Activities and Events at Corstorphine Community Centre
Tomorrow: Seated Exercise Class 10.30 – 11.30am
Tuesday evening: Girl Zone from 6 – 7.30pm
LATER THIS MONTH: Meet the Author
Author: davepickering
Edinburgh reporter and photographer
Clinic for homeless people’s pets boosted by community fund
Student vets who provide free treatment to homeless people’s pets are among those benefitting from a university initiative that supports community ventures.
A grant of more than £2,000 will enable the Edinburgh-based All4Paws clinic to update its equipment to offer the best care possible for both animals and their owners.
People without a permanent home will be able to access basic treatments and supplies for their pets free-of-charge. They will also be offered advice to help them better manage their pet’s behaviour.
Since its launch in 2017, the University of Edinburgh Community Grant Scheme has awarded funding to more than 50 groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians. So far, the initiative has given out a total of £200,000.
All4Paws currently runs seven pop-up clinics every month at three locations across the city, including the Grassmarket and Leith.
James Campbell often takes his dog, Hope, to one of the clinics held at Grassmarket Community Project. James said: “The clinic is great. If it wasn’t here, we’d face serious problems trying to get anywhere. It’s a godsend.”
Abbie Lane, a veterinary student at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The community grant has enabled us to purchase some equipment needed to help set up our clinic on Spittal Street that was launched last year.
“This includes vital diagnostic equipment that will enable us to extend the breadth of our care.”
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs said: “I congratulate All4Paws on being awarded this community fund to update it’s equipment to give the best possible care for animals and their owners.
“This is an excellent initiative that provides free Veterinary care for the pets of homeless people and allows Veterinary students to improve their practical skills.”
Further groups to benefit from the latest round of Community Grant Scheme funding include a youth work organisation that supports young people living in economically disadvantaged areas who struggle with secondary education.
About Youth provides 14 to 16 year olds with alternative learning opportunities and support them as they explore their next steps after leaving school.
Another youth group to receive university funding from the scheme is Intercultural Youth Scotland, a charity who provides specialist support and mentoring to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic young people.
The Welcoming Association also received a grant to support its community choir for adult refugees, migrant and minority ethnic communities.
Others benefitting are a community centre that is building a sensory play area for children, a data literacy club and a club supporting young artists with a range of digital music and art workshops.
Podcast champions Scottish Voices for International Women’s Day
Scottish Pakistani Journalist, comedian and women’s rights advocate Zara Janjua launches inspirational podcast series featuring star-studded line-up for International Women’s Day 2020.
The second series of the Ask For More podcast features some of Scotland’s top business women alongside celebrities including Kaye Adams, Sharleen Spiteri, Kirsty Wark, Judy Murray and Jenni Falconer.
Each episode highlights key issues affecting women in life and in business, focussing on topics from ‘resilience’ and ‘philanthropy’ to ‘profile’. It aims to motivate and inspire listeners to be ambitious and achieve their goals.
Former STV presenter Zara Janjua said: “The best way to get motivated is to surround yourself with positive voices and to hear from people who have fulfilled their dreams. The more success is enforced, the more achievable it becomes.”
The 34-year-old ‘multi-hyphen’ presenter-producer-writer-comedian added: “This podcast offers a platform to share our experiences and speak honestly about our successes and our failures.
“Women are engineering a new future to better fit the shape of our lives. We are a nation of independent thinkers and it is time to regroup and navigate this world together.”
The first episode features tennis matriarch Judy Murray and CSR champion Diana Borland. They discuss how to create change and make an impact in the world with philanthropy.
Judy Murray said: “If we could all identify someone that we could put an arm around and mentor, to share advice and be a sounding board to, I think that would help an awful lot. It is lack of confidence in ourselves that stops us from taking that first step.”
Loose Woman anchor and Radio Scotland presenter Kaye Adams features on the ‘resilience’ themed episode alongside Marketing Executive Niki Hutchinson.
Kaye Adams said: “As women, we have a certain way of communicating, telling stories and sharing experiences that I think is quite special. I think it’s good to see that represented.”
