Latest Events in Edinburgh(June Updated)

Mavis Kirkham is a long retired midwife and midwifery researcher, greatly saddened by the state of birth and midwifery in the NHS and trying to understand what can be done. Her clinical focus was home birth and a rural birth centre. Her abiding research interest is in peoples’ relationship with, and efforts to control their work and its setting. This started with a study of the history of workers co-operatives (1972) and for many years has been concerned with childbearing women and midwives. Last year she edited Freebirth Stories with Nadine Edwards. She is the proud mother of Anna Fielder who published Going into Labour: childbirth in capitalism last November. Mavis would like to examine possible reasons why maternity services management seems not to be able to tolerate true continuity of carer. It is a big threat to all they stand for: standardisation, control of services and seeing midwives as a resource which can be moved to plug the gaps in services. We can then think about how to make our voices heard so as to change expectations and values.  Please arrive from 6.30 for provided refreshments and social time before a prompt atart at 7. All proceeds benefit the good work of the charity The Pregnancy and Parents Centre. + Information Source: Daisy Dinwoodie PPC | eventbrite

The Absolute beginners course is for adults who have never learnt to cycle or those returning to cycling after many years. The session is designed to smoothly take you through the stages of learning to balance and pedal. Learning a new skill is a different experience for everybody, and our instructor will be there to guide you through the process. What to bring Please bring your own bicycle* and helmet, and wear comfortable clothes for the activity. You may wish to bring some water or snacks too. *The bicycle must be in working order. If you have a bike which you think needs a bit of TLC, please bring it along to the Wee Spoke Hub (before the training day) for a free assessment of your bike. We cannot make repairs on the day of the session. If you do not have your own bike or helmet, we m ight be able to provide one if a suitable size is available. Please choose the "Request to borrow a bike" add-on when booking and we will contact you. Questions? Please get in touch if you have any questions: weespokehub@shrubcoop.org Cover photo credits: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-person-riding-bicycle-on-street-7243039/ Information Source: The Wee Spoke Hub by SHRUB Coop | eventbrite

This practical workshop will look at a plot layout, crop rotation and what can be grown on a typical plot. We will also look at ongoing care & maintenance of crops and late planting. Please wear suitable clothing for all weathers as we will be outside for the full session. Information Source: RCHS - The Caley | eventbrite

Welcome to the 2nd annual Festival of Europe Scotland. Taking place annually around Europe Day, a day to celebrate the values and benefits of peace, democracy and cooperation amongst Europe’s nations. The festival programme seeks to highlight the tangible ways our shared values have brought benefits to Scotland, U.K. and Europe; examine how cooperation can be reset in practical terms; and reimagine how through creative effort Scotland, U.K. and Europe can collaborate to progress a peaceful, sustainable and positive future. Click on each to book separately. Events on Saturday, 10 May: A Conference Looking at the Future of European Democracy Conference on What can be achieved in improving relations between the EU and Scotland/UK? (Session 1&2) Events on Sunday, 11 May: Seminar: The future for the economy, industry and business in Europe Scottish Council on Global Affairs Session: Beyond the UK, beyond the EU – what in the world lies ahead? Film Screening: Libereco and People’s Consulate for Belarus in Scotland event, screening of ‘7 Symptoms of Belaruskast’. About the Festival The purpose of the Festival of Europe (Scotland) is to foster mutual cooperation and understanding between Scotland and European countries especially through discussion, community development, the arts, culture and heritage, science and education; and to advance peace, human rights, rule of law, conflict resolution and reconciliation. Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic 'Schuman declaration' that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe's nations unthinkable It is centred on ‘Europe Day’, which is held on 9 May every year to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic 'Schuman declaration' that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, with the aim of making war between its nations and unthinkable. However, the festival runs for more than a week, before and after 9th May. It includes a number of events which are organised by the Festival of Europe (Scotland) itself, but the majority of the events in the festival are ‘stand alone’ events which are organised by a wide range of bodies – public, business, and non-government organisations – who are responsible for their own events. Through the collaboration of several organisations the first festival took place in May 2024. The 2025 festival will feature events and activities promoted by more than twenty organisations. Information Source: Festival of Europe | eventbrite

This is a time of threats and challenges for democracy across Europe – both within the EU and in other European countries, including the UK. This conference, organised by the European Movement in Scotland brings together leading experts from Scotland and across Europe to look at the current crisis of European democracy, and what should be the response to that crisis. Themes of this session will be: The extent of the far-right threat to democracy in Europe, and how the EU should respond to that threat How citizens and civil society should respond to the threats to European democracy The prospects for reform and revitalisation of the European project What individuals, citizens’ movements, and political leaders can do in the face of these challenges The confirmed speakers for this session are: Tanja Bueltmann Tanja Bueltmann is a German-British historian and academic, who holds the chair in International History at the University of Strathclyde . She specialises in the history of migration and diaspora. Her main research interest is in immigrant community life, especially ethnic associational culture and immigrant collective action. She is also a citizens' rights campaigner and founder of the EU Citizens' Champion campaign . Mark Leonard Mark Leonard is co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. He is also the current Henry A Kissinger chair in foreign policy and international relations at the US Library of Congress, Washington DC. His topics of focus include geopolitics and geoeconomics, China, EU politics and institutions. Previously he worked as director of foreign policy at the Centre for European Reform, and had earlier been director of the Foreign Policy Centre. Sophie Pornschlegel Sophie Pornschlegel is deputy Director of Europe Jacques Delors, a Brussels-based think tanks. She is also a Policy Fellow with Das Progressive Zentrum in Berlin. She is a Franco-German political scientist working on European affairs, with expertise in 2 policy fields: Democracy, EU institutions and the rule of law; as well as EU sustainability policies, including greening trade, agrifood and green diplomacy. Alyn Smith Alyn Smith was an SNP Member of the European Parliament for Scotland from 2004-2019, and SNP MP for Stirling from 2019 to 2024. He was SNP Spokesperson for Europe and EU accession between 2022 and 2024. Prior to his election as an MEP, he had worked as a lawyer in both London and Edinburgh. In the European Parliament, he served on both the Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Foreign Affairs committees. Graham Watson Sir Graham Robert Watson was a Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament between 1994 and 2014. For more than 7 years he was leader of the Liberal Group in the European Parliament, first as leader of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party Group, and then as leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). He is currently an adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Note the entrance for the Institut Francais Ecosse (French Institute Scotland) is from George IV Bridge. Information Source: Festival of Europe | eventbrite

