Days out

Glasgow Film Festival highlights

A selection of the best events at GFF 2012

3 Feb 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

3 Feb 2012

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

9 Jan 2012

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

6 Jan 2012

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

6 Jan 2012

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

19 Dec 2011

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

19 Dec 2011

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

14 Dec 2011

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

1 Dec 2011

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

23 Nov 2011

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

18 Nov 2011

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

16 Nov 2011

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

16 Nov 2011

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…

Christmas 2011 events in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Our round-up of some of the best festive fodder including markets, fairs and carol concerts

15 Nov 2011

Shopping To find prezzies with an individual feel or just some tasty treats, head out to a Christmas fair near you. In Glasgow, there’s the St Enoch Square annual market (from 20 Nov) and Country Living Magazine’s Christmas Fair, with homemade food…

Family Christmas concerts: Christmas Swingalong and Christmas Magic

A festive family show for each city in December

15 Nov 2011

When you’re in the business of children’s entertainment, a flexible attitude to costumes is a definite advantage. In the past few months alone, Owen Cox and Oliver Gunnell (aka Owen and Olly) have walked onstage in their dressing gowns, shiny lycra…

Celebrate the life of a loved one with Light a Light

2 Nov 2011

As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to be swept up in the excitement of presents, late night shopping, work nights out and even talking about the weather. Although Christmas is a time for friends and family, it’s easy to forget this amid the noise and…

Wee and Big Inspiration Festivals

An impressive range of activities including theatre, puppetry and workshops for kids young and old

28 Oct 2011

Looking through the Big and Wee Inspiration Festival brochures, the first thing that strikes you is the range. From balletLORENT’s adventurous new dance work Underneath the Floorboards to light and video installation The Light Garden and Oliver Searle’s…

Africa in Motion Children's Day

Programme of kids' activities at the film festival aim to strengthen Scottish-African links

28 Oct 2011

With many Scottish schools forging links with Africa, more and more children are learning to appreciate the highs and lows of life on another continent. To that same end, this year’s Africa in Motion (AiM) film festival is offering families a…

Bonfire Night: Fireworks displays in Edinburgh and Glasgow 2011

A roundup of the best Guy Fawkes events in the central belt

17 Oct 2011

Tired of having disappointing bonfire nights because you didn’t know what field in your area would be hosting the ultimate firecracker show? Well, fret no more, List reader – we have done some recon in your local area to find out where best to light…

Neighbourhood Watch: Byres Road, Glasgow

A rough guide to the trendiest road in the West

17 Oct 2011

What’s it like? One big road with many little offshoots to appeal to the culture vulture in you. Where’s it, like? Off Great Western road if you hang a left at the Botanic Gardens, and just up from Partick. Take the tube to Hillhead station (soon…

Lennoxlove Book Festival

Michael Morpurgo, Alistair Darling, James Naughtie and Julia Donaldson among highlights

17 Oct 2011

Set in the East Lothian woodlands is a five-star luxury accommodation dubbed by Historic Scotland as one of the country’s ‘most ancient and notable houses’. While renowned for its golfing breaks and wedding parties, Lennoxlove (full name: ‘Lennox’s Love…

Glasgow Science Centre takes a Detour

Ally McRae and David Weaver organise a special event with Remember Remember, Meursault and more

29 Sep 2011

Ever think that science wasn’t cool (despite the well-mannered, be-jumpered protestations of Brian Cox)? Well, Detour Scotland beg to differ. The video makers/radio pesterers/off the wall gig organisers, set up by Radio 1’s Ally McCrae and long-term…

Family Fun Music Day

Programme of music events aimed at opening up the Glasgow Concert Halls to younger music-lovers

19 Sep 2011

Mission Impossible-style light beams that play musical notes as you cross them, a giant labyrinth of music and light, and a dark room filled with scary sounds – hardly business as usual at Glasgow’s City Halls. Organised by Svend Brown, director of…

Neighbourhood Watch: Tollcross, Edinburgh

A rough guide to the West End/Southside neighbourhood

19 Sep 2011

What’s it like? Nice and old. Flats are mostly Victorian tenements, with Napier University setting some students loose in three halls of residence in the area. Aside from the youths, there are plenty of places to get sweet eats, indie shops and good…

Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival

Annual arts festival returns for biggest year yet

13 Sep 2011

Unless you’ve been gently nestled under some rock for the past several years, you will probably be aware of the annual autumnal arts treat that is the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival (SMHAFF). This year’s brochure boasts almost 300 events…

Student Lock In!

