edinburgh All Comers Writers Club: local writers get together to share/read their work and get positive feedback and constructive advice. 7.30-10.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: Livingston Information Day. Come for a chat with the Alzheimer Scotland West Lothian team. 10am-4pm, Livingston Designer Outlet, Almondvale Avenue.
Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!
Transport & Environment Committee
Presiding Officer to stand down
Law Society to become tenant at Atria One
Castlebrae’s electric car
Bees at Holyrood
The council’s Transport and Environment Committee meets at 10am in the City Chambers. You can watch it live or as a recording online.
One of the topics for discussion today is the future of Saughton Park and Gardens. There is to be a second round bid application to the Heritage Lottery Fund in September and today the committee will be asked to approve that.
The council has owned Saughton Park for over a century, first buying the estate to make room for the people moving into the Dalry area of Edinburgh so that they had ‘recreational’ space. The gardens were then the site of the Scottish National Exhibition in 1908 when 3.5million people visited. Early on the gardens rivalled the Botanics with the best collection of roses in Scotland but over the last 30 years the gardens have fallen into decline.
The original house, Saughtonhall was demolished in 1952 because of dry rot.
***
The Rt. Hon. Tricia Marwick, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, has announced that she is standing down from Parliament at next year’s Scottish election.
The Presiding Officer said: “I have been active in politics since the mid-80s and for some of that time held down a full time job, looked after my children as well as campaigning. It is possible that the next parliamentary session will last for 5 years and, if so, I will be 67 when that session ends. I have been an MSP since 1999 and I am convinced this is the right time for me to leave the Parliament and frontline politics.
“When I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2013 it made me realise I wasn’t invincible. The sad loss this session of 4 MSPs from the 1999 intake has affected me deeply. My health is good and all my tests show that I remain clear of cancer. However, my family have had to make many sacrifices over the years and I want to ensure that I can spend more time with them, particularly my two grandchildren.
“As for the future, I don’t intend to retire completely and hope I can continue to make some contribution to public life in Scotland.”
***
For almost 50 years the Law Society of Scotland has had its headquarters at Drumsheugh Gardens but now it is to become a tenant at the Council owned office development Atria One.
The move to Atria One on Morrison Street involves the complete sale of the Law Society’s current buildings on Drumsheugh Gardens. The new office premises will offer more modern and environmentally-friendly surroundings for staff and visitors.
Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “Our office move will help us to be relevant and effective in supporting our members, stakeholders and the public in the years ahead.
“After 47 years, the Law Society offices at Drumsheugh Gardens are increasingly unfit for purpose and expensive to maintain. That is why we have been reviewing our long term office location over the last year. Following that review, it is clear that moving to a new office represents the best decision.
The Law Society, which employs over 120 staff and works with over 400 volunteers, will occupy suites 1 and 4 on the second floor of Atria One, covering approximately 19,000 square feet. The Society has agreed a 15 year lease and plans to be operational in Atria by late 2015, following a fitting out period. Its current Drumsheugh Gardens premises have been sold to a developer.
***
A group of 10 pupils from S4 at Edinburgh’s Castlebrae Community High School are building an electric race car from scratch which will then compete on the race track in East Fortune in September.
This innovative initiative, developed by Edinburgh College in partnership with Castlebrae High School and sponsored by Lamborghini Edinburgh, is aimed at engaging and inspiring young people to become the engineers of the future – giving them the chance to see some of the world’s most advanced supercars first hand while building their own electric car.
An expert Engineering instructor from Edinburgh College visits the school every week to work with the pupils on constructing the kit car which was sponsored by Lamborghini.
The pupils will be showing off their handiwork later today.
***
The Scottish Government introduced bees to Holyrood last year in collaboration with Kelvin Valley Honey to locate two Scottish bred honey bee colonies at the Parliament.
The bees arrived in June 2014 and have taken up residence in the MSP Garden.
Depending on the summer weather the hives should produce between 80lbs to 120lbs of honey by September. Half of the honey will be retained by the Parliament and half given to Kelvin Valley.
Here are the answers supplied by the government to any questions you may have on bees…
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What Shall I Do With $650,000?
We live in an age of instant communication. Computers, the internet and mobile, wireless technology mean we can communicate instantly with almost any part of the world at the press of a touchpad or click of a mouse. Satellite wizardry has changed the world and made it a much smaller place. But naturally there has to be a down side to all this. I received this email a few days ago. Dear E-mail User, The Office of the President Dr. Boni Yayi, of the Republic of Benin and the African Union President respectively, has awarded you the sum of Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars – $650,000 U.S. Dollars Only as a Compensation Fund because your email is included in the list of victim(s) who lost their fund to unidentified fraudsters in Africa or victim(s) of Unpaid Inheritance or Contract Award Fund.
This is an instant payment exercise and no fees required. Meanwhile, several emails has been sent to you from this office in this regards, but you don’t care to reply. This is to notify you that your ‘Compensation Fund’ is ready for payment to you. The fund will be paid immediately you contact the ‘Compensation Fund Award Department’. Note that the no amount will be deducted from the ‘Compensation Fund’ due to the insurance policy bond on the fund.
Hmm. What shall I do with $650,000?
Spam. Unsolicited e-mails from all parts of the globe (although mainly, it has to be said, the USA) It’s a blight of the communication age and a constant irritant. Why don’t you fit a spam filter I hear computer experts cry? I have – through those bastions (no, that’s not a spelling mistake) of communications, BT. I pay the princely sum of £1.50 per month for the chaps and chapesses at BT to divert rogue and sometimes malicious e-mails from my in-box to the bulk mail box. And to be fair to BT it usually works with as many as 60 junk e-mails heading my way every day. But occasionally, e-mails that aren’t spam are read as such by BT and are deposited in said bulk mail box. Which is as much as an irritant as having to deal with the damn spammers in the first place. Sometimes the BT filter gets suspicious and diverts important e-mails in the same direction as dubious messages offering everything from Viagra to Valium. Which means I have to check the bulk mail to ensure there isn’t anything of value there. I made the mistake of just emptying the bulk mail folder the other week without checking and thereby deleted an important e-mail from Heart of Midlothian FC about season ticket prices for the next campaign.
So, I have to wade through reams of rubbish just in case something has slipped through. At this time of the year I’m receiving dozens of junk e-mails about what I ought to do for Father’s Day which, apparently, is less than three weeks away (if my daughters are reading this, that’s 21 June…) Given my father has been dead for more than 18 years it’s not something high on my priorities but this is a stark example of my privacy being invaded by unscrupulous companies who show no consideration for the feelings of others.
As for the companies constantly screaming at me to buy Viagra, I have considered taking legal action against them. But then someone who I believed was a good friend of mine and shall remain nameless, told me it would never stand up in court…
Concern for missing Lisa Wind
UPDTE – LISA WIND TRACED SAFE AND WELL IN EDINBURGH
Police are appealing for the assistance of the public in an effort to trace a 34-year-old woman reported missing.
Lisa Wind of the Southside of Edinburgh was last heard from on Thursday 28th May.
This behaviour is out of character for Lisa and officers are growing increasingly concerned for her wellbeing.
She is known to visit the Southbridge, Ocean Terminal and Meadowbank areas of the Capital. It is thought she may still be in Edinburgh however she also has family in the Bradford area of England where she is originally from.
Lisa is described as being around 5ft 6in, with long black pleated hair and has an English accent.
Anyone who has seen Lisa or who can assist police with their ongoing enquiries is asked to come forward.
Inspector Kevin Rafferty said: “There has been no contact with Lisa since Thursday 28th May and we are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.
“Lisa’s disappearance has come as a shock to her family and we are keen to trace her as quickly as possible.
“Police are carrying out extensive enquiries in an effort to find Lisa and I would ask anyone who has seen Lisa or who has information that can assist with our ongoing enquiries to please contact police on 101 or, alternatively call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Police appeal for help to trace missing 15 year-old
UPDATE – SHANICE HENRY TRACED. SAFE AND WELL
Police are appealing for information to help trace a teenage girl reported missing within the Capital.
Shanice Henry was last seen leaving an address in the Moredun area at around 2.30pm on Saturday 22nd May but did not provide any information as to where she was going.
The 15-year-old has since failed to return to her home address in Balmwell Terrace. However, it is believed she is still within the city and may be staying with friends.
Enquiries to establish Shanice’s current whereabouts are ongoing and anyone with information that can assist officers is asked to come forward.
Shanice is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall with a slim build, blonde shoulder-length hair and hair extensions. She was last seen wearing burgundy leggings, white Converse trainers, a navy denim jacket, a raspberry-coloured strapless top and was in possession of a blue Nike bag.
Sergeant Graeme Monteath said: “Shanice knows Edinburgh very well and is extremely confident and happy to travel around the city independently.
“While we believe she is currently with people she knows, we are keen to locate her as soon as possible to ensure her safety and wellbeing.
“Anyone who can assist us with our investigation is asked to contact police immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.
Ex Hearts’ striker James Keatings joins Hibs
James Keatings has signed for Hibs after being freed by city rivals Hearts.
The 23-year-old striker won back-to-back promotions during spells with Hamilton Academical then Hearts and now hopes to make it three in a row with Hibs.
Speaking to Hibs TV, Keatings said: “I’m delighted to sign for the club and I definitely believe Hibs can go up as champions.
“I saw the quality in the team whenever I played against them last season and Hibs probably deserved more than they achieved.
“But there’s a new season coming up now and I’ll be aiming to make it three promotions for me and I’m sure the club will be targeting that too.”
“I had other options to go elsewhere and to play in the Premiership.
“But one of the big factors that persuaded me to come here was the manager and I believe he can make me become a much better player.
“Hibs are a big club and the manager has ambitious plans for the future.
“Everything pointed towards this move being the right decision for me and my career.”
Head Coach Alan Stubbs said: “James will bring goals to the team and we’re delighted to add him to the squad.
“It’s an area where I thought we did well last season, but it’s also an area where we can improve.
“His goalscoring record speaks for itself – he’s got a good habit of being in the right place at the right time.
“We want competition for places and we want to score lots of goals. We’re delighted to sign James and the fact he wanted to come here.
“The fact we’ve got this deal done and Fraser’s new contract is a positive sign about how we want to drive the club forward.
“I want to do all my business as early as possible and have the nucleus of the squad in place for the start of pre-season.
“We’ve been able to do that thanks to season ticket sales, HSL and shares; the more sold, the better equipped will be in the transfer market.”
Fraser Fyvie signs two year deal with Hibs
Fraser Fyvie has signed a two year contract with Hibs.
The 22-year-old former Aberdeen midfielder moved to Easter Road in January from Wigan and proceeded to record 17 appearances, scoring twice.
Speaking to Hibs TV, Fyvie said: “I’m delighted to sign the deal and I’m massively excited about what we can achieve next season.
“When I first came to the club, I signed a six-month deal and now I’ve been given the opportunity to sign a two year contract – I’d like to thank the manager and the club for the faith they’ve shown in me.
“Moving back up to Scotland has been really beneficial to my career, the manager gave me a platform to play games and I wanted to repay him by committing my future to the club for the next two years.
“I also wanted to get everything sorted out as quickly as possible, so that I could plan ahead with my family. This was an easy and exciting decision to make.
“I think we just missed out last season; everyone came away from it disappointed, but I’m confident that next season we can take the extra step and go up.
“Everyone within the squad believes we’ve started to build something special here at the club and now we want to kick on and achieve success.”
Head Coach Alan Stubbs said: “We’re delighted that Fraser has agreed to commit his future to the club – he’s a quality player with huge promise.
“His decision to sign a new deal is a real coup for Hibernian and underlines our ambitions for the future.
“We’re confident that Fraser will continue to progress and mature into an outstanding midfielder and the fact he has decided to continue his development here at Hibernian will give everybody a lift.”
Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “This is more positive news and we’re delighted Fraser has agreed to stay here at the club.
“Fraser has made a commitment to Hibernian and it would be brilliant to see supporters following suit by committing to a 2015/16 season ticket.
“It is important that we build continuity at the Club and that supporters understand that their contribution whether from season tickets, buying shares or joining HSL can make a huge difference and allows myself and Alan to plan the shape of the team.”
Photography from the Victorian era
This June there will be a major exhibition staged at the National Museum of Scotland displaying all sorts of images taken in the 19th century and explaining how the Victorians were crazy about photos.
It is clear that we are all crazy about photos nowadays too but the astonishing fact that is brought out in this exhibition is that more photographs are taken in two minutes than in the whole of the 19th century.
Photography: A Victorian Sensation will take visitors back to the very beginnings of photography in 1839, tracing its evolution from a scientific art practised by a few wealthy individuals to a widely available global phenomenon, practised on an industrial scale.
The exhibition will showcase National Museums Scotland’s extensive early photographic collections, including Hill and Adamson’s iconic images of Victorian Edinburgh, and the Howarth-Loomes collection, much of which has never been publicly displayed.
Highlights include an early daguerreotype camera once owned by William Henry Fox Talbot; an 1869 photograph of Alfred, Lord Tennyson by Julia Margaret Cameron; a carte-de-visite depicting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a middle-class couple and an early daguerreotype of the Niagara Falls.
The exhibition will cover the period from 1839 to 1900, by which point photography had permeated the whole of society, becoming a global sensation. Images and apparatus will illustrate the changing techniques used by photographers and studios during the 19th century, and the ways in which photography became an increasingly accessible part of everyday life.
From the pin-sharp daguerreotype and the more textured calotype process of the early years, to the wet collodion method pioneered in 1851, photography developed as both a science and an art form. Visitors can follow the cross-channel competition between photographic trailblazers Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot, enter the world of the 1851 Great Exhibition and snap their own pictures inside the photographer’s studio.
They will also discover the fascinating stories of some of the people behind hundreds of Victorian photographs. These range from poignant mementos of loved ones to comical shots and early attempts at image manipulation. Photographs of family members were important mementos for Victorians and on display will be jewellery incorporating both images of deceased loved ones and elaborately woven locks of their hair.