Our in-person Maths Circles are free drop-in sessions with exciting mathematical activities, games and puzzles. These sessions take place at James Clerk Maxwell Building, located in the University King's Building campus. Students and members of staff from the School of Mathematics are on hand to help out, with light refreshments provided. Our Maths Circle are designed to engage people at all levels of mathematical ability. If you like mathematics, you can come along to meet aspects of Maths you may have never encountered. If you do not quite like Maths, come along, because you may change your mind, by exploring puzzles or games you would have never associated to Maths. Below are some feedback quotes from previous participants. “The questions aren't the typical questions that we see in our books.” " We could work on tasks as a family but then helpers came round and helped us and chatted and encouraged my son. The tasks were varied and kept his interest. " To get an idea of the kind of activities you'll be able to have a go at, take a look at some of the following, courtesy of NRICH . Help the little monkey look after his peaches in Peaches Today, Peaches tomorrow . Race against time in the Stop the Clock game. Solve the famous Tower of Hanoi puzzle. Please note that for safeguarding purposes, we ask that all children are accompanied by a responsible adult . PRIVACY NOTICE: By registering to this event you are giving the University of Edinburgh and the Maths Circle team consent to hold and process your data, under data protection regulations, for the purpose of running this event. Data about age and schools, or whether you previously attended our events, will be used by the School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh to analyse the demographics of participants, and may be anonymised and published in the future (appearing in University reports, Education or Science Communication Journals/Conferences, for example). Other data may be stored by the University of Edinburgh for up to five years, and used for the purpose of evaluating the event. The University will not share any personal data with third parties. If you would like your data to be deleted from our datastore, please email francesca.iezzi@ed.ac.uk. In order to facilitate some of our online bookings for other events, we use Eventbrite - a third party service which is not operated by the University of Edinburgh. Details of Eventbrite's privacy policy can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/help/en-gb/articles/460838/eventbrite-privacy-policy/ Information Source: University of Edinburgh | eventbrite

``Le Tour Du Hack is an annual cyber-security conference organised by the committee of Edinburgh Napier Security Society. This year, Le Tour Du Hack 2025 takes place on the 10th and 11th of May at Edinburgh Napier University's Craiglockhart Campus. There will be an excellent line-up of speakers for the conference on Saturday and a Capture The Flag challenge on the Sunday. Nine years ago ENUSEC (Edinburgh Napier University Security Society) set out to create an event which would educate attendees on cyber security through engaging, innovative and unique ways — resulting in the conception of Le Tour Du Hack. For the first day, we are keeping our conference day with 3 tracks of a variety of talks covering all things cyber from nontechnical to super technical - We aim to have something for everyone! This year we are especially encouraging students from any university to have a go at talking. Any ideas are welcome! If you would like to speak, please check out our socials for our call for papers. We are concluding with an afterparty at a local Edinburgh bar - keep your eye on our socials for more details about that! The second day will be familiar to those who have attended LTDH before; an entirely student-led and organised Capture the Flag event, focusing on technical and practical content. There are easier challenges for beginners, harder challenges designed for the very best and everything in between. All skill levels are welcome, even if you've never attended a CTF before! Both days will start at 9 am and will finish at approximately 5 pm (more details closer to the time). Lunch and coffee will be provided. Attendee T-shirts only come with the Conference Day Ticket. Tickets include access to the official open bar afterparty on Saturday evening. Event Website: https://ltdh.enusec.org/ ``` Information Source: ENUSEC | eventbrite