13 Sep 2011

St James Shopping are hosting a Student Lock in on Tuesday 20 September 7 – 9pm and promises music and entertainment throughout the evening and great discounts at many of the stores. The perfect opportunity to stock up on those last minute essentials…

Take One Action Film Festival 2011

Event highlights from the political film fest

25 Aug 2011

Radical, committed, and delivering a great, high-quality programme, this year the Take One Action Film Festival, celebrating, as patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu puts it ‘the people and movies that are changing the world’, has an excellent programme of…

Neighbourhood Watch: Shawlands, Glasgow

25 Aug 2011

What’s it like? The unofficial hub of the Southside. Young, bustling and almost completely tenement-bound, packed with pizza places, big bars and some excellent independent shopping, Shawlands also benefits from proximity to the lovely space of Queen’s…

Foodies Festival Edinburgh returns in 2011

27 Jul 2011

Celebrating the finest food, drink and culinary talents, Foodies Festival will celebrate its fifth anniversary when the event returns to Holyrood Park on August 12, 13, 14. Having launched in Edinburgh five years ago and enjoyed unprecedented…

Preview: the National Museum of Scotland

A peek inside the museum, plus reminiscences from notable Edinburghers and a guide to coming events

22 Jul 2011

The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is due to reopen this month after a three-year, £46.4 million redevelopment. David Pollock takes an exclusive peak behind closed doors to find out about the new exhibits

Surge Family Circus Weekend

A chance for the whole family to pick up some juggling, clowning and trapeze skills

22 Jul 2011

Time was, you had to run away and join the circus if you wanted to experience the thrill of the tightrope and trapeze. These days, you can stay safe in the bosom of your family and still swing through the air and show off your sense of balance. Open…

Neighbourhood Watch: Leith, Edinburgh

A beginner's guide to the capital's port town

21 Jul 2011

What’s it like? It’s Leith. If you’re an Edinburgh List reader, it’s very likely you live there. Glossy bars, Michelin-starred restaurants and warehouse conversions squaring off against cobbles, pint’n’pie pubs and Hibees. Vibrant, community-focused (it…

Mirazozo coloured inflatable structure a 2011 Edinburgh Fringe highlight

Architects of Air bring their latest inflatable structure to Edinburgh

8 Jul 2011

Picture the scene – you walk inside a Fringe venue, and find no actors, no musicians, no dancers, in fact no performers at all. You'd be forgiven for wanting your money back. Unless, that is, your ticket is for an Architects of Air creation – because…

Neighbourhood watch: Merchant City

Glasgow’s Cultural Quarter, home to designer shops, glossy bars and Merchant City Festival

29 Jun 2011

What’s it like? Darling! It’s the Merchant City! Glasgow’s Cultural Quarter! Glasgow’s Style Mile! Home to designer shops, glossy bars, great food and the Merchant City Festival! The best place to eat in the city! Short answer: expensive, but…

Surge - Street Art/Circus Festival

The development of circus, physical theatre and street arts returns for a second year

15 Jun 2011

If you were out and about in central Glasgow last July, chances are you saw something rather special. Run by Conflux, the organisation set up to develop physical theatre, street arts and circus in Scotland, the Surge Festival featured a colourful array…

Robots Live! brings Robot Wars and a robotic football squad to Edinburgh

Robot Wars and football-playing robots at the National Museum of Flight

14 Jun 2011

It’s difficult to talk about the appeal of robots. How do you talk about the appeal of something as universally loved. What’s not to love about robots? Since technology first enabled humans to build machines that could to programmed to perform…