Sharing images of loved ones drove the craze for collecting cartes-de-visite. The average middle class Victorian home would have had an album full of images of friends and family members as well as never-before-seen famous faces ranging from royalty to well-known authors and infamous criminals. Such images sold in their hundreds of thousands.
Also hugely popular were stereoscopes, relatively affordable devices which allowed people to view 3D photographs of scenes from around the world from the comfort of their own homes. On display will be a range of ornate stereoscopes as well as early photographs showing views from countries ranging from Egypt to Australia.
The increasing affordability of photographs fuelled the demand for the services of photographic studios, and visitors will have the opportunity to get a taste of a Victorian studio by posing for their own pictures. They will also have the chance to see typical objects from the photographer’s studio, including a cast iron head rest, used to keep subjects still for a sufficient period of time to capture their image.
Alison Morrison Low, Principal Curator of Science at National Museums Scotland commented:
“Just as today we love to document the world around us photographically, so too were the Victorians obsessed with taking and sharing photographs. Photography: A Victorian Sensation will transport visitors back to the 19th century, linking the Victorian craze for photography with the role it plays in everyday life today. The period we’re examining may be beyond living memory, but the people featured in these early images are not so different from us.”
A book, Scottish Photography: The First 30 Years by Sara Stevenson and Alison Morrison-Low will be published by NMSEnterprises Publishing to accompany Photography: A Victorian Sensation.
Admission: £10 adults, £8 concession, children (age 12-15) £6.50. Entry is free to National Museums Scotland Members and children under 12.
Photography: A Victorian Sensation
Friday 19 June to Sunday 22 November 2015
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street.
Monday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
Refugee Festival 2015 Art Exhibition: an exhibition of visual art by multiple artists, around the themes of refugees, displacement, diaspora and acceptance. Launch tonight (with a free glass of wine!) at 7pm then 10am-11pm, Forest Cafe. 141 Lauriston Place. Ends 30th June 2015. Refugee Festival Scotland runs 3rd-21st June 2015. It is centered in Glasgow but includes events throughout the country; please see daily listings for other events in Edinburgh this week.
Filmhouse: For Crying Out Loud. Special screenings for parents/carers and their babies under the age of 12 months, accompanied by no more than two adults. Babychanging, bottle-warming and buggy parking facilities are available. Today’s film is Far from the Madding Crowd (12A): Carey Mulligan stars as Bathesheba in Thomas Vinterberg’s new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s famous novel. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets for Crying Out Loud screenings cost £4.50/£3.50 per adult and may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688.
Elspeth J McKenzie: a new exhibition by the Leith based artist. Jeremiah’s Tap Room, 7-8 Elm Row. Please contact venue for opening hours.
Golden Hare Book Group: Nan Shepherd The Living Mountain. This month the group discusses Shepherd’s masterpiece, in which she describes her journeys into the Cairngorms; the book was composed during the Second World War but lay untouched until its publication over thirty years later. ‘A classic meditation on the magnificence of mountains and on our imaginative relationship with the wild world around us’; ‘A beautiful and quietly profound book’. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. All welcome: for more information please call the shop on 0131 629 1396.
LGBT: Police Surgery. Seek advice, raise concerns around safety issues, report incidents or discuss policing in your area with an officer from Police Scotland. No appointment needed for this informal session. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly Drop-In, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information, or if you would like support around safety issues or to meet with the police outwith these times, please contact George Burrows on 0131 652 3281 or email george@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Grassmarket Picture House – see movies for free at the Grassmarket Community Project! Tonight’s film is the critically acclaimed and award-winning Birdman (15): a former cinema superhero (Michael Keaton) attempts an ambitious Broadway show that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. 7pm. Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. The Grassmarket Community Project creates community and provides sanctuary to some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless and people with mental/physical health issues and learning support needs. It operates an excellent 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. Although the films are shown for free, any donations you can offer will be much appreciated.
Hidden Gardens of the Royal Mile: Unexpected Green Gems in Edinburgh’s Old Town. A talk by the author, Jean Bareham. 6.30pm, Newington Library, Fountainhall Road. Free but please call 0131 529 5536 to reserve your place.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Monthly Book Quiz: if you know your Waugh from your Peace and your Meyer from your Heyer, try this quiz, with questions on anything from classics to bestsellers, Booker Prize winners to celebrity biographies. Teams of up to five people welcome. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free but please arrive early as space is limited.
Cameo Culture Shock: The Dark Crystal (U). ‘Jim Henson’s animatronic cult fantasy movie is visually stunning and a triumph of the imagination’. 9pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here.
Pentland Hills Regional Park Breeding Birds Survey: help survey for breeding birds on the heather moorland – a great survey for those who enjoy the early morning! Please bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs. 6.30-8.30am, Bonaly Country Park. Free. For more information please contact Pentland Hills Regional Park Service on 0131 529 2401 or email pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Image: www.geograph.org.uk
Stephanie Green: Flout. The poet and writer introduces her new pamphlet of poems (following a sell-out launch at StAnza Poetry Festival), inspired by Shetland landscape, folklore and culture. 6.30-8.30pm, Looking Glass Books, 36 Simpson Loan, Quartermile. Free tickets may be obtained via eventbrite here.
Tinderbox Orchestra Open Rehearsal: watch and listen in as this massive 20-piece electric/acoustic youth ensemble gets its music together. 4-6.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free.
Sofi’s Cult Movie Nights: popular classics on the silver screen in Sofi’s cosy, darkened back room – free popcorn too!8pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street. Free.
Five things you need to know today
Edinburgh – fit for walking?
Tweet your Street
Oxgangs Food Festival
Jobs at Pilton Community Health Project
Cycling for Royal Blind
Today members of the public will be asked to audit key Edinburgh streets to help make them “fit for walking”. The call comes from Living Streets Edinburgh, a grass roots campaign group, set up to press for a better deal for pedestrians in Scotland’s capital.
At a joint public event with the Cockburn Association “Edinburgh – fit for walking?” members and supporters of the group will be calling on the public to help them audit a number of city centre streets so that safety and environmental improvements can be identified.
Commenting on the Launch of Living Streets Edinburgh, the group’s Convener David Spaven said: “Edinburgh is in many ways a great city to walk in, but sadly pedestrians have languished at the bottom of transport priorities for far too long. Motor traffic continues to dominate the vast majority of the capital’s streets.”
“Many areas of the city centre aren’t up to scratch and we want members of the public to helps us identify improvements. Later this summer we will be going out armed with clip boards and cameras to audit what’s good and bad for pedestrians in key streets. We’ll use that evidence to press the City of Edinburgh Council for investment to tackle poor pavement maintenance, commercial clutter and the barriers to pedestrians caused by thoughtless siting of waste bins.”
“Attitudes in the City of Edinburgh Council are changing for the better, and Living Streets Edinburgh local group is being formally launched to reinforce the message that a high-quality public realm that is fit for walking has enormous economic, environmental and social benefits. We want to make the case for more investment in walking infrastructure so that the large numbers of people who walk in the capital are given the priority they deserve.”
Key Note Speaker at the event, Marion Williams Director of the Cockburn Association (Edinburgh’s Civic Trust) said:
“The Cockburn Association are pleased to be working with Living Streets Edinburgh on improving the urban realm with specific focus on the experience of pedestrians. We have a walkable city that should be safe and inviting for folk to enjoy. I look forward to communities joining with us to make improvements and make a difference.”
‘Edinburgh – Fit for Walking’ tonight at the Friends Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. Doors open 17.45 for 18.00pm start
School pupils from all corners of the Capital have created a mini-map of Edinburgh with a series of tweets about the city’s streets.
The ‘Tweet Your Street’ project, being announced later today at Edinburgh’s Central Library, includes the launch of an online map where children have started ‘pinning’ poetic tweets about where they live. A selection of tweets will also be on public display within the children’s area of the city centre library.
The map is a result of a series of poetry workshops with P3-S1 pupils from across the Capital and the Edinburgh Makar Christine De Luca.
From the apple trees in Hope Terrace and the cobbles of St Vincent Street, to the cats that stroll along Easter Drylaw Place and the excitement of hearing the jingle of an ice cream van, the map of tweets reveals the essence of living in Edinburgh as a child.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: “These snippets of poetry provide a sweet and honest view of Edinburgh’s communities in the eyes of its youngest residents. In Edinburgh we have a long and proud interest in literature and poetry and it is great to see our pupils’ own writing talent thanks to this project.
“The memories of the street you grow up on stay with you. ‘Tweet Your Street’ captures these memories in a way that will hopefully spark other pupils and residents to view their own communities in a new light and maybe even tweet about it. The Edinburgh Makar Christine De Luca and these pupils have produced a brand new way of mapping Edinburgh and getting students interested in poetry.”
Christine De Luca became the Scottish Capital’s poet in residence, the Edinburgh Makar, and promotes Scottish writing and the Capital’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature locally and around the world. She was appointed as the city’s version of ‘Poet Laureate’ in 2014, and initiated ‘Tweet Your Street’.
Edinburgh Makar Christine De Luca said: “This has been a fun project to do. I’ve really enjoyed working with a group of committed, enthusiastic teachers. Writing a very short poem which captures something about your street isn’t easy; but reading the children’s poems proves it’s possible. Do read them and pass on the link to family and friends. The Central Library has been a great partner.”
All tweets available to view from 11:30am this morning online at the Edinburgh Makar website. They will include:
Pilton Community Health Project have two jobs available:
Conference organiser
We are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced worker to work with us to plan and deliver a one day community equalities and diversity conference to take place late summer/early autumn (by end October). The conference style event will encourage local residents and organisations to come together to support better inclusion in the area and could result in an area wide action plan for equalities and diversity.
We are offering a total of 100 hours to be worked over the period June to October 2015. The hours are flexible and should be agreed with your line manager. The hourly rate is £12.76, and you will be paid monthly through payroll (less any deductions for tax and national insurance). You will also receive holiday pay at the end of the project.
We are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced worker to work with us to plan, publicise, deliver and evaluate chat café sessions in north Edinburgh as part of our Living in Harmony work. The chat café is a space where ALL residents can come to share food and talk to each other. English speakers meet people from other ethnic backgrounds and find out more about them – frequently overcoming negative stereotypes in the process. People from the BME community have a chance to practice their English conversation, find out more about what is going on in the area AND overcome their own stereotypes.
We are offering a total of 180 hours to be worked over the period June to end March 2015. The hours are flexible and should be agreed with your line manager. The hourly rate is £12.76, and you will be paid monthly through payroll (less any deductions for tax and national insurance). You will also receive holiday pay at the end of the project.
Biking enthusiast, James Gregson, is to cycle the full length of Great Britain in just five days to raise funds for Royal Blind.
Starting just yesterday, James will average around 178 miles a day in order to complete the 890 mile trip by his deadline of Friday 5 June. A typical cycling time is ten to fourteen days, so James’ five day endeavour is a bold and inspiring challenge.
Frances Chisholm, Fundraising & Marketing Assistant at Royal Blind, said:
“It is fantastic that James has chosen Royal Blind to raise funds for. As Scotland’s largest visual impairment organisation, we provide care, education and employment for blind and partially sighted children and adults across the UK.
“The donations we receive allow us to continue the work we do so we are extremely grateful to James for his sense of adventure and support. We will highlight his progress on Facebook and if people would like to support James they can donate to his JustGiving page. We wish him all the best.”
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‘Disproportionate’ electoral system is bust say Electoral Reform Society
If the UK electoral system was reformed then the results of this year’s General Election would have been fairer.
This is the view proposed by the Electoral Reform Society in a report which is published today and which the ERS say will lay bare the whole system.
The report claims that the ERS was able to predict the results in all but five seats across the UK due to the first past the post system which leads to ‘safe seats’.
331 MPs have been elected on less than 50% of the vote, and one MP in South Belfast was returned to Westminster with the lowest vote share in electoral history – 24.5%.
Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of the ERS, said: “This report shows definitively that our voting system is bust. May 7th was the most disproportionate election in British history – and it’s about time we had a fairer system for electing our MPs.
“That nearly three quarters of votes were wasted this election shows that we have a democratic crisis on our hands, with most people’s votes not counting. We have an archaic and divisive voting system that leaves millions disenfranchised and forces millions more to feel that they have to vote for a ‘lesser evil’ – instead of who they really support.
“The Greens and UKIP won 5m votes and just two seats between them. This is simply unsustainable – and can only end badly.
[tweet_box design=”default”] “First Past the Post is artificially dividing the UK – giving the SNP nearly all Scottish seats on half the vote, while excluding Labour from the South of England and over-representing them in Wales and under-representing the Conservatives in the North of England and Scotland.[/tweet_box]
At the same time, cross-community parties in Northern Ireland got a tenth of the vote and no seats, yet the DUP received nearly half the seats on just a quarter of the vote. This situation is unsustainable if the Prime Minister truly wants a ‘one nation’ Britain. Our voting system is breaking up Britain.
Guess what? It’s only two months till August…and we all know what happens then. In the meantime, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied – from films to music, books and art, and lots of summer fairs. If none of those float your boat, what about surveying birds at the crack of dawn in the Pentlands, or playing the ukulele in the Old Town? It’s the 2015 Refugee Festival too, with many events to choose from. And as ever, don’t forget to make your best friend’s day with Dugs n Pubs. Whoever said Nothing Happens Here?
Please always contact the venue to confirm details before setting off to an event; changes do happen.
MONDAY 1ST JUNE 2015
Refugee Festival 2015 Art Exhibition: an exhibition of visual art by multiple artists, around the themes of refugees, displacement, diaspora and acceptance. Launch tonight (with a free glass of wine!) at 7pm then 10am-11pm, Forest Cafe. 141 Lauriston Place. Ends 30th June 2015. Refugee Festival Scotland runs 3rd-21st June 2015. It is centered in Glasgow but includes events throughout the country; please see daily listings for other events in Edinburgh this week.
