Days out

Hallowe'en pumpkin gallery

We asked some local creative types to carve up some Hallowe'en pumpkins - here are the results

Sophie Cooke, writer and journalist We think Sophie may have been watching Village of the Damned before she started on this work of art. We’re still having nightmares. Lari Don, children’s author Lari was inspired by a character in her latest…

Glasgow looks forward to 2014 with the Commonwealth Family Festival

The event will celebrate all the nations attending the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the city

It may be over a year away, but now that the Olympics are fast becoming a happy memory, it’s time for the Commonwealth Games to step into the spotlight. And in the run-up to Glasgow 2014, there’ll be no rest for that happy thistle-headed chap Clyde, as…

Edinburgh and Glasgow Hallowe’en highlights

The best spooky events on and around October 31st 2012

There’s a strong emphasis on storytelling in Edinburgh’s Hallowe’en events this year. Owen Pilgrim’s Hallowe’en Stories (Edinburgh Printmakers, 31 Oct) are suitable for ages 8+, while Marion Kenny’s Meet the Ancestors song’n’story sesh should suit those…

Spotlight on . . . Wigtown Book Festival

The festival takes place in Scotland’s National Book Town every autumn

Not only is Wigtown Scotland’s National Book Town, it was also awarded a Creative Places Award for most creative small town as part of the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 - and Wigtown Book Festival takes its place as the jewel in the crown. Inspired…

The Monster in the Hall and Yellow Moon go on tour

The National Theatre of Scotland is re-staging the Citizens Theatre’s critically acclaimed productions, The Monster in the Hall and Yellow Moon by David Greig for autumn 2012 with a UK-wide tour of both plays, performed by an ensemble cast. The hit…

A guide to the best attractions in Edinburgh

Deep Sea World, Holyrood Park, Botanic Garden, Scottish Parliament and many more

The ‘camera’ is a giant periscope inside a Victorian rooftop tower on the Royal Mile, giving a spectacular 360° perspective on Edinburgh, plus there’s interactive optical fun galore. The building also contains three galleries and…

A guide to the best attractions in Glasgow

The Burrell Collection, Botanic Gardens, Necropolis and School of Art among the city's top sights

Burrell Collection. In the heart of Pollok Country Park is this collection of art, including work by Degas, Rodin and Cézanne as well as ancient and medieval artefacts. It is named after shipping tycoon Sir William Burrell, who amassed much of its…

Lammermuir Festival 2012 highlights include magnificent spectacle at Tantallon Castle

East Lothian will come alive with the sound of music this September

Lammermuir Festival promotes ‘Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places ’where classical music can be heard in striking and often unexpected places. As part of the Year of Creative Scotland, a unique and spectacular light and music performance will bring…

Explore Scotland's stunning architectural heritage

Castles and iron homesteads just some of Scotland's architectural gems

From castles to UNESCO World Heritage sites, churches and cathedrals to eco-friendly design, Scotland boasts some prolific architectural credentials. For an in-depth education, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture The Lighthousein Glasgow is…

2012 Edinburgh Mela will bring post-Fringe dance, music and fun to Leith

New director Chris Purnell on Mela and mixing the old with the new

‘I really believe that the Mela is the only Edinburgh festival which is accessible to the ordinary chap,’ says Chris Purnell. A contentious statement from the man who recently took over the reins of this popular annual event – certainly in the eyes of…

Trad on the Tyne 31 Aug - 2 Sept features Daimh, Siobhan Miller and Wendy Stewart

2012 Trad on the Tyne will Steele the Show on the small festival circuit

Recently shortlisted for the Scottish Event Awards - BestSmall Festival, Trad on the Tyne (31 August - 2 September 2012) is a festival of music and plenty more! A festival feast in more ways than one; the programme includes last year’s Celtic…

Unearth a host of artistic gems at the North Light Dunbar Festival this August 2012

Escape the Fringe for a day out and discover the delights of Dunbar

As part of Year of Creative Scotland 2012, northlight is shining a spotlight on the heritage, creativity and the continuing inspiration of Dunbar, a beautiful and unique location. From now until the 31st August, northlight invites you to the…

Dare Protoplay showcases groundbreaking digital developments

Public can play and vote for BAFTA-nominated inventions at Scotland's digital festival