Anns an òraid seo, tha Rob Dunbar agus Wilson MacLeòid a’ sgrùdadh leasachadh coimhearsnachd Ghàidhlig Dhùn Èideann agus a comainn shòisealta is chultarail thar nan linntean. Ged a tha cuid den bheachd nach eil ceangal làidir aig a’ Ghàidhlig ri Dùn Èideann, tha an cànan air a bhith an làthair anns a’ bhaile airson còrr air mìle bliadhna. Chithear seo ann an iomadh ainm-àite Gàidhlig anns a’ bhaile. Bho dheireadh an t-seachdamh linn deug air adhart, thàinig barrachd is barrachd Ghàidheal dhan bhaile a’ sireadh obrach. Bha Dùn Èideann na dhachaigh do dh’iomadh sgrìobhadair, sgoilear, ministear agus ceannard cultarail cliùiteach thar nam bliadhnaichean. Thigibh còmhla rinn gus faicinn mar a tha suidheachadh na Gàidhlig anns a’ bhaile ag atharrachadh, le cothroman air foghlam Gàidhlig a’ fàs agus an cànan a’ faighinn barrachd aithne. Bidh an òraid anns a’ Ghàidhlig le eadar-theangachadh mar-aon gu Beurla. Bidh an tachartas cuideachd a’ toirt a-steach ceòl bho Laura Penman, clàrsair òg à Dùn Èideann agus neach-labhairt na Gàidhlig. Bha i anns a’ chuairt dheireannaich ann am farpais Ceòladair Òg Traidiseanta na Bliadhna 2025. Mun luchd-labhairt ’S e Rob Dunbar na Ollamh na Ceiltis aig Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann. Tha e na ùghdar torrach air poileasaidh mhion-chànanan agus còraichean mhion-chànanan. ’S e Wilson MacLeòid Ollamh Emeritus na Gàidhlig aig Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann. Am measg nan leabhraichean aige tha ‘Gaelic in Scotland: Policies, Movements, Ideologies’. Mu Dhùn Èideann 900 Gus 900 bliadhna den bhaile againn a chomharrachadh, tha na tachartasan seo ag innse sgeulachd siubhal Dhùn Èideann tro na linntean, bho Chathair Dhaibhidh san 12mh linn suas chun 21mh linn, Cathair na h-Iomadachd. Seo an dàrna òraid ann an sreath de cheithir tachartasan mun Ghàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann a tha air an cur air dòigh le Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann . In this lecture, Rob Dunbar and Wilson McLeod explore the development of Edinburgh’s Gaelic community and its social and cultural institutions over the centuries. Although it is often thought that Gaelic has little connection with Edinburgh, the language has had a presence here for more than a thousand years. This can be seen through the numerous Gaelic placenames in the city. From the late seventeenth century onwards, increasing numbers of Highlanders flocked to the city seeking work.Edinburgh has been home to many prominent Gaelic writers, scholars, ministers and cultural leaders over the years. Join us to examine the changing position of the language in the modern city, as the number of Gaelic education opportunities grow and the language receives greater recognition. The talk will be in Gaelic with a simultaneous interpretation into English. The event will also include music from young Edinburgh clàrsach player and Gaelic speaker, Laura Penman. She was a finalist in the Young Traditional Musician of the year competition, 2025. About the speakers Rob Dunbar is Professor of Celtic at the University of Edinburgh. He is a prolific author on minority language policy and minority language rights. Wilson McLeod is Professor of Gaelic at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of ‘Gaelic in Scotland: Policies, Movements, Ideologies’. About Edinburgh 900 To mark the 900th anniversary of our city, these events tell the story of Edinburgh's journey through the centuries – from being the City of David in the 12th century to being the City of Diversity in the 21st century. This is the second of four events about Gaelic in Edinburgh organised by Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann. When you book an event, your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and our third-party suppliers for the purposes of allowing you to attend the event and for audience research. For more information, visit the National Library of Scotland privacy pages , in particular the events notice and feedback and complaints notice. We expect attendees to behave respectfully towards presenters, guests and other audience members. Information Source: National Library of Scotland | eventbrite

What an event we have planned for you this year! Our exotic ball continues it's premium event and travel, this time to a new country - Scotland! The full event is in two parts - at two venues, and as such requires two tickets: Part.1 - The Banshee Labyrinth Currently we have idea's to tie down which will be finalised after the convention but here's the current plan: • Acoustic Popestars set. • Acoustic Solar Sons set. • Meet & Greet with both bands. • Haunted Ghost Tour. • Screening of a film- this depends on licences, we'll of course try for RHRN, but we may have to settle for Patrick and Demi! • Best Cosplay competition. • Ghost Juniper Gin cocktails. Purchase your ticket for Pt.1 with us, limited to 60 attendees! Part.2 - Bannermans Here we shall have full sets by both Solar Sons and Popestars. Purchase your ticket for Pt.2 at Bannermans, with a capacity of 200, www.ghostcon.uk NB: A ticket for one part does not guarantee or reserve another. Information Source: Moon Cross Events | eventbrite

Come join us for the first screening in Scotland of Speak Little One, a documentary which aims to unapologetically speak truth to power about the joys and pains of the lived experience of adoptees. This will be followed by a Q&A with the producer and director, Louise Ndibwirende. This screening is open to all: adoptees, adoptive parents, prospective parents, families, friends, agencies and extended communities. Please note: the screening and Q&A discussion will explore sensitive themes including grief, mental health and trauma. Information Source: Adoption UK Scotland | eventbrite

