Category: city centre

World-renowned painting by John Singer Sargent comes home to Edinburgh

One of the most celebrated paintings by world-renowned artist John Singer Sargent (1856 –1925) – Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1864 – 32) – is welcomed home to National Galleries Scotland: National. The much-loved painting is back on display and free to visit now.

With the painting’s exciting arrival back in Edinburgh also comes a name change for this landmark portrait. The painting was on a major international tour as one of the star attractions of the Sargent and Fashion exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Tate Britain, London.

Following its return, the portrait has been given a fuller name – Gertrude Vernon, Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1864 – 1932). By including her first name, this fascinating sitter can finally be recognised as an individual in her own right, beyond her status as the wife of Baronet Andrew Noel Agnew of Lochnaw.

National Galleries of Scotland is about to release a new book on the painting on 23 September, which is available to pre-order now at Lady Agnew: A Painting by John Singer Sargent (paperback) (nationalgalleries.org).

Sargent’s dazzling and unforgettable image of Gertrude Vernon is one of the most instantly recognisable portraits of fashionable London society.

For both the artist and his sitter, the painting was an instant success, reviving Sargent’s reputation as the portrait painter of choice for the London elite and immediately transforming the newly elevated Gertrude Vernon into a society celebrity.

Sargent’s image of Gertrude Vernon helped her to become a leading light in fashionable circles, holding lavish salons in her London home. Ironically, the high costs of this hospitality meant that she was eventually forced to sell some family pictures including this portrait which was purchased by National Galleries of Scotland, after Sargent’s death, in 1925.

The confident gaze and relaxed posture of Gertrude Vernon was unusual in contemporary portraiture. The spontaneous feel of the image was enhanced further by the fluid and sweeping brushwork.

More conventional portraits of respectable women had the sitters gazing downward, off to the side, or upon another person or object in the painting. To have a lady sit and stare at the viewer was unconventional, but it was enthusiastically received as bold and beautiful.

Gertrude Vernon was around 26 at the time of the painting and is believed to have walked into the studio one day and slumped herself down in the chair. Sargent liked to capture the most naturalistic pose for his sitters and so he decided to paint her portrait exactly as she appeared that day.

The exact circumstances behind the commission are not known, but the Agnews may have met the artist through mutual American friends. According to notes in her husband’s diary, work on the portrait progressed swiftly, and Sargent later recalled that it was painted in just 6 sittings.

Gertrude Vernon is shown seated in a Louis XVI chair against the backdrop of a Chinese silk hanging, both of which were standard props in Sargent’s studio.

She is reported to have been of frail health; she recovered slowly from a severe bout of influenza in 1890 and was apparently still suffering from exhaustion when she sat for Sargent. There are brilliant passages of painting in the highlights, reflections and coloured shadows that show Sargent at his best as a painter of surfaces and textures.

Sargent was born in Florence and spent his childhood travelling across Europe with his wealthy American parents who restlessly followed the changing social seasons. In 1874 he entered the Paris studio of the stylish French portraitist, Carolus-Duran.

The young Sargent combined the flamboyant style of his teacher with his study of old masters such as Rembrandt and Velázquez but was also influenced by Monet and Impressionism.

His provocative and unconventional Portrait of Madame X caused a scandal at the Paris Salon exhibition in 1884; and, when Sargent settled in London in 1886, he initially found it difficult to find clients. However, his dashing technical mastery and confident manner were ideally suited for aristocratic patronage, and he soon won over his critics with his elegant, flattering portraits.

When his portrait of Gertrude Vernon was shown at the Royal Academy in 1893, one contemporary observed: ‘London is at his feet … he has had a cracking success.’

Dr Patricia Allerston, Deputy Director & Chief Curator of European & Scottish Art, National Galleries of Scotland said: “This fascinating painting is a favourite for many visitors, and we are delighted to have it back on display at the National.

“Sargent’s compelling portrait presents Lady Agnew as a real person with a very distinctive personality. Our aim in adjusting the portrait’s title is to give visitors a bit more information about this intriguing sitter.’