Filmhouse: For Crying Out Loud. Special screenings for parents/carers and their babies under the age of 12 months, accompanied by no more than two adults. Babychanging, bottle-warming and buggy parking facilities are available. Today’s film is Far from the Madding Crowd (12A): Carey Mulligan stars as Bathesheba in Thomas Vinterberg’s new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s famous novel. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets for Crying Out Loud screenings cost £4.50/£3.50 per adult and may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688.
Elspeth J McKenzie: a new exhibition by the Leith based artist. Jeremiah’s Tap Room, 7-8 Elm Row. Please contact venue for opening hours.
Golden Hare Book Group: Nan Shepherd The Living Mountain. This month the group discusses Shepherd’s masterpiece, in which she describes her journeys into the Cairngorms; the book was composed during the Second World War but lay untouched until its publication over thirty years later. ‘A classic meditation on the magnificence of mountains and on our imaginative relationship with the wild world around us’; ‘A beautiful and quietly profound book’. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. All welcome: for more information please call the shop on 0131 629 1396.
LGBT: Police Surgery. Seek advice, raise concerns around safety issues, report incidents or discuss policing in your area with an officer from Police Scotland. No appointment needed for this informal session. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly Drop-In, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information, or if you would like support around safety issues or to meet with the police outwith these times, please contact George Burrows on 0131 652 3281 or email george@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Grassmarket Picture House – see movies for free at the Grassmarket Community Project! Tonight’s film is the critically acclaimed and award-winning Birdman (15): a former cinema superhero (Michael Keaton) attempts an ambitious Broadway show that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. 7pm. Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. The Grassmarket Community Project creates community and provides sanctuary to some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless and people with mental/physical health issues and learning support needs. It operates an excellent 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. Although the films are shown for free, any donations you can offer will be much appreciated.
Hidden Gardens of the Royal Mile: Unexpected Green Gems in Edinburgh’s Old Town. A talk by the author, Jean Bareham. 6.30pm, Newington Library, Fountainhall Road. Free but please call 0131 529 5536 to reserve your place.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Monthly Book Quiz: if you know your Waugh from your Peace and your Meyer from your Heyer, try this quiz, with questions on anything from classics to bestsellers, Booker Prize winners to celebrity biographies. Teams of up to five people welcome. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free but please arrive early as space is limited.
Cameo Culture Shock: The Dark Crystal (U). ‘Jim Henson’s animatronic cult fantasy movie is visually stunning and a triumph of the imagination’. 9pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here.
Pentland Hills Regional Park Breeding Birds Survey: help survey for breeding birds on the heather moorland – a great survey for those who enjoy the early morning! Please bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs. 6.30-8.30am, Bonaly Country Park. Free. For more information please contact Pentland Hills Regional Park Service on 0131 529 2401 or email pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Image: www.geograph.org.uk
Stephanie Green: Flout. The poet and writer introduces her new pamphlet of poems (following a sell-out launch at StAnza Poetry Festival), inspired by Shetland landscape, folklore and culture. 6.30-8.30pm, Looking Glass Books, 36 Simpson Loan, Quartermile. Free tickets may be obtained via eventbrite here.
Tinderbox Orchestra Open Rehearsal: watch and listen in as this massive 20-piece electric/acoustic youth ensemble gets its music together. 4-6.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free.
Sofi’s Cult Movie Nights: popular classics on the silver screen in Sofi’s cosy, darkened back room – free popcorn too!8pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street. Free.
TUESDAY 2ND JUNE 2015
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lights, Camera, Action! An exhibition of work by Primary 5 pupils from Trinity and Victoria Primary Schools. 10am-4pm, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Hawthornvale. All welcome: free. Also on Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June at same times.
Cafe Ceilidh:Old Town Edinburgh. Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon of songs and music celebrating Edinburgh’s Old Town. 2-4pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free and unticketed.
Let’s Glow: Edinburgh College Classical Music Degree Recitals.The College’s final year BA students perform on tuba, trombone, clarinet, piano and voice. From Sondheim and Gershwin to Mozart and Hindemith, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 1-5.30pm, The Music Box, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh College, Bankhead Avenue. Free and open to all. Further recitals will take place on Thursday 4th June (see listing).
French Cinema: 9 Mois Ferme. An off-the-wall comedy starring Sandrine Kiberlain, who won a Cesar for her interpretation of Judge Ariane Felder. Directed by Albert Dupontel. ‘A disconcerting but hilarious film’. In French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free admission. Also showing 1-2.30pm on Wednesday 3rd June.
Golden Hare Books and Vagabond Voices Present Chris Dolan: Aliyyah. The multi award winning writer launches his new novel, a modern Arabian tale set in an unnamed war-torn country. Captain Robert Haldane awakes in a strange room in an old house, surrounded by a beautiful but ramshackle orchard miles from anywhere. The last thing he remembers is his helicopter being shot down over enemy territory. It appears that he is in a safe house, cared for by an elderly holy man and his niece, but how did Haldane get there? And who are these people really? ‘A Romeo and Juliet story, but one for an age where scientific materialism is crossing bloody swords with religion’. 7pm, Golden Hare Books, St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. Free tickets are available via eventbrite here or by calling the shop on 0131 629 1396.
St Andrew’s & St George’s West Summer Lecture Series – Professor Hugh Goddard: Building Stronger Communities. In this new series of talks, three noted speakers will explore the issues of building stronger communities from interfaith, academic, economic and practical perspectives. Hugh Goddard is Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and the author of several books, including Christians and Muslims: From Double Standards to Mutual Understanding. 7.30-9.30pm, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free: all welcome.
Leith Folk Club: Scott Cook and Jez Hellard with support Ian Sclater. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £7 and may be purchased online here or via the club’s text booking line on 07502 024 852.
Edinburgh College of Art Film and Television Degree Show (15): films from this year’s crop of graduate students from the award-winning Film Department at ECA. Subjects range from a sparky coming of age drama about a young gay teenager to experimental work on perception and a nature documentary gathered from a self-made hide on the Water of Leith. 6.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. The Filmhouse is showing the best new work from film, TV, media and animation students at Edinburgh’s colleges and universities during May and June: work by Edinburgh College and Edinburgh College of Art (animation degree) students will follow, with the next event taking place on 10th June – see listings.
Waterstones West End Presents Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking. The influential performer and writer will sign copies of her new book. 12.30pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street.
Edinburgh All Comers Writers Club: local writers get together to share/read their work and get positive feedback and constructive advice. 7.30-10.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: Livingston Information Day. Come for a chat with the Alzheimer Scotland West Lothian team. 10am-4pm, Livingston Designer Outlet, Almondvale Avenue.
WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE 2015
Let’s Glow: The Winter’s Tale. Edinburgh College HND Year One Acting and Performance students present Shakespeare’s great tale of love and loss. Can that which is lost be found? 2pm or 7pm, PASS Theatre, Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road. Tickets cost £10/£5 and may be purchased by emailing edward.mcgurn@edinburghcollege.ac.uk. Also at same times on Thursday 4th June 2015.
Craigmillar Library Book Group: currently reading The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson. Call in to the library in advance to pick up your copy, then come along on the night to talk about it. 6.30pm, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road.
Sir Alexander Macdonald 1744-1795 by Sir George Chalmers 1772
Tartan Portraits: Scotland’s History. Art historian Jonathan Macdonald will tell the stories of five separate wearers of tartan from the 17th to the 19th centuries – stories that do not always match the romantic image of the typical Highlander. 12.15-12.45pm, Second Floor, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: Making Musselburgh Dementia Friendly. Come and hear plans to make Musselburgh East Lothian’s first dementia-friendly town. 2.15-4pm, St Andrew’s High Parish Church, High Street, Musselburgh.
Lunchtime Concert: Piano Speak with Will Pickvance. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
French Cinema: 9 Mois Ferme. An off-the-wall comedy starring Sandrine Kiberlain, who won a Cesar for her interpretation of Judge Ariane Felder. Directed by Albert Dupontel. ‘A disconcerting but hilarious film’. In French with English subtitles. 1-2.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free admission.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Kristina Taylor: Women Garden Designers 1900 to the Present. The author looks at twenty-seven of the most important and influential female garden designers and their gardens from around the world, from Gertrude Jekyll to Vita Sackville West, Penelope Hobhouse, Rosemary Verey, Herta Hammerbacher, Rosemary Weisse, Haruko Seki and Isabel du Prat. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here.
Craigie’s Farm Shop & Cafe Recruitment Evening: a variety of positions are available for summer and weekend staff. If you’re interested come along to the farm tonight! Please RSVP and email your CV to rowland@craigies.co.uk. 6pm, Craigie’s Farm, West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry, EH30 9AR.
The Scottish Gallery: New Exhibitions. (1) Artisan Leather: a solo exhibition of accessories by celebrated Irish designer Una Burke. Una uses traditional leather-working techniques to make both seasonal fashion accessory collections and sculptural art pieces. Her collections are concept based and often influenced by psychological, medical and military sources. (2) Enigmata: a rare collection of works on paper by the distinguished 20th century Scottish artist James Cowie, an admirer of Poussin and the Pre-Raphaelites, who believed that art was the product of thought and reason rather than a spontaneous reaction to the subject. (3) Duncan Shanks: Works on Paper 1957-2013. An exhibition to coincide with The Poetry of Place exhibition at the Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas Street. All three exhibitions close on 30th June 2015.
Bi and Beyond Edinburgh: a fortnightly social gathering for people who identify as bisexual and non-monosexual. With organised social activities and refreshments provided, whatever your label or lack of label we welcome you. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Group contact biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com.
David Talbot Rice Memorial Lecture 2015: an illustrated conversation between Pat Fisher, Chris Breward and Duncan Macmillan, discussing the past, present and future of Talbot Rice Gallery as it celebrates its 40th year. 6.30-7.30pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free tickets may be obtained via eventbrite here.
Get Organised Summer Recitals: John Kitchen presents a selection of favourites, including Lemare Carmen Fantasy, Waldteufel The Skater’s Waltz, Massenet Meditation from Thais and Eric Coates By the Sleepy Lagoon. 1.10-1.50pm, Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 and may be purchased in person from the Box Office, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here (Phone & online bookings are subject to a transaction fee).
Automatronic: a concert by Michael Bonaventure and Huw Morgan, featuring organ and electronics combining to create a completely new tonal experience. Automatronic is a collective formed in 2013: it seeks to explore, commission, promote and perform new music for the unique combination of organ and electronics. 7.30pm, St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lutton Place. Free admission.
St Mark’s Festival 2015 – Music on a Summer Evening: Portobello High School. Portobello High School’s cello ensemble, directed by Mrs Aimee Horvath, will perform music from Bach to 21st century pop songs. Also from Portobello High, The Spurtle Ceilidh Band will play a mix of traditional music with an individual twist. 7pm, St Mark’s Church, 287 Portobello High Street. Tickets cost £5 (under 16s free) on the door or in advance from the church.
Nothing Ever Happens Here: Eagulls. The Leeds-based band offers ‘chaotic and confrontational live shows’; Eagulls have supported Jesus and The Mary Chain, Suede and Manic Street Preachers, and toured in their own right. ‘Demented riffs, pounding drums and vocals that scream with authenticity’ (Clash). Support tbc. For over 16 years only. 8pm-late, The Dissection Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £9 in advance (£10 on the door, sta) and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 560 1581.
Opium Sessions: a new weekly open mic/jam night. Come and join in or just come and enjoy! 8-11pm, Opium, Cowgate.
Uke Hoot: a weekly ukulele jam and singalong. 7.30pm tonight and every Wednesday, Kilderkin, 65 Canongate. For more information contact ukehoot@gmail.com.
Sofi’s Lounge Act feat. Dog on a Swing, Tom Reed and Alex L Maxwell. A trio of talented local singer-songwriter/performers play ‘the cosiest venue in Edinburgh’. 7.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
THURSDAY 4TH JUNE 2015
Let’s Glow: Edinburgh College Classical Music Degree Recitals. The College’s final year BA students perform on tuba, trombone, clarinet, piano and voice. From Sondheim and Gershwin to Mozart and Hindemith, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 10am-6.30pm, The Music Box, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh College, Bankhead Avenue. Free and open to all.
Pablo Picasso and Lee Miller
Books in Focus: Pablo Picasso. The Books in Focus sessions look at artists’ books held in the special collections of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. This session will look in detail at some of the fine examples of classic livres d’artistes by Pablo Picasso. Many belonged to Roland Penrose, who wrote the first English language biography of Picasso in 1961, and contain unique original drawings and dedications to Penrose and Lee Miller. 11.30am-12.30pm, First Floor, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Free but places are limited and must be booked in advance: please email gmainfo@nationalgalleries.org or call 0131 624 6253.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: today Alzheimer Scotland will be collecting Living Memories and there will also be an information and awareness table. 10am-4pm, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive.
Portobello Amenity Society AGM: Tom Parnell, Forth & Borders Cases Panel Convenor of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland will talk on Casework Challenges. 7.30pm, Baptist Church Hall, 185 Portobello High Street. All welcome.
Evenings of Enlightenment: join University of Edinburgh researchers (normally on Wednesday evenings but this week on a Thursday) in May and June to celebrate the 2015 International Year of Light. Experts from various disciplines will explore this fascinating area – from historical discoveries to today’s cutting-edge research. Tonight Dr Joan Simon (School of Mathematics) will talk on Black Holes – the singular marriage between Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity through information. 6.30-7.30pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets are free and may be booked via eventbrite here.
Still from Where I Am is Here, Margaret Tait (1964)
Where I Am: A Screening Programme in Three Acts. The concluding episode of LUX Scotland’s touring programme, featuring selected works from the Where I Am Project across Scotland alongside new selections spanning artists’ moving image from the 1930s to the present day. The screening will be introduced by artist and filmmaker Peter Todd (co-editor of Subjects and Sequences: A Margaret Tait Reader); Isla Leave Yap (Director of LUX) will also reflect on the programme and the progress of the tour. 6.30-9.30pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free tickets may be obtained via eventbrite here.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: Become a Dementia Friend.PALM run a successful cafe for people with dementia and their carers. Come along for coffee, cake and a chat, and find out how to become a ‘dementia friend’ and contribute to the Pentland Dementia Friendly Communities Project. 10am-5pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road.