Discover the depths of character and how to get evil... 2 x 1-day workshops that can be taken separately or together as an intensive diving into the world of character work. About: Day 1: Shades of Character A good story requires appealing characters. Characters who are multidimensional and relatable, but also evolve and change throughout their stories. We don’t stay the same, so why should our characters? From good to better, from bad to worse, from good to evil, from evil to good, evolution is the key to an engaging character. Let's work on our emotional agility: joy, rage, heartbreak, awe, fear, love and everything in between. Through grounded scene work, thoughtful exercises, and playful approach, we will explore character creation from the inside out, using emotion as your anchor. Vulnerability and emotional truth can elevate our characters and deepen our storytelling. Day 2: Embrace Your Dark Side: What's the relationship between good and evil? Are we allowing ourselves to see the nuances in people and the world? In this workshop we will explore the complexity of characters and go through the layers that reveal their light and dark sides. Join us for a journey that will blur the lines between hero and villain, light and dark and let's challenge our traditional views of good and evil. Schedule: Sat May 10: Shades of Character - 10am-1pm workshop part A - 1pm-2pm lunch break - 2pm-5pm workshop part B Sun May 1: Embrace Your Dark Side - 10am-1pm workshop part C - 1pm-2pm lunch break - 2pm-5pm workshop part D Our TBC Course Structure Explained: Our courses and classes have 2 defining numbers. The first number defines the level . 1 00 series - Introductory 2 00 series - Intermediate 3 00 series - Advanced etc. Then the 01, 02, 03 etc. defines the type of class. 1 01 Intro to Improv (building blocks) |1 02 Intro to Shortform |1 03 Intro to Longform For deep dive classes we place them into the level , and then the type . This class is intermediate in our 200 series, and will be in a longform style, 03. Pre-reqs: - We recommend having taken a minimum of 101 (Intro to Improv), ideally also 103 (Intro to Longform) and/or 201 (Intermediate Improv). - Ages 16+ Prices: Day deep dive: £72 (£12/hr) Weekend combo: £120 (£10/hr) Earlybird discount until 1 April: DARKFUN Information Source: TBC Improv | eventbrite

TUNE WRITING WORKSHOP WITH ADAM SUTHERLAND Join one of Scotland's finest composers as he shares some of his top tips. In an absorbing and illuminating 90 minutes you’ll learn about how looking at an existing melody can inspire and inform your own tune writing . Adam will focus on "250 to Vigo" one of the late, great Angus R. Grant's finest melodies and a Shooglenifty classic. He will explore what makes it so beautiful and so brilliant, with the ultimate aim of improving or even kickstarting your own compositional skills. The workshop will be participatory, relaxed and conversational, with thoughts and feelings most welcome from all. It is open to everyone, even if you have never written a note of anything or even played before. In Traverse Two Fees: £25/£18/£15 + eventbrite booking fee All levels. Event starts: 11am (90 minutes) Part of Edinburgh Tradfest Information Source: The Soundhouse Organisation | eventbrite

A conference organised by the European Movement in Scotland Session 1 (1400- 1530) Overview of the UK-EU 'reset' : what progress has been made so far, what are the prospects of new agreements, what are the political factors influencing EU and UK sides? Speakers: Sandro Gozi, MEP Sandro Gozi is Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (EU-UK PPA). Since 2020, he has been a member of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, elected from the constituency for France. He had previously been a Minister for European Affairs in the Italian government. Professor Catherine Barnard Catherine Barnard has been Professor of European Union and Employment Law at the University of Cambridge since 2008. She has also been Deputy Director of the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank. She has written and spoken widely on EU law and UK-EU relations. Her specialisms include employment, and competition law. - Session 2 (1545 – 1700) What are the problems for specific sectors, and what are the possibilities for change? Speakers: Youth Mobility, and Erasmus : Cecilia Jastrzembska Cecilia Jastrzembska is President, Young European Movement (YEM). She has worked as a senior policy advisor in UK government departments. She has also held leadership roles in the Young European Socialists. She speaks and writes on feminism, climate change and AI, and European citizens’ rights. Security Cooperation: Stephen Gethins, MP Stephen Gethins has been an SNP MP from 2015-2019 and from 2024. He was SNP Spokesperson for International Affairs and Europe at Westminster. He is Professor of Practice in International Relations at the University of St. Andrews. He has worked in the NGO sector specialising in peace-building, arms control and democracy in the Caucasus and the Balkans. Face the Music : a panel of speakers looking at the campaign to obtain a UK-EU bilateral agreement which guarantees visa-free travel for UK artists in the EU, and for EU artists in the UK. Alistair Mackie , Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Clare Adamson MSP , Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, who will talk about the committee's work and the cross-party parliamentary support for the campaign. Information Source: Festival of Europe | eventbrite

Join our Boozy Brushes Sip and Paint Glasgow Skyline Art Party! Immerse Yourself in an Experimental, Urban Painting Experience Creating Your Own Newcastle Skyline Painting! Painting is a fantastic way to unwind, explore your creative potential and socialise with your friends or someone new. We want to show people that art is not restricted to a particular type of individual and learning new painting skills can be light-hearted, fun and therapeutic. All of our classes are beginner friendly and are taught by a drag queen who will guide you through the painting process. You can also chose to show off your own skills and paint something entirely different should you choose to. All of the supplies will be provided, including: Canvas Easel Brushes Paint Aprons Food and drink available to purchase Alongside potentially winning one of our exciting prizes, guests can also take home their own masterpiece. Please arrive 10 minutes before the class with your ticket to hand. Our tickets are non-refundable once purchased. If you would like to reschedule your class please provide us with at least 24 hours notice and you should be able to join a future event. Look forward to getting creative with you all :) Information Source: Boozy Brushes | eventbrite

