Days out

Refugee Week 2012 highlights

Programme of awareness-raising events features King Creosote and Glasgow Girls: The Musical

Scotland’s favourite Fence Records chap and former Mercury Award nominee King Creosote will kick off seven days of events to promote understanding of the experiences of refugees living in Scotland. The gig, which takes place at the Old Fruitmarket on…

Giants in the Forest: The natural art project putting sculpture into Scotland's woods

Massive project undertaken as part of the Year of Creative Scotland

In a country where much of our creativity is inspired by the incredible natural environment around us, what better year to launch our unique project, Giants in the Forest? Looking down on us from tree tops will be massive wicker heads, seeded and…

Make 2012 your Year of Creative Scotland

Discover incredible events happening near you this year

The Year of Creative Scotland is packed full of exciting new initiatives to complement a fantastic and enhanced, year-round cultural programme. It shows off our creativity at its best...

The ancient tradition behind the Beltane Fire Festival

The annual ceremony takes place on Edinburgh's Calton Hill

Fire, processions and rituals – all sounds a bit Wicker Man, right? Beltane Fire Festival, however, is not remotely cult-related and Christopher Lee (nor Nicolas Cage, ahem) will not be anywhere in sight at this annual celebration of changing seasons…

Aerial for Kids provides high-flying excitement for youngsters

Sessions led by aerial company All or Nothing on a weekly basis

Two teenage girls are hanging from a bar, their legs twisted around a rope, heads upside down. This may not sound like the most comfortable of positions, but the smile on their faces suggest they’re having a ball – and they are. As is the young boy who…

Edinburgh Hogmanay tickets on sale now

First batch of tickets released at last year's prices, with the chance to win your tickets for free

Friday 13 may be an unlucky date for some, but Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers have decided that this year it’s a 'Lucky 13', with tickets going on sale today for the New Year event. All tickets on sale today will be available at last year’s prices…

Top ten things to do for Easter 2012

Family activities throughout the Easter holidays, featuring Galoshins, The Gruffalo and more

Travel in time Galoshins The Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre resurrects the ancient Scots drama of Galoshins for Easter, complete with wise magicians, beautiful princesses and courageous knights. Performed with the aid of live folk musicians, singers…

Jennifer Gregor, organiser of A Little April Foolery - opinion

Events are being staged in opposition to restrictive event licencing laws

Imagine a country where every artistic event, from painters exhibiting a few pieces in cafés to readings in bookshops, had to be licensed. Even if it’s tiny. Even if it’s free. That could be Scotland after 1 April. New legislation on Public…

Psychologist Richard Wiseman - interview

The Edinburgh International Science Festival guest enjoys Meatloaf, sushi and Jet from Gladiators

The eminent psychologist is appearing at no less than nine events at the Edinburgh International Science Festival. He also quite likes Jet from Gladiators... First record you ever bought Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell Last extravagant purchase you…

Edinburgh International Science Festival 2012 - highlights

Derren Brown and giant eyes among the top events at this year's EISF

Illusions, experiments, fire-walking and food are just some of the treats in store at this year’s Edinburgh International Science Festival. With events in more venues than ever before, 2012’s programme welcomes scientists, comedians, psychologists…

50ft model of Hogwarts unveiled in London

The scale model of Harry Potter's school is part of London-based Warner Brothers' Studio Tour

An intricate 50ft scale model of Hogwarts School of Wizardry was revealed for the first time today. Harry Potter fanatics will get the chance to view it for themselves when it goes on display in London as part of the new Warner Brother's Studio Tour…

International Women's Day 2012 events

Round-up of talks, exhibitions and events surrounding Thursday 8 March

In Glasgow, Scottish Women’s Aid will be running an all-day seminar to discuss perceptions of domestic abuse (Thu 8 Mar, Wolfson Medical Building, University of Glasgow, 9.30am). Talk of the Steamie, a new series of talks at the People’s Palace, are…