Spark Greyfriars Lunchtime Concerts: music students from St Aloyisius’ College, Glasgow perform excerpts from Gluck Orfeo and Gilbert & Sullivan Trial by Jury. Directed by Ann Archibald (soprano). 12 noon-12.45pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free: no booking required.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: come and meet members of Alzheimer Scotland West Lothian team on board the Memory Bus. 10am-4pm, Dobbies Garden Centre, Beughburn, Houston Mains, Livingston.
2015 Arbuthnott Lecture: After Independence – The Strange Power of Continuity. In the context of continuing discussions about Scottish independence and the reframing of the relationship between Ireland and the UK, Fintan O’Toole (Irish Times) distinguished writer and arguably Ireland’s leading public intellectual, explores how continuity shaped the evolution of modern Ireland after independence in 1922, drawing out lessons for the contemporary political situation. 5.15-6.15pm, Lecture Theatre G.03, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh. Free and open to all; please register via eventbrite here.
Let’s Glow: The Winter’s Tale. Edinburgh College HND Year One Acting and Performance students present Shakespeare’s great tale of love and loss. Can that which is lost be found? 2pm or 7pm, PASS Theatre, Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road. Tickets cost £10/£5 and may be purchased by emailing edward.mcgurn@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.
The Edinburgh Bookshop Presents Sarah Winman: A Year of Marvellous Ways. The actress and author of When God was a Rabbit talks about her new book, the story of a ninety-year old woman who wears a battered old yellow oilskin coat and lives in a caravan, and a young soldier washed up and broken by war at the age of twenty-six. 7pm, Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road. Tickets cost £5, redeemable against the price of the book, and are available from The Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Bruntsfield Place, in person, by calling 0131 447 1917 or by emailing mail@edinburghbookshop.com.
Nothing Ever Happens Here: Yorkston, Thorne and Khan. An experimental collaborative group consisting of James Yorkston, one of the most influential singer/songwriters on the Scottish folk scene, Suhail Yusuf Khan, award-winning sarangi player and classical singer from New Delhi, and Jon Thorne, best known as jazz double bass player with electro outfit Lamb. For over 18 years only. 8pm-late, The Dissection Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £10 and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 560 1581.
The Dark Horse 20th Anniversary Celebration Event.The Dark Horse is an international literary magazine committed to British, Irish and American poetry; it was founded in 1995 by Scottish poet Gerry Cambridge, who will introduce the evening. Readings by Alasdair Grey, Douglas Dunn, Vicky Feaver and Claire Askew, with music from Findlay Napier. 7pm, The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. Tickets cost £6/£4 (plus transaction fee) and may be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets here.
Rosy Blue: live acoustic session. 9pm, Old Chain Pier, Trinity Crescent.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Ryan Van Winkle and Matthew Siegel. Edinburgh-based poet, tutor, podcaster and Edinburgh Libraries’ Poet in Residence Ryan Van Winkle launches his new collection The Good Dark, which includes poems from his acclaimed one-on-one poetry performance Red, Like Our Room Used to Feel (Edinburgh Fringe 2012) and cements his reputation as one of the most evocative poets writing today. Matthew Siegel is an award-winning poet and essayist living in San Francisco; his debut collection Blood Work reveals what happens to the self when the body is compromised by illness. His poems explore the struggle to remain whole in the shadow of Crohn’s disease and to make a home for oneself in the body and in the world. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here. Following this event there will be an after party at The Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place, featuring musical guests Supermoon, Faith Eliot, and more.
Angus Glens Walking Festival: here’s your first chance to get away this weekend! A four-day festival of walks guided by experienced mountain leaders, enhanced by the knowledge of local countryside rangers and estate managers, with stunning scenery, beautiful landscapes and fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities. Walks are graded to suit all abilities, and include Glen Isla to Glen Doll, a ‘Coastal Crawl’, Glen Prosa Circular and Airlie Ridge – Minister’s Path – and there’s even a Forfar Lochs Wild Food Forage, and an evening talk rather worryingly entitled Ticks and Tales…. You can book and pay for your places here. For more information (including accommodation and transport advice) see the Festival’s website here. Angus Glens Walking Festival continues until Sunday 7th June 2015.
FRIDAY 5TH JUNE 2015
Damian Callan: Paint Like Renoir. The Edinburgh artist launches his new book, in which he explains and deconstructs Renoir’s methods of handling oils, and demonstrates some of the techniques illustrated in the book. 12.45-1.30pm, Clore Education Suite, Gardens Level, Gardens Entrance, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Researching Your World War One Family: The Museum of Edinburgh presents the Reverend Garry Ketchen, Scottish Baptist Minister and Great War historian, who has written biographical accounts of names mentioned on numerous Great War Memorials. Rev Ketchen will look at what resources are available to help discover military service details about those who served in the First World War, including personal family history, military material available on web-based resources, local libraries and newspapers. 10.30am, Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £5/£3.30 and may be purchased in person from the Box Office, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here (Phone & online bookings are subject to a transaction fee).
Lunchtime Concert: Valdosta State University Choir, Valdosta, Georgia USA. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: Information Day at Cameron Toll. Come and meet the Alzheimer Scotland team and Dementia Adviser. 10am-4pm, Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, Lady Road.
Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE: a new exhibition by one of Scotland’s most cherished artists. The core of Gunn Cairns’ practice is expressive figurative work, including portraits and wildlife studies. ‘Joyce Gunn Cairns’ remarkable paintings demonstrate how many different kinds of visual truths there are’ (Duncan Macmillan, The Scotsman). Preview tonight 6-8pm, then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday, The Sutton Gallery, 18a Dundas Street. Ends 4th July 2015.
Music in the Gallery: students from Edinburgh College play a selection of classical, jazz and folk music. 1pm and 3pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Free: no booking required.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: Information Day at Linlithgow Cross. Come and meet the Alzheimer Scotland team aboard the Memory Bus. 10am-4pm, Linlithgow Cross, High Street.
St Mark’s Festival 2015 – Music on a Summer Evening: Dalkeith and Monktonhall Colliery Brass Band. One of the UK’s top brass bands will play an evening of music for all ages and tastes…Latin, classical, rock, pop, traditional and modern. Conductor: James Chamberlain. 7.30pm, St Mark’s Church, 287 Portobello High Street. Tickets cost £5 (under 16s free) on the door or in advance from the church.
Art of the Storyteller: Grace Banks and Jean Edmiston. A new series of regular storytelling performances, featuring traditional storyteller Grace Banks and Jean Edmiston, who has a lifelong love of landscape and rural life. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 (transaction fee applies to online and telephone bookings) and may be purchased online here, by calling 0131 556 9579 or in person at the centre.
A Quick Decision Can Be Made – a story of the Detained Fast-Track procedure for asylum seekers. Claiming asylum in the UK, like thousands of refugees each year, Mariam is put into the Detained Fast-Track procedure. An endless questioning begins, one that will strip down her whole life. Is she telling the truth? Can she? A cruel tale written and directed by Marie Yan for Refugee Festival Scotland, to scrutinise the absurdity of a system as it ‘celebrates’ its twelfth birthday. 7.30pm, Discovery 21, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Tickets cost £5 and may be purchased in advance via Brown Paper Tickets here (transaction fee applies) or on the door, sta (theatre has 35 seats). Also at same time on Saturday 6th June and at 2pm on Sunday 7th June 2015. Discovery 21 is a new studio theatre run by local companies Tightlaced Theatre and Black Dingo Productions. Refugee Festival Scotland runs 3rd-21st June 2015: it is centered in Glasgow but includes events throughout the country.
If you could only see yourself: The Odd Work a new exhibition by Edinburgh-based freelance artist, illustrator and writer Alice B Spicer, whose working practice stems from ‘a love of line-making, visual and textual documentation, and the sheer joy of making things up’. Preview tonight at 8pm, then during normal opening hours throughout June, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk.
Jill MacLeod:Extending the Line. A new exhibition by the Fife-born, Edinburgh-based, artist whose mainly abstract painting is influenced by nature, landscape and organic materials. Preview tonight 5.30-9pm, then 11am-5pm Monday to Wednesday, 5-7pm Thursday and 1-5pm Friday to Sunday, Patriothall Gallery, 1D Patriothall, off Hamilton Place. Ends 14th June 2015.
SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2015
Sofi’s Dug Day: bring your dug to Sofi’s for a fun way to socialise your pup and meet other local dugs and owners. 12 noon-5pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
Grassmarket Picture House – see movies for free at the Grassmarket Community Project! Today’s film is School of Rock (PG) in which Jack Black stars as struggling musician Dewey Finn. Finding himself out of work, Finn decides to take over his roommate’s job as an elementary school supply teacher – and turns the class into a rock band. 11am, Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. The Grassmarket Community Project creates community and provides sanctuary to some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless and people with mental/physical health issues and learning support needs. It operates an excellent 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. Although the films are shown for free, any donations you can offer will be much appreciated.
Broughton Primary School Summer Fair: stalls, sausages, have-a-go challenges, noise and fun! A community event to which all are welcome. 12 noon-2.30pm, Broughton Primary School, Broughton Road.
St Bride’s Family Cinema – see your favourite films for free. Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs – they’re all here! Choc ices and juice for sale in the interval at 50p each. Please note that all children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. This week’s film is Rio 2 (U). 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace. Next week’s film is Peter Pan (U) (1959).
Crossreach Queen’s Bay Lodge Summer Fair: teas, ice creams, burgers, children’s games, face painting, bric a brac, plants, bottle stall, books, home baking, live music, dance display and lots more in the lovely grounds of Charis House. 2-4pm, Charis House, 49 Milton Road East. Free admission. For more information please call 0131 669 2828 or email queensbay@crossreach.org.uk.
The Gruffalo’s Picnic: the Gruffalo’s coming to Linlithgow – and he’s hungry! Come and join him at his picnic, organised by Far From the Madding Crowd bookshop. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm, The Town Marquee, Linlithgow Rugby Club, Mains Park, Mains Road. Tickets cost £4/£2: please drop into the shop, call 01506 845509 or email sally@maddingcrowdlinlithgow.co.uk for more information and to book.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for pre-school children and their parents and carers. 11-11.30am, Newington Library, Fountainhall Road.
Braid Bowling Club Annual Summer Fair: produce, books, plants, bric a brac, games, home baking, tombola and competitions, plus the chance to try your hand at various activities on the green or the boules pitch! 10am-12 noon, Braid Bowling Club, Midmar Avenue. Adults £2, children 50p (includes tea/coffee/juice and cake).
Craigie’s Farm Shop & Cafe Open Weekend: tractor rides, trailer rides, meet the farmer, milk the cow, games, food and lots more! 11am-3pm Craigie’s Farm, West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry, EH30 9AR. All welcome: free. Also at same times on Sunday 7th June 2015.
The Power and Beauty of Nature with Frame and Williams: a new exhibition by Jack Frame and Huw Williams, two very distinctive artists who are joined by ceramicist Pierre Williams. Preview today 11am-1pm, then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday, The Leith Gallery, The Shore, Leith. Ends 27th June 2015.
Piershill Library Creative Writing Classes: weekly classes throughout June to help you write a short story. No experience necessary! 2-4pm today and each Saturday in June, Piershill Library, Piersfield Terrace. Free, but places are limited so please contact the library staff if you would like to attend.
Bruntsfield Primary School Summer Fete: crafts, tombola, sponge the teacher, beat the goalie, stalls selling food, toys, clothes, uniform, bikes and much more! 11am-2pm, Bruntsfield Primary School, Montpelier
Stuart Herd: a solo exhibition of more than sixty new paintings by the Tarbert-based artist. 11am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4pm Saturdays, The Torrance Gallery, 36 Dundas Street. Ends 20th June 2015.
Refugee Festival Scotland 2015: Wildlife Women’s Choir Presents Children’s Songs from Around the World. A family-friendly workshop for men, women and children to learn songs from rainforests and rivers, lullabies and silly songs. Bring and share songs from your own experience – snacks provided. Facilitated by Penny Stone. No previous singing experience necessary! 10.30am-12.30pm, McDonald Road Library, 2 McDonald Road. Free: all welcome. Refugee Festival Scotland runs 3rd-21st June 2015: it is centered in Glasgow but includes events throughout the country.
J David Simons: The Land Agent. Working as a land agent for one of the richest men in the world, Polish-Jewish immigrant Lev Sela stumbles on a strategic area of land that doesn’t appear on any map. The resultant struggle for ownership involves the Jews, Arabs, Zionists, British, an ambitious Russian engineer and the local Bedouin, whilst Lev is also drawn into a relationship with a beautiful Scottish pioneer living on a nearby kibbutz. J David Simons is Scotland’s pre-eminent Jewish writer, the author of short stories, essays and four novels. The Land Agent is the third title in his Scottish-Jewish magnum opus, the Glasgow to Galilee Trilogy (following The Credit Draper and The Liberation of Celia Kahn) – but it can also be read as a brilliant stand-alone novel. 2.30-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets may be obtained via eventbrite here.
Cafe Society: a new exhibition by the Ayrshire-based artist Michael G Clark PAI RSW. 12 noon-5pm today then 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 12 noon-5pm Saturdays, Doubtfire Gallery, South East Circus Place. Ends 4th July 2015.
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert First Saturday Organ Recitals – Jeremy Cull (St Cuthbert’s Director of Music): L’Orgue Mystique. Music influenced by liturgical and spiritual themes, including works by Tournemire, Hakim and Arvo Part. 12.30-1.15pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, 5 Lothian Road. Free: retiring collection.
Once Upon a Time: weekly storytelling in the Book Bothy with BB the Bookshop Bunny and Hardy the Guinea-Pig! 11am, Far From the Madding Crowd, 20 High Street, Linlithgow. For more information please ask in the shop, email sally@maddingcrowd.co.uk or call 01506 845321.