Embrace the serenity of the natural world with a guided experience that blends the restorative practice of Forest Bathing with the creative expression of crafting a Nature Mandala. This immersive session invites you to slow down, tune into the rhythms of the forest, and create a nature mandala inspired by the beauty around you. What to Expect Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) Begin your journey with a guided forest bathing session, led by a certified Nature and Forest Bathing Guide. You’ll immerse yourself in the forest’s sights, textures, scents, and sounds through sensory-based invitations and mindful exploration. This calming practice will help you feel grounded, present, and connected to the natural world. The session concludes with a tranquil Tea Gathering, where we’ll share reflections over seasonal snacks in good company. On this guided walk, you will: Awaken your senses through mindfulness invitations that deepen your connection to nature. Participate in nature-based invitations designed to foster relaxation and presence. Leave feeling rejuvenated, restored, and in tune with the natural world. Nature Mandala Creation During your forest bathing walk, you’ll take part in the mindful creation of a nature mandala. Using natural materials gathered along the way, you’ll craft a unique piece that mirrors the patterns and beauty of the forest. This meditative practice fosters creativity, invites reflection, and deepens your connection to the environment. What You’ll Experience: Guided techniques for gathering and arranging natural elements. Insights into the symbolism of mandalas and their connection to mindfulness. A chance to express yourself through art while connecting deeply to the environment. Why Join Us? Connect with Nature : Strengthen your bond with the natural world through mindful practices. Celebrate the Season : Embrace the renewal and beauty of spring in an inspiring way. Relax and Create : Enjoy time for mindfulness, artistic expression, and peaceful connection. Build Community : Share this unique experience with a small group of like-minded participants. No prior experience with forest bathing or mandala creation is needed—this offering is open to all. Event Details Date : Sunday, 11th May 2025 Time : 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Location : Hermitage of Braid Nature Reserve Group Size : 12 participants What to Bring Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes Layers, waterproofs, or sun protection depending on the weather A thermos of tea or water and any personal snacks you enjoy Join us for a day of mindfulness, creativity, and connection to nature. Reserve your spot today and experience the magic of the forest in a whole new way! Any questions regarding this Forest Bathing Walk- Email Diana at creativerootsinnature@gmail.com or call 0791 99 85 287 ABOUT YOUR GUIDE Diana is a Forest School &Art Educator, Certified Forest Bathing Guide,and Founder of Creative Roots in Nature. Her passion and mission are to empower, educate and support others in their journey of health and wellness through nature immersion, creativity and nature connection whilst relaxing and enjoying their forest experience. TESTIMONIALS: You are welcome to visit my website www.creativerootsinnature.com to read about other people’s experiences of my guide forest bathing walks. Information Source: Creative Roots in Nature | eventbrite

PIBROCH MASTERCLASS WITH ALLAN MACDONALD A leading light in the Gaelic musical scene, Allan MacDonald is in demand internationally as a composer, musical director, piper, singer, workshop leader, and lecturer on Gaelic music, so we are delighted that he will be joining us for this masterclass. Allan will talk about the relationship between pibroch, the Gaelic court music and Gaelic song. Going back to pibroch's origins, when it was a functional music transmitted aurally, he will discuss how it morphed into an ‘art music’ style that has left it floundering on a restricted competition stage. Allan himself has many years of experience as a player, composer and academic (with an MLitt thesis on this very subject), not to mention many of the major piping awards. There will be demonstrations throughout and a relaxed atmosphere where attendees may ask questions. This masterclass is essentially non-participatory though Allan may get everyone singing along.  In Traverse Two Fees: £25/£18/£15 + eventbrite booking fee All levels. Event starts: 11am (90 minutes) Part of Edinburgh Tradfest Information Source: The Soundhouse Organisation | eventbrite

Information Source: Edinburgh Forage & Eat | eventbrite

A seminar organised by the European Movement in Scotland There is increasing concern about the future of the European economy. These concerns have been highlighted by two recent major reports to the EU: The Draghi report looked at European competitiveness and the future of the European Union. It proposed more investment to increase European productivity, new rules for . banking and institutional investors. Draghi, former president of the European Central Bank, and former Prime Minister of Italy warned that the EU "needs far more coordinated industrial policy, more rapid decisions and massive investment if it wants to keep pace economically with rivals the United States and China”. The Letta report, looked at the future of the European Single Market. It called for the empowerment of European research infrastructures, establishment of a strong European technological infrastructure, and the creation of a European Knowledge Commons. Enrico Letta, also a former Italian Prime Minister, argued for removing barriers to knowledge sharing, encouraging public-private partnerships, increasing the mobility of researchers and innovators, championing open science, safeguarding the autonomy of researchers, and addressing the investment gap in research and innovation. This seminar will outline the contents of these reports, and look at how and whether they can be implemented. It will also examine the implications of these reports for the wider Europe, including Scotland and the UK. The seminar will led by a number of expert speakers. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion. Speakers will include: David Martin , former Labour MEP for Scotland, and Vice-President of the European Parliament. David Martin was the UK’s longest-serving MEP, from 1984 to 2019. During his time as an MEP, he focused on Trade and Development, Human Rights, Constitutional Affairs and Democracy. He authored over one hundred Reports for the Parliament. He has been a visiting Professor at the University of Glasgow (2019-2022) and Senior Fellow at RSIS in Singapore. He is now President of the European Movement in Scotland. Peter Sellar , Partner, Brussels office of Squire Patton Boggs global law firm Peter Sellar is an expert on EU environmental, social and governance law, including on general chemicals, biocides and pesticides, ecodesign, electronic and electrical equipment, cosmetics, medical devices and medical products law, as well as on the circular economy and sustainability law. He is an ‘A List’ Member of the Brussels Bar, and a non-practising Member of the Faculty of Advocates. Professor Arianna Andreangeli , Professor of Competition Law, University of Edinburgh. Prof Andreanageli is an expert on EU competition policy. She has recently published an article on “ Competitiveness versus competition? The Draghi Report and a new vision for competition policy in Europe ” Note the entrance for the Institut Francais Ecosse (French Institute Scotland) is from George IV Bridge. Information Source: Festival of Europe | eventbrite

