events – Page 3 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh tourism stars shine

Two iconic tourist attractions, one unforgettable event, and two inspirational individuals from Edinburgh have received recognition at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards. 

Five businesses and individuals from the city received awards at the Central and East of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final at Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh last week (Thursday 26 September).  

The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry.  They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.   

2024 saw more than 700 entries submitted by individuals, businesses, events, and community organisations in the bid to be recognised for the role they play in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.    

Winners from across the city include:

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions which took home two awards. Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction was named Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year and winner of the Climate Action Award, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.

Judges praised the Edinburgh attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions said: “We are very grateful to the judges for these prestigious awards and to our dedicated team for their tireless efforts.

“Their commitment to enhancing our facilities and visitor experience has been invaluable. Thank you to our visitors for continuing to enjoy our unique offer of interactive fun.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th Anniversary Celebration won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival.

The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.  

In 2023, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay once again welcomed the world to party in Scotland’s capital, celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary with a spectacular programme of world-class events. Produced by Edinburgh creatives Unique Assembly, over 100,000 revellers partied their way into 2024 at a 4-day carnival of fire, light, music, and dance.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Directors Penny Dougherty, Dani Rae, Nik Whybrew and Al Thomson said: “We are immensely proud that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has been recognised at the Thistle Awards.

“Reaching a milestone 30th anniversary in 2023, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay goes from strength-to-strength, and we can’t wait to welcome the world to party at the Home of Hogmanay again this year.

“A huge thank you to the incredible Unique Assembly team and all our event partners who make the festival happen.”

The Best Visitor Attraction award was presented to The Scotch Whisky Experience with judges impressed by the attraction’s clear culture for innovation including several examples such as tasting and story-telling experiences.

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Experience said: “We are thrilled and honoured to receive the award for Best Visitor Attraction. A huge thanks to our amazing customer-facing and support teams.

“This award is truly the culmination of everyone working together to welcome the world and help them on their journey to fall in love with Scotch whisky.”

Meanwhile, Annika Schneider, PA to the Chief Executive at The Scotch Whisky Experience, received the Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland. This new award recognises the achievements of passionate and enthusiastic individuals at the start of their careers in tourism and hospitality.

Susan Morrison added: “We are incredibly proud of Annika and delighted that with the Rising Star award, she has the recognition that she deserves.

“From day one, she has been a joy to work with, an amazing colleague and addition to The Scotch Whisky Experience team. Inquisitive and creative, Annika epitomises our values and is a worthy Rising Star award winner!”

Amanda Wrathall from the EICC, won the Tourism Individual of the Year award. This award celebrates individuals who act as ambassadors for change within the industry, showcasing a commitment to tourism as a force for good. 

The judges highlighted Amanda’s genuine love for her job and her industry and has a significant record of achievement.

Amanda is an Edinburgh local with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and events industry, starting her career as a banqueting waitress to her current role as Sales and Marketing Director at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

On receiving the award, Amanda said: “To be recognised in this particular category is incredibly humbling. Tourism in Scotland thrives because of the multitude of talented and passionate people who choose to work in this brilliant sector.

“Whilst individual recognition is gratifying, for me, this award is shaped and shared with the inspirational colleagues I have been fortunate enough to work with over the last 35 years.”

VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “Huge congratulations to all our regional winners for this incredible achievement.

“It is fantastic to see such recognition for the region’s vibrant tourism offering, as well as the passionate and dedicated individuals who work within it.  

“I wish everyone the best of luck for the national final in November where they will be representing Edinburgh.” 

The Scottish Thistle Awards champion innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030.     

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.    

In addition to the Central and East Scotland Thistle Awards, VisitScotland delivers the West of Scotland Thistle Awards. The regional awards programme also includes the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards.

This year’s national sponsors of the Scottish Thistle Awards include headline sponsor, Johnstons of Elgin, as well as Abbey UK, LNER, The Macallan Estate, STV, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Historic Scotland, and Fishers. The Scottish Thistle Awards also includes a media partnership with News Scotland including The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.  