Kids Knit craft workshops aim to get the next generation knitting

Knitting classes for young people

27 May 2011

Knitting may have been distinctly uncool for their parents’ generation, but for today’s kids, it’s just fine to be caught with a ball of wool in your lap. A dedicated knitter since childhood, Kerry Kimber hit upon the idea of running knitting classes…

Neighbourhood watch: Newington, Edinburgh

A guide to the ares of the Scottish capital dominated by Edinburgh University

27 May 2011

What’s it like? Okay, we’ll get the inevitable out of the way first. There are a lot of students living in Newington. And while we know some of our readers aren’t that keen on students, their presence does imbue the area with a certain bounce and life…

Refugee Week Scotland

The week-long events programme sets its stall, 60 years after the UN Refugee Convention was signed

27 May 2011

We’re huge supporters of Refugee Week – so it’s with a happy heart that we can report it’s back bigger and better than ever before. As well as all the special events, activities and talks, this year’s programme boasts Courage: 60 Years of the UN Refugee…

VisitScotland invites you to surprise yourself in the country’s finest cafés, as recommended by visitors and locals alike

24 May 2011

To celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink in 2011, VisitScotland have launched Cafe Days - a way of encouraging people to visit the best cafes and coffee shops around the country. Voted for by visitors and locals, the venues can be used as a central…

Glasgow Science Festival programme appeals to both children and adults

Opportunities to do some gardening, bread-making and seabird tracking

23 May 2011

For some parents, it’s always been fascinating, for others it was the worst block at school. But one thing’s for sure, these days the world of science offers more fun and creativity than you can shake a pipette at. With four action-packed family days on…

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011 - sneak preview

Liberace, Finnish a capella groups and iPad fairy tales just some of the coming attractions

23 May 2011

Whether it’s origami genitalia, homosexual deities or political commentary on the Lockerbie bombing, Edinburgh’s Fringe seldom arrives with a whimper but rather a ruddy great roar. June sees the official launch of 2011’s line-up, but we thought we…

Glasgow's new Riverside Museum presents an evolving story of travel and transport – and of the people who use it

17 May 2011

‘One of the first things I thought when I visited the old Museum of Transport,’ says Lawrence Fitzgerald, the man in charge of the project to deliver Glasgow’s first major new museum in almost 30 years, ‘was, "Why isn’t it on the Clyde?"’ It’s a fair…

Scotland's biggest ever Refugee Week celebrates the 60th anniversary of the signing of the UN Refugee Convention

17 May 2011

This year, Scotland’s ever-expanding programme of films, performances, music events, exhibitions and club nights celebrating the contribution that refugees have made to our society is marking a very important anniversary: it’s 60 years since the UN…

Festival of Museums set for nationwide celebration of Scotland’s culture in May 2011

Music, storytelling and period fashion among highlights of new festival

1 May 2011

From the Groam House Museum in Ross-shire and Portsoy Bothy in Banffshire, to the Annan Museum in Dumfries and Galloway, the Festival of Museums features an eclectic and colourful range of concerts, talks, workshops, performances and exhibitions taking…

Strathclyde University's arts facilities, including the Collins Gallery, under threat from budget cuts

25 Apr 2011

In the wake of the University's proposal to cut funding for the Collins Gallery, the Ramshorn Theatre and the Music Society, Collins Gallery curator Laura Hamilton states her case

The List's top five alternative activities for the royal wedding day

25 Apr 2011

1 Off With Their Heads Susan Morrison hosts an afternoon of music and comedy at The Stand, Glasgow, with proceeds going to liberal publication Scottish Left Review. As if the title wasn’t anti enough. 2 Heart Buchanan The kindly folks at the Byres…

Jupiter Artland opens its season with a new Charles Jencks exhibition

The ourdoor 'art park' also features work by Anthony Gormley

25 Apr 2011

You know that spring has sprung when Jupiter Artland opens its doors with a new season – and this year’s artistic bloom looks to be just as exciting as their last. Launching with special exhibition Metaphysical Landscape by landform artist, philosopher…