Back for 2025, our Zoo Doo ComPAWst event gives you the chance to get your hands on our very own Edinburgh Zoo animal manure – a compost that’s super rich in nutrients perfect for giving your plants the TLC they need! Interested in picking some up? We’ve got designated windows for collection on the mornings of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May. Please book your manure collection in advance via Eventbrite. For further information, please contact events@rzss.org.uk Information Source: RZSS Edinburgh Zoo | eventbrite

Beyond the UK, beyond the EU – what in the world lies ahead? This conference seeks to broaden our insights, by moving beyond the debate on relations between the UK and the EU to the majority of the world beyond those borders. The economic and strategic challenge that the USA now presents will be tackled by an expert speaker, with responses and dialogue with experts on other regions and powers from the majority, non-aligned world beyond. John Edward, Head of Operations at Scottish Council on Global Affairs will chair this event. Social Media : Please use the hashtags #FestivalofEuropeScotland2025 #FestivalofEurope Venue: Salle Emilienne Moreau-Evrard, French Institute of Scotland About: The Scottish Council on Global Affairs is the first all-Scotland international relations institute providing a hub for collaborative policy-relevant research and a home for informed, non-partisan debate on all areas of foreign and security policy broadly defined. The Council provides a forum to bring together the public, private and not-for-profit sectors with civil society and academic expertise to encourage dialogue, debate and the dissemination of expertise on issues of global importance. It looks to forge new relationships and deepen existing ties with universities and civil society in the rest of the United Kingdom as well as with centres of expertise in Europe and across the world. Information Source: Festival of Europe | eventbrite

In this beginner friendly crochet workshop we will walk through the stiches and pattern to make a beautiful, boho hanging basket. A crochet basket is a lovely and handy thing to have around, and they are really on trend at the moment! They can store toiletries, hair accessories, keys, loose change and can be a great handmade gift to give to friends. The best news is that they're really easy to make! This workshop is designed to be accessible for beginners, so don't worry if you've never picked up a hook before! Crocheting is an incredibly mindful and relaxing craft and, when you become proficient with the stitches, you will find that you can bring your crocheting out anytime you have a spare 5 minutes to relax. A ll materials will be provided, for you to use in the session and take home with you. This workshop takes place at Santosa on Albert Street, and a hot drink and cake is included in your ticket price! Not sure if this one is for you? Make sure you check out the other crochet workshops available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leigh-thornton-31626858063 Information Source: Leigh Thornton | eventbrite

Welcome to the Back Onside Select V HOLLYOAKS Celebrity Team event! Doors open 11am KO- 12pm Get ready for an exciting & fun football game. Join us on Sun May 11 2025 from 11:00am at Oriam Scotland’s Sport Performance Centre. Watch as the Back Onside Select team takes on the HOLLYOAKS Celebrity Team in a exciting match. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see your favorite celebrities and former and current players in action. See you there! Information Source: Back Onside | eventbrite

A Night At The Cabaret- With Pure Class Theatre Get ready for a night filled with entertainment, laughter, and unforgettable performances at The Three Sisters ! Join us for an evening of drama, music, and pure class. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, so grab your friends and secure your tickets now! Information Source: Pure Class Theatre | eventbrite