She added:“When I was younger I took myself a bit more seriously which actually was just nerves. You’re so worried about how the world sees you and how other people see you – you’re much more self-conscious.
“In radio you are on your own with the microphone. You can’t really be produced to the same level and you don’t have anything really to rely on apart from your wits and your voice.”
The second episode releases tomorrow (Monday 9 March) and features Lynne Kennedy MBE and BBC comedy star Ashley Storrie.
Ashley said: “I’m making a conscious effort now to praise other people and tell them how proud I am of them – especially other female comedians.
“I remember when my mother was coming up in comedy, there was often a feeling that other people’s success was somehow another person’s failure and I never want to be like that.
“I’ve made friends now from people who I barely knew just saying I’m so proud of how well you’ve done. As women we need to do more of that.”
Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, the podcast was first launched in November 2019 following the Rose Review by CEO Alison Rose. It aims to inspire women to start and grow businesses.
Subscribe now to the Ask For More Podcast on:
Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/askformore
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-in-business-ask-for-more/id1487065308
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1DALMZwfAmuWWPexHChYQZ?si=K8GscaPsTwyRSdS9rr0Mlg
Join The ‘Ask For More’ Facebook Group
Women’s mental health hit by financial worries
Research shows women more likely to suffer from poor mental health than men thanks to heightened financial concerns – and young women hit worst
Women suffer from greater money worries than men, a study has shown this International Women’s Day.
Research has revealed that just under half (41%) of working women in the UK have money worries, a figure that dips significantly down to less than a third (32%) for men.
Statistically, the figure is also higher in younger women with 55 per cent of women aged 16-24 reporting money worries, and 53 per cent of those aged 25-34.
The recently reported research was carried out by Salary Finance, an employee financial wellbeing platform, and also revealed the shocking impact of these figures on women’s mental health.
The stats show that women with money worries are much more likely than their male counterparts with the same concerns to be suffering sleepless nights (51% to 43%), anxiety and panic attacks (62% versus 57%) and are more likely to have depression and suicidal thoughts (71% versus 65%).
These figures mean that when compared to those with no money worries women with financial concerns are over five times more likely to have anxiety and nearly seven times more likely to have depression. For men with financial worries, it is far less – they are 1.3 times more likely to say they’re suffering from anxiety and/or depression due to financial problems.
It’s also more likely that you will run out of money before pay day if you’re a woman, according to these statistics. Over a third (34%) of women are running out of money before pay day each month, compared to just under a quarter (24%) of men. Younger women were again much more highly impacted, being much more likely to run out of money before pay day.
Of course, the impact of maternity leave is keenly felt by the female workforce. Of those surveyed that took maternity or paternity leave, a massive 73 per cent of women said they took on additional debt as a result, compared to just 27 per cent of men. Yet resulting childcare costs did not cause significantly higher levels of stress for women.
Asesh Sarkar, CEO and co-founder of Salary Finance, commented: “In 2020 it’s disheartening to see such a discrepancy between financial wellbeing in men and women. Our extensive research has shown the crippling impact that money worries can have on the UK workforce, and see these figures that show women suffer much more.”
Although there were many differences the survey did reveal that there are no notable differences in the approach to savings between women and men, suggesting attitudes and behaviour play a far bigger role in saving habits than gender.
Another similarity between men and women was an apparent unwillingness to discuss their finances. This highlights a general attitude rather than a gender-specific issue.
Asesh added: “Whilst the figures show that women are suffering more as a result of poor financial wellbeing, it’s important to remember that financial stress and concerns affects a wide range of people, regardless of gender, age or salary.
“There is a need to tackle the stigma attached to discussing financial concerns and this is where financial solutions in the workplace can help. It is therefore important for employers to take an interest in the financial health of their employees.
“Our research has shown that around 77 per cent of workers feel they can trust their employer when it comes to sharing personal information. This really highlights the role that employers can play when it comes to tackling the issue of poor financial wellbeing amongst the UK workforce.”
Historic figures stand together to tackle gender inequality
Three statues depicting important and pioneering women in Edinburgh, alongside a further 11 across Scotland, have been adorned with #GenerationEqual sashes in a show of solidarity towards gender equality ahead of International Women’s Day.
