EDINBURGH llFE listings
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Shows
Scottish Home Buyer Show Sat 15—Mon 17 Apr, 9am. Royal Highland Centre, lngliston, 333 3036. if you’re thinking of entering the housing market, go along to this show and get fully clued
Aihtique 8: Collector's Fair Sun 16 Apr, Meadowbank Sports Centre, 139 London Road. 661 5351. Scotfairs are the organisers behind this sale of antiques and goodies for your home.
Toy & Train Collectors Fair Sun 23 Apr, lllam—Spm. Meadowbank Sports Centre, 139 London Road, 661 5351.A wide selection of children’s toys and trains will be on display at this fair.
Sport
Scottish Claymores Sun 16 Apr, 3pm. Murrayfield Stadium. Riversdale Crescent. 3-16 5000. American football action as the ('laymores battle it out against Amsterdam in the NFL European League. Further info from www.claymores.co.uk; ticket hotline 05110 353535.
Talks
Cafe Philisophique Thu 21) Apr, 7pm. lnstitut l-‘rancais d'Ecosse. 13 Randolph Crescent. 225 5366. Your chance to pour forth opinions on a variety of subjects at these lively debates. This week’s topic is Science and Philosophy — make sure your arguments are well prepared. btit don’t worry if your French isn't perfect. proceedings happen in English.
Other Events
Dance Taster Day Sat 15 Apr. 2.15—4pm. Free. Portobello Swim Centre, 57 Promenade. 669 6888. Portobello Swim (‘entre give you the chance to dance for free at this event. providing a taste of their regular classes. There's break dancing for twelve—sixteens (2.15pm. followed by a free dip in the pool) and salsa for the over sixteens (3.15 )m).
Bea work For Grown-Ups Tue 18 Apr. 7—9pm. £10. Helios Fountain. 7 Grassmarket, 229 7884. Designer Sylvia Wright leads a workshop in beadwork. Advance booking necessary.
Plant Metamorphosis And The Medicinal Power Of Plants Thu 21) Apr. lllam—lpm. £5. Edinburgh Zoo. (.‘orstorphine Road, 314 031 1. This hands- on workshop will teach you how to recognise the healing power of plants. Ticket price includes admission to the Zoo.
PERMANENT ATTRACTIONS
Camera Obscura
Castlehill, Royal Mile, 226 3709. Mon—Sun 9.30am —6pm. £3.95 (£1.95—£3.l5); family ticket £1 1.50. Pick up a pedestrian in your hand at this attraction, which gives visitors a real- time. 360° image of the city. There is also an exhibition devoted to holographs and photography on the lower floors.
Carberry Candle Cottage Musselburgh, 665 5656. Mon—Sat 9am—5pm: Sun noon—5pm. Free. If you’ve a passion for candles, then take a drive out to this treasure trove of all things wax. Their factory shop is full of perfumed, aromatherapy and t'eng shui candles, plus a bargain clearance corner. Professionals are on hand to demonstrate the art of candle making, or you can have a go at carving your own.
earth has never been more interesting. Edinburgh’s latest visitor attraction uses stunning new developments in interactive technology to piece together the history of the planet, creating a thoroughly modern way to step back in time.
Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill, 225 9846. Daily 9.30am—6pm (last admission 5.15pm). £6 (£2—£5). Although much of the castle’s medieval character was lost when it was converted into barracks in the 19th century, continuing excavations aim to redress this. Other attractions include James IV‘s famous cannon, Mons Meg, the One O’Clock Gun with its own exhibition, lots of military silverware and, of course, The Stone Of Destiny, used to crown Scottish kings since time began.
Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
Meet at The Beehive lnn, 18-20 Grassmarket, 226 6665. £7 (£5). Thu—Sun 7.30pm. An excellent way to imbibe culture by visiting the favourite watering holes of Scotland’s literary heroes, including Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Irvine Welsh. Pre-booking required for parties of ten or more.
Huntly House
142 Canongate, 529 4143. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm. Free. Packed with historic artefacts, this restored 16th century mansion tells the story of Edinburgh’s past and its people and houses important collections of Edinburgh silver and glass, Scottish pottery and shop signs. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 84.
Museum Of Childhood
42 High Street, 529 4142. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm. Free. Founded in 1955, the museum has five public galleries with all manner of archive material and old toys relating to childhood through the ages. From antique dolls to 1980s computer games, there‘s plenty here to send you off on a trip down memory lane. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 84.