For a full list of shortlisted finalists, please visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk 

PICTURES: Connor Mollison

Doors Open Day at Heart of Newhaven

We are excited to invite you to our Doors Open Day

on Saturday 28th September & Sunday 29th September 10am – 4pm

Join us for a day filled with fun activities, delicious food and music. Explore our vibrant community, tour the building and grounds and dabble in some of the workshops on offer.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate with us and be sure to arrive in time for the Unveiling of our new Oyster Mural at 11:00 on Saturday !

We will be open from 10am – 4pm on both Saturday 28th September and Sunday 29th September 2024.

You can find our more details about the event and sign up to workshops here :

Doors Open Day – Heart of Newhaven Community

SEE YOU THERE!

What’s On at National Museums Scotland

The latest National Museums Scotland listings:  

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland     
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF    
Open 10:00–17:00 daily   

Game On
Until 3 Nov 2024
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3

Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games.

Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.

Find our more nms.ac.uk/game-on

Cold War Scotland
13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025
10:00 – 17:00
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free

Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Theravada Buddhism
Until 12 Jan 2025
Gallery 3, Level 1
Free

A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/theravadabuddhism

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Morning Curator Tour: Cold War Scotland
Wed 25 Sep & Tue 29 Oct
09:15-10:00
Meet at Tower Entrance, Level 1
£12, £10 Members & Conc.

Join our exhibition curators for an exclusive early morning tour of our Cold War Scotland exhibition. Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology, and Cold War Research Fellow Dr Sarah Harper will delve deeper into stories explored within the exhibition, from the emergence of nuclear energy in Scotland to the vibrant anti-nuclear protests and political activism of the period.

Book now nms.ac.uk/MorningTour

Relaxed Viewings: Game On
Sun 1 Sep & Sun 6 Oct
10:00-12:00
Tickets from £10

Enjoy a calmer visit to the Game On exhibition. In these sessions visitor numbers will be reduced and the volume of some games turned down. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent children, young people and adults, and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-viewings-game-on

Magic Carpet Explorers
Mon 2 Sep-Mon 11 Nov
10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45
£15.00 per child for block of 3, £13.50 per Member child for block of 3

Magic Carpet Explorers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.

Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-explorers

Magic Carpet Minis
Wed 4 Sep – Wed 20 Nov
10:30 – 11:15 or 14:00 – 14:45
£15.00 per child for block of 3, £13.50 per Member child for block of 3

Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.

Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-minis

Spotlight On: Cold War Scotland
Thu 5 Sep
14;00-15:00
£5, £4 Members & Conc.

The Cold War was a global conflict that began in the wake of the Second World War and ended with the peaceful revolutions of 1989-90 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  During this 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union, Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research.  

In this spotlight talk, Director of Collections Dr Sam Alberti and historian Holger Nehring discuss Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War and share the stories of the Scots involved in this global conflict.

Book now nms.ac.uk/spotlight-on-cold-war-scotland

Relaxed Evening: Game On
Tue 10 Sep
17:30-19:30
Tickets from £9

Enjoy a calmer visit to the Game On exhibition. During this special session, visitor numbers will be limited and we will lower sounds on the loudest games to create a more relaxed experience. A quiet break-out space will also be available and a visual welcome guide will be provided in advance to help you prepare for your visit.

Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-evening-game-on

The Galloway Hoard: A Decade of Discovery
Wed 11 Sep
19:30-20:30
Free with optional donation

The Galloway Hoard was hailed as a remarkable Viking-age treasure and, in the ten years since its discovery, has been analysed by experts from across the globe.

The Hoard has not only provided researchers with a window into an early medieval world of vast horizons and networks, but also intimate family heirlooms and sacred relics.

In this live online event, many of the experts who have studied the Galloway Hoard will discuss the unique insights it has revealed, and will share a vision for its future.

Book now nms.ac.uk/the-galloway-hoard-a-decade-of-discovery

Curiosity Club
Sat 14 Sep – Sat 23 Nov
10:30
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)

Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.

Book now nms.ac.uk/curiosity-club

Relaxed Curiosity Club
Sat 14 Sep – Sat 23 Nov
14:30
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)

Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits. Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities.

Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-curiosity-club

Multisensory Museum Walk: Scotland Galleries
Sat 21 Sep
10:15, 12:15 & 14:30
Free, booking required

Join dance artist Alena Ageeva to experience our Scottish archaeology and art collections in a new and creative way using movement, touch, sound, and smell. This creative exploration of the Scotland Galleries uses movement and your senses to find new connections with some of our most important and beautiful objects.

Book now nms.ac.uk/multisensory-museum-walk-scotland-galleries

Magic Carpet Explorers: Maths Tales Special
Wed 25 Sep
10:30 – 11:15 or 14:00 – 14:45
Free, booking required

Bring your little ones for a fun session on the Magic Carpet exploring maths tales. Discover shapes, numbers, time and more through songs, action rhymes, objects and sensory play. Suitable for children ages 2–4 and their adult helper.

Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-explorers-maths-tales-special

Science Saturday 2024
Sat 28 Sep
10:30-15:30
Free, drop in

Join us to celebrate Maths Tales at the museum, as part of Maths Week Scotland. Unleash your creativity with LEGO® bricks, meet friendly learning robots Sphero, Botley and Code-a-Pillar, delve into strategy games, or challenge yourself to brain teasers and logic puzzles.

Book now nms.ac.uk//science-saturday-2024

Museum Late: Game On
Sat 5 Oct
19:30-22:30
Prices from £16, exhibition add-on ticket from £7

Join us for a night of grown-up fun and games in the spectacular setting of the National Museum of Scotland at night. Get ready for a night like no other with music, bars, and gaming throughout our galleries.

Book now nms.ac.uk/museum-late-game-on

Accessible Games Night with RNIB and TripleTapTech: Visual Impairment
Tue 15 Oct
17:30-20:00
Free, booking required

Join us for a sociable night of accessible gaming with TripleTapTech and RNIB for people who are blind or partially sighted. We are partnering with RNIB and gaming innovators TripleTapTech to create a special event where visitors can play on a range of accessible games..

Book now nms.ac.uk/accessible-games-night-with-rnib-and-tripletaptech-visual-impairment

Collection Centre Tours
Until 26 Mar 2025
National Museums Collection Centre

Discover the secrets of how we store our Natural Sciences, Science & Technology and Scottish History & Archaeology collections, and find out how these objects and specimens are used in international research.  This is an in-person event at the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, for those aged 14 and over.

Book now nms.ac.uk/CollectionCentreTours

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open daily 10:00 – 16:00

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Sun 8 Sep-Sun 8 Dec
10:00-12:00
Free with museum admission

Join us for a Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight, for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems, and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight Science Sunday
Sun 22 Sep
10:30-15:30
Free with museum admission

Join us to celebrate Math Tales at the museum, as part of Maths Week Scotland. Unleash your creativity with LEGO® bricks, meet friendly learning robots Sphero, Botley and Code-a-Pillar, delve into strategy games, or challenge yourself to brain teasers and logic puzzles.

Book now nms.ac.uk/science-sunday

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Nature Track Packs
Until 1 Sep
10:00 – 17:00
Free with museum entry and Annual Pass

Available to borrow at the museum ticket desk, each pack contains fun ideas and activities to help children use all their senses to explore the countryside on a walk to the farm.

Book now nms.ac.uk/naturetrackpacks

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Rural Life
Sun 1 Sep – Sun 1 Dec
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free with museum admission

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-rural-life

MooFest
Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sep
11:00 – 16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Celebrate all things cattle at the National Museum of Rural Life. We are putting our bovine friends in the spotlight at this weekend of hands-on activities, talks and family fun. Find out all about cows, bulls, milk, and meat with our experts, take part in family craft sessions and meet some of the cattle on our working farm.

Book now nms.ac.uk/MooFest

Tractor Tots
Fri 20 Sep – Mon 25 Nov
£20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3

Tractor Tots is a bookable series of playful sensory singalong sessions for under-fives and their adults at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Book now nms.ac.uk/tractor-tots

Adult Workshops: Natural Dyeing
Sat 21 Sep
10:15-16:00
Tickets from £55

This hands-on workshop will get you started with all you need to know to start dyeing at home.Find out how to use homegrown or foraged plants to dye yarn and fabric in this full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw.