Working in partnership with local authorities, councillors and site owners throughout Scotland, The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) staged the progressive stunt to highlight the scarcity of statues celebrating women in history and their society-changing accomplishments, and drive forward the gender equality movement.
Putting a spotlight on some of the inspiring women already recognised in stone and steel, The NACWG embellished statues and sculptures in nine cities, towns, villages and burghs across Scotland, championing equality for all with the #GenerationEqual slogan – including the ‘Woman and Child’ statue at Festival Square, ‘The Dreamer’ statue in memory of Winifred Rushworth at George Square Gardens and the statue of social activist Helen Crummy in Craigmillar – which will remain in place throughout the weekend.
The NACWG is also urging members of the public to put a spotlight on the inspirational women they think should be commemorated for their achievements.
NACWG Co-Chair Louise Macdonald OBE, said: “For generations, our history has been written by one gender. One perspective, one vision, one half of the population. Half of our history is missing.
“We want to highlight this huge inequality by showcasing some of the statues that do exist and call for better recognition of the women who have made a lasting impact through their bravery, intelligence and actions.
“Women are not niche; we are half the world and 52% of the population in Scotland [as per Engender’s latest Sex and Power publication].”
Of the 828 statues recorded in the whole of the UK, only 174 of them are female – around one in five.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Looking just at named women rather than nameless female figures whittles the figure down even lower, to 80. In contrast, out of 534 statues of men, 422 of them are named.
Coinciding with Women’s History Month, the annual month-long celebration which highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society, The NACWG is calling on members of the public to nominate modern day women who deserve to be recognised with a statue of their own, using the hashtag #GenerationEqual on social media.
Louise added: “We want to encourage conversation around societal change, challenge this underrepresentation and make women’s contributions to society more visible – especially those facing multiple discrimination – in politics, in sport, on boards, and even in the street.
“With so many inspiring accomplishments all too often overlooked, it’s time we paid homage to these amazing women making a difference in today’s society. We hope this activity inspires people of all age, race, gender, religion and belief to join the conversation.”
Earlier this year, The NACWG published its second annual report which included seven recommendations to the First Minister following its review of policy coherence and gender equality throughout 2019. At the NACWG Circle event on 29 January,
Ms Sturgeon advised that a full and considered response would follow, but outright accepted the recommendation to upscale the Equality Unit to a Equality, Human Rights and Inclusion Directorate and the Senior Officials and Leaders Group.
Recommendations in the latest report build on those made by The NACWG in its 2018 Report and Recommendations – of which, all eleven were subsequently accepted by Nicola Sturgeon – with the recommendations devised to work in tandem to drive forward the gender equality movement.
The NACWG 2019 report and recommendations can be found at: https://onescotland.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/NACWG-2019-Report-and-Recommendations.pdf
Have your say using #GenerationEqual on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and follow @NACWGScot.
Replica guns stolen in Easter Drylaw
Police are appealing for information after an incident in the early hours of yesterday morning, when three men forced their way into a property in Easter Drylaw and stole a number of replica toy guns.
The incident took place around 00.20am. The three men were all described as being average build and height and were wearing dark clothing, with masks and their hoods up.
No one was harmed as a result and the five toy firearms are not deemed to pose a risk to the public.
Detective Inspector Adam Brown, from Edinburgh City CID, said: “We are appealing for anyone with any information about this incident to come forward and assist with our enquiries.
“While items such as these replica toy guns are commonplace, they could cause alarm if they’re seen being carried in public.
“The three men were seen running from the area with the guns in their hands, so if you saw this or anything suspicious, please get in touch. I’d also extend that request to anyone who has possibly been approached by individuals trying to sell replica weapons like this.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 101, quoting incident 0075 of 7 March. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
600 adoption matches made
Milestone reached as adoption support website launched.
Six hundred matches have been made between children in care and prospective adoptive parents since 2011 – the equivalent of more than one a week.
The milestone comes after the 600th young person was matched with adopters via Scotland’s Adoption Register.