Easter Revelry event at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle hosts a weekend of family events this Easter

21 Apr 2011

The Easter Revelry event at Edinburgh Castle takes place on Sat 23 - Mon 25 April, and includes historically-themed activities that'll appeal to all the family. Kramis the wizard will perform magic tricks to amuse and amaze you, while Sir Hugo Sofboiled…

An Introduction to Cowes Week 2011

The world’s oldest sailing regatta returns

14 Apr 2011

Held in the small Isle of Wight port town of Cowes, ‘Cowes Week’ is one of the world’s oldest sailing regattas, with the first event held in 1826. Highly regarded in the yachting community, Cowes Week is considered one of the world’s premier regattas…

Pride Scotia's Edinburgh events gearing up to take place a month early

14 Apr 2011

Pride Scotia is returning to Auld Reekie in May, a month earlier than we usually see it. But, you ask, is Pride still relevant? Well, yes. And we’re not just saying that because we watched that Scott Mills documentary on gay rights in Uganda on iPlayer…

World Wars Experience brings flying parade and tank display to National Museum of Flight

Edinburgh exhibition brings history to life over May Day weekend 2011

13 Apr 2011

War and warfare are a constant presence in world news, both now and throughout history. While many of these conflicts take place in far off lands - in countries very different to our own which most of us will never visit - it’s easy to forget our own…

Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival promises a quality homegrown line-up alongside the usual groundbreaking international work

13 Apr 2011

The Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival has always featured quality children’s theatre from both home and abroad. But while international talent has never been in short supply, Scottish-based companies worthy of inclusion were initially thin on the…

Neighbourhood Watch: Partick, Glasgow

A guide to your local neighbourhoods

13 Apr 2011

Partick, Glasgow What’s it like? The bit of the salubrious West End that still feels properly Glaswegian: cool café bars, delis and boutiques sitting tooth by rough-shaven jowl with classic boozers, betting shops, greasy spoons and pound…

No Lights, No Lycra: the dance-in-the-dark craze hits Glasgow

13 Apr 2011

As a wise man once said, you can’t start a fire without a spark. However, now you can go dancing in the dark, as the No Lights, No Lycra craze has finally arrived in Glasgow. Starting in Melbourne in 2009 and spreading worldwide soon after, NLNL is a…

Interview - Janie Nicoll on returning to community arts festival Streetland

The Glasgow-based artist tells us why it matters

28 Mar 2011

At last year’s Streetland festival in Govanhill you could really feel the buzz: from the visual arts to the films and talks being created, worked on or looked at. I was creating artwork for the outside of a building on West Moreland Street but went…

Interview - Prof Brian Cox and Robin Ince

Two minds talk science and comedy ahead of their Uncaged Monkeys show at Edinburgh Science Festival

24 Mar 2011

Robin Ince: Am I wrong to sometimes be scared of science idiots? I presented a show about Schrödinger’s cat on Radio 4 [Schrödinger’s Quantum Kittens] and the BBC received complaints that it was broadcasting shows promoting killing cats in boxes.

Edinburgh International Science Festival highlights 2011

Lego robotics, mini jungle safaris and wind turbine workshops

24 Mar 2011

Ah. Science. No, not the teensy rapper from the 2005 Big Brother house (we at The List are nothing if not timely), although perhaps it does suffer from a similar image problem. Organisations such as the Glasgow Science Centre and the Edinburgh…

The rough guide to Portobello, Edinburgh's seaside

Neighbourhood Watch: The best bits by the beach

24 Mar 2011

What’s it like? An utterly charming, slightly wonky area of Edinburgh, characterised by the city’s only beach and a very distinct, anti-corporate local community ethos. Formerly the holiday destination of most Central Belters, a lack of investment in…

The best Easter 2011 events in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Easter egg hunts, beaches, boat trips and activities for Easter weekend

18 Mar 2011

Beach Babies Scotland is scattered with some of the most peaceful and well-kept beaches in the UK. In particular, North Berwick on the east coast is a famously picturesque seaside town, complete with miles of sand, cobbled streets full of friendly cafés…