Free to visit: Gertrude Vernon, Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1864-1932) by John Singer Sargent | NGS CMS 2022 (nationalgalleries.org)

St Mary’s Cathedral Choir returns this Sunday

🎵 Our Cathedral Choir is back this Sunday for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe following summer break!

✨ All are welcome to experience the beauty of St Mary’s and its musicians all year, for free.

📯 Festival Services with the Choir start this Sun 11th Aug; Choral Evensong is at 3.30pm, while the Cathedral Eucharist is at 10.30am.

🔗Full Festival Service details: https://www.cathedral.net/whats-on

🎶 The Cathedral Choir also has a concert on Fri 23 Aug at 6pm: https://www.cathedral.net/…/cathedral-choir-classical…

Gilded Balloon celebrates Pink Wednesday today with £5 tickets for charity

THOUSANDS OF DISCOUNTED TICKETS WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR WAVERLEY CARE FOR 24 HOURS ONLY

It’s time to paint the town pink once more as Gilded Balloon, one of Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s longest-running venues, kicks off their legendary Pink Wednesday – a 24 hour charity day with £5 tickets for some of the Fringe’s most in-demand shows. 

Gilded Balloon’s staff, performers and customers join together to don their best pink outfits and fundraise for this year’s charity partner Waverley Care, all whilst enjoying discounted tickets for Fringe shows, fancy dress, competition prizes and more.

With 130 shows across two venues in 2024, Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland, fans can snap up £5 tickets for comedy, theatre, family, cabaret and more, with a percentage of ticket sales donated directly to Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity. 

Acts raising funds for Waverley Care include Jack Docherty in The Chief – No Apologies, Martin Brock, Juliette Burton,  Hypnotist Matt Hale, Chris Hall, Pop Off, Michelangelo, Grace Campbell and more, with £5 tickets available for these shows via Gilded Baloon’s box offices and websites.

Visit tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk to view all shows offering £5 tickets today across family, comedy, cabaret, theatre, magic and more. 

Ts&Cs: £5 plus handling fees. Tickets to participating shows only, whilst stocks last 

Traditionally nicknamed ‘Black Wednesday’ and known as a day of slower ticket sales across the Fringe, Gilded Balloon introduced Pink Wednesday in 2018 to encourage locals and Fringe fans to take a chance on a new show and enjoy discounted tickets, all whilst raising vital funds for charity.

Each £5 ticket sold will see money donated to Waverley Care, as well as charity staff fundraising throughout the day with bucket collections, QR codes and information points. 

Waverley Care was founded in 1989 in response to the HIV epidemic in Edinburgh, the charity now focuses on ending new HIV transmission in Scotland by 2030, while continuing to support people and communities affected by HIV, hepatitis C and sexual health inequalities. 

Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said: “It’s officially time to paint the town pink again as we launch £5 tickets for one day only, in support of the wonderful Waverley Care.

“Pink Wednesday is a chance for acts, customers and staff to join together and raise money for charity, support our brilliant artists and see some fantastic shows for only £5. It’s a great opportunity to take a chance on something new and buy a ticket for a show you haven’t heard of before, and maybe discover your new favourite comedian!

“We’re thrilled to see so many acts opt in to support Waverley Care by donating a percentage of their ticket sales for today to the charity, as they do unparalleled and vitally important work across Scotland. We hope everyone embraces the Pink Wednesday spirit, dons their best pink outfits today and comes down to get involved!”  

Grant Sugden, Chief Executive, Waverley Care said: “Waverley Care is delighted to be chosen as Gilded Balloon’s charity partner for this year’s Pink Wednesday event. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity to tackle HIV stigma and raise vital funds. 

“Scotland is on the verge of becoming one of the first countries to achieve zero new HIV transmission. To reach this goal, we need more people to get tested, to improve access to HIV prevention medication Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and to end harmful HIV stigma.  

“We look forward to engaging with people attending shows, sharing our mission to end new HIV transmission by 2030, and raising money to support those affected by HIV and hepatitis C across Scotland.”

Waverley Care is Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity, and everything they do is guided by the experiences of the people they work with – this ranges from shaping the services they deliver through to how they influence national policy around sexual health and blood-borne viruses (BBVs).