The Register is an online database which facilitates matching between looked after children and prospective adopters. Established in 2011, the Register acts a central point for local authorities ensuring prospective adoptive parents go through a robust and supportive matching process in order to best meet the needs of both the child and their potential families.
A new website from Adoption UK Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government, has also been launched which offers key advice and guidance for current and prospective adoptive parents.
Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd said: “We know that adoption has the potential to completely change the direction of a child or young person’s life by providing them with a loving, supportive and permanent home and family.
“Reaching this milestone means that there are 600 fewer children in care, having been placed with families who offer the most supportive and stable home they possibly can.
“We now know more than ever before about what it takes to ensure adoption matches are successful and our new website will act as a vital portal for current and prospective adoptive parents.
“The website is the first online resource in Scotland to provide a single point of information for prospective adopters, adoptive families and professionals working within the adoption sector – ensuring that the guidance and support they need pre and post adoption is available to them. I would encourage anyone with an interest in adoption to visit the site and find out more.”
Robin Duncan, Manager of Scotland’s Adoption Register, said: “The Register is all about helping find families for children when it has been decided that adoption gives them the best chance of growing up in a safe, secure and loving home.
“The statistics are less important than the stories of the children and families involved, but the milestone of 600 matches is a really heartening sign of how well the Register is working and how it continues to create good solutions for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”
Parents Stevan and Denis, who have been through the adoption process, said: “We started our adoption journey 5 years ago. We went through the numerous stages of the process: preparation group, home study and then onto our approval panel.
After approval, the family finding started. Using a portal such as Scotland’s Adoption Register was at times tough due to the huge amount of children that are profiled but it did lead to us finding our two little boys and we fell in love at the first glance of their profile!
“The next step was meeting our sons, which was a huge bag of mixed emotions. The first day of introductions with the boys went amazingly well, we only got to spend a few hours with them but being called Dad and Daddy for the first time brought tears to our eyes! The remaining days of introductions flew by and before we knew it we had our boys home and family life began.
“After a while parenthood started to become more natural to us and routines were put in place which quickly helped the boys thrive and we haven’t looked back since. Every day we count our blessings to have two gorgeous, happy boys. Adoption was everything we could have of hoped for and more! Even through the tears, tantrums and sibling squabbles, we wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Last year the Scottish Government continued its efforts to improve the adoption process for everyone, by provided more than £500,000 directly to adoption stakeholders:
- £240,000 to St Andrews Children’s Society to maintain and expand Scotland’s Adoption Register
- £98,000 to AFAS to maintain services to professionals and practitioners in the adoption sector
- £75,000 to Adoption UK (Scotland) to provide a national helpline and support for adoptive families in Scotland
- £55,000 per annum to Birthlink in order to provide and maintain the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland£40,000 to St Andrews Children’s Society to support adoptive families, both during and after the adoption process
Scotland’s Adoption Register is funded by the Scottish Government and currently hosted by St Andrew’s Children’s Society.
The Register has a remit to facilitate family finding across Scotland with the aim of increasing the numbers of children that are placed for adoption and to make the linking and matching process work as well as possible for children and prospective adopters.
See Adoption UK Scotland’s new website.
Penumbra ralses self-harm awareness
Leading mental health charity, Penumbra, last week hosted a special event to mark self-harm awareness day.
Penumbra is a leading mental health charity providing a range of support services across Scotland to around 1800 people each week. Penumbra works with partners across 18 local authority areas to provide innovative mental health support in a community setting.
Our compassionate and highly skilled recovery teams work with the people we support to create tailored and person focussed strategies that give practical steps towards recovery. Using our I.ROC wellbeing toolkit, our ‘whole person’ approach is based on the rights of the people we support through choice, dignity and the expectation of recovery.
Penumbra is an Alliance partner of Future Pathways, which arranges support for people who experienced abuse or neglect while in care as children.
The charity’s Edinburgh service has operated the a Self-Harm Project since 2005. It currently provides:
- 1:1 Therapeutic support sessions to enable people who self harm or with suicidal ideation to cope with crisis and trauma by exploring their emotions and concerns in a confidential setting. Support is provided by multi-disciplinary team including therapists and specialist peer workers.
