Book Week Scotland events in our libraries - 17 to 23 November
Book Week Scotland is a national celebration of books and reading, and this year’s theme is friendship.
During Book Week Scotland, people of all ages and walks of life come together to share the joy of reading. Together with Scottish Book Trust's curated programme, partners deliver hundreds of unique, exciting events and activities that celebrate the transformative power of reading. They are joined in this celebration by Scotland’s authors, poets, playwrights, storytellers and illustrators to bring a packed programme of events and projects to life.
East Lothian Libraries are delighted to be hosting a variety of events to appeal to a range of age groups and that celebrate and embrace the theme of friendship.
- events are free to attend
- booking is required - please read the event information below for booking information
Monday 17 November
Author event: Friendship in Dark Academia: in conversation with Heather Darwent and Elspeth Wilson - 7pm at Haddington Library
Rebecca from Night Owl Books will be in conversation with Heather Darwent, author of The Things We Do To Our Friends and A Sharp Scratch and Elspeth Wilson, author of These Mortal Bodies, about all things friendship and Dark Academia. The event will include a Q&A followed by a book signing.
To book your place email haddington.library@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tuesday 18 November
Readings of Friendship - 2pm at Dunbar and North Berwick Libraries
Tyne and Esk writers will take you on a discovery of friendship through readings of poetry and short stories. Come and join us for a wonderful afternoon in the spirit of friendship, stories, poems and discover more about Tyne and Esk Writers.
To book your place email dunbar.library@eastlothian.gov.uk
Unlikely Friendships - 2pm at North Berwick Library
Join Tyne and Esk Writers to explore how to incorporate unlikely friendships into and build character development in your writing. Unlikely friendships are found across the whole of literature and Tyne and Esk writers will help you to explore how to incorporate them into your work.
To book your place email northberwick.library@eastlothian.gov.uk
Wednesday 19 November
Author event: East Lothian Poem of Friendship with Philippa Ramsden - 2:30pm at Haddington Library
Join local Tyne & Esk poet Philippa Ramsden to look at friendship. Friendship comes in many guises and during this workshop you will explore what friendship means and create an East Lothian poem of Friendship together.
To book your place email haddington.library@eastlothian.gov.uk
Saturday 22 November
Author event: How to Kill a Witch by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell - 2:30pm at Musselburgh Library
Visit Musselburgh Library for an afternoon with the authors of How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy. Join long-time friends Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi as they discuss how they began their Witches of Scotland campaign, seeking justice for the nearly 4,000 individuals, predominantly women, accused of witchcraft in Scotland between 1563 and 1736. So far, the success of this campaign has led to a formal apology from the Scottish government and an official tartan in honour of the people executed. We’ll be asking Claire and Zoe what inspired them to start their campaign and their experience writing their book together.
To book your place email musselburgh.library@eastlothian.gov.uk
Friendship Storytime Bookbug - 10:30am at North Berwick Library
Come along to help us celebrate Book Week Scotland with stories and make your very own friendship bracelets, because life is more fun when shared with friends!
Suitable for all ages, under eights must be accompanied by an adult.
To book your place email northberwick.library@eastlothian.gov.uk
You can also book a place at any of the events by phoning our contact centre on 01620 827827 and asking for the relevant library.
What's on at the Brunton
This November, join The Brunton in Musselburgh and Haddington for the start of their winter programme. From heart-warming films to fascinating true stories and radiant music, there is something for everyone!
At the Corn Exchange in November, join The Brunton for a fascinating and humorous evening with one of the most accomplished mountaineers of all time. Following his experience in Peru, Simon Yates has been increasingly drawn to places where few others have trod. Share with him the drama, excitement and beauty of modern, lightweight alpinism on Friday 14 November.
Simon Yates of Touching The Void – My Mountain Life: Friday 14 November at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
In Musselburgh firm favourite Ryan Corbett returns to Northesk Parish Church for The Brunton’s Bite-Sized Concerts at Lunchtime. Corbett’s arrangements of classical masterpieces combine with wonderful pure accordion compositions to make his recitals not to be missed!