St Cuthbert’s Coffee Morning: 10.30am-12 noon today and every first Saturday of the month, St Cuthbert’s Church, 5 Lothian Road.
Meadows Festival: Edinburgh’s free, volunteer-run, music and community festival is this weekend! The line-up will include Eliza Carthy, Tinderbox Orchestra, Sea Bass Kid, Urvanovic, Miracle Glass Company, Monosapiens, Danny Mullins Band, Matatunes, Portnawak and the Woo, Jemima Thewes and Big Fat Panda. Children’s entertainments, Forest Cafe stage and bar, stalls, refreshments, Dogs Trust area, community councils’ information and lots more. 10am-6pm today and tomorrow, The Meadows, Melville Drive.
The Big LGBT Music Jam: a creative and supportive space for making music. Play, sing your own song or just be an appreciative listener; all music tastes welcome. No need to book, just come along. Bring your own instruments, some percussion supplied. 1-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact biglgbtmusicjamedinburgh@gmail.com.
Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh Summer Fete: stalls, face painting, live music, lucky dip and refreshments. 10am-12.30pm, Marie Curie Hospice, 45 Frogston Road West.
A Quick Decision Can Be Made – a story of the Detained Fast-Track procedure for asylum seekers. Claiming asylum in the UK, like thousands of refugees each year, Mariam is put into the Detained Fast-Track procedure. An endless questioning begins, one that will strip down her whole life. Is she telling the truth? Can she? A cruel tale written and directed by Marie Yan for Refugee Festival Scotland, to scrutinise the absurdity of a system as it ‘celebrates’ its twelfth birthday. 7.30pm, Discovery 21, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Tickets cost £5 and may be purchased in advance via Brown Paper Tickets here (transaction fee applies) or on the door, sta (theatre has 35 seats). Also at 2pm on Sunday 7th June 2015. Discovery 21 is a new studio theatre run by local companies Tightlaced Theatre and Black Dingo Productions. Refugee Festival Scotland runs 3rd-21st June 2015: it is centered in Glasgow but includes events throughout the country.
Fraser Urquhart – Solo Jazz Piano: the fast rising young Edinburgh pianist plays a repertoire of neatly arranged jazz standards. 3-5.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free.
Quadrilles and Contradanses: A Regency Ball. Napoleon may have lost the war, but French dances conquered the world! Throughout the 19th century the quadrille was the queen of all fashionable ballrooms. You are invited to a Regency Ball, accompanied by live music of the period. The ball follows on from a day of workshops exploring the origins of dance, but you do not have to attended to workshops to go to the ball (for details of the workshops, please see the centre’s website). 7.30pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 (transaction fee applies to online and telephone bookings) and may be purchased online here, by calling 0131 556 9579 or in person at the centre.
Edinburgh Trans Women: a support group aimed at transsexual women at any stage of transition, women who are transgender and live as women full-time or part-time, and those who are questioning their gender identity. 7.30-9.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Please email the group before attending for the first time, as this assists with security and also allows the group to get ready to welcome you: info@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk.
Leith Jazz and Blues Festival: an afternoon slot for jazz fans of all ages, young and old! 4pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street. Also at same time on Sunday 7th June 2015.
Shetland JAWS: no, it’s not a sealife centre…it’s your second chance to escape the capital this weekend. Shetland Jazz Festival has reinvented itself as Shetland Jazz and World Sounds, and it starts today. Gigs all over Shetland, from the Sumburgh lighthouse to the far north of Saxa Vord; highlights will include Tommy Smith premiering a new piece developed in collaboration with Christine De Luca and Alex Cluness, The Drums Explosion, Eddi Reader, Mousa Sound Stompers and Hayden Hook and his Trio Tarot, workshops, food and plenty more. The festival continues until 14th June 2015. For more information please contact Jeff Merrifield, Da Cutts, Sandwick/jeff@playbackarts.co.uk.
SUNDAY 7TH JUNE 2015
Gorgie City Farm: Open Farm Sunday. Get hands-on at the farm with free interactive tours, animal feeding, lamb walking and other farm-based fun. 10.30am, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. Gorgie City Farm is a community-owned initiative aiming to educate inner-city children and adults about farming and food production; it also promotes social inclusion by offering volunteering opportunities to all. ‘A rustic oasis in the middle of the city’.
The Girotondo Italian Children’s Club Presents La grotta vicino alla scogliera: a show to celebrate the cultural links between Italy and Scotland. The performance, by children aged 3 to 10 years old, will give an Italian twist to traditional Scottish fairy tales. Directed by Elena Masoero, with music by Michela Furin. Please note this performance is in Italian. 3pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free but ticketed; please email girotondo.edi@gmail.com to book. Supported by the Italian Cultural Institute and the Consulate General of Italy in Edinburgh.
Kids Splash & Dash Aquathon: come and take part in Pentland Triathletes’ fun swim-run event. Suitable for ages 8-16 years (all abilities) and a great introduction to triathlon. From 8.30am, Forrester High School, 212 Broomhouse Road. £12.50 per child. Advance registration is essential; you can find out how to do this, and also get lots more information, on the club’s website here and on the event’s Facebook page here, or email nialldarroch@hotmail.com with any queries.
Refugee Survival Trust Picnic: come and meet the Trust’s volunteers and supporters at a picnic to celebrate Refugee Festival Scotland. 12.30pm, Arthur’s Seat/Holyrood Park – meet at Holyrood Palace Car Park, Queen’s Drive. EH8 8HG. Please bring international snacks to share. Booking is essential and may be made by emailing fundraising_volunteer@rst.org.uk or calling 0141 353 3602. Refugee Survival Trust is a volunteer-led charity that makes grants to alleviate destitution experienced by asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland.
Muslim Women’s Association Fun Day: 12 noon-4pm, Livingston Islamic Centre, Main Street, Deans. All welcome.
Filmhouse Junior: screenings for a younger audience. Today’s film is Tarzan (U) (2013). 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or online here.
Craigie’s Farm Shop & Cafe Open Weekend: tractor rides, trailer rides, meet the farmer, milk the cow, games, food and lots more! 11am-3pm Craigie’s Farm, West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry, EH30 9AR. All welcome: free.
Art Maker – June: join the Art Maker club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. 2-4pm (drop-in), Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free: supported by the Friends of NGS.
Scotland’s Open Gardens: Hopefield. A pantiled farmhouse built round a courtyard whose walls feature rambling roses, plum trees and wisteria. Herbaceous borders by the house are enclosed with pergolas covered with roses, wisteria and clematis. The garden has been extended over 18 years, with ‘rooms’ created from reclaimed fields. A lochan has been planted to encourage wildlife, creating a wonderful backdrop to the house and garden, with stunning views over the Lammermuirs. Cream teas will be provided in the barn by Save the Children. 2-6pm, Hopefield, Gladsmuir, EH33 2AL (off the A199 at Gladsmuir). £5 per person (children free) of which 40% goes to Save the Children and the net remainder to SG beneficiaries.
Leith Jazz and Blues Festival: an afternoon slot for jazz fans of all ages, young and old! 4pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
Word Power Books and Interaktywny Salon Piszacych w Szkocji Present Tomasz Rozycki. Award-winning Rozycki is considered one of the most remarkable Polish poets; this event, chaired by Ryan van Winkle, will include readings in both Polish and English, plus conversation with the author. 1pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free; please indicate your intention to attend via the event’s Facebook page here. All welcome: donations also welcome!
Edinburgh School of Music Showcase: ESM Director Kira Emslie presents some of her top music students in a monthly showcase of their vocal and instrumental talent. 3-5.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £3 on the door: please note that this venue is cash only.
Serenity Cafe Daffodil Tea: 2.30-4.30pm, Serenity Cafe, Jackson’s Entry, The Tun, Holyrood Road. All welcome. Serenity is run by people in recovery for people in recovery, and for public customers who would like good value, good quality food in a relaxed, family-friendly, space.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: Tranent. Come and meet Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Adviser on board the Memory Bus. 10am-4pm, Ross High School, Well Wynd, Tranent.
Filmhouse Special Screening: When I Saw You/Lamma Shoftak (12A) (in Arabic and English with English subtitles). In 1967 the world is alive and ripe with possibility – new music, style, hope – but in Jordan thousands of refugees from Palestine are waiting for their right to return to their homeland. Among them, a young boy secretly sets out on his own and attaches himself to a group of freedom fighters, who take him under their wing; together they embark on a journey of adventure, driven by an unshakeable resolve to be free. ‘This heartfelt and moving film, Palestine’s entry for the 2013 Academy Awards, is suffused with a distinct sense of this revolutionary time and place’. Director: Annemarie Jacir. 3.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or online here. This screening is part of Refugee Week Scotland, which runs 3-21st June 2015: for more information please click here.
Cameo Vintage Sundays: The Ipcress File (PG). ‘Reluctant British spy Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) has to deal with bureaucracy, brainwashing and lots of really cool camera angles while on a mission to rescue kidnapped scientist Dr Radcliffe‘ (Rotten Tomatoes). 1pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here.
Jeremiah’s Quiz Night: 8pm tonight and every Sunday – all welcome. 8pm, Jeremiah’s Tap Room, 7-8 Elm Row.
Nitekirk: A time of reflection, gentle music and places of (optional) activity – pictures to consider, Scripture, prayers, poems and art supplies to focus your creativity. Come and go as you please, join in or just sit in silence. 5-8pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. ‘A place of welcome, a space for stillness, a pause on your journey, an open door’.
Radical Voices: a monthly gathering to listen to singers of radical songs, and to share songs, stories and poems on a different theme each time. 6.30-9.30pm, The Constitution Bar, Constitution Street, Leith. All welcome: free entry, with donations collected for a relevant cause.
QUIZ-MAN-DU: A Night for Nepal. An action-packed and prize-riddled quiz night to raise funds for aid relief in the most affected areas of Nepal – come along and have fun whilst raising money for this devastated country. £3 per person, teams of any size welcome. 7pm, Kilderkin, 65 Canongate.
A Quick Decision Can Be Made – a story of the Detained Fast-Track procedure for asylum seekers. Claiming asylum in the UK, like thousands of refugees each year, Mariam is put into the Detained Fast-Track procedure. An endless questioning begins, one that will strip down her whole life. Is she telling the truth? Can she? A cruel tale written and directed by Marie Yan for Refugee Festival Scotland, to scrutinise the absurdity of a system as it ‘celebrates’ its twelfth birthday. 2pm, Discovery 21, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Tickets cost £5 and may be purchased in advance via Brown Paper Tickets here (transaction fee applies) or on the door, sta (theatre has 35 seats). Discovery 21 is a new studio theatre run by local companies Tightlaced Theatre and Black Dingo Productions. Refugee Festival Scotland runs 3rd-21st June 2015: it is centered in Glasgow but includes events throughout the country.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Teenage Book Group: if you love to read, or just want to read more, join this monthly group to talk about the latest teenage fiction and your own favourite books. Currently reading The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie. 2pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. If you would like to join the group (it’s free!) just email your details to schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
St Giles’ At Six: Organ recital by Nicholas Wearne. JS Bach/Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor, BWV 593, Sweelinck Est-ce Mars, Couperin Offertoire, Messiaen Alleluias sereins; Transports de joie. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free; retiring collection.
Letter to the Editor – Boy’s Brigade depends on volunteers
We have received the following letter in advance of Volunteers’ Week:
Dear Sir,
As we mark Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), there is no better time for our unsung Scottish heroes to be recognised for their efforts.
Organisations, like The Boys’ Brigade, rely heavily on the donation of time, skills and creativity, our volunteers give. They are crucial in our success in reaching out and making a difference to the lives of children and young people across Scotland.
These volunteers come from all walks of life and not one of them seeks reward; instead they go about their good work quietly, continuously performing an invaluable service for the benefit of future generations.
As part of our award programmes our members also volunteer across the country, particularly when working for their Queen’s Badge or Duke of Edinburgh Awards. This week we are celebrating around 600 young men gaining the Queen’s Badge this session having put in an amazing 40,000 hours of volunteering.
Currently The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland has 4,500 volunteers who help care for 20,000 young people across Scotland. We would like to say a big thank you to all our volunteers who have supported us and enabled the organisation to grow over the past year, and there’s always room for more. I would urge anyone who would like to get involved to contact their local BB Company as a moment of their time can make an incredible difference.
Yours sincerely
Bill Stevenson, Director
Scotland
The Boys’ Brigade
Carronvale House
Larbert
Wheelchair basketball player chosen for Team GB
Edinburgh wheelchair basketball player heads for Team GB
Edinburgh based charity Ecas, which works with physically disabled people in Edinburgh and the Lothians, is supporting a wheelchair basketball player who is heading to Worcester with the hope of joining Team GB and being selected for the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016.
Robyn Love, who has previously represented Scotland, has received support to help her buy a new wheelchair, as well as with some of the general costs of participating at the highest levels.
David Griffiths, chief executive of Ecas, commented: “Ecas is keen to support people with physical disabilities to fulfil their potential at whatever level they can. Our grants provide a wide range of support for people every year; from basic furniture and equipment to holidays or specialist support such as assisting Robyn with the costs of her wheelchair. We are also delighted to have been working with Scottish Disability Sport to provide funds for athletes with a disability seeking to make the breakthrough to the top levels. Robyn Love is an excellent example of that.”
Gary Fraser of Scottish Disability Sport, said: “we are delighted to have developed a strong relationship with Ecas in order to financially support our athletes striving to realise their potential as a performance athlete. These funds are administered alongside our Athlete Academy – a support mechanism underpinning the sportscotland Institute of Sport – that supports athletes at an integral stage of their development. Robyn is a member of the Academy and we have been extremely impressed with her emergence and development over the past 12 months. We wish her all the best in her new training environment in Worcester, where she will battle to be part of the GB team, and hopefully reach the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio”.