Hosted by The Data Lab , Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, DataFest is Scotland's leading data & AI conference, where experts gather to discuss and shape the future of data & AI. We bring together participants from industry, academia, and beyond to discuss, engage and learn about the latest developments in data & AI. The last few years have seen an unprecedented shift in the way AI technologies are viewed and used. AI has been thrown into the limelight and is permeating throughout industries from law to construction and everything in between. At DataFest 2025 we will help you navigate the world of data & AI with expert guides as we seek to understand how we can leverage these technologies for maximum impact. Speakers (many more to be announced!) Zoe Kleinmann , Technology Editor, BBC With over 20 years broadcasting experience, Zoe has been a leading voice in tech journalism, making tech news accessible to millions across BBC TV, radio and digital platforms. Zoe’s career has taken her from racing drones in the Nevada desert to climbing Mount Everest in Virtual Reality. She’s interviewed tech leaders like Apple CEO Tim Cook, covered Elon Musk’s controversial Twitter takeover, and led the BBC’s reporting on the UK government's AI Safety Summit. Orlando Machado , Chief Data Officer, the LEGO Group Orlando Machado is a leading data scientist and AI expert, who has worked at the forefront of digital transformation for major global businesses. He was the first Chief Data Officer at the LEGO Group, enabling colleagues at the world’s most reputable brand to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies, whilst protecting the privacy of its most important consumers: children. Passionate about the advantages of a diverse workforce, Orlando has been a member of the Gender Equality Leadership Team at Business in the Community, and a Mentor for the 30% Club. Orlando was named a ‘World AI Top 50 innovator’ in 2022, and in 2023 received the DataIQ Professor Derek Holder lifetime achievement award for long-standing contributions to the data industry. Colin Jarvis , Head of Forward Deployed Engineering, OpenAI Colin leads OpenAI’s Global Forward Deployed Engineering practice. This team of engineers are embedded into companies to build AI products that solve critical business problems. He is one of the world’s leading experts in the practical deployment of AI, having been responsible for OpenAI’s technical deployments at Colin leads teams embedding AI solutions in companies like Morgan Stanley, Mercado Libre and Orange to tackle real-world business challenges. and many others. He enjoys speaking about how to make AI work in the real world, and is passionate about using AI and LLMs to aid the preservation of lower-resourced languages, a topic he has published academic research on. Duncan Clark , Head of Europe, Canva Based in Canva's London HQ, Duncan Clark oversees Canva across Europe. Since its launch in 2013, Canva has grown into a global all in one visual communication and collaboration platform with over 220 million monthly users and over 20 billion designs created across 190 countries. As a former data journalist at The Guardian and co-founder and CEO of Flourish, the data storytelling platform now part of Canva, Duncan brings a unique perspective on data visualisation, storytelling, and innovation. Daniel Hulme , CEO, Satalia / CEO, Conscium / Chief AI Officer, WPP Daniel Hulme is a leading expert in AI, machine consciousness, and computational complexity. He has spent his career advising the UK Government, businesses, and global organisations on the economic, ethical, and societal implications of AI. He is known for challenging AI misconceptions, tackling complex problem-solving with technology, and exploring how organisations can adapt in an AI-driven world. DataFest 2025 Schedule (Timings subject to change!) Day one - Pre- conference (14:30 – 19:00) : Join us for our pre-con day! Meet cutting-edge organisations working with data & AI and connect with potential employers. We’ll also have a small programme of intimate sessions and workshops throughout the afternoon. Day two – C onference (08:30 – 17:00) : Join us at DataFest 2025 for our full conference, with a world-class lineup of industry leading speakers, thought-provoking panels and opportunities to network with the data & AI community. Claim CPD points at DataFest 2025 DataFest 2025 is a CPD accredited event! The Data Lab is a member of the CPD Certification Service – by attending DataFest 2025 you can add this learning time towards your individual continuing professional development goals. After the event, you’ll receive a digital certificate with CPD points to add to your personal log or organisational file. Partner with us Partnering with us is the most cost-effective way to access our key events and community benefits. We launched our partnership programme to connect with ecosystem partners from the private, public and social enterprise sectors. This programme brings together like-minded organisations who share our vision of creating the world’s most impactful data and AI community. Click here to learn more about our packages and explore our current partners . Thank you to our partners Wheatley Group , Accenture , Teradata , Lloyds Banking Group , Caledonian MacBrayne , Elementz , Research Data Scotland , Talan , The Scottish Government , and our funder Scottish Funding Council . ------------------------------------------------- Join The Data Lab Community Join a thriving network of over 6000 data & AI professionals, students and enthusiasts. Take part in discussions, connect with peers and be the first to hear about future events - join The Data Lab Community for free! Information Source: The Data Lab | eventbrite

Join Milo Allan , (Milo Clenshaw and Vicky Allan) as we welcome them to the shop on Monday 12th May , at 7pm to celebrate the publication of their new book Murray Hall . Inspired by a true story of one Scot's rise to prominence, Murray Hall unearths a queer past erased by history, finally bringing all the puzzle pieces together to discover the secret of this extraordinary, ordinary man, which shocked New York, America and the world. It is 1901, and Dr Gallagher has just pronounced Murray Hall dead. New York politico, gambler, womaniser - Hall is all these things, but when the press break the news of his death to the world, they reveal a side to his identity he never wanted known, a secret no one could have guessed. One journalist is determined to uncover the truth of Hall's past, but his search leads him down winding alleys of fact and fiction. From humble beginnings in Glasgow's tenements to a life spent rubbing up against New York's political elite, Murray Hall is the definition of a self-made man. But the higher his status rises, the higher the stakes become. MILO ALLAN is a pseudonym for a collaboration between Milo Clenshaw and Vicky Allan. MILO CLENSHAW is a writer, producer and curator based in the Scottish Borders. Born in London, he grew up in Edinburgh before moving south to complete an undergraduate degree in Film and English at the University of Bristol, and then to Glasgow in 2020 for a Masters in Film Curation. He now works in the Borders town of Hawick for the charity Alchemy Film & Arts, the home of the UK’s festival of experimental film, and as a freelance film curator. VICKY ALLAN is the environment correspondent for the Herald newspaper and has written many books about wild swimming, including the popular Taking the Plunge and The Art of Wild Swimming guides, working with the photographer Anna Deacon. She enjoys collaborative projects, and this is her first adventure in collaborative fiction. Her other books include a collection of personal stories about the menopause, created with Kaye Adams, and a creepy novel, Stray, about a cat. Vicky is married, has two teenage sons and a cat, and lives in Edinburgh. - Doors: 6.30pm, event starts: 7pm, please arrive early to secure a good seat. Tickets are £3 and there is a Ticket & Book option which includes a signed copy of Murray Hall by Milo Allan The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, we are unable to offer a refund after the event. For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8222 or matthew.land@blackwell.co.uk Information Source: Blackwell's Edinburgh South Bridge | eventbrite