Waverley Care’s vision is a Scotland where anyone living with or at risk of HIV can expect to be treated with acceptance, support and respect. Find out more information and support Waverley Care – www.waverleycare.org 

With over 130 shows across two venues including Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland, Gilded Balloon’s programme covers comedy, theatre, magic, kids shows and much more. 

Tickets  via  www.tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk 

Planning application submitted for refurbishment of Edinburgh’s Calton Square office building

A planning application for the proposed refurbishment of the Calton Square office building, currently home to Baillie Gifford, has been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council by Ardstone Capital on behalf of the building owners.

The vision for Calton Square is to create a best-in-class office building, comparable to the best in Europe, with the best possible Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) standards and lowest carbon footprint.

Located at the top of Leith Walk, the scheme provides almost 200,000 sq ft of office accommodation, with a number of roof terraces, co-working areas and a striking internal atrium that has the potential to act as an auditorium. 

Fronting onto Leith Street the building, which dates from the 1990s, needs updating and to refurbish it will require significant remodelling and intervention. This includes replacing many elements of the existing asset including windows, façade, lifts and entrances.

However, much of the existing structure will be retained, with materials re-used on site or recycled.

Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best-in-class ESG ratings. The current green roofscape and gardens will be enhanced, with a courtyard or atrium space provided in the centre of the building.

Commenting on this, Craig McDonald, Principal and Managing Director of Ardstone Capital UK, acting as development manager on behalf of the owner and its advisory team, said: “We are delighted to be submitting the planning application for Calton Square to City of Edinburgh Council.

“The dialogue with the Council and other stakeholders has been very productive, and the application seeks to deliver an office building comparable to the best in Europe, which will serve Edinburgh well into the future.

“With the highest environmental performance standards, and the lowest possible carbon footprint, this refurbished building will seek to deliver improved ground floor activity and accessibility.

“Calton Square will address the recognised demand for top quality office space in the capital, while making an important contribution to the city, and we look to continue engaging with the Council and local community as the application progresses through the planning process.”

Never Stop Playing: World’s First Playable Golf Billboard Unveiled for the AIG Women’s Open

The R&A has unveiled the world’s first ‘playable golf billboard’ at Edinburgh Waverley Station to allow fans to experience playing the par-3 8th hole of the iconic Old Course in St Andrews,  host venue of this year’s AIG Women’s Open. 

As part of AIG Women’s Open new ‘Never Stop Playing’ campaign, the activation aims to elevate the excitement of golf for fans. This innovative billboard transforms into a golf simulator, offering an engaging opportunity for both new and longtime fans to connect with the Championship in a fun and interactive way.

The R&A has created this playable billboard to reimagine how golf enthusiasts engage with the sport, while also promoting the upcoming AIG Women’s Open, which will be held at St Andrews from 21 – 25 August 2024.

Fans can step up to the billboard, grab a real club and ball, and take a swing like never before. The technology employs cameras to track the player’s velocity, arc, and direction, digitally encoding the swing in real-time to show where the ball will land on the virtual par-3, 8th hole.

Players will be captivated as they watch the ball fly across the LED screen, displaying its arc and flight path towards the target. 

With a real-time leaderboard tracking nearest to the pin shots, participants can compete in a fun golf challenge. Those nearest to the pin will receive an exciting prize from the AIG Women’s Open: a pair of Sunday tickets  and a chance for the winner to be an official walking scorer for one of the groups during the final round at St Andrews. 

Not just for avid golfers, those keen to take their first ever golf shot can also win prizes in the furthest from the pin challenge. 

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A said, “This activation brings the excitement of golf to a whole new level, allowing players to experience the thrill of golf in a fun and interactive way.

“As part of our new ‘Never Stop Playing’ campaign, we are giving both new and longtime fans the opportunity to engage with the AIG Women’s Open like never before, reaching new audiences and enhancing their connection to golf.”

Georgia Hall,2018 Women’s Open champion, said, “This looks like such a fun and innovative concept  from The R&A.

“The playable billboard is a brilliant idea to introduce more people to golf and get them excited about the AIG Women’s Open. It’s initiatives like these that will keep our sport growing and evolving.”