- Information, advice and support for parents, carers, family and friends who are affected by, concerned about and informally supporting people who self harm.
- Skin Camouflage Service to help people affected by scarring gain confidence by using specialist camouflage products and techniques, building confidence
- Facilitated Group Workshops (community or other location based) for those who are in contact with people who self harm.
- Training Sessions for professionals and those who support people who self harm.
- Awareness Raising Sessions for professionals and those who support people who self harm.
- Training Day for organisations.
Assistant Service Manager for the self-harm project, Samantha Harrison, commented: “The Edinburgh Self Harm Project works with people who are at risk of suicide and self-harm, and we provide a safe and non-judgemental environment where people can explore their issues about self-harm in confidence.
“We’re often the first opportunity people have had to talk about these issues in a compassionate and sensitive setting.
“Self-harm is a complex issue so everything we do is person centred and we very much see our project as a user-led where we take a holistic approach in looking at all aspects of someone’s life, rather than just focussing on injuries. What’s really beneficial to us as a team is that some of our colleagues are employed as Peer Workers who are able to use their lived experience to support people through recovery.
Support Manager for the self-harm project, Ran Majumder, added: “We were delighted that Sunday’s event was a great success with no empty seats and we want people to continue the conversation about self-harm long after it.
“We hope the event helped to shine a spotlight on self-harm, by providing a forum where members of the public and professionals alike were able to gain invaluable insight into the issues surrounding self-harm from our team.”
Six years jail for attempted murder of baby
A man has been sentenced for the attempted murder of a baby in Edinburgh. Lukasz Chomiczewsk, 26, was sentenced to six-years imprisonment yesterday.
Chomiczewsk was convicted on Tuesday 18 February, following a trial at Edinburgh High Court at which he plead not guilty.
Chomiczewsk committed the offence on Tuesday, 6 August, 2019 at an address in Leith, when he strangled the one-year-old girl which could have resulted in her death.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Ramsay of Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “This was a senseless attack on a defenceless child resulting in serious injury.
“Chomiczewsk was in a position of care for the girl and was meant to protect her, instead he subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, for which there is no justification.
“I would like to thank all the officers and partners across all agencies involved in this investigation who helped to secure the conviction and today’s sentence. It sends a clear message to those in the community who would commit such crimes that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Edinburgh Science Festival: Making Science Sociable
Making Science Sociable
Edinburgh Science Festival isn’t just for kids! We’ve rounded up the best events in this year’s programme that would make for a fun day or night out with friends and leave you enlightened and entertained.
Whether you’re into coding, comedy or cocktails, we’ve got something for everyone this April …
Saturday 4 April
7:30pm | 3 hours
£12/£10
Ages 14+
Stratosphere, Dynamic Earth
Prepare for jaw-dropping beauty and stellar entertainment under the shadow of Gaia by Luke Jerram. This scale version of our home planet offers a unique opportunity to view Earth as it’s seen from space while you enjoy explosive science demonstrations that showcase the incredible power of the elements – earth, air, fire and water. Experience Dynamic Earth after dark and celebrate with a special themed cocktail, elementary face painting and preview fun, interactive activities before anyone else.
Sunday 5, Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Monday 13, Friday 17 and Sunday 19 April
6pm | Durations vary
Prices vary
Ages 8+
ShowDome, Dynamic Earth
Marvel each night at an unforgettable selection of films in Dynamic Earth’s newly upgraded 6K 360° dome cinema. Screenings include awe-inspiring solar system visuals in Gustav Holst’s Planets 360, films inspired by the music of Pink Floyd and a selection of shows from Dynamic Earth’s daytime collection. Take the chance to view Luke Jerram’s stunning Planet Earth art installation, Gaia, before or after an evening of movie magic.
Friday 10 April
7pm | 2 hours
£30
Ages 18+
Join us for a dram or two of Scotland’s most iconic drink as we tell you the story of one of the country’s most famous animals. Hear Edinburgh Zoo’s wildcat expert discuss the history of wildcats in Scotland and reveal the exciting next chapter in the battle to save our last native cat species. This night out with a twist is full of feline fun that you won’t want to miss. Over 18s only.