International Women’s Day 2011 in Scotland

A rundown of various events taking place all over Scotland

8 Mar 2011

Tuesday 8 March marks the 100th annual International Women’s Day, and the celebrations are spilling out throughout the month. In Glasgow, by far the biggest celebration we’ve heard of is Loop at Tramway (Tue 8 Mar, 10am–11am, free), with the crème de la…

RockNess / T in the Park line-ups announced

Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, and Foo Fighters for T; Groove Armada, Kasabian and Chemical Bros for RockNess

3 Mar 2011

The great and good of the music world are set to arrive in style this summer with both T in the Park and RockNess dishing up the goodies for their June and July festivals. At TITP in Balado, the mighty Pulp join Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Foo Fighters…

Win a Winter White getaway for 4 people to the Isle of Harris!

23 Feb 2011

Escape to a world of scenic Winter White beauty with a luxury break for 4 people at the stylish Hotel Hebrides. This intimate 4-star boutique hotel nestles on the harbour front of Harris’s capital, and offers sparkling white sea views at the front, and…

GFF blog: Sound artist Joel Cahen on experimental music project Wet Sounds

Adrian Moore and Eric La Casa's surreal swim at Glasgow Film Festival

22 Feb 2011

The Wet Sounds event at North Woodside Leisure Centre was one of those experiences where you don’t know exactly what it’s like until you’ve been – and judging by the capacity audience inside and the disappointed punters being turned away at the door…

Area guide to the Glasgow Film Festival

Kirstin Innes helps you bring the movies to life with our GFF-themed area guide

17 Feb 2011

If you're interested in the Beyond Bollywood, Superheroes in Glasgow, Ceol's Craic or Fashion in Film strands, this is the Glasgow guide for you.

The historical events that shaped Edinburgh

An overview of Edinburgh's history provides further insight into Scotland's capital

16 Feb 2011

In prehistoric times, our ancient ancestors hunted and farmed on the plain between the Forth and the Pentland Hills, and settled on the heights of Castle Rock and Arthur’s Seat, strengthening these rocky outcrops with primitive ramparts. Later, in the…

A guide to the architecture and design of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s architecture from medieval tenements to the ultra-modern

16 Feb 2011

Should you happen past Enric Miralles’ Scottish Parliament building at the foot of the Royal Mile and hear raised voices from a group of otherwise peaceful-looking types, don’t be surprised. It’ll just be yet another architectural tour that has…

The most significant works of art in Edinburgh

Scotland's National Galleries are home to many major works

16 Feb 2011

What’s your idea of true art? The perfect peachy bums of The Three Graces? Football mastermind Sir Alex Ferguson rendered in cut-up red postcards? A stern-faced ice-skating minister? Whatever tickles your artistic fancy, you can be sure to find it in…

Bus trips to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

How to explore the best of the rest of Scotland

16 Feb 2011

Edinburgh has culture, history, shops and sustenance, but there’s a whole country beyond to be explored and it would be a shame to limit a visit to Scotland to the capital alone. If you visit just one other part of the country, make it the Highlands…

The best beaches near Edinburgh

Pease Bay, West Sands, Yellowcraigs and Gullane beach among highlights

16 Feb 2011

Whether you want to surf, have a bracing walk or just enjoy the long summer days, Edinburgh’s coastal location means that a number of stunning beaches are easily accessible for a day trip. For great surfing head to Pease Bay, just down the coast from…

Edinburgh's Pentland hills offers great walking and cycling

Routes for walking, cycling, wildlife, fishing and even skiing

16 Feb 2011

Easily accessible by car or public transport, the Pentland hills are enjoyed by thousands of visitors who come every year for the walking, cycling, wildlife, fishing and even skiing. There are information centres providing maps and visitors’ guides…

Boat trips from Edinburgh to the islands in the Firth of Forth

Isle of May, Bass Rock and Inchcolm Island by boat

16 Feb 2011

The Firth of Forth, separating Edinburgh and the Lothians from Fife, is well known for its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery, and is best experienced by taking a trip out on the water.