Original, innovative, creative and ground-breaking - four words which describe the digital games prototypes showcased at Dare Protoplay, the result of nine weeks of intense mentoring and development. But the really exciting part for you is that you get…

The science of creation: Scotland's sightseeing spoils

Dolly the Sheep, Falkirk Wheel and Forth Rail Bridge amongst the highlights

The word ‘creative’ doesn’t often conjure up a vision of science and technology, but Scotland has long been renowned for innovative ideas and what better year to shout about it than in the Year of Creative Scotland. Who created the world’s first…

Glasgow packs a punch with two piping hot cultural events

Piping Live! and World Pipe Band Championships coming in August 2012

Live Piping! Glasgow once again welcomes new and established artists from over ten countries to perform at 150 events across the city, including the John McSherry Band, Breabach and Rura. Look forward to master classes, ceilidhs, concerts…

A royal Tattoo will mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in August 2012

The programme includes music, Dennis the Menace, and Brave-inspired medley

Musicians from Switzerland, Norway and Australia, as well as some unexpected guests, will be among the sparkling line-up at this summer’s 62nd Tattoo, which will welcome a fusion of well-loved traditional elements and exciting new contributions. As…

Some of the stranger places to watch a show this Festival

Unexpected venues to enjoy Edinburgh Festival 2012

Vine Trust Barge This floaty boat docked off Ocean Drive in Leith is home to an exhibition of contemporary Scottish painting.

Piping Live! 2012 warms up with tour around Scotland

Pit stops for the pipers include Eilean Donan and Culzean Castle

To celebrate The Year of Creative Scotland 2012, Piping Live! Festival On Tour will bring piping to new audiences and locations across Scotland. The tour, which runs from 31 Jul to 4 Aug, will offer the opportunity to enjoy the best of Scotland’s…

Grand days out Summer 2012: Find fabulous festivals, captivating coastlines and intriguing islets

Highlights of Aberdour Festival and Pittenweem Arts Festival

From the enchanting myths and legends of the western isles to the alluring festivals of the east coast, inspiration abounds along Scotland’s coastline and you don’t have to go far from the city to find yourself amid inspiring surroundings that will…

Merchant City Festival 2012

5 day fest of dance, music and theatre to bring Glasgow streets to life

Interactive performance company Mischief La-Bas present a premier of their latest work, The Zoo (Ingram Street Car Park, 28 & 29 July), fusing science with art. The performance follows Professor Hildeberg and his famous hibernating Antarctic Zoo…

Visiting the UK with the help of some local recommendations

Live like a local in British cities London, Glasgow and Edinburgh

The United Kingdom, soaked in history and heritage, welcomes millions of visitors to its shores every year and every year they flock like lemmings to the same destinations over and over. That is not to take anything away from our symbolic heritage sites…

Family activity Treasure Trails helps you rediscover your city

Follow the clues to solve the mystery in your town

Think you know the city you live in? Me too. Or rather I did, until question four on the New Town Murder Mystery Treasure Trail totally stymied me. Happily, the organisers of these fun, accessible and varied trails know what it’s like to find yourself…

Exciting June activities as part of the Year of Creative Scotland

Including goNORTH, the Spring Fling and festivals in Leith and East Neuk

In the run-up to one of the most action-packed summers in the UK, June welcomes a fantastic fusion of sport and culture in the Year of Creative Scotland. This month will bring together some of the most exciting new initiatives in 2012 with Scotland’s…

Olympic Torch Relay - Scottish route and dates

Information on Scottish leg of the Olympic Torch's journey around the UK

Having toured through various towns and cities in England and Wales, the Olympic Torch relay is set to head to Scotland, starting in Glasgow on Fri 8 Jun. The city will celebrate the torch’s arrival with a multi-arts programme at Kelvingrove Art…

Summer Festivals 2012: Community

Solas, Leith and West End Fests among the best community-focused fests around Scotland this summer

West End Festival Where: Various venues, West End of Glasgow, 1–24 Jun, westendfestival.co.uk Price: Free–£20 for bigger gigs Line-up: James Yorkston, Howard Marks, Suzanne Vega, Michael Marra, We Were Promised Jetpacks You want to learn Gaelic in…