Glasgow Film Festival highlights

A selection of the best events at GFF 2012

Music We’re excited about DIY promoter Cry Parrot’s event with soundtrack dark lord Umberto who will provide the music for a secret film of his choice (SWG3, 25 Feb, 8pm). Douglas Hart, founding member of The Jesus and Mary Chain, has made videos for…

Neighbourhood Watch: Hyndland, Glasgow

Tips for hot spots in the plushest part of the West End

What’s it like? That nice bit between the ‘proper’ West End and Anniesland, with lots of cute coffee shops, restaurants and lovely flats. Think ornate doorways, stained glass and well-pruned window baskets, going for much more than your average…

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery want your children to become Portrait Detectives

New events to get kids interested in the refurbished Gallery

Under wraps for the past two and a half years, the newly re-opened Scottish National Portrait Gallery cuts quite a dash. But for younger visitors, the wow factor generated by a £17 million spend can be hard to see. Which is why events like Portrait…

Preview of 2012 - Fascinating Mummies

Exhibition of Egyptian death rituals and paraphenalia

If, by any chance, you happened to be in Edinburgh in 1988, and at school, there was a very good chance you went on a trip to see the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition at the City Art Centre. It was a big deal, up there with the Glasgow Garden Festival in…

Burns Night 2012: Glasgow and Edinburgh highlights

Edinburgh gets its bard celebrations off to an impressive (and prompt) start with Burnsfest at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in association with Scotland’s Winter Festivals (17–28 Jan, times vary). From a ceilidh in the café to performances of the…

Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond: Essential info

Travel info, bus times and line-ups for your New Year's Eve

Travel Those kindly folks at Edinburgh Hogmanay are offering you ample chance to bring in the bells, whether on the streets or from the comfort of somewhere else. Better still, Citylink are providing late night bus services to Glasgow, Dundee, Perth…

Neighbourhood Watch: Great Western Road, Glasgow

Including The Captain's Rest, The Belle and Lupe Pintos

What’s it like? One big road full of pubs, cafés and little shops. Flats are mostly old tenements above the bars, restaurants and stores which go up most of the road. Where’s it, like? In the West End, a stone’s throw from Woodlands and Byres Road.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery re-opens

Edinburgh gallery transformed after major refurbishment

The public and exhibition space within the Gallery has increased by more than 60% since its refurbishment; as well as the traditional (and much missed) artworks from the likes of Ramsay, Nasmyth and Raeburn being on prominent display, the new Scottish…

Historic Scotland has Christmas all wrapped up

Edinburgh and Stirling castles set to host festive events this winter

Looking to get into that Christmas spirit good and early but seeking some festive inspiration? Sometimes we forget about the very best things on our doorstep – maybe it’s because we associate them more with tourists than as places to visit ourselves but…

Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle: Alternative Christmas dining options

Two iconic venues now taking bookings for your Christmas meal

Stuck for somewhere decent to have your Christmas lunch? Need a venue that’ll please a range of tastes but won’t be another run-of-the-mill pub grub standby in the city centre? Have you considered going for something a bit more... iconic?

Events for St Andrew's Day 2011

Live music, ceilidhs, free and discounted entry to nation’s key landmarks

Visit for free As part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals, the weekend before St Andrew’s Day will be enhanced with money-off deals for some of the nation’s key landmarks. You can get cheap or free entry to Glasgow Science Centre (check out the…

Previously . . . Scotland's History Festival - interview with Susan Morrison

The comedian tells us why Scotland's past is worth examining

Susan Morrison is a familiar face to most of us because of her regular appearances at The Stand and countless comedy festivals. The funny femme’s latest venture, however, shelves comedy in favour of history, as she prepares to launch Previously...

Neighbourhood Watch: Stockbridge, Edinburgh

A guide to the village-like Edinburgh suburb

What’s it like? Architecturally lovely and quite picturesque, the area is still pretty bohemian despite the influx of more affluent shops in recent years. Where’s it, like? To the north of the city, between the New Town and Inverleith. It’s about…