The five best Edinburgh viewpoints

The best high places from which to see Scotland's capital

16 Feb 2011

1. Scott Monument The largest monument to a writer in the world, the Scott Monument on Princes Street stands over 200ft high. Those fit enough to tackle the 287 steps to the top are rewarded with spectacular views over the Forth to Fife. 2.

The best places to go horse riding near Edinburgh

Plenty of choice for places to explore the area on horseback

16 Feb 2011

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete novice, there’s plenty of choice in and around the city for saddling up and exploring the local area on horseback For sightseeing with a difference, try trekking at Tower Farm Riding Stables in…

Scottish Parliament building hosts exhibition exploring Jacobites' international legacy

Rare chance to see historic artefacts from University of Aberdeen

13 Dec 2010

The Scottish Parliament building hosts an exhibition of historical pieces from the University of Aberdeen's Jacobite collections for the next month.

Underground scare attraction Ghosts of Christmas bring tidings of discomfort to Glasgow

'Interactive, theatrical scare attraction’ brings slay-bells to the Arches

30 Nov 2010

Christmas time. Misteltoe and wine. Spiders and gore and murder most foul. No, I’ve not got my national holidays in a twist. While things that go bump in the night are more traditionally associated with Hallowe’en, an enterprising Glasgow couple have…

Family weekend: Rebels with a Cause – The Jacobites and the Global Imagination

Traditional music, egg decorating and quiz among highlights of weekend of free children's events

17 Nov 2010

Rebels with a Cause – The Jacobites and the Global Imagination Wednesday 27 October to Saturday 8 January (closed Sundays except Sunday 28 November and 24 - 28, 31 December and 1 - 3 January) Monday and Friday 10:00 - 16.00 (last entry 15:30)…

The best Bonfires and Fireworks displays in Edinburgh and Glasgow

Whether you call it Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night, we've got it listed

2 Nov 2010

Chances are, unless you’re not hunched over your computer creating the best ever fire-themed Spotify playlist (which we already did last year: bit.ly/firelist), you’ll want to spend it standing round a massive fire with your nearest and dearest, saying…

Make your own Hallowe'en party essentials

How to make Hallowe’en Party Bunting, Meringue Ghosts, Chocolate Spider Cupcakes and Pumpkin Lantern

29 Oct 2010

Having a Hallowe'en party? Then heed some of these top tips from craft masters Made in the Shade

Hallowe'en costumes from a theatre costume cupboard

We raid the The Royal Lyceum Theatre costume store for inspiration

29 Oct 2010

We take a trip to the costume store of the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh to get some outfit inspiration

The best Hallowe'en events and film screenings in Edinburgh and Glasgow

Zombie Walks, screenings of Saw 3D, Halloween and Evil Dead II

29 Oct 2010

The first feature-length version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella was a 1920 adaptation starring John Barrymore in the dual role as the misguided scientist and his maniacal alter-ego. For Hallowe’en the Usher Hall is bringing this silent classic to…

The best Kids Hallowe'en events in Edinburgh and Glasgow

29 Oct 2010

Sometimes, the scariest thing about giving your kids a Hallowe’en treat can be the price. So once you’ve exhausted your wallet buying witch costumes and ghoul masks, here are a few free events to take your spookily-dressed offspring to. The Family Scary…

Professional costume designer's one-hour witch costume

29 Oct 2010

Not everyone has access to a warehouse full of theatrical costumes. So, to give some good advice to those of us battling with bin bags and plastic bottles to make our outfits we’ve enlisted Denis Boyar from the Russian Cultural Centre at Glasgow’s…

Quick and easy Hallowe'en witch costume

29 Oct 2010

Let’s be honest, there’s a good chance you’ll be stuck, 20 minutes before your Hallowe’en party, without a costume. We challenged Denis to come up with a speedy outfit made from household items You'll need: Two big sheets of paper; scissors…