Robyn Love, commented: “The funding for my new chair and the support I have received in moving down to Worcester has been vital in supporting my development as an elite athlete. I would like to thank Ecas and Scottish Disability Sport for their generosity and support in my bid to be the first Scottish person to represent GB in a Major tournament for 15 years. My first objective is to be selected for the European Championships in August this year and hopefully I can make the team for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. The work SDS and Ecas do is incredible, and they make a real difference in assisting people with a disability realise their full potential.”
A Week at Westminster
On Wednesday the Queen’s Speech brought a little pomp and circumstance to Westminster.
Speaking ahead of the Conservative majority government’s first Queen’s Speech, Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray MP, said:
“Today’s Queen Speech will confirm the return of the nasty party, who must urgently come clean about where the axe of their £12billion cuts to welfare will fall.
“Just yesterday IFS analysis laid bare the true scale of the brutal Tory cuts planned in this parliament. The £12bn per year of further cuts to welfare, almost entirely from working-age benefits, will make the lives of those who work, and who already struggle to get by, even harder. David Cameron and the Tories may claim that they look out for working people, but these cuts will fall most heavily on the working poor and will push even more children into poverty.
“Today’s Queen’s Speech will deliver on the Vow made to Scotland during the referendum by tabling a Scotland Bill. This bill is a serious offer of more power to Scotland, and Scottish Labour will work constructively to push the Tories to deliver the power to the Scottish Parliament to defend Scotland against further austerity.
“But the threats to Scots don’t end with the Tories. Nicola Sturgeon has committed her party to amending the Scotland Bill to include Full Fiscal Autonomy, which would mean an end to the Barnett Formula and an additional £7.6billion of cuts to the Scottish budget.
“Scottish Labour will stand up for Scotland against Tory or Nationalist austerity whilst guaranteeing a powerhouse parliament in Holyrood.”
Murray stood down as a director of Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Chairman and Director of the Foundation of Hearts on Wednesday. He said: “Since my re-election I have taken on a number of senior responsibilities that will reduce the spare time I have available to dedicate to other interests.
“I have, after much soul-searching, taken the decision that the FoH requires a new chair and director who can give maximum attention to continuing to grow the membership and preparing the organisation for full supporter ownership.
Edinburgh East MP Tommy Sheppard made his maiden speech on Thursday. When he spoke to us Tommy was busy drafting what he was planning to say and he hoped to talk about the constituency and Home Affairs, immigration, the EU Referendum and poverty, reflecting on the election result and explain to the Labour Party why they lost the election. We are not sure he managed to get everything in otherwise all other new MPs might not have had their chance to speak!
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOn his first impressions of the first Queen’s Speech he had attended as an MP he told The Edinburgh Reporter: “Well you’ve seen it on telly so you know what’s coming but it is a little surreal when you’re there.
“This place runs through customs and traditions set in Georgian times. The costumes were good though! I was one of 200 MPs who weren’t allowed into the chamber as there is simply not enough room there for everyone.
“I was one of the first not to get in so when Black Rod was banging on the door I was standing only about six feet away. It is fine to have a bit of tradition, but some of it is a bit arcane
“In the Lords I actually managed to get in as I was able to join the procession straight away, but not even half of the MPs got in there. The Lords are all sitting in the opulent atrium in their ermine trimmed red robes and the ladies even have tiaras on!
“You can understand why people think the government is a bit out of touch.
“We were told off by the Speaker for applauding as it was not in line with tradition, while the Conservatives across the chamber were braying and guffawing like delinquent teenagers. We are not going out of our way to cause offence, but it is odd as it seems normal behaviour to clap!”
He concluded our chat with practicalities: “I get into my new office on Monday and hopefully I will hear by then that I have a place to live!”
Joanna Cherry QC was an obvious choice to speak on behalf of the SNP about justice and legal affairs. In her maiden speech on Thursday morning she addressed the Government’s plans in relation to the Human Rights Act
She said: “As a lawyer it is appropriate that I should make my first speech in this house in defence of human rights and the rule of law.
“Mr Speaker the tone and tenor of this government’s approach to human rights and civil liberties issues concerns me and my party. Whilst the government appears to have been somewhat blown off course in its zeal to fulfill its manifesto pledge to repeal the Human Rights Act (HRA) I understand that after consultation the same is still very much on the cards.
“Yesterday the Prime Minister indicated that it is still his intention to bring forward a British Bill of Rights. Are we to understand that this would replace the international Bill of Rights constituted by the European Court of Human Rights to which we are already a signatory and the HRA? It seems so.
In Scotland the HRA is part of a larger picture. The rights in the ECHR are written into the devolution settlement by virtue of the Scotland Act. We have a National Action Plan for human rights and a UN accredited HR Commission. Our commitment to human rights extends beyond the civil and political rights in the HRA to economic, social and cultural human rights. Human rights are central to the way Scotland is addressing the overall challenge of building a fairer society. Repeal of the HRA is strongly opposed in Scotland. In November 2014 the Scottish Parliament voted overwhelmingly to endorse the HRA.
“Last year during the independence referendum campaign the Prime Minister invited Scots not to leave the UK but to stay and lead the UK. With the overwhelming mandate we have received from the people of Scotland I and my fellow SNP MPs intend to do just that and, in particular, on this issue we shall be proud to lead a progressive alliance of members on all sides of the house who believe in the HRA and the value of participation in international instruments such as the ECHR.”
And our final Edinburgh MP Michelle Thomson makes her speech next Wednesday but meantime was in the chamber to watch other debates including one on Thursday about Trident:
— Michelle Thomson MP (@MichelleThomson) May 28, 2015
Meanwhile the SNP will be pressing the government on their plans for English Votes for English Laws which they believe should be dealt with in a bill not simply a change of the Commons Rules. SNP MPs don’t vote on English legislation where it makes no financial difference to Scotland but Pete Wishart MP is incensed that in the Queen’s Speech the government appear to try to change the regulations on voting without proper consideration. He said: “This Government seek to restrict the voting rights of only Scottish MPs giving us second class status in the House of Commons. We cannot have this rushed through without proper consideration of all the consequences.”
Fashion and beauty – Back to basics at Cannes 2015 | Get the Look
As some of the season’s hottest productions premiere at Cannes Film Festival, so do the latest beauty trends. The event paves the way for many of this summer’s up and coming hair and makeup looks to be previewed.
Despite a vast assortment of styles this year, many of the festival’s attendees chose to take it back to basics, mirroring Cannes’ Mediterranean surroundings by ditching heavy makeup and opting for ‘au naturel’ glamour.
Rosy-mauve hues ruled the red carpet as they were paired with glowing skin, a wash of golden shimmer on the eyes and killer brows. The relaxed combination of loose waves and braids also seemed to be the preferred hairstyle of many celebrities.
Sienna Miller, Emma Stone and Karlie Kloss were all on top of their beauty game as they rocked the favoured beach chic vibes. Have a look at how they individually tailored the trend here.
So how can you get the look? Here are my chosen products to obtain this years’ fresh and neutral-toned red carpet makeup:
Base: To achieve youthful and dewy skin try opting for a medium to light coverage foundation. L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation or L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H-Matte Foundation would be perfect for this depending on your skin type. Both provide lacklustre skin with a flawless finish while retaining a natural appearance.
Cheeks: Rimmel London’s Lasting Finish Blush in Pink Rose provides that flattering rosy flush, while Topshop’s Glow in Gleam does exactly what its name suggests. Adding this product on the high points of your face (cheekbones, bridge of your nose and brow bone) creates the ideal golden, seamless highlight.
Eyebrows: Whether you want to create a fuller, bold brow or prefer a more clean-cut shape, Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dip Brow Pomade will establish your desired brow style to frame your face. Maybelline’s Brow Drama helps to lock unruly hairs in place all day.
Lips: Apply Smashbox’s Be Legendary Lipstick in Primrose before smudging the colour in slightly with your finger to pull off the rose stained lip look.
Radiant and naturally glamorous makeup is an easy summer appropriate look to try out for yourself and one that will not break the bank in the process.
Water of Leith Conservation Trust: Art Walk from Belford to Canonmills. Discover the hidden art treasures – from industrial relics to stunnning wells – along the walkway from the Gallery of Modern Art to Canonmills. 2pm, starting at entrance to Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (near the buried Gormley statue), Belford Road. £4 per person (Trust members £2): advance booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk.
Dementia Awareness Week 2015: St James Centre Information Day. Come for a chat with the Alzheimer Scotland Edinburgh team. 10am-4pm, St James Centre, 1 Leith Street.
Friends of Harrison Park: come and get stuck into the herb garden! Planting and tidying up, harvesting herbs for your kitchen and sowing the new wildflower bed. Learn how to plant seeds and take cuttings. 10.30am-1pm, Community Herb Garden (at the dog-free zone, accessed from Harrison Road), Harrison Park, Polwarth, All welcome: gloves and tools provided. Please note that under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Filmhouse Junior: screenings for a younger audience. Today’s film is The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (U). 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or online here.
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway: Mixed Traffic Gala. A special event featuring steam and heritage diesel-hauled trains. Special timetables and fares will apply. The Scottish Railway Preservation Society, Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness. For more information please call 01506 822298 or email enquiries.railway@srps.co.uk.
Cameo Vintage Sundays: Piccadilly (PG). One of the pinnacles of British silent cinema, Piccadilly is a sumptuous showbiz melodrama seething with sexual and racial tension. The Chinese-American screen goddess Anna May Wong stars as Shosho, a scullery maid in a fashionable London nightclub, whose sensuous tabletop dance catches the eye of suave club owner Valentine Wilmot. She rises to become the toast of London, and the object of his erotic obsession – to the bitter jealousy of Mabel, his former lover and star dancer. ‘One of the truly great films of the silent era’ (Martin Scorsese). 1pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here.
Symphonic Praise: a full symphonic concert led by Origin’s Exile Choir and Chamber Orchestra. Origin is an Edingburgh-based evangelistic youth ministry. 8pm, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free but booking is required and may be made here.
Shore Poets – May: poetry, music and a raffle for the famous lemon cake! 7.45pm, Henderson’s at St John’s, 3 Lothian Road. Admission £5/£3 on the door: all welcome – for more information contact publicity@shorepoets.org.uk.
#artcore Presents Create a Scene at Bongo Lives! An exciting day of #artcore activities as the #artcore team showcases a full programme from the ongoing Microprojects, a series of workshops for young people aged 13-25 years, featuring everything from animation to Zine-making. Hear some of the capital’s finest young bands and solo performers from Verden Studios’ DemoLite project, get gaming with interactive demos from Freemachines, watch the animation showreel from Red Kite Animation, check out some guerilla art with Creative Electric, listen to Strangetown perform their new radio plays and make your own publication in the Create-a-Zine workshop. 2-6pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. Free entry.
Ragged University Film and Curry Night: Ragged University believes that we learn through social means – these nights are about taking in a film, thinking about what you’ve seen, eating good (vegetarian) food and then discussing the film together. The film tonight is The Corporation: Part Two (PG). Some of the discussion will be recorded to share with those who are unable to attend. Although the food and venue are both provided free, Serenity is a social enterprise run by people in recovery for people in recovery, providing a social space without alcohol for people to meet (it is also a great cafe, open to the public and serving delicious food), so those who can afford a donation towards costs are invited to make one on the night. 6-8.30pm, Serenity Cafe, The Tun, 8 Jackson’s Entry, Holyrood Road. Please email info@raggeduniversity.com for more information. And please support Serenity; it’s open 9am-5pm every day.
Anyone Can Play Guitar feat.Lost Proclaimer. A new open music night for anyone who plays anything BUT guitar (whether or not they can sing). Hosted this time by local folk troubadour Lost Proclaimer. 8pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
Marathon Party with DJ Joybox: shake your tired muscles to some groovy music. 6-9pm, Joseph Pearce, Elm Row.
Rock and Roll Ping Pong with DJ Ding and DJ Dong. A free monthly Sunday night social. 7-11pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate.
St Giles’ At Six: Matthew McAllister (guitar) plays an all French programme featuring music by Francois Couperin, Francis Kleynjans, Gustave Samazeuilh and Roland Dyens. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free; retiring collection.
Five things you need to know today
Community Clean-up
Consultation on Parks and Greenspaces
Dementia Awareness Week
Time for Tea
Code the City
There will be a Community Clean up this Sunday at West Pilton Green. StrongerNorth say : “Residents and local landlords of this area have approached us requesting assistance with removal of rubbish and burnt out items.”
If you wish to muck in this weekend, help and meet local residents, and work together as a community then please go along on Sunday morning.
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The City of Edinburgh Council is set to carry out a consultation into the management of events in the city centre’s public spaces.
Feedback will help the Council create a Public Spaces Manifesto, which will provide a policy framework for events in spaces open to the public.
The aim of the manifesto will be to offer greater clarity for prospective event-holders, neighbouring residents and businesses on appropriate event types and frequency and the preferred use of different spaces in the city centre.
It will build on discussions with a range of stakeholders, including Business Improvement Districts, community councils and festival organisers, who agreed that there was a need to deal with event management in civic spaces.
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Dementia Awareness Week starts tomorrow but today at the St James Centre between 10am and 2pm there will be an information Stall with a dementia advisor on hand to answer questions. Other activities to mark this week include the following:
Drumbrae Hub : Mon 1st to Friday 5th June. Information stall.
Royal Infirmary Hospital Main Concourse, Little France : Monday 1st to Friday 5th June. Tea, coffee and cakes stall with clinical staff on hand to talk about dementia.
Queensferry Library : Monday to Saturday, 1st to 6th June. Information Stall.
Morning side Library : Tuesday 2nd June 12 noon to 4.30 pm and Wednesday 3rd June 10am to 12 noon. Information Stall with occupational therapists on hand to answer questions.
Café at Cramond Kirk Hall : Monday 1st June 1 to 3pm. Café and meeting place with information and advice for people with dementia and their carers from dementia advisors.