Book now nms.ac.uk/adult-workshops-natural-dyeing

Menopause Wellbeing Walk
Fri 11 Oct
10:30-12:30
Tickets from £30

Slow down and take some time out on a guided menopause wellbeing walk with mindful activities at the National Museum of Rural Life. Join Anna Neubert-Wood from WanderWomen for this meditative, restorative and reflective outdoor experience aimed at those going through menopause.

Book now nms.ac.uk/menopause-wellbeing-walk

Autumn Explorers
15 Oct – 18 Oct 2024
10:30 – 15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Tickets available August 2024

Our Autumn Explorers family activities are back, with storytelling, sustainable crafts, and the chance to learn all about soil and spiders.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces new guests, special screenings and more tickets on sale

Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald will attend the World Premiere of Euros Lyn’s The Radleys
Filmmakers Nina Conti and Mark Cousins also present new work
New guests join previously announced Saoirse Ronan, Thelma Schoonmaker, Alex Garland, Andrew Macdonald and Gaspar Noé in attendance at the Festival this year
A special late night screening of 28 Days Later will take place along with a late night Surprise Film presented by Gaspar Noé
Tickets across all events released from 3pm Thursday 1 August
The relaunched EIFF runs from Thursday 15 August to Wednesday 21 August

The relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced a new selection of guests attending this year’s Festival in support of World and UK Premieres and events.

The Festival will also release more tickets across all screenings today from 3pm via edfilmfest.org, edfringe.com and via the EdFringe official app.

Newly announced to attend this year’s Festival are Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald who will present the World Premiere of Euros Lyn’s fresh reimagining of the vampire genre The Radleys.

Filmmaker Mark Cousins will attend the UK Premiere of his new award-winning documentary on Scottish artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things.

In attendance as part of the The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence will be Arash Rakhsha for the urgent documentary All the Mountains Give, Jack King for the powerful Yorkshire-set drama The Ceremony; Mary Jiménez and Bénédicte Liénard for the richly poetic Fugue: Will Seefried for the haunting queer drama Lilies Not for Me: Daisy-May Hudson for the stirring film Lollipop: Abdolreza Kahani for the subversive comedy drama A Shrine; Bryan Carberry for the clear-eyed take on artificial intelligence **smiles and kisses you**; Nina Conti for the absurdist comedy road movie Sunlight; Kelsey Taylor for the dark psychological thriller To Kill a Wolf and Manuela Irene for the delicately moving Xibalba Monster.

Also in attendance for the Festival’s Out of Competition films will be fillmaker Sophie Fiennes for the immersive documentary Acting; Daniel Reisinger for the bittersweet comedy And Mrs, Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel for the Camera D’Or Winner Armand; Ben Rivers for Bogancloch about Jake Williams, a hermit living in the Scottish wilderness, Jake will also attend the Festival; Suzanne Smith and Sylvia Solf for their dance-filled South African documentary Joy Dancer; Polly Steele for the courageous documentary The Mountain Within Me, Greg Kwedar for the transcendent prison drama Sing Sing.

Previously announced guests include filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt and producer and actor Saoirse Ronan who will present the Opening Night UK Premiere of The Outrun the legendary Thelma Schoonmaker will present the inaugural Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence Competition Shorts as well as introducing a retrospective screening of Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell’s much loved classic I Know Where I’m Going! (1945) set on the Isle of Mull.

Filmmakers Carla J. Easton and Blair Young will be in attendance for the Festival’s Closing Night film, the World Premiere of the powerful new documentary Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands.

Master provocateur Gaspar Noé (Irreversible, Climax, Enter The Void) will attend the Festival for a special In Conversation event discussing his filmmaking career, ahead of presenting a special screening of Dario Argento’s horror masterpiece Suspiria (1977).

Writer, academic and former EIFF Director Lynda Myles will present Lynda Myles Celebrates: is a new special screening showcase for visionary cinematic work which this year is the World Premiere of Argentinian filmmaker Axel Cheb Terrab’s film Gala & Kiwi Axel Cheb Terrab and the cast will also be in attendance.