Ryan Corbett, Accordion: Bite-Sized Concerts at Lunchtime, Tuesday 11 November at midday for lunch, 1pm concert | Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh
The iconic Northesk Parish Church will also be welcoming the Royal Northern Sinfonia late November. Directed by Artistic partner Maria Wloszczowska, the string players of Royal Northern Sinfonia perform a selection of beautiful, atmospheric pieces carefully chosen to make you feel warm from the inside out on this cold November night.
Royal Northern Sinfonia, Christmas by Candlelight: Friday 28 November at 7:30pm, Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh
The overwhelmingly well-received I Swear (15), based on the true story of John Davidson who struggled with his Tourette’s syndrome diagnosis and subsequent alienation, will be playing at Loretto Theatre this November.
I Swear (15): Wednesday 19 November at 7pm. Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Lastly, Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland. Streamed live to Loretto Theatre on Thursday 27 November at 7PM.
NT Live: The Fifth Step (15) | Thu 27 November at 7PM | Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
What's on in Museums this November?
Winter season museum opportunities
Explore historic records and online exhibitions at www.johngraycentre.org or pop in for a visit to discover the history of East Lothian in 1000 objects in this innovative, interactive museum at John Gray Centre in Haddington. Uncover how ordinary and extraordinary people earned their living and spent their time from the Stone Age to the present day. Temporary exhibition about local D Day veteran, fisherman, husband, father and great dancer Charlie Horn!
Visit John Muir’s Birthplace and discover how a boy born in Dunbar became one of the driving forces behind the global conservation movement. His life and work continue to inspire people all over the world. Today his legacy helps connect with wellbeing, sustainability and communities. New temporary exhibition explores and celebrates the remaining woodlands found in East Lothian with their pockets of old oak trees. www.jmbt.org.uk
Explore the woods and grounds of Prestongrange Museum using the mobile phone tour as a guide through 400 years of local industry. The harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks have all left their marks on the landscape including winding gear, a vast brick kiln and a Cornish beam engine. www.eastlothian.gov.uk/prestongrange
Take a tour of Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery with Dunbar and District History Society. The Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century and is home to a local history display and the temporary exhibition about shopfronts. www.eastlothian.gov.uk/dunbar-town-house
Discover land, sea and peoples stories at the Coastal Communities Museum in North Berwick during October. Travel through time and discover more about the history and pre-history of this captivating coastline and associated hinterland. www.coastalmuseum.org
Museums are a warm place with a friendly faces
Free to visit and have regularly changing craft activities suitable for children and families as well as temporary exhibitions and reference books available to browse and read.
John Gray Centre (Museum) 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm
John Muir's Birthplace 126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER
Saturday 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society volunteers.
Exhibitions
'Duir' oak : door
This exhibition explores and celebrates the remaining woodlands found in East Lothian with their pockets of old oak trees. As artists we are working to highlight our dependence and necessary engagement with our environment and woodland through foraging, creating, learning and being amongst woodland for its healing aspects, mindfulness and creative work.
The title of our exhibition is Duir which is an old Celtic word for oak and where the word for door derives. Oak supports more wildlife than any other tree species. This highlights the biodiversity value associated with them. They are also long-lived making them significant carbon stores. Woodlands are an essential part of our community and our exhibition highlights the necessity of preservation and regeneration.
The three artists contributing to this are Karin Chipulina, Stella Robertson and Anna Davis. Karin Chipulina’s work includes eco printed cloth, dyed with local leaves from the woods using oak gall mordants, natural fibres, prints using local woodland, foraged materials and cloth sewn, dyed and worked on with plant fibre.
A quote by John Muir
‘Between every two pine trees there is a door, leading to a new way of life’
Saturday 4 October to Sunday 30 November.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Free admission
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Scottish shopfronts and Dunbar shops exhibition
Dunbar Town House and Museum and Gallery (Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm every week)
Come and view the fantastic exhibition on the development of Scottish shopfronts by Lindsay Lennie. There will also be a history of Dunbar High Street shops theme, and we will be encouraging you to bring in stories and information about some of the old High Street shops.
We will also run a series of walks and talks, and activities every Wednesday afternoon during the exhibition. Check out the noticeboard in the Town House window for updates about what’s on.
Saturday 2-4pm courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society. Free admission.
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Golden Days: The life of Charlie Horne
Charlie Horne is a local D-Day veteran, fisherman, husband, father and a great dancer!
