Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

An Audience with Bannockburn!: 16, 18 and 20 June, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Time Vary

Immerse yourself in Scottish history with this multi-arts commemoration of the Battle of Bannockburn, with live storytelling, live painting, costumed battles and more! Plus, a Father's Day event that honours Robert the Bruce.

Andrew Gilbert: The Glorious Return of Emperor Andrew: Throughout the End of June, Summerhall

Paintings inspired – negatively, at any rate – by the legacy of European colonialism.

Imagining Power: The Visual Culture of the Jacobite Cause: Throughout the End of June, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

An exhibition looking at the way the Jacobites presented themselves in portraiture.

A-Z: An Alphabetical Tour of Scottish Art: Throughout the End of June, 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 Age of Improvement: Throughout the End of June, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Portraits from the century of Scotland's great transformation, 1750–1850, including Nasmyth's deliberately and stylishly unfinished picture of Robert Burns, Danloux's all-action portrait of Admiral Duncan keeping a cool head in the middle of a sea battle, Raeburn's picture of Walter Scott as king of the hill, before bankruptcy forced him to work himself to death, and Richard Dadd's unnerving, hyper-detailed picture of Sir Alexander Morison, the 'alienist' who was consultant to the Bethlem psychiatric hospital where Dadd was confined.

Bailey's Stardust: Beginning 27 June, Scottish National Gallery

If there had been no David Bailey, Austin Powers would have had to invent him. The great British celebrity photographer of his era, Bailey has taken numerous iconic portraits over a 50-year career. This touring exhibition features over 250 portraits, arranged thematically.

Barnaby Barford: Throughout the End of June, Dovecot Studios

Barnaby Barford makes traditional-looking sculptural figurines in ceramics which, on closer inspection, turn out to be engaged in distinctively modern activities; an apparently conventional Snow White leaning over to kiss Dopey has a title that reflects Dopey's less-than-innocent train of thought, Oh God, oh God, Margaret Thatcher naked on a cold day.

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

The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen: Throughout the End 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.

Music, Comedy and Dance

Music in the Castle of Heaven: A Portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach: 25 June, The Queen's Hall, 6pm

Join two Bach experts, Sir John Eliot Gardiner with Professor John Butt, in conversation about the celebrated composer's life and work.

Amy Duncan: 21 June, The Mash House, Times to be Confirmed

Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter, Amy Duncan, embarks on a Scottish tour with a string trio, double bass and harp in tow.

Burns Song with Rod Paterson: 27 June, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 2pm

Burns enthusiast and master singer Rod Paterson shares his experience and know-how with fellow singers.

Magic and Variety Gala Show: 27 June, Royal Lyceum Theatre, 2.30 and 7pm

The Edinburgh International Magic Festival kicks off with a gala show of illusion, sleight-of-hand, circus and mind reading featuring many of the acts performing across the festival.

Rab Noakes: 25 June, Edinburgh Folk Club, 8pm

Legendary Scottish singer-songwriter with a career spanning 15 albums.

Best of Scottish Comedy: 25 June, 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.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

LeithLate: 21 and 22 June, Various Venues

LeithLate is one huge art opening, with multiple free events – from music, to film, to poetry – taking place simultaneously over a number of art spaces and local businesses on and around Leith Walk, all within the space of just a few hours on the same evening. An afterparty runs from 10pm on Sat 21 June.

Annuale: Beginning 20 June, Various Venues

Annuale is a festival celebrating independent grass roots creative projects in Edinburgh, curated by the Embassy gallery. This festival takes place over different venues and times; please see website for details.