Also attending as part of the Midnight Madness strand will be Kit Redstone and Arran Shearing for the enigmatic and unexpected King Baby, and James Clarke and Daniel Shephard for the adrenaline fuelled thriller Sunray: Fallen Soldier which stars a cast of former Royal Marine Commandos who will also be in attendance.

Tickets for the recently announced Keynote Address In Conversation: Alex Garland and Andrew Macdonald will go on sale at 3pm today. Press and industry tickets for this event will be made available to EIFF delegates at 8.45am the day before, on a first come first served basis.

A special late night screening of 28 Days Later will take place on Saturday 17 August at 1am in Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall.

GASPAR NOÉ PRESENTS: SURPRISE FILM and ALI PLUMB’S UNTITLED FILM QUIZ PROJECT were also released at 3pm yesterday (Thursday 1 August).

This year’s Festival programme features musical odysseys, dystopian worlds, laughter in the face of darkness, vivid portraits of characters from the fringes of society and reimagined inner and outer spaces. It showcases new work from filmmakers from the UK, US, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Iran and beyond.

37 new feature films, 18 World Premieres including 10 World Premieres competing for the new Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, 4 special retrospective screenings, 5 short film programmes including the new Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence competition, an In Conversation event with iconic filmmaker Gaspar Noé and a strand of thrilling Midnight Madness screenings make up a seven-day celebration of world-class new cinema which also allows audiences, press and industry to easily engage with the best of Edinburgh’s other arts and cultural Festivals.

EIFF venue partners this year embed the Festival in the heart of the Fringe landscape with screenings taking place at Cameo Cinema, Summerhall, 50 George Square, in partnership with Assembly Festival; Inspace on Crichton Street in partnership with Monkey Barrel Comedy; and Tollcross Central Hall, in a programme which champions a new generation of UK and international talent, including a strong selection of first and second features.

This year’s 77th edition of the Festival honours the film festival’s history, showcasing the very best talent in filmmaking in a format rooted in a local Scottish context whilst embracing the international diversity of creative expression. EIFF encourages audiences, film fans and industry professionals to make the trip this summer to Edinburgh.

Tickets are now on sale via edfilmfest.org, edfringe.com and via the EdFringe official app. Press and Industry accreditation for EIFF is open and closes on 2 August.

EIFF 2024 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Thursday 15 to Wednesday 21 August 2024.

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.

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

‘Break’ into the Olympic spirit at St James Quarter

As Scotland’s official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics. From screenings to interactive fitness and competitive classes, the spirit of sport will be all around the Quarter.

Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter will invite guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city.

As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, the Quarter will show all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.

Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill.

The official Team GB mascot Pride the Lion will join in the fun, heading to the Quarter to celebrate with sporting fans on 30th July.

Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet Olympic athletes, with Badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who is competing in this year’s games, visiting the Fanzone on 7thAugust, and Joel Fearon, who competes in Athletics (Sprint) and Bobsleigh on 8th August.

As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities for all guests inspired by the UK’s success at the Olympics.

From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family-friendly classes.

In addition, with breakdancing making its Olympic debut, B-Boys will ‘pop and lock’ around the Quarter, rocking live battles on Register Square and offering guests the opportunity to give it a spin. There will also be football freestyling exhibitions to wow sporting fans.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

During the two-week Festival of Sport, the St James Quarter team, along with invited guests will be gearing up and ‘cycling’ to Paris in the heart of the Galleria, to raise money for the Quarter’s charity partners Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid.

Home to over 80 brands from luxury boutiques to high-street stores, plus an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, St James Quarter is the perfect place to shop, dine, play and stay this summer.

To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App.

North Edinburgh Arts: Summer fun for children and families

Summer’s here! We’re running an exciting programme of fun activities and creative events for local children, young people, and their families throughout July and August. Come and join the fun!

Highlights include:

Film Festival Workshop with Folk Film Gathering (Ages 8+): Learn about film festival programming on Thursday 11 July, 5:30pm-7pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

NEA x Edinburgh Science Mini Summer Festival (All ages): Enjoy fun science activities on Tuesday 18 July, 11am-3pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

The Show for Young Men (Ages 8+): A special preview performance on Wednesday 31 July, 11am at PASS Theatre, Edinburgh College Granton Campus.