About this event The Moon Circle provides participants with a dedicated space each month to reflect, connect, and grow. Reflection on the Past Month: Celebrate successes with gratitude. Identify challenges and areas where participants feel stuck. Release and Renewal: Through group sharing and ceremony, let go of obstacles and create space for renewal. Setting Intentions: Reflect on and set intentions for the coming month Connection to Nature and Cycles: Explore the connection between personal life patterns and natural cycles With each moon we will consider different energies and themes. While we primarily draw on Celtic, Wiccan, and Buddhist traditions, as well as astrology. We welcome reflections from all backgrounds and encourage participants to approach the evening with openness, taking what resonates and leaving the rest. What we will do: Each session is unique, organized by community members for the community. Usually we will begin our sessions by getting grounded with some gentle movement and a short guided meditation or breathing exercise. We will then share some tea , often made with freshly picked herbs, while we introduce the themes for this particular moon. We will share any poems, songs or reflections that people have brought with them. This is optional, you do not have to share anything! After this, we will move on to reflecting on our own lives with a small intention setting ceremony. Songs, music, readings, poetry , tarot, games might all be included as part of the evening. Often we will close the moon circle with a group song and meditation. Accessibility We will be in the Art Room, which is fully accessible and, dependent on weather, we may go into the garden, which is also wheelchair accessible via a ramp. If you have any accessibility requirement, we ask that you get in touch with Gray@salisburycentre.org before the event so that we can best accomodate your needs. What to bring: If you would like, we always invite everyone to bring something to share with the group, such as a short poem, song or other reflection that aligns with the themes of this month’s moon circle. This could be something by an artist you admire or something you created yourself. If the weather allows, we may do some of the ceremony outside, possibly around the Fire, so please bring warm clothing. ---------------------- Tickets To attend our event, a ticket must be purchased in advance . We ask that you offer a donation of your choosing as a 'deposit' to reserve your place. If you attend, you may request a refund after the event or choose to leave it as a donation. If you do not attend, the fee is non-refundable. As a charity, we rely on donations to continue offering community events, and your support helps make this possible . We are trialling a new ticket policy for some of our community events to help sustain our community programmes during these challenging times for charities. However, we believe cost should never be a barrier, so we have free tickets available on request . If the ticket price is a concern or you would like to pay in cash on the day, please email gray@salisburycentre.org. We offer the option to pay £10 as a way to ‘paying it forward’ if you can afford it, helping to keep it possible for everyone to take part, regardless of their circumstances. Pay-It-Forward Donation: Bring cash on the evening, or Donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (using “Moon Circle” as REFERENCE). Pay with card at the front door, please add a reference (eg. Moon Circle) using the pen icon top right on the pay-point screen Information Source: The Salisbury Centre SCIO | eventbrite

A Night At The Cabaret- With Pure Class Theatre Get ready for a night filled with entertainment, laughter, and unforgettable performances at The Three Sisters! Join us for an evening of drama, music, and pure class. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, so grab your friends and secure your tickets now! Information Source: Pure Class Theatre | eventbrite

Join Milo Allan, (Milo Clenshaw and Vicky Allan) as we welcome them to the shop on Monday 12th May, at 7pm to celebrate the publication of their new book Murray Hall. Inspired by a true story of one Scot's rise to prominence, Murray Hall unearths a queer past erased by history, finally bringing all the puzzle pieces together to discover the secret of this extraordinary, ordinary man, which shocked New York, America and the world. It is 1901, and Dr Gallagher has just pronounced Murray Hall dead. New York politico, gambler, womaniser - Hall is all these things, but when the press break the news of his death to the world, they reveal a side to his identity he never wanted known, a secret no one could have guessed. One journalist is determined to uncover the truth of Hall's past, but his search leads him down winding alleys of fact and fiction. From humble beginnings in Glasgow's tenements to a life spent rubbing up against New York's political elite, Murray Hall is the definition of a self-made man. But the higher his status rises, the higher the stakes become. MILO ALLAN is a pseudonym for a collaboration between Milo Clenshaw and Vicky Allan. MILO CLENSHAW is a writer, producer and curator based in the Scottish Borders. Born in London, he grew up in Edinburgh before moving south to complete an undergraduate degree in Film and English at the University of Bristol, and then to Glasgow in 2020 for a Masters in Film Curation. He now works in the Borders town of Hawick for the charity Alchemy Film & Arts, the home of the UK’s festival of experimental film, and as a freelance film curator. VICKY ALLAN is the environment correspondent for the Herald newspaper and has written many books about wild swimming, including the popular Taking the Plunge and The Art of Wild Swimming guides, working with the photographer Anna Deacon. She enjoys collaborative projects, and this is her first adventure in collaborative fiction. Her other books include a collection of personal stories about the menopause, created with Kaye Adams, and a creepy novel, Stray, about a cat. Vicky is married, has two teenage sons and a cat, and lives in Edinburgh. - Doors: 6.30pm, event starts: 7pm, please arrive early to secure a good seat. Tickets are £3and there is a Ticket & Book option which includes a signed copy of Murray Hall by Milo Allan The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, we are unable to offer a refund after the event. For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8222 or matthew.land@blackwell.co.uk Information Source: Blackwell's Edinburgh South Bridge | eventbrite

Information Source: Edinburgh Writers' Forum | eventbrite

Our tea and talk sessions are small-scale talks from the RZSS team in the stunning setting of our Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo. Hear first-hand from our keepers all about our Alpacas and Capybaras!  Talks begin at 11am, with entry via our admissions building. Prices: Adult £35 Member £10 Your ticket includes entry to the zoo for the rest of the day, tea, coffee and a selection of biscuits. For further information please contact events@rzss.org.uk Information Source: RZSS Edinburgh Zoo | eventbrite