If You Only Do One Thing...

ETAPE ROYALE Sunday, September 27 Ballater, Royal Deeside

IF you’re feeling up for the challenge, this 65-mile or 100-mile closed-road cycle race will take you across Aberdeenshire’s most majestic scenery and through the heart of whisky country, with magnificent views at every turn.

www.etaperoyale.com

BALMAHA’S BRAW WEEKEND

October 3-4 Balmaha, Loch Lomond

THIS fantastic festival of food, drink, music and entertainment takes place on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Join the fun at the vintage bus Mad Hatters Tea Party, keep the kids happy at the pizza station where they can create their own masterpieces or relax and enjoy performances by brilliant local musicians.

www.balmahasbrawweekend.co.uk

NEW LANARK BOOK FESTIVAL October 1-4 New Lanark

THE historic UNESCO World Heritage site of New Lanark will host its first Book Festival, with a host of well-known Scottish authors including Alistair Moffat. From Scottish fiction and history to whisky, food and drink – there will be a session for everyone to enjoy.

www.newlanark.org

ST ANDREWS LITERARY FESTIVAL until October 13 St. Andrews, Fife

HOSTED by Topping & Company Booksellers of St Andrews, the event wraps up autumn festivities with the award-winning novelist Andrew Miller. The festival hosts an array of themes and authors, ranging from history with Tom Holland to fiction with William Boyd and Marina Warner, and poetry evenings with Don Paterson and Simon Armitage.

www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/st-andrews

MULL RALLY

October 9-11, Isle of Mull

RALLY drivers from all over Britain flock to Mull for this fantastic event for drivers and spectators alike. The route offers 18 special stages and 160 competitive miles. As well as the racing, there are lots of parties and celebrations, including the end-of-rally firework display in Tobermory.

www.mullrally.org