Fringe at… North Edinburgh Arts! (All ages): Family-friendly performances and workshops on Saturday 10 August, 10:30am-12:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Travelling Gallery – Where We Stand (All ages): An exhibition on community ownership on Thursday 15 August, 10am-4pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Play Rangers (Ages 5+): Creative outdoor play every Friday afternoon in local parks.

Family Badminton (Ages 7+): Weekly sessions on Mondays, 4:30pm-7:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Cycling Group (Ages 8+): Family-friendly cycling every Wednesday, 10am-11:30am, meeting at 67 Pennywell Road.

Join us for a summer full of creativity, outdoor fun, and community spirit!

Visit our website for full details at northedinburgharts.co.uk/summer-2024/

Training towards a bright future with Culture & Business Scotland

With the need for culture organisations to diversify and expand their skills more acute than ever, Culture & Business Scotland have unveiled a series of training opportunities and events designed to help the nation’s creative professionals equip themselves with new knowledge.

The charity, which works to facilitate mutually beneficial connections between the culture and business sectors, will host a series of upcoming events giving organisations well-rounded education in a range of subjects including fundraising through storytelling, legacy giving and the principles of board membership.

Next week, a short course on board membership taking place on Tuesday 4th June will give new trustees and board members access to two informative, hands-on sessions introducing them to their new roles and responsibilities.

On Tuesday 4th and Tuesday 11th June two sessions will explore the five stages of the copywriting process, while additional training courses will help participants to deeper their understanding of corporate sponsorship and discover the benefits and possibilities of legacy giving campaigns.

Along with full-length courses, Culture & Business Scotland run a series of Insights Webinars designed to empower individuals and organisations in the culture sector with knowledge and expertise from industry experts, and networking events, allowing attendees the chance to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals in the culture sector.

David Watt, Chief Executive of Culture & Business Scotland said: ‘Our programme of events is designed to help both members and non-members to expand their skillsets and knowledge and empower them to feel confident in all aspects of their work.

“Thanks to expert guidance and structured, practical sessions, participants will gain a solid foundation in skills that are crucial in the evolving landscape of Scotland’s culture environment’.

Individuals and organisations interested in attending an event can find further information here: https://www.cultureandbusiness.scot/training-events/

Edinburgh set to be ‘enchanted’ by Taylor Swift

With just over a week to go until global pop superstar Taylor Swift arrives in Edinburgh, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses and visitors.

The three sold out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June will go down as some of the most significant performances ever seen here in Scotland’s capital city.

To ensure our city maintains its vibrancy we will be ensuring the key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will also be dedicating extra litter collectors at Roseburn Park from 4pm – 1am daily.

We request that you only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.

There will be a number of Council Marshalls on hand to assist Swifities navigate the area.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “As we get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of Swifties to our vibrant city, we are eager for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after.

“Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we’re conscious of our residents.

“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. These concerts are just the start of an amazing summer of events and culture here in Edinburgh.”

To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts visit our dedicated Taylor Swift webpage.

Please also check the dedicated webpage of the Scottish Rugby Union with detailed advice for attendees.

What’s On at National Museums

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland 
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024
Until 6 May 2024
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Ticketed

In this world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, see exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Book now nms.ac.uk/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year

Uniquely Scottish Silver
Until 26 May 2024
Grand Gallery
Free

Uniquely Scottish Silver brings together five distinct Scottish silver object designs: mazers, quaichs, thistle cups, ovoid urns and heart brooches. Discover some of the earliest and rarest survivals within the Scottish silversmiths’ craft.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Uniquely-Scottish-Silver

Game On
29 Jun – 3 Nov 2024
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Tickets on sale spring 2024

Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform.

From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.

Find our more nms.ac.uk/game-on

Theravada Buddhism
Until 12 Jan 2025
Gallery 3, Level 1
Free

The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/theravadabuddhism

Cold War Scotland
13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025
10:00 – 17:00
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling.

The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Sensory Sunday: Exploring Ancient Egypt
05 May
14:00
Level 4, Studio 2, Learning Centre
Free, booking required

Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions.

Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.