Barnton & Cramond Dementia Friendly community forum meeting : Tuesday 2nd June 2pm. Come along and find out more about our dementia friendly community.
Barnton Pharmacy : All week. Information stall and signposting to resources.
Liberton Hospital Main Foyer : Wed 3rd, Thurs 4th and Friday 5th of June from 1.45 to 3pm. Information stall. manned by dementia champions.
Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre : Ground floor concourse and Living Memories shop unit on ground floor near Debenhams. Thursday 4th June 10am to 4pm. Information Stall with dementia advisor on hand. Come and have tea and cakes at the Living Memories Association Shop Unit at the centre.
Cameron Toll Shopping Centre : Friday 5th June 10am to 4pm. Information Stall with dementia advisor on hand to answer questions.
Currie Library Community Room : Thursday 4th June,10am to 5pm. Information Stall, tea and a blether.
The Mill @St Joseph’s, Balerno : Friday 5th June, 10am to 1pm. Information Stall, tea and a blether.
Portobello Farmers Market : Saturday 6th June, 10am to 2pm. Information Stall with dementia advisor on hand to answer questions.
South Queensferry Rotary Forth Rail Abseil Event at the promenade, near Hawes Inn on Sunday 7th June. Information Stall with dementia advisor on hand to answer questions.
City of Edinburgh Council Carers’ Champion Councillor Norman Work will be taking part in the abseil. You can support his fundraising efforts on JustGiving here.
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Chatime – creators of authentic, refreshing and delicious Taiwanese bubble teas – are delighted to announce their 13th store opening in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh on the 2nd of June.
The latest addition to the Chatime family, and the first in Scotland, will be located in the bustling old town of Edinburgh on 14 Bank Street, minutes away from the castle and in the middle of the busy shopping district. Chatime is renowned across the UK for providing thirsty customers with an exciting range of styles and varieties of this unique and colourful refreshment. The Cha is brewed fresh in store, using tea leaves and only the highest quality natural ingredients.
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Are you interested in data and coding? Then you may want to sign up for the Code the City event on 20 and 21 June right here in Edinburgh which will be two full days of civil hacking on an environmental theme.
Sign up here for a daily email from The Edinburgh Reporter !
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Robbery at Gorgie Road bookmakers
Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a Ladbrokes Bookmakers Shop in Gorgie Road which took place around 9.15am this morning.
Two men entered the building and vaulted the counter before threatening a member staff and demanding money.
They then left with a four-figure sum of cash and ran into the rear gardens at Westfield Road before last being seen in Stevenson Road, Edinburgh
Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
The first suspect is described as a white man in his late twenties. He is around 5ft 5″ in height with a broad, athletic build. He was wearing a grey/blue hooded top, dark jogging bottoms and white training shoes.
The second suspect is also described as a white man in his late twenties. He is around 5ft 5″ in height with a slim build. He was wearing a grey hooded top with yellow logo on left breast, dark jogging bottoms and black training shoes.
Detective Sergeant John Graham said: “Both men had weapons in their possession and caused extreme distress to staff members on duty whilst carrying out this robbery. We are keen to hear from anyone who can help us in tracing theses individual.
“Anyone who was in the Gorgie Road area of Edinburgh at around 9.15am on Saturday morning and remembers seeing anything suspicious is asked to contact police immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on .
EIFF 2015 – Opens with Robert Carlyle’s The Legend of Barney Thomson
This year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival will begin in a few weeks with the directorial debut from Robert Carlyle, The Legend of Barney Thomson which stars its director along with Emma Thompson and Ray Winstone.
[tweet_box design=”default”]The Edinburgh Reporter asked our film writer Douglas Greenwood to pick what he was excited about having just perused the EIFF programme.[/tweet_box]
Here is what he said at the time (then he changed his mind and wrote about five different films here… so much to choose from you see!)
Police are appealing for information in order to trace a 30-year-old woman, who is missing from the Craigmillar area of the city.
Ilze Nile was last seen yesterday (Friday, May 29) at around 9pm in Gulliver Street and officers are now growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.
Ilze is described as a white woman of Latvian origin. She has a slim build, is around 5ft 4″ in height and has long shoulder length light brown/blonde hair, which was tied up when she was last seen.
She was last seen wearing a blue coloured cord jacket and carrying a shoulder bag.
Ilze is known to frequent the city centre of Edinburgh and officers are keen to trace her whereabouts.
Inspector Jonathan Elliot said: “We are growing increasingly concerned about Ilze and are keen to trace her as soon as possible.
“Anyone with any information regarding Ilze’s whereabouts is asked to contact Police Scotland immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Two men arrested after major drug recovery in Stockbridge
Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a major drug recovery in North Edinburgh.
The recovery of heroin, executed today (Friday, May 29) at an address in the Stockbridge area of the city, is considered to have a street value of £23,000.
The men, aged 21 and 32, will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, June 1.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: “This was major recovery, which has removed a significant amount of heroin from the streets of Edinburgh.
“We remain committed to tackling serious and organised crime, and to keeping people safe.
“We continue to target those who pedal drugs in our community. Anyone who has information regarding criminal activity is asked to contact the Police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Man due in court following Lasswade Road robbery
A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an armed robbery, which took place at 10.30am on Thursday at the Your Local Store in Lasswade Road.
The man will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, June 1.
Saturday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
Once Upon a Time: weekly storytelling in the Book Bothy with BB the Bookshop Bunny and Hardy the Guinea-Pig! 11am, Far From the Madding Crowd, 20 High Street, Linlithgow. For more information please ask in the shop, email sally@maddingcrowd.co.uk or call 01506 845321.
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway: Mixed Traffic Gala. A special event featuring steam and heritage diesel-hauled trains. Special timetables and fares will apply. The Scottish Railway Preservation Society, Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness. For more information please call 01506 822298 or email enquiries.railway@srps.co.uk. Also on Sunday 31st May 2015.
The Story Kist – Inclusive Storytelling with Ailie Finlay and Marie-Louise Cochrane. Summer is nearly here…pack up your backpacks and go over the hills and far away on some multi-sensory adventures! Sunny, fun stories and games, with props, tents and lots of joining in, in a session especially suitable for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. 11am, Storytelling Bothy, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 per child (transaction fee applies to online and telephone bookings) and may be purchased online here, by calling 0131 556 9579 or in person at the centre. Please remember to ask for a free adult’s ticket for yourself when you buy your child’s ticket.
Tiger Tales: stories and crafts for children aged 4-8 years. 3-4pm, 137 Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street. All welcome!
Jubilo Lunchtime Concert:Midday Musical Cocktails. An hour of attractive light choral and instrumental music (Bernstein, Lennon and McCartney, Pietro Mascagni, Robert Schumann and Juan de Anchieta) performed in aid of Enable Scotland. John Willmett (piano); Lesley Bruce (soprano), conducted by Walter Thomson. 12 noon-1pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Tickets cost £8. Enable Scotland is a charity working for a better life for adults and children with learning disabilities.
St Bride’s Family Cinema – see your favourite films for free. Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs – they’re all here! Choc ices and juice for sale in the interval at 50p each. Please note that all children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. This week’s film is Postman Pat – The Movie (U). 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace. Next week’s film is Rio 2 (U).
Bob Dylan Tribute Night: an annual celebration of classic Dylan tunes. Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello.
Sofi’s Saturday Session feat. Pilgrims We, Small Feet Little Toes, Faith Elliot and Grayson King. 2pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
Stills Taster: Cyanotypes. A hands-on taster session for young people aged 10-16, inspired by the current Anna Atkins exhibition. Using one of the first photographic techniques still widely practised today, the session will include an inspiring tour of the exhibition, and will guide you through the steps to making cyanotype prints. You will then be able to make your own prints to take away, and will also be given comprehensive instructions to make more prints at home. 2-4pm, Stills, Cockburn Street. £10 per person; booking is essential and may be made online here.
Victoria Bar Singles Night: a fun night with speed dating and postman game. 8pm, Victoria Bar, 265 Leith Walk.
National Gallery Highlights Tours: an introduction to and tour of the gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for pre-school children and their parents and carers. 11-11.30am, Newington Library, Fountainhall Road.
Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show: a public showcase of the work of over four hundred graduating students from the Schools of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Art and Design. From Animation to Textiles, thirty-eight programmes will be exhibiting, all displaying the achievements of the College’s emerging creative talents. 11am-5pm today and every day until 7th June (late opening to 8pm on 3rd and 4th June), Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, Lauriston Place. Free and open to all.
Out of the Blue Flea Market: over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric a brac and more. Delicious refreshments available to purchase from the Drill Hall Arts Cafe. 10am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.
Lunchtime Concert: Lydian Singers, Dundee. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
French Family Saturdays: Je dessine au fusain. Introduce your children to a popular piece of French culture at these all-in-French Saturday sessions. Today the children will discover Akiko Miyakoshi’s beautiful book ‘Un gouter en foret‘ before getting the chance to have a go at drawing in charcoal (fusain) – and as usual, a gouter will be offered. For ages 3-10 years. 12 noon-2pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Tickets cost £5 per child (£3 for Institute members) and advance booking is highly recommended as places are limited; please email accueil@ifecosse.org.uk or call 0131 225 5366.
Ragged University: IT and Biscuits. If you have something you want to learn on your computer – or maybe you need basic instruction, want to access free (legal!) software, find out about computer security, learn about social media and WordPress or ask others about IT, come to this workshop for tutorials and person-to-person guidance. Relax in a social setting, enjoy a cup of tea and have your questions answered. You will need a laptop (but if you haven’t got one you can arrange to borrow one) and current membership of Edinburgh City libraries. People who already have computer skills are also very welcome to come along and share their knowledge. 1-4pm, George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. All welcome: free. If you have any questions please contact Ragged University via their enquiry form here.
‘A view into the artist’s studio’ – image copyright Ben Cauchi
Image copyright Craig Murray-Orr
Ingleby Gallery: New Exhibitions. (1) Craig Murray-Orr: Thirty Small Paintings. Craig’s fifty year career, as a sculptor of meticulously carved wooden forms and as a painter of intensely concentrated landscapes, has been shaped by a mix of childhood memories of New Zealand and more recent travels in Asia and North Africa. For the past three years he has worked exclusively on a series of small oil paintings, thirty of which will be the subject of this presentation. (2) Ben Cauchi: Echo Chamber. A solo presentation of new and recent work by the photographer, who uses long outmoded techniques to make unique photographs with a strange and spectral beauty. 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, Ingleby Gallery, Calton Road. Both exhibitions end 4th July 2015.
LGBT Rainbow Families at Dynamic Earth: a day of fun and exploration! The group will take part in an exclusive interactive workshop for all ages, followed by a tour of Dynamic Earth and an opportunity to watch a film in the Show Dome. 10.45am-3pm, Our Dynamic Earth, 112-116 Holyrood Gait. Booking is preferred and the event will cost £2.95 per person: for more information and to book, please contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. Rainbow Families offer LGBT parents the chance to meet other parents, enjoy family activities, share experiences and socialise in a family setting. If you would like to find out more or join the mailing list, please contact Jules.
#everyafternooninjune: artist Margaret Gilbertson drew every afternoon in June 2014. She found a new direction in her work and her drawing became a vital part of her day. Although the works in this exhibition are end products, she has strived to keep a sense of the uncontrolled freedom that sketchbooks offer. Preview today 3pm, then 11am-5pm, Coburg House Studios, 15 Coburg Street, until 11th June 2015.
A National Anthem for Scotland: join musician Bob Murray, who has been considering the topic of possible Scottish national anthems for 25 years – hear Bob’s observations, and at least eight of the songs which are seen as potential candidates. Do we need to make a choice? – and if so, how? 7.30pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 (transaction fee applies to online and telephone bookings) and may be purchased online here, by calling 0131 556 9579 or in person at the centre.
Edinburgh Society of Musicians:Steven Armstrong and Avril Evans Piano Duo play Beethoven, Schubert, Rachmaninov and Ravel. 7.30pm (prompt), Edinburgh Society of Musicians, 3 Belford Road. The Edinburgh Society of Musicians was founded in 1887; it promotes practical music-making in the city and arranges chamber music recitals every Saturday from October to June. Admission is free.
Scots Music Group Ceilidh with the Portobello Ceilidh Band. Licensed bar – no BYOB but water freely available. 7.30pm (dancing from 8pm)-12 midnight, St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace. Tickets cost £8/£6 in advance and may be purchased from SMG on 0131 555 7668 or online here, or from the St Bride’s Box Office on 0131 346 1405. Tickets on the door will cost £10/£8 (sta).
3 Harbours Festival: your second chance to get out of the city this weekend is much closer to home, as the three East Lothian coastal communities of Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie host their annual festival. Art, music, workshops, tours, trails, literature, film, photography and drama in venues varying from tiny cottages to the soon-to-disappear Cockenzie Power Station. Exhibitors include Emma Mackenzie, Andrew Crummy, Sandy Moffat, Sheena Phillips, Karen Rogers, Liz Neilson, Esther Cohen, Janet McCrorie, Rona MacLean, Aileen Grant, Karen Shewan, Mel Shewan, Julie Galante and many more. The full programme can be viewed here, and paper copies are available at many Edinburgh outlets. The festival continues until 7th June, but please check the programme as not all venues are open every day.
Five things you need to know today
Hidden Door ends today
Rail Strike – new dates announced
Screen Education Edinburgh needs you!
Edinburgh Festival video portraits
Meadows Festival
The organisers at Hidden Door would really like to entice you down to King’s Stables Road today as it is their last day! Here’s what they have on offer:
Our final night in the incredible surroundings of the Secret Courtyard *sobs*
But don’t be sad – we’ve got fantastic three piece post-electro band Errors and The Dark Jokes to help us go out with a bang. Or take a wander to Bongo Lives where we’ve got Sea Bass Kid and Scotland’s ska juggernaut, Bombskare. Meanwhile in the Hidden Cinema, KinoKlub presents a selection of eeire, dreamy films by Maya Deren, and of course we’ve got more theatrical wonderment too. Plus it’s your last chance to wander the room after room of stunning artwork and installations.