Designed to resemble a traditional advertising billboard, this innovative attraction offers a unique and eye-catching experience for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a casual player or a first time golfer, the playable billboard promises a one-of-a-kind experience. 

The R&A will compile all the shot tracers from the day’s play onto the billboard screen at once, creating a stunning visual display. This impressive feature highlights the relentless passion and continuous engagement of golfers, showcasing how they ‘Never Stop Playing’.

Tickets to the AIG Women’s Open are now on sale via aigwomensopen.com. Adult tickets are available from £20, with Saturday tickets including a full day of golf action and entry to the Tom Grennan concert priced at £55. 

To encourage children and young people to attend the AIG Women’s Open, The R&A will continue the successful ‘Kids go Free’ programme on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, which provides children under-16-years-old free entry to the Championship when accompanied by a paying adult.

Half-price youth tickets are also available on those days for 16-24-year-olds. Junior and youth tickets for Saturday’s golf action and Tom Grennan concert are £20 and £40 respectively. 

Hospitality packages are also on general sale, offering an unrivalled way to experience the Championship in which guests can enjoy over ten hours of world-class action and fully inclusive hospitality.

Visit www.aigwomensopen.com for further information. 

For information on the AIG Women’s Open or to purchase tickets, please visit www.aigwomensopen.com. 

Johnnie Walker Princes Street hosts unmissable shows & exclusive experiences for Festival Fringe

Festivalgoers will be treated to the perfect blend of performances and given the chance to co-create their own bottle design using the power of AI

Johnnie Walker Princes Street The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience* on Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh, is hosting a series of events from local performers as part of its Edinburgh Festival Fringe sponsorship which is now in its third year.

Kicking off the programme of Fringe events, which will be held in the venue’s Label Studio, will be a host of incredible talent from Be United. 

The group will energise audiences with electrifying performances from disco, soul, jazz and hip-hop as part of ‘This Is Your Fringe’(2nd & 3rd August), developed to showcase phenomenal Black talent within the Scottish creative sectors, inviting them to change the game at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The four artists, including singer Eyve, who performs a unique blend of hip hop, trap, jazz, and music which reflects her African roots are set to bring a celebration of community and exceptional music.

Additionally, throughout the festival (13-14, 16-17, 24-25th August), audiences can enjoy shows from a quartet of Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s very own Nicola Alexander and Lori Flannigan, and friends, who will be taking centre stage with ‘She Burns’.

The group who met while working in the venue will perform renditions of Burns poems interspersed with their own stories in a music and comedy cabaret style show, through a modern lens.

‘She Burns’ group members and current Experience Ambassadors, Nicola Alexander and Lori Flannigan, can also be spotted leading Johnnie Walker Prices Street’s signature ‘Journey of Flavour’.

What’s more, those visiting the venue from across the world will, for the first time at the venue, have the chance to enjoy this multi-sensory tour in Mandarin, Spanish, French and soon German, using special translation headsets.

Nicola said: “For us, performing She Burns in the place we met is an exciting full-circle moment. It will be brilliant to perform in this iconic building in the centre of Edinburgh during The Fringe.

“The team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street has always been behind us, nurturing our talents and continually championing the thriving arts and culture scene Scotland.”

Be United’s Creative Director, Collin Hills, said: “It’s fantastic to see a venue like Johnnie Walker Princes Street collaborating with smaller artists, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents in the centre of Edinburgh throughout the festival.

“Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s ambitions to champion the arts align perfectly with our own. ‘This is Your Fringe’ is a great fit to help open up the art and culture scene throughout The Fringe to both those who have never ventured into the festival, as well as for Fringe veterans.”

Those looking to add a truly exclusive experience to their Fringe itineraries can now book the Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith: Blue Label Bottle Design & Tasting Experience. Here, guests can co-create their very own unique bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label by harnessing cutting-edge, purpose-built AI-technology. 

The bottle design element can be complimented at no extra charge by a bookable expert-led tasting of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, as well as a guided tasting of the incredibly special limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Elusive Umami’, in the rooftop Explorers’ Bothy bar.