Stranger Than Fiction: Panel Game
Monday 13 April
7.30pm | 1 hour
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Upper Hall, Pleasance
A panel game with a difference – the panel vs you! The Festival’s most popular lie-busting show is back with an elementary theme as a motley team of non-fiction writers will try to pull the wool over your eyes by sneaking some surprising facts hidden amongst ridiculous fiction and persistent science myth. Each round has a different flavour ranging from short themed talks to quickfire truth-or-fiction. Get ready to make some noise.
Monday 13 — Sunday 19 April
Times vary, see individual listings
Prices vary, see individual listings
All Ages
Salisbury Building, Pleasance
Discovering the digital world has never been so cool. We’re introducing our very first, immersive Cyber Zone packed with events covering technology, computing, programming and artificial intelligence (AI) for children and adults
Cyber Zone events include Hack Your Own Self-Driving Car, Enter the Multiverse: Crafting Immersive Stories in VR, App Factory For Grown Ups, Artificial Intelligence For Grown Ups, Interactive Digital Storytelling For Grown Ups, Create A Virtual Reality WorldFor Grown Ups and Coding For Grown Ups
Islands of Love: The Science of Reality Romance
Tuesday 14 April
8pm | 90 mins
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 14+
Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance
Don’t be muggy, come along and dissect an absolute bev of a brain and uncover the personalities that are most likely to couple up – especially if it’s all seen on TV. Dr Raj Persaud explores the scientific theory behind our favourite summer lovefest. What kind of personality type is best for you and do they ever end up on a TV programme like Love Island? How can you improve your ability to spot different personality types? Come along and take part in our fun science experiment where you judge each character and we’ll tell you if you were right.
Wednesday 15 April
7.30pm | 1 hour
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Pentland Room, Pleasance
Find your inner poet and discover how you can help raise awareness of the biggest global environmental challenges. Join Prof Patrick Corbett from Heriot-Watt University and Scottish poet Dr Colin Will for a discussion on the use of poetry in science communication with a focus on the Earth sciences. You’ll have the opportunity to test your poetic skills through writing your own poem which geological specimens, from the British Geological Society, will provide inspiration for.
Jukebox Bingo: Science Up Your Life!
Wednesday 15 April
8pm | 90mins
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance
Lay down your labcoats, dust off your party threads and take a firm hold of your dobbers as the Festival gets glittery with a special science-flavoured edition of Edinburgh’s musical quiz sensation. Jukebox Bingo is a 2020 twist on the beloved pastime of the nannas of the nation, testing your recall of scientifically-inspired chart classics from across the decades. Match the tracks on the decks to the artists on your bingo card to win some truly questionable prizes. Featuring sideshow shenanigans aplenty, this is a night out not to be missed.
Ugly Animal Preservation Society
Thursday 16 April
6pm | 1 hour
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Cabaret Bar, Pleasance
Stand-up comedy with a conservation twist. Enjoy an evening dedicated to raising the profile of some of Mother Nature’s more aesthetically challenged children. The panda gets too much attention and the ugly blobfish was made famous by the internet, so now the Ugly Animal Preservation Society move their attention to EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct Globally Endangered). Sit back and laugh as comedians Simon Watt and Rachel Wheeley join science communicator Hana Ayoob to take you through the world’s weirdest and most wonderful critters.
Thursday 16 April
6pm | 1 hour
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance
Why do we laugh and when do people laugh the most? Pioneering researcher into the science of laughter, professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL and regular contributor to BBC Radio 4, Prof Sophie Scott, will take you on a journey to discover all of this and more. A scientist studying laughter – it’s funnier than you might think!
Thursday 16 April
7pm | 3 hours
£15/£12
Ages 18+
Stratosphere, Dynamic Earth
To honour the 30th anniversary of the now iconic pale blue dot image, join us for an evening packed with science talks, live music, poetry, and hands-on activities, all in the shadow of the incredible Gaia at Dynamic Earth. View our beautiful blue marble as it’s seen from space and delight in the evening’s entertainment. The evening’s lineup includes satellite expert Dr Murray Collins, Glasgow-based musician Nicolette Macleod, mythologist Dr Christine Plastow, geologist Dr Roger Musson, poets Hannah Lavery and Leyla Josephine, in association with the Scottish Poetry Library, and will be hosted by comedian Susan Morrison.
