Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

Cutting Edge: Scottish Contemporary Textiles: 16-17 May, St Margaret's House

The members of Edge present this touring exhibition of contemporary textiles, aiming to bring craft to a wider audience.

A Capital View: The Art of Edinburgh: Throughout the End of May, 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.

Edward Lear in Greece: Throughout the End of May, 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 watercolor 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.

Playing for Scotland: The Making of Modern Sport: Throughout the End of May, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

A major exhibition examining the way sport was transformed by wider social and infrastructural changes between the 19th and 20th centuries.

A-Z: An Alphabetical Tour of Scottish Art: Throughout the End of May, City Art Centre

An overview of Scottish art from the 17th century to the present day, featuring artists from William Allan to Aleksander Zyw.

The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen: Throughout the End of May, Palace of Holyrood House

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

Earl Haig: Riverbanks--From Bemersyde to Venice: Throughout the End of May, The Scottish Gallery

Degree Show 2014: Beginning 24 May, Edinburgh College of Art

For nine days, the College will be transformed into the capital’s biggest gallery space as it celebrates the work of more than 500 graduating artists, film makers, designers and architects. Previous shows at the College have launched the careers of BAFTA and Turner Prize winners.

Music, Comedy and Dance

Scottish Opera: Madama Butterfly: 17 May, Festival Theatre, 7.15pm

Puccini's famous tale of Cio-Cio San and her abandonment by her dashing American husband, in a revival by Elaine Kidd of the highly successful 2000 production originally directed by David McVicar.

BBC Young Musician 2014: The Final: 18 May, Usher Hall, 4pm

Three young musicians perform concerti of their choice, in this competition featuring the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kirill Karabits.

Ghosts in the Gallery: 18 May, Scottish National Gallery, 3pm

Lieder and art songs from WWI, performed by a soprano, tenor and pianist and exploring the lives that were changed by the war.

Scottish Ballet: Romeo and Juliet: 21-24 May, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, 2pm or 7.30pm

Another chance to see Scottish Ballet's contemporary take on the Prokofiev ballet with Polish choreographer Krzysztof Pastor bringing a fresh twist to the classic tragedy.

The Best of Scottish Comedy: 28 May, The Stand, 8.30pm

A showcase of the finest comedy talent from north of the border, flying the flag of Scottish talent without looking like a hooligan.

Aoife O'Donovan: 30 May, The Pleasance, 7.30pm

The singer-songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts, best known as the lead singer for the progressive bluegrass band Crooked Still, performs solo indie folk and folk rock songs.

Dick Gaughan: 28 May, Edinburgh Folk Club, 8pm

Gaughan plays an eclectic mix of styles and stringed instruments combining his classic orchestration skills with a love of the Scots ballad.

John Doyle: 30 May, The Queen's Hall, 8pm

Classic Irish music by the well-established singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Dublin.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Festival of Museums: 16-18 May, Museums throughout Edinburgh

The Festival of Museums is an annual three-day treat of extraordinary, exciting and surprising events day and night in museums and galleries throughout Scotland. From Gairloch to Glasgow and the Western Isles to Wanlockhead, there’s a packed programe of rip-roaring, inspiring and unusual things going on throughout the country!

Edinburgh Zoo Nights: 23 May, 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, face painting, street performers and animal talks.