Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

Uncle Varick: 6 June, The Brunton (Musselburgh), 7.30pm

A play where 60s London collides with remote Scotland.

Sherlock Holmes: The Hounds of Baskervilles: 10 June, National Library of Scotland, 6pm

Snow Angels Theatre presents their take on the classic Sherlock Holmes tale as the NLS Fringe Show 2014. Booking is essential.

Edward Lear in Greece: Throughout the Beginning of June, Scottish National Gallery

Edward Lear, pioneer of Victorian nonsense, was a highly talented artist and a lifelong traveller who published many illustrated journals of his own trips to mainland Europe. This exhibition reflects his special love for the rocky and spectacular landscape of Greece, with watercolour images of Athens, Mount Atlas, Corfu, Sparta, Zante, Ithaca and Marathon painted between 1848 and 1864, recently restored and on show as a group for the first time.

A Capital View: The Art of Edinburgh: Throughout the Beginning of June, City Art Centre

The growth and development of Edinburgh, as seen by the artists who have represented it over the centuries. Featuring work from William Delacour and John Clerk of Eldin through Alexander Nasmyth and Henry Raeburn to 20th century painters such as Sir John Lavery, Dorothy Johnstone and John Houston.

Citizens of the World: David Hume & Allan Ramsay: Throughout the Beginning of June, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Too few Scots are aware that Scotland has its own Enlightenment, and a hugely influential one at that, with a world-class philosopher in David Hume, an equally heavy-hitting economist in Adam Smith, an outstanding painter in Allan Ramsay, plus less well-known intellectual giants like Hutcheson, Ferguson, Reid and others.

The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen: Throughout the Beginning of June, Palace of Holyrood House

A new display of some of the gifts presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her many voyages around the world.

Denis Peploe (1914-1993): Centenary Exhibition: Throughout the Beginning of June, Edinburgh Gallery

An exhibition to celebrate the 100th birthday of Edinburgh-born artist Denis Peploe, featuring his paintings, drawings and sculptures.

Reformation to Revolution: Throughout the Beginning of June, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

A major exhibition covering the transformation of Scotland from an independent nation ruled by Catholic monarchs in the beginning of the 16th century, to a part of the Union with Protestant England at the end of the 17th. Among the portraits included are Adrian Vanson's brilliant depiction of the then James VI of Scotland as a hood-eyed melancholic and Marcus Gheeraerts' touching portrait of James' fool, Tom Derry.

Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting: Throughout the Beginning of June, Scottish National Gallery

In a recreation and expansion of a highly successful exhibition that toured to the USA in 2010–11, the gallery presents two major paintings by Titian in their historical context: Diana and Actaeonand Diana and Callisto. These masterpieces are presented alongside other works by Titian as well as by many of his peers, including Bassano, Tintoretto and Veronese.

Music, Comedy and Dance

London Symphony Orchestra: 4 June, Usher Hall, 7.30pm

The London Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1904 and is one of the world's leading orchestras. It has a long association with film music, playing on the soundtracks of the first Star Wars movie, Superman and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Its current principal conductor is Valery Gergiev.

The Scottish Chamber Choir: 7 June, Canongate Kirk, 7.30pm

The Scottish Chamber Choir was formed in 1968 and performs ancient and modern music in concerts across the country.

Avenue Q: 10-14 June, King's Theater, 2.30/7.30pm

Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy the Slut and other colourful types who help Princeton finally discover his true purpose in life.

Linton Singers: 13 June, Canongate Kirk, 7.30pm

Mixed choir based in the Scottish borders, conducted by Prof Murray Campbell.

Scottish Fiddle Orchestra: 14 June, Usher Hall, 7.30pm

The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra is the country's foremost large ensemble for traditional music.

Edinburgh Concert Band: 14 June, Greyfriar's Kirk, 7.30pm

Edinburgh Concert Band is a community group of amateur musicians playing woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

Edinburgh Quartet: 15 June, The Queen's Hall, 3.30pm

Mozart's Flute Quartet in D major K285, Hans Gál's Clarinet Quintet andFlute Quintet, and Mendelssohn's String Quartet No 3 in D major, Op 44 no 1. Featuring guest soloists Juliette Bausor (flute) and Maximiliano Martin (clarinet).

Edinburgh Quartet: 15 June: Usher Hall, 3.30pm

Mozart's Flute Quartet in D major K285, featuring guest flautist Juliette Bausor; Hans Gál's Clarinet Quintet and Flute Quintet, and Mendelssohn'sQuartet in D major, Op 44, No 1. Guests are Juliette Bausor (flute) and Maximiliano Martin (clarinet).

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Edinburgh Zoo Nights: 6 June, Edinburgh Zoo, 6pm

There is no one among us who hasn't wanted to visit the zoo after hours. Just what do all those critters do after dark, anyway? Now's there's a way to find out! The zoo opens its gates for a series of adults-only extravaganzas featuring dancing, music, street food, facepainting, street performers and animal talks.

Meadows Festival: 7-8 June, The Meadows

Edinburgh's festival season kicks off with the Meadows Festival, which offers a local band line-up put together by Red Dog Music , dance groups, quirky performers and workshops amidst lots of family-friendly activities. The Dogs Trust are in attendance offering free micro-chipping, there's a football competitions for primary school teams and an array of food stalls.