Thursday 16 April
8pm | 90 mins
£12/£10/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Cabaret Bar, Pleasance
Are you ready to have your geek-card challenged? Join comedians Simon Watt and Rachel Wheeley, along with some special guests, for an anarchic comedy gameshow turned pub quiz that lets you embrace your inner nerd. Win points in wacky rounds, to give your team the advantage in a fiendish final challenge for chance to become the Challenged Champions and go home with a niche prize. Turn up with a team or join in with some random punters you meet on the night.
European Stone Stacking Championships
Friday 17 — Sunday 19 April
11am—4pm | Drop-in
£10 to participate/Free to watch
All Ages
Dunbar Beach, Eye Cave Beach
Rounding off the Science Festival’s contribution to Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, the European Stone Stacking Championships returns for the fourth Year.
Stone stacking takes materials found in nature and works with Earth’s gravity to create sculptural towers, archways and other awe-inspiring structures from rocks and stones. Transient in nature – at the mercy of the elements, tides and time – these wonderful land-art creations merge artistic skill and the laws of physics to amazing effect.
With competitions, demonstrations and workshops across the weekend, be amazed by what the professionals can create and try it for yourself!
Friday 17 April
6pm and 8.30pm | 90 mins
£15 Includes samples
Ages 12+
Quaker Studio, Pleasance
Cheeseology returns! Exploring the science behind cheesemaking and ripening, dairy technologist Paul Thomas and journalist and cheese expert Patrick McGuigan are ready to take you on a cheesy journey through some of Europe’s finest exports. Cheeseology combines a tutored tasting with an exploration of cheesemaker practices and physicochemical parameters which influence texture and flavour development.
Saturday 18 April
6pm | 1 hour
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Cabaret Bar, Pleasance
What do penguins, lizards, sheep and humans all have in common? They all engage in homosexual behaviour. A bisexual woman armed with a biochemistry degree and committed to investigating the science behind her identity, comedian Florence Schechter takes us on a hilarious and thought-provoking tour of LGBTQ+ behaviour in animals and the evolutionary benefits of being queer. Expect laughs, single innuendos and a whole load of fun, sexy, science facts. Please note this event includes some graphic descriptions of a sexual nature.
Saturday 18 April
8pm | 90 mins
£20/£18 includes drinks
Ages 18+
Quaker Studio, Pleasance
Scotland has over 10,000 miles of coastline and a huge population that lives and works beside it. It’s time to celebrate our bodies of water with an evening of entertainment featuring poet Janette Ayachi and Neu Reekie’s Michael Pedersen, in association with the Scottish Poetry Library, with songs and stories from host Nicolette Macleod. Close out the final Saturday of the 2020 Science Festival in style with a couple of complimentary sea-themed cocktails to make you feel less like a fish out of water!
Sunday 19 April
8pm | 1 hour
£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5
Ages 12+
Cabaret Bar, Pleasance
Good or bad, our decisions make us who we are. American comedian Robyn Perkins brings her Sydney Fringe Comedy award-winning show to the Edinburgh Science Festival! 10,000 Decisions uses a series of hilarious personal anecdotes, family stories and neuroscience to come up with a well thought out decision for one anonymous audience member. It’s quirky, thought-provoking and fun, laced with intriguing science.
Sunday 19 April
8pm | 90 mins
£20/£18 includes samples
Ages 18+
Quaker Studio, Pleasance
It is one of the world’s most loved spirits, with a history stretching back as far as we can remember, but what makes Scottish whisky so great might surprise you. Our expert panel will guide you through the symbiotic relationship between Scotland’s most famous drink and the environment in which it is made.
Join us for a tipple provided by Isle of Arran Distillers and find out why the whisky industry just might be as important to Scottish water as Scottish water is to whisky. Snacks and samples are provided.
#EdSciFest