Catch ‘She Burns’ at Johnnie Walker Princes Street on: 13-14, 16-17, 24-25 August: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/she-burns

Search Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith experience to book: https://bit.ly/3W5R12v

August 2nd:

  • Groove Down: An Edinburgh-based disco-soul band, formed in 2022, Groove Down blends progressive soul, disco, house, and funk to create a fresh, multicultural sound that is uniquely their own.
  • Cling: Known for his infectious Afrobeats, Cling is poised to light up the stage with an energetic performance that will set the tone for the festival.

August 3rd

  • Eyve: Bringing a passionate blend of hip hop, trap, jazz, and African roots, Eyve’s music reflects her life experiences and commitment to social and political issues, gender equality, and inclusivity.
  • JEmmanuel: Making a significant impact since 2023, JEmmanuel will deliver a mesmerizing performance of Retro-Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Funk, continuing to captivate audiences across Edinburgh.

Police launch Operation Summer City 2024

Police in Edinburgh have today launched their annual campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival 2024.

Operation Summer City launches on Friday, 2 August, to coincide with the beginning of The Festival and will be in effect for the duration of the four-week event, which includes the Fringe, Book Festival, Art Festival and Film Festival.

Edinburgh’s population is expected to double to around one million people throughout August and an enhanced policing resource will be in place to engage with

As part of Operation Summer City, local officers from Edinburgh will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions. National and specialist departments within Police Scotland will also be deployed to provide additional support and assistance.

Throughout Operation Summer City, Edinburgh Division’s social media channels will be used to offer a range of advice and guidance aimed at keeping people safe. The public should follow Police Scotland Edinburgh Division on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter to view these messages.

Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie from Edinburgh Division said: “Edinburgh during the Festival is one of the most exciting places in the entire world and we want to ensure all of those enjoying the festivities remain safe throughout. 

“Over one million people will be within the Capital throughout August and those visiting the city-centre can expect to see a high-visibility police presence who are happy to speak with the public to address any issues they may have, as well as to respond to any reports of crime arising.

“To enhance our presence and ability to respond to any incidents occurring, we will have our mobile police station set up in Cockburn Street and anyone wishing to speak face-to-face with an officer is welcome to drop-in during the station’s opening hours.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe Festival and rest assured, we are doing everything we can to maintain Edinburgh’s status as one of Europe’s safest cities to live, work and visit.”

Scottish Secretary hosts a reception for Edinburgh’s festivals

Ian Murray thanks the hard work of people behind the scenes who make the festivals a success

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, hosted a reception as the Edinburgh Festivals get underway this week. 

The event, which was hosted in Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government’s flagship building in Edinburgh, was attended by representatives from Edinburgh’s 11 Festivals. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill also attended. 

There was a performance from Ryan Corbett, a classical accordionist from Glasgow. 

The UK Government is supporting artists bringing work to the Fringe Festival through its ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund, an initiative launched in 2023. Supported by £1 million from the UK Government over two years (2024 and 2025), there are 180 recipients of £2,500 bursaries this year. 

The UK Government is also helping to fund a central premises for the Edinburgh Fringe Society to house staff and provide a venue for visitors throughout the year. 

Speaking at the event, Mr Murray said: “For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh becomes the global epicentre of culture as we welcome an explosion of creative energy. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste. 

“It is of course not only a cultural and social asset, but a huge contributor to our economy, generating around £360m and supporting around 7000 jobs each year. The creative industries are the fastest growing part of our economy and we should nourish and support this growth.

“They are all a key part of Brand Scotland, and I am determined the Edinburgh festivals form part of our plan to attract international investment to Scotland, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations. 

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the festivals whose hard work helps make this success story possible.”

Lord Provost opens new state-of-the-art hearing centre

Scotland’s first state-of-the-art hearing stores open in capital 

  • Edinburgh has welcomed its first-ever World of Hearing store by Boots Hearingcare
  • Almost a fifth of people admit they may have a hearing loss but don’t wear a hearing aid
  • The new store gives customers an immersive experience in order to see which hearing aid is best for them. 

On Monday (29 July), Edinburgh welcomed Scotland’s first World of Hearing store from Boots Hearingcare.