These sessions are suitable for children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. The content is aimed at ages 5-10 but is not set – we welcome all families who think they might enjoy these sessions.

Book now nms.ac.uk/sensorysunday

Magic Carpet Minis
Block 1 (08,15 and 22 May)
10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45
£15.00 per child for block of 3
£13.50 per Member child for block of 3

Book now nms.ac.uk/magiccarpetminis

Magic Carpet Toddlers
Block 1 (13, 20 & 27 May)
10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45
£15.00 per child for block of 3
£13.50 per Member child for block of 3

Magic Carpet Toddlers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.

Book now nms.ac.uk/magiccarpettoddlers

Wellbeing Wanders
13-17 May
11:30-12:00
Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free, sign up on the day

Join us on a guided walk around the museum for Wellbeing Week. Explore the collections and take part in mini mindful sessions at each stop along the way with these short, free guided walks.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/wellbeingwanders

Curiosity Club: Ancient Egypt
18 May
10:30-12:00
Level 4, Learning Centre
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)

Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, this is a chance for kids to explore the museum through games, activities and gallery visits.

Book now nms.ac.uk/curiosityclub

Wellbeing Week: Mindful Art at the Museum
19 May
11:30-12:30
Meet at the Tower Entrance, Level 1
£10, £8 Members and Concession

Join artist Kayleigh McCallum and mindfulness practitioner Charlene Duncan for mindful sketching in our galleries. This small group session in our galleries will start with a short introduction to mindfulness, followed by guided sketching and then some final mindfulness exercises. Suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. All materials will be provided. All ages welcome, but recommended age 8+.

Book now nms.ac.uk/MindfulArt

Slow Down Sunday for Families
19 May
10:30–11:15 & 13:00–13:45
Event Space, Level 2
Free, booking required

Join author and mindfulness teacher Natasha Iregbu as she invites families to practice mindfulness in a fun and enjoyable way. Natasha and her excitable butterfly Amaya will take you on a journey of storytelling and mindfulness as they guide you and your children to use your senses and practice being in the moment. The session will include a book reading, mindfulness activities, yoga movement and a craft activity.

Book now nms.ac.uk/SlowDownSunday

Wellbeing Week: Musical Moments in the Museum
19 May
13:00-16:00
Free, drop in

Enjoy an afternoon of musical encounters, featuring two musicians from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. As part of our Wellbeing Week, experience musical soundscapes within some of our Scottish galleries.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/musical-moments-in-the-museum

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Family Encounters Day
25 May
10:00 – 16:30
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free, drop-in
Some activities may require sign-up on the day

At our Festival Family Encounters Day, enjoy exciting new performances and interactive experiences from local artists, pop-up theatre and dance shows, walk-about character actors and plenty of hands-on family activities.

The full event programme will be published in early May.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/FamilyEncounters

Galloway Hoard: Where did the silver come from?
29 May
19:30 – 20:30
Online event
Free, with optional donation

In this live online event, National Museums Scotland Galloway Hoard Researcher Adrián Maldonado will join Jane Kershaw from the University of Oxford to explain how a collaboration between cutting-edge science and archaeology can reveal the sources of Viking-age silver in the Galloway Hoard.

Book now nms.ac.uk/vikingsilver

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open daily 10:00 – 16:00

Conservation Hangar Talks
Daily
14:00-15:00
Free with museum admission
Booking required

See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book now nms.ac.uk/ConservationHangarTalks

Behind the Scenes Tours
29 May & 26 June
12:00-13:00
Free with museum admission
Booking required

Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store.

Book now nms.ac.uk/BehindtheScenes

Awesome Bricks
15 & 16 June
Advance booking required

Our hands-on celebration of LEGO returns to the National Museum of Flight. Join us for a lively weekend of LEGO brick fun, with lots to see and do for all ages. Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO constructions, including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in our white brick build zone.

Book now nms.ac.uk/awesomebricks

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Tractor Tots 
Until May 2024
10:15 & 13:30
Various dates
Ticketed

Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play. Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/tractor-tots 

Woolly Weekend
18 & 19 May
11:00 –16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for a weekend of all things woolly at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Book now nms.ac.uk/WoollyWeekend

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789  