Museum Of Scotland
Chambers Street, 247 4219. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm; Sun noon—5pm; Tue 10am—8pm. £3 (£1.50); children under eighteen free. Devoted solely to the history and heritage of Scotland. the building contains five thematically-
Dynamic Earth
Holyrood Road, 551) 7800. Wed—Sun 10am-5pm. £5.95 (£3.50—£4.40); family ticket £16.50. With volcanoes erupting beneath your feet, a tropical rainstorm pouring down, earthquakes and tidal waves at every turn, the history of the
90 THE LIST 13—27 Apr 2000
ON YOUR DOORSTEP Everything you ever wanted to know about GLADSTONE'S LAND
The former home of 17th century merchant Thomas Gledstanes, Gladstone’s Land offers an insight to what life was like 300 years ago in Edinburgh's Old Town. The shopfront entrance has been so faithfully reproduced that countless American tourists apparently get their Visa cards out in the hope of purchasing a few yards of the woven textiles on display. Once inside the house there are info- cards to help you make sense of your surroundings, but the best way to discover the real history of the building is through the wisdom of the National Trust for Scotland GUides. Mostly ladies in the prime of life, they eagerly divulge tales which add meaning and colour to the furnishings. lnconspicuous items illuminated by the Guides include an ornate metal box which transforms
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into a foot-warming device With the simple addition of a hot brick from the fire. The kitchen is the cosiest room in the house with its roaring fire and surprisingly modern foldaway bed (not unlike the type James Bond managed to hide his lovely ladies in). The small drawback to bedding down here was that the room also housed the toilet, and let's just say the lid wasn’t kept down for feng shui ‘keeping your good luck in’ reasons. Also look out for the early verSion of platform soles — shoe attachments which would ensure ladies skirt hems didn't get covered in unmentionables out on the street.
Aside from these gadgets there are impressive painted ceilings, wall friezes and a collection of Dutch paintings in the Georgian drawing room. The small harpsichord by the window conjures up images of evenings spent in front of the fire, listening to the latest musical ditties. Just in case the heat from the fire got too much, 'pole-screens' provided a welcome shield for ladies, ensuring they weren’t embarrassed by melting make-up (honest).
Being quite high up the Royal Mile, Gladstone's Land is in the heart of what's commonly regarded as tourist territory. But if you’re a local and fancy finding out more about the city’s history, be brave and venture forth. (Louisa Pearson)
Fun factor 3/.3 Informative S/S
Value for money 3/5 Added extras Gift shop.
How do you get there Just look out for number 477b High Street on your way
up the Royal Mile. How much it costs £3.20 (£2.20).
When it's open Mon—Sat loam-5pm; Sun 2—5pm; last admission 4.30pm. in G/adstone’s Land, 4 77b High Street, 226 5856.
arranged exhibitions, moving from pre- history, through the lndustrial Revolution, to the present day, at which point national heroes such as Billy Connolly and Elaine C. Smith get involved.
Newhaven Heritage Museum Newhaven Harbour, 551 4165. Mon—Sun noon—5pm. Free. Memorabilia and reconstructed scenes tell the story of Newhaven and its sea-going heritage, from its origins as a naval dockyard to its continued use as a fishing port. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 84.
Palace Of Holyroodhouse
Royal Mile, 556 1096. Daily 9.30am—6pm (last admission 5.15pm). £5.50 (£2.70—£4); family ticket £13.50. Starting life as a 13th century abbey, the palace has evolved into a sumptuous regal residence crammed full of paintings and artefacts dating back primarily to the 17th century. The tower apartments housed a sad and lonely Mary Queen of Scots’ for a time, but with a spectacular view ofArthur’s Seat, and magnificent gardens to look at, it’s hard to feel too sorry for her.
Royal Museum
'2 Chambers Street, 247 4219. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm; Sun noon—5pm; Tue 10am-8pm. £3 (£1.50); children under eighteen free. A 19th century museum housing international collections of natural history, geology, science, technology and the decorative arts, plus two permanent exhibitions: Art & Industry and The Ity Wu Gallery. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 84.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Drive, Leith, 555 5566. Daily 10.30am—6pm (last entry 4.30pm). £7.50 (£3.75—£5.75); family ticket £20. The former royal yacht has opened its doors to members of the public after a £25 million refit. The on-shore visitor centre contains historical information on the boat and its furnishings while. on the yacht itself, members of the public can have a good nosy round the Royals‘ former quarters.
Shaping A Nation
Fountainpark. Dundee Street, 229 1706. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm; Sun 11am—5pm. £5.50 (£4); family ticket £16. The newest addition to the Fountainpark complex provides a fresh look at Scotland‘s heritage. Interactive displays and computers give a ‘hands-on‘ feel to the attraction. exploring the inventors and innovators who have made Scotland great. The finishing touch is a themed journey on the Turbo Ride.
St Giles’ Cathedral
Royal Mile. 225 9442. Mon—Sat 9am—5pm; Sun l—5pm. Founded in the 1100s. this church has witnessed executions, riots and celebrations. With spectacular stained glass windows, ornate stonework and guided tours it's a good starting point for exploring the Royal Mile. or if you're feeling in need of spiritual rejuvenation go along to one of their regular services or music events.
OUTSIDE THE CITIES
Discovery On The Move Tue 1 l—Sun 16Apr. Levenmouth Swimming Pool, Promenade, Leven, 01333 592500; Wed l9—Sun -3 Apr. Rothes Halls. Rothes Square. Glenrothcs. 01592 61 1101: Wed 26—Stin 30 Apr, Locligelly Centre. Bank Street. Lochgelly. 01592 418l41.The Museum of Scotland takes a cross- section of its collection on the road in this new travelling exhibition. Featuring a Bronze Age skeleton. an outsize ammonite fossil and prehistoric beer, this is your chance to investigate our history. For details of when the exhibition will be in your area call 0131 247 4090.