We’ll have a huge choice of the finest drinks available from our 3 unique custom-built bars – special thanks to our Day 9 drinks sponsor Daffy’s Gin. Harajuku Kitchen and Ninja Buns will be serving tasty treats to keep your hunger at bay.
It seems that the possibility of a UK-wide rail strike has not yet been averted. RMT announced:
The largest rail union, RMT, confirmed that members will be taking 24 hours of strike action from 5pm Thursday 4th June through to 4.59pm on Friday 5th June in the current dispute over pay and jobs at Network Rail with a further 48 hours of action from 5pm on Tuesday 9th June to 4.59pm on Thursday 11th June. In addition there will be action short of a strike from 00.01 Saturday 6th June to 23.59 on Friday 12th June.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Our representatives have rejected the pay package offered by Network Rail and in the absence of any further movement from the company that has left us with no option but to move to a rolling programme of industrial action which will begin next Thursday.”
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Young, creative and passionate about film? We’ve got a great #summerplan for you:BFI Film Academy #Scotland #Craft…
The Edinburgh International Festival is an annual gathering of some of the greatest creative minds of our time. To celebrate their presence at the heart of the programme, the Festival has commissioned video portraits exploring the artist’s experience from the point of view of five celebrated Festival artists.
The films present interviews with actors, musicians, writers and directors talking about the art that they love, and features Juliette Binoche, Simon McBurney, Nicola Benedetti, Robert Lepage and Anne-Sophie Mutter in a series of personal reflections on their artform, the nature of live performance and the unique exchange they experience with an audience every time they take to the stage.
Here is Nicola Benedetti who will appear at the Festival this year performing with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra at the Festival Theatre and you will find the other Festival Portraits here too.
Next weekend the Meadows Festival takes place – yes in the Meadows.
Starting at 10am on Saturday morning there will be live music on a variety of stages all day Saturday and Sunday.
This is a free event with music, drama, dance and workshops. The Dogs Trust will offer to microchip your dog for free and on Sunday there will be a family dog show. The biggest outdoor market the festival has ever had is also promised and in the community tent you might find councillors, community councillors, members of the Neighbourhood Partnership, representatives of the city’s library service, police and fire services.
There will be a vintage fire engine on display and Taylor’s Funfair will offer rides and games.
More information on the volunteer run festival here.
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Hibs release three Development Squad players
Hibs’ Development squad players Kleton Perntreou, Neil Martyniuk and Taylor Hendry have left the club.
Goalkeeper Perntreou, made two first team appearances, making his senior debut as a substitute at Cowdenbeath in November and then recorded a clean sheet during the goalless draw against Queen of the South at Easter Road.
Defender Martyniuk made 27 starts and two substitute appearances at Development League level last season and ended the campaign on loan at League Two club Berwick Rangers. He featured for the first team during last season’s pre-season campaign, including the opening friendly at Vale of Leithen, and scored the decisive penalty in the Little Big Shot Scottish FA Youth Cup win at Aberdeen.
Striker Taylor Hendry joined the Academy from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2013 and last season the 19-year-old scored six goals from 27 starts and seven substitute appearances.
A spokesman said: “Everybody associated with the club would like to wish Kleton, Neil and Taylor all the best as they embark on the next chapters in their careers and thank them for their contribution.”
Assault and robbery in Rose Street
Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery in the city centre which happened sometime between 2am and 2.30am in Rose Street at the junction with South Charlotte Street.
An 18-year-old man had been out with friends and was returning home when he noticed a black Volkswagen Golf pull up and stop behind him.
Two men then exited the vehicle and punched and kicked the complainer, causing him to fall to the ground. The men then robbed him of his wallet before getting back in the car, which took off towards Princess Street.
The victim then returned home and contact police.
Anyone who can assist officers with their enquiries is asked to come forward.
The first suspect is described as white, between 30 and 40-years-old, around 5ft 10ins tall with a stocky build and shaved head. He was wearing a black suit jacket and trousers, white shirt and smart black shoes.
The second suspect is described as white, between 30 and 40-years-old, around 6ft tall with a stocky build and shaved head. He was wearing a grey suit jacket and trousers, white shirt and smart black shoes.
It is believed both men spoke with Eastern European accents.
Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “The victim suffered some cuts and bruises, and was very shaken following this attack.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area in the early hours of Friday morning and remembers seeing anything suspicious.
“In addition, we would urge anyone who believes they may have information as to the identity of the pair to contact police immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Growing concern for missing man Stuart Eddison
UPDATE – MR EDDISON FOUND SAFE AND WELL IN DUNDEE
Police are appealing for the assistance of the public in an effort to trace Stuart Eddison who has been missing since Thursday (May 29).
The 54-year-old was last seen in the Morningside area shortly after 10:30am and was believed to have entered a taxi.
Since then, he has not been in touch with friends or family and police are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare as he has a number of health issues that require ongoing attention.
Local officers are now conducting various lines of enquiry and are keen to hear from the taxi driver who may have picked up the Edinburgh-man.
Stuart is familiar with the Gorgie area and may be in the vicinity. He also has strong links to Fife, particularly in the Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes areas.
Anyone who has seen Stuart or has relevant information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately.
He is described as white, around 5ft 10in tall with short brown/grey hair and has a large build. He was wearing a grey t-shirt, grey tracksuit bottoms and brown boots.
Sergeant Murray Tait of Police Scotland said: “It is now more than 24-hours since anyone has seen Stuart and we are keen to establish his whereabouts as soon as possible and ensure he is safe and well.
“Anyone who believes they have seen him since Thursday morning, or has information that can help us find him, is asked to contact police immediately on 101.
“In addition, I would also urge Stuart to get in touch with friends, family or the police and let us know he is safe.”
Celebrated Edinburgh artist Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE unveils new exhibition
In a new exhibition at The Sutton Gallery on Dundas Street, celebrated artist Joyce Gunn Cairns presents a wide selection of her practice over the past year, including expressive figurative works, deft animal studies, portraits and some examples of her exceptional printmaking.
At the core of the exhibition is a fine nude painting ‘Ahimsa’, 2015, 92 x 122.5cm, oil on board. This work, which draws its title from the Sanskrit concept of kindness and the avoidance of harming others, typifies the generosity and sensitivity of Gunn Cairns’ practice: an owl and a robin perch calmly on the reclined body of a woman who has achieved a level of serenity.
Not only does the painting immediately suggest a sense of compassion and self-control through the imagery, this concept is writ into the very marks used to compose the piece, Gunn Cairns’ now-familiar method of drawing with paint in layers, at times partially removed, so that we are literally invited to see beyond the surface of her subjects, as she does.
Gunn Cairns trained in Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art, having previously completed a degree in German and Comparative Religion at Aberdeen University. She has become one of Scotland’s most cherished artists, with nine works in the permanent collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, five works in the permanent collection of the City Art Centre, and works in other major collections including Balliol College, Oxford and Jesus College, Cambridge.
Drawing on her deep sensitivity and appreciation of literature, Gunn Cairns has drawn some of some of Scotland’s most eminent cultural figures, across music, theatre, art and literature. However, she is no less attentive to the less celebrated aspects of life. From an otter to a dormouse, whatever the subject, Gunn Cairns draws them with the same delicacy of perception and appreciation. There are also a number of works in which her vision is turned inwards in self portrait. However, in a wider sense, Gunn Cairns’ work could be said to be constantly examining what it means to be a human being and how we negotiate our relationships with our selves and others.
Another of the highlights of the exhibition is a painting of the celebrated South African writer and Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer, who passed away in 2014. A committed writer whose work was both politically-engaged and powerfully humane, she also promoted and supported the anti-apartheid movement as well as the cause of HIV/AIDS sufferers. It’s easy to see why Gunn Cairns should be so attracted to painting Gordimer, an artist who in her activism and her writing embodies the spirit of “Ahimsa”.
Gunn Cairns has been well reviewed across the board, including by Duncan MacMillan, who commented: ”Joyce Gunn Cairns’ remarkable paintings … demonstrate how many different kinds of visual truths there are ;….. in these graphic and unflinching images, she not only manages that sense of reaching out to touch; she conveys how, from inwards, we feel outward; what it is like to be in one’s own skin…” Duncan MacMillan, The Scotsman, Feb 2011
Colin Herd and Reuben Sutton of The Sutton Gallery have commented: “It is a great thrill for us to be showing the work of Joyce Gunn Cairns, which as a body of work is among the most searching and intelligent of any artist currently working in Scotland. As collectors and admirers of Joyce’s work for a long time it is a great privilege to be able to exhibit a significant selection of her work in The Sutton Gallery.”
She was awarded MBE for services to the arts in the June 2004 Queen’s Honours List. A portrait of Edwin Morgan by Gunn Cairns is concurrently displayed in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Fundraising event organised by the combined effort of two independent boutiques based in the Bruntsfield area.
The popular independent shops in the Edinburgh Bruntsfield area: C’est si Bon and Ooh! Ruby shoes got together to raise money for the Sick Kids Hospital.
The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh was the first children’s hospital in Scotland.
Every year over 100,000 children pass through the doors of this hospital, ranging in age from just a few hours old to aged 16, in some specialities. The majority of the patients come from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, but it treats children from all over Scotland.
Maria Bauermeister, co-owner of Ooh! Ruby Shoes, reserves a special place in her heart for the Sick Kids Hospital, where her four-year-old daughter has been treated for many years. So together with her business partner Theresa O’ Hara and Sarah Gilchrist, owner of the ladies clothing boutique, she decided to organise a Fashion Show as a way to raise money to help and thank the Hospital and the people that work in it for their amazing job.
The event took place on Thursday 28th of May at the Links Hotel. Six ladies, regular customers and “Bruntsfield shoppers”, walked the runaway twice, first at 1 pm and then again at 6pm. Wearing the beautiful and sophisticated clothes and accessories from C’est si Bon and the variety of Italian, Spanish, American and Scandinavian unique shoes stocked in Ooh! Ruby Shoes.
Before the show began, the hotel offered the audience Canapés and Prosecco at arrival. It was followed by packed goody bags containing vouchers, discounts and little snacks. Members of staff sold raffle tickets to keep filling the charity basket for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation.
The show turned out to be a real success. Thanks to the generosity of the people who decided to get involved and donate. In fact, at the end of only the first of the two shows planned for the day, £500 had already been raised.
The positive outcome of this event is also due to the commitment and effort of most of the independent shops, Hairdressers, Nail salons, and a few restaurants based in Bruntsfield – many of which offered many prizes for the raffle.
This event is only the beginning of a range of events to promote the motive. Maria Bauermeister promised that the 26th of September 2015 she will parachute in order to support this cause, which is to help aid an important organisation as the Sick Kids Hospital.
Cafe Ceilidh: Old Town Edinburgh. Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon of songs and music celebrating Edinburgh’s Old Town. 2-4pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free and unticketed.
The College’s final year BA students perform on tuba, trombone, clarinet, piano and voice. From Sondheim and Gershwin to Mozart and Hindemith, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 1-5.30pm, The Music Box, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh College, Bankhead Avenue. Free and open to all. Further recitals will take place on Thursday 4th June (see listing).
French Cinema: 9 Mois Ferme. An off-the-wall comedy starring Sandrine Kiberlain, who won a Cesar for her interpretation of Judge Ariane Felder. Directed by Albert Dupontel. ‘A disconcerting but hilarious film’. In French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free admission. Also showing 1-2.30pm on Wednesday 3rd June.
Golden Hare Books and Vagabond Voices Present Chris Dolan: Aliyyah. The multi award winning writer launches his new novel, a modern Arabian tale set in an unnamed war-torn country. Captain Robert Haldane awakes in a strange room in an old house, surrounded by a beautiful but ramshackle orchard miles from anywhere. The last thing he remembers is his helicopter being shot down over enemy territory. It appears that he is in a safe house, cared for by an elderly holy man and his niece, but how did Haldane get there? And who are these people really? ‘A Romeo and Juliet story, but one for an age where scientific materialism is crossing bloody swords with religion’. 7pm, Golden Hare Books, St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. Free tickets are available via eventbrite here or by calling the shop on 0131 629 1396.
St Andrew’s & St George’s West Summer Lecture Series – Professor Hugh Goddard: Building Stronger Communities. In this new series of talks, three noted speakers will explore the issues of building stronger communities from interfaith, academic, economic and practical perspectives. Hugh Goddard is Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and the author of several books, including Christians and Muslims: From Double Standards to Mutual Understanding. 7.30-9.30pm, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free: all welcome.
Leith Folk Club: Scott Cook and Jez Hellard with support Ian Sclater. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £7 and may be purchased online here or via the club’s text booking line on 07502 024 852.
Edinburgh College of Art Film and Television Degree Show (15): films from this year’s crop of graduate students from the award-winning Film Department at ECA. Subjects range from a sparky coming of age drama about a young gay teenager to experimental work on perception and a nature documentary gathered from a self-made hide on the Water of Leith. 6.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. The Filmhouse is showing the best new work from film, TV, media and animation students at Edinburgh’s colleges and universities during May and June: work by Edinburgh College and Edinburgh College of Art (animation degree) students will follow, with the next event taking place on 10th June – see listings.
Waterstones West End Presents Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking. The influential performer and writer will sign copies of her new book. 12.30pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street.
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This June there will be a major exhibition staged at the National Museum of Scotland displaying all sorts of images taken in the 19th century and explaining how the Victorians were crazy about photos.
As some of the season’s hottest productions premiere at Cannes Film Festival, so do the latest beauty trends. The event paves the way for many of this summer’s up and coming hair and makeup looks to be previewed.
Rosy-mauve hues ruled the red carpet as they were paired with glowing skin, a wash of golden shimmer on the eyes and killer brows. The relaxed combination of loose waves and braids also seemed to be the preferred hairstyle of many celebrities.
Bob Dylan Tribute Night: an annual celebration of classic Dylan tunes.