Edinburgh Samhuinn marks events from pagan calendar

Beltane Fire Society bring fire and drums to Capital's Royal Mile

27 Oct 2010

As a nation with some deeply pagan roots, we love any excuse to set fire to things while bashing away at drums. Thank goodness, then, for the Beltane Fire Society, which not only shares these passions, but manages to foreground them twice a year. This…

Hole In My Pocket mark Pope's Scottish visit by starting their own church

Eilidh MacAskill and the Parsonage choir appear at Arches event

22 Sep 2010

Inspired by the papal visit, Allistair Burt, more usually known as an architect and the brains behind Glasgow blog Southside Happenings, has just started his own religion. ‘With the Pope being in town, it just seemed like the perfect time,’ says the…

Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival

22 Sep 2010

While the majority of attention this year is on the festival’s Scottish indie allstars album The Fruit Tree Project, it’s worth remembering that there are almost 200 other events happening up and down the country this month, all aimed at tackling the…

I Belong to Glasgow

Tina Warren tells us where her loyalties lie

16 Sep 2010

Tina Warren, co-owner of Club Noir reveals what she loves, from Glasgow’s vintage togs to its cafe culture

Explore Scotland with some extra special excursions

16 Sep 2010

Take a break from big city life and go exploring the more unusual things to do around your town. Your liver will thank you.

I Heart Edinburgh

Sarah Tanat-Jones explains why

16 Sep 2010

Come on Gang!'s Sarah Tanat-Jones talks about what makes Auld Reekie special to her

Getting Around: Edinburgh

Get from A to B in the country's capital

16 Sep 2010

Orientating yourself around any new city can be a daunting prospect but help is at hand, as Niki Boyle takes you area-by-area through Edinburgh’s finest haunts and cherry-pick the top spots you cannot afford to miss

Beach Babies

A guide to the beaches of the East.

16 Sep 2010

While the Scottish weather doesn’t always afford reason to be cheerful, Scotland’s beaches can certainly put a smile on your face

Spotlight on: Dundee

Get full use out of your student railcard

16 Sep 2010

Scotland’s ‘third city’ sits on the River Tay, with the landmark Tay Rail Bridge as a backdrop. Few cities in Britain can match Dundee’s setting, arguably seen at its best from across the river in Fife. After shrugging off its…

Spotlight on: St Andrews

Get full use out of your student railcard

16 Sep 2010

Nestled on the east coast of Fife, less than two hours away from Glasgow and Edinburgh, the picturesque seaside town of St Andrews boasts world famous golf courses, ancient medieval ruins, golden beaches galore, dozens of bars and restaurants and a…

Spotlight on: Stirling

Get full use out of your student railcard

16 Sep 2010

Only a short hop from some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, the ancient town of Stirling is well worth a visit. Synonymous with two of Scotland’s greatest heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, there's plenty here to wile away a day.

Spotlight on: Aberdeen

Get full use out of your student railcard

16 Sep 2010

Officially, Scotland’s third largest city is both a thriving, youthful university town and a prosperous, grown-up centre thanks to the North Sea oil industry. Just a train or bus ride away from Glasgow and Edinburgh, there are a few wee gems to check…

Beauty bargains

Hair and pampering in the central belt

10 Sep 2010

Splashing the cash on some R&R can seem an unlikely prospect, as a hard-up student, but there’s a treasure trove of establishments with vouchers and discounts on offer, just for you, finds Alice White

Music Guide 2010

What's big and what's coming up

10 Sep 2010

Niki Boyle and Camilla Pia reveal Scotland’s amazing music scene and the gigs worth getting in line for Music

Getting Around: Glasgow

How to move around one of Scotland's biggest cities

10 Sep 2010

Orientating yourself around any new city can be a daunting prospect but help is at hand, as Lindsey Johnstone takes you area-by-area through Glasgow’s finest haunts and cherry-pick the top spots you cannot afford to miss

Finance Advice: Post Study

10 Sep 2010

It may seem like a long way off in your first year, but The Scottish Government’s Fresh Talent Initiative is committed to encouraging people to live, learn, work and remain in Scotland, after they graduate. Post Study Work affords international…