The store is not a regular hearing test centre. It offers an impressive high-tech immersion room designed to revolutionise the way people think about hearing care. 

The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, officially opened the store, with councillors including Hal Osler, Lezley Marion Cameron, and Claire Miller in attendance, as well as representatives from the Lions Club and Deaf Action.

With approximately 11 million people in the UK living with an untreated hearing lossii, it is the UK’s second most common disability.  

The new World of Hearing store offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings – such as a busy restaurant or concert.

This helps people get a feel for what it would be like to have a hearing aid fitted in real life.  The new store supports Boots Hearingcare’s mission to break down old fashioned stigmas around the use of hearing aids and demonstrate first-hand how transformational life can be when you reconnect with the sounds you love.  

The store also allows customers to trial hearing aids before purchasing, enabling them to experience the benefits first hand. 

Jack Lovie, Hearing Aid Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, said: “The team and I are very excited to be part of the first World of Hearing store in Scotland.

“This state-of-the-art experience will provide a new perspective on hearing aid technology and hearing aids, by providing new and innovative ways for the people of Edinburgh to discover how their hearing, confidence and overall quality of life can be significantly enhanced through the use of modern hearing solutions. 

“Regular hearing tests are crucial not only for ear health but also for mental well-being, as hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and reduced social participation. By ensuring that hearing health is actively monitored, individuals can enjoy those special moments more with family and friends.” 

According to Boots Hearingcare research: 

·         35% of hearing aid users in Scotland lived for five years with an untreated hearing loss before taking action, with 44% of people living in denial of their hearing loss. 

·         32% of Scottish hearing aid users began to socialise less frequently as a result of not being able to hear, with 26% who began to dread social situations and / or family occasions.  

·         Almost half (47%) of people missed out on socialising with friends as a result of living with an untreated hearing loss due to feeling anxious about not being able to hear and finding the listening effort too tiring.  

·         Over half (56%) of Scottish hearing aid users coped with an untreated hearing loss by turning up the volume on the TV and by guessing what was being said during conversations.  

·         53% of hearing aid users in Scotland believe there is some stigma associated with hearing loss and/or wearing hearing aids. 

·         74% of Scottish hearing aid users have loved being able to chat with friends and family more easily since being fitted with hearing aids, with 56% of those loving this the most about the hearing aids. 

Echo Lu, Managing Director of Boots Hearingcare said: “We are delighted to be opening the World of Hearing store in Edinburgh, the first of its kind in Scotland, providing customers with an immersive state-of-the-art environment to solve their hearing problems. 

“On average, it takes ten years for someone to address they have a hearing problem. We hope this new innovative format can help remove the stigma associated with hearing loss and encourage more people to act on their hearing loss and to experience the joy of better hearing and better quality of life, with the latest technology and great customer care from Boots.” 

The store is located inside of the Boots UK store on Princes Street. 

Join National Galleries of Scotland for a packed three months of events

National Galleries of Scotland announces a packed three months of events across the National, Modern and Portrait galleries in Edinburgh. Whether taking a deep dive into the exhibitions with talks, tours and music or being inspired to create your own art at the workshops, there is something for everyone to discover.

With summer blockbuster An Irish Impressionist: Lavery on Location open from 20 July, there are plenty of opportunities to delve further into the glamorous sun, sea and society of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Join talks live from the Hawthornden Lecture Theatre at the National or stream on YouTube as you take a trip through the extraordinary life of the Belfast-born artist, Sir John Lavery.

Be whisked away to the French artists’ colony of Grez-sur-Loing as co-curator Professor Frances Fowle explores Sir John Lavery’s time in France alongside the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson on Wednesday 31 July.

Or join assistant curator Freya Spoor on Tuesday 17 September to learn more of his connections to Scotland from schooldays in Ayrshire to his role in the pioneering group of artists known as the Glasgow Boys.

Dip your toes in the glamour of a lost era and explore the high fashion depicted in Lavery’s paintings with Dr Sally-Anne Huxtable (Associate Professor, London Metropolitan University and Chair, Design History Society) on Friday 4 October.