Using images and material from Charlies own extensive collection, Golden Days looks back over his life. Featuring audio recordings from Charlie, a diary he kept during D-Day, film footage, family letters and images, Golden Days tells the story of a fascinating life well-lived.
30 August through until December. Free admission.
John Gray Centre (Museum) 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
johngraycentre.org
Events
Dunbar Art Route
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October
Explore incredible art in Dunbar, Belhaven and West Barns.
- meet the artists
- see behind the scenes
- discover hidden gems
- take part in workshops
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery will be hosting nine of the artists 10am to 4pm both days.
www.dunbarartroute.co.uk
@dunbarartroute
Hope, healing and creativity in wild times.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, a free talk/ discussion.
Stella shares the creative process behind her work (DUIR, oak:door) on loss as a portal to transformation. This interactive talk/ Q & A, explores the importance of creativity and imagination in difficult times. personal and environmental, discusses why slowing down enough to listen to the land can be a radical act of healing and a slow burning activism, and reveals how both can help build the capacity to help us through these wild times.
This session includes some short grounding exercises (visualisation/ breathing)
Saturday 25 October, 2pm to 3pm
Saturday 22 November, 2pm to 3pm
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Book with QR code at eventbrite or message via instagram @dunbarartroute
Workshop Printing with Karin Chipulina
Part of the Duir exhibition
My work includes eco printed cloth, dyed with local leaves from the woods using oak gall mordants, natural fibres, prints using local woodland foraged materials and cloth sewn, dyed and worked on with plant fibre. Within a woodland we can access free materials to use in art forms, we can learn from working in that space of inspiration and use materials consciously to give a voice through our art.
Drop in workshop Saturday 18 October Time TBC
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
East Lothian Council Museums
15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 1pm to 5pm
High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)
Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)
School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU.
Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm
(from Wednesday 9 April to Saturday 25 October)
65 High St, Musselburgh, EH21 7BZ.
Thursday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm
(from Thursday 3 April to Saturday 27 September)
Call for artists to exhibit at Dunbar Town House in 2026
Our Arts service is looking for two practising visual artists or craft makers to present a public facing exhibition at Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery from April to June 2026.
Each year, an array of artists and makers are supported to present their work to the public at the council-run Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, providing a platform on which to showcase their work, engage with the public and further their reputation within the community.
There are two slots available:
Wednesday 1 April - Sunday 10 May
Friday 15 May - Sunday 21 June
In addition to the space, each artist will also receive:
- a point of contact from the Museums Team who can offer a tour of the gallery and provide advice on the hanging system, technical arrangements and answer any queries prior to installation
- front of house staffing to manage the exhibition space during opening hours
- support from the Arts Service team to create and print signage materials and promotional marketing materials with a budget of £300 available for print and design (if required)
- inclusion in a digital marketing campaign for both exhibitions produced by our Arts Service and shared through the Museums Service. This would include web listings, social media posts and a press release
- support to take sales during the exhibition with a 25% commission provided to the Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery/East Lothian Council Museums Service. This is used to support the staffing and running costs of the exhibition space and will be managed by the Museums team
- access to the exhibition space for an opening event during opening hours
- access to an additional space within Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery during opening hours to provide workshops/talks related to the exhibition
Who is this opportunity for?
The exhibition space is available for artists who:
- work in visual arts or craft including but not limited to painting, pottery, sculpture, photography, textile design, etc.
- are based in East Lothian or have created work directly in response to East Lothian as a location
- are able to manage the installation of their work into the exhibition space with support from one member of staff
- are able to take a lead in managing the promotion of the exhibition with support from the Arts Service team
- are happy with the technical specifications of the gallery space and the facilities that can be provided
The team is committed to increasing the diversity of artists working in the arts and especially welcome applications from those who identify as having characteristics currently under-represented in visual art and crafts in Scotland.
Timeline
- deadline: Sunday 16 November
- panel meeting: Wednesday 3 December
- artists informed: Wednesday 10 December
- marketing goes live: Monday 2 March
- exhibition 1: Wednesday 1 April - Sunday 10 May
- exhibition 2: Friday 15 May - Sunday 21 June
How to apply
Find out more information, including selection criteria, online from our website.