Be immersed in the sights and sounds of Lavery’s wonderful world with a specially commissioned music performance inspired by the artist’s work. Renowned musician and composer/arranger Martin Kershaw will premiere the music alongside Kershaw on saxophones, Paul Harrison (piano), Graeme Stephen (guitar) and David Bowden (bass) on Thursday 24 October.         

Be inspired by stories of collaboration, creativity and rebellion in Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 at Modern Two.

Join curator and researcher Alice Correia as she chairs a discussion with featured Women in Revolt! artists Nina Edge and Pratibha Parmar. Women in Revolt! Representing South Asian Women in Britain can be watched via the livestream on YouTube or join in person at the Hawthornden at the National.

On 27 August Women in Revolt: From Matisse to Think Pink explores the work of Liz Rideal with the artist herself. Rideal will make connections between her own use of collage and Matisse’sJazz images.

Discover images and voices from Scotland’s mining communities with Before and After Coal at the Portrait and discover more about the history and lasting impact of coal through talks and music events.

Dr Ewan Gibbs (University of Glasgow) and Dr Catherine Mills (University of Stirling) will consider post-1980s shifts in coal production for electricity generation, and the creation of the mining landscapes eco-museum in Beyond Coal on 3 September.

Older kids Friday after school art session at The National Galleries of Scotland.

Or in an exciting crossover between exhibitions artists Nicky Bird (Before & After Coal) and Rosy Martin (Women in Revolt!) discuss the significance of the early 1980s in It’s About Time on Tuesday 10 September. Looking at featured works in each of the shows, they dive into the themes of activism and visibility, notions of solidarity alongside the implications of becoming ‘living history’.

Or for something more musical celebrate the final day of the Before and After Coal exhibition on Sunday 15 September with a performance by the Newtongrange Silver Band founded in 1892 and is closely linked with the coal mining industry.

Explore the fascinating exhibitions at the National Galleries of Scotland across all four galleries. Learn about the inspiring 40-year career of Edinburgh-based artist Everlyn Nicodemus in an opening talk for her retrospective at Modern One on Friday 18 October.

Celebrate the incredible 40 years since National Galleries of Scotland began collecting photography, looking at the national photography collection in the context of the 1980s. Be inspired by the works of Bruce McLean and try your hand at creating your own art at The Drawing Room on 11 September.

Older kids Friday after school art session at The National Galleries of Scotland.

Experience your national collection and learn more about the incredible art belonging to the people of Scotland.

Discover the latest acquisition to be added to the collection, The Lilac Sun Bonnet by Bessie MacNicol and discover more about this pioneering artist in a talk on Tuesday 8 October. Get to know the artworks and themes in the new Scottish galleries at the National in the Scottish Art in Focus tours which take place every month on Saturday afternoon.

Learn more about the changing landscape of Edinburgh and Scotland and the people who made it all happen. For those wanting a more detailed look into Edinburgh’s evolving cityscape and how it captivated the imagination of artists, join the Inside Out: Edinburgh Old and New Walking Tour.

Be immersed in the magical free live music events all while soaking up the beautiful art and surroundings of the Portrait and National gallery. With a performance from the award-winning trio Atelier Ensemble on Thursday 5 September, they will play timeless classics and uncover lesser-known compositions. On 3 October, Isla Ratcliff & Evie Waddell perform unique arrangements of Scottish traditional music, combining Scots and Gaelic songs, fiddle, piano, stepdance and BSL.

There are free family activities for all ages and stages to enjoy, as well accessible events for visitors with specific access needs. Weekly Family Friday events let your children’s imaginations run wild.  With mornings dedicated to little ones expect interesting textures, lights, sounds and sensory art-fun.

Later in the afternoon older kids can get involved in the trails, new play activities and, of course, hands-on making with artists. Sensory-Friendly Sundays for families with children with additional support needs ensure a quiet, comfortable space is available at all times.

For adults, discover fascinating audio-described and deaf led British Sign Language tours for visitors with a visual impairment.

With events for exhibitions including Lavery on Location, Woman in Revolt!, Do Ho Suh, Vermeer. With the opportunity to meet other people, see artworks in the gallery and take part in creative activities. All with access to a comfortable quiet space.

To find events or discover more visit: What’s on | National Galleries of Scotland