10 Things to do across Scotland this weekend
Whether you are looking for a fun-filled family day out, a tasty beer to drink, or a book to read while you relax, Checklist has it covered with our 10 things to do, beers to drink and books of the moment.
1 British Swimming Championships
Tollcross International Swim Centre, Glasgow, until Sun The UK’s best swimmers go headto-head this week for the right to represent Team GB at Rio 2016. With Scottish stars such as Ross Murdoch and Hannah Miley among those in contention, it’s the biggest domestic contest of the year. Squeezed in are senior events targeted at the Olympics and the European Championships in London next month, as well as qualifiers for the European Junior Championships in Hungary this July. Tickets are £4.05-£12.10. Tollcross also hosts the British Para-Swimming International Meet from April 23.
www.britishswimming.org
2 Great Edinburgh Run
Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Sun Clocking in at 10 miles, there are possibly very few more energetic ways to experience Edinburgh’s finest landmarks – including Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Bobby, the Scott Monument and the Royal Mile – under your own steam. An increasingly popular event, places are at a premium for latecomers, but if you do miss out, why not turn out to help cheer on the thousands taking part? Younger runners can also enter the Toddler Dash and Family Mile, shorter events designed to give parents and children a chance to experience the atmosphere together.
www.greatrun.org
3 Great British Dog Walk
Haddo House, Aberdeenshire, Sat Disabilities charity Hearing Dogs For Deaf People is behind this fundraising dog walk at one of the North East’s finest country estates. Part of a nationwide series of events for animal lovers, there are routes covering either 3Kor10K–entryis£10 regardless, with children and all four-legged friends free. Participants can also meet fellow pet owners, as well as dogs trained by the charity, and there are plenty of activities on the day for children. Look out for further events in Glasgow and Fife in coming months.
www.greatbritishdogwalk.org
4 Evolution Scotland
Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Sat A day of ecologically-friendly motoring thrills await with the return of this unconventional low emissions car show. Backed by Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust, it is designed to showcase the latest developments from the world of electric, hybrid and low carbon vehicles. If you fancy getting behind the wheel, bring along a valid driver’s licence – many of the 70 makes and models featured can also be taken out for a test drive on the Ingliston track. Register for free tickets at www.scotland.evolutionshow.co.uk
5 Slow Marathon 2016
Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Fri-Sun Conceptual art, fresh air and gentle physical exercise combine in rural Aberdeenshire at this culturally-cognisant, environmentally conscious walking marathon. First staged at the instigation of Ethiopian artist Mihret Kebede in 2012, the event is now held annually, this year following a highly scenic 26-mile route along the River Deveron. Registration for tickets (£35) ends today, with the walk starting from Huntly Square at 7am on Saturday, with a post-event gathering also scheduled for Sunday morning. Full details at
www.deveron-arts.com
6 Glasgow Vet School Rodeo
Garscube Esate, Bearsden, Sat A longstanding spring tradition of Glasgow University Veterinary Medical Association, this annual day of family-friendly equine fun and animal entertainment is now in its 56th year. As well as displays of horse riding, canine skills and falconry, there will be animal handling sessions, games and hand-made crafts stalls – as well as over 30 charity booths helping build awareness for animal welfare. Open from 11am to 5pm, tickets are £7 (children £3, families £15), with all proceeds donated to charities including Horse Rescue Scotland and Guide Dogs for the Blind. www.facebook.com/ GUVMARodeo2016
7 Horrible Histories
Edinburgh Playhouse, Fri-Sat One of only two Scottish stops of a nationwide tour, Birmingham Stage Company’s new stage production is based on the award-winning TV show and book series. With two alternating shows to choose from – either Groovy Greeks or Incredible Invaders - fans will find much to enjoy as the past is brought to life through a mix of gruesome facts, Pythonesque humour and catchily clever songs with live actors and 3D special effects. Tickets start at £12.75, with the production returning in June for a week at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal. www.atgtickets.com/venues/ edinburgh-playhouse
8 Loch Shiel Spring Festival
Venues in Glen Shiel, from Fri With five days of concerts taking place across a range of castles, churches, baronial mansions, community halls and arts centres near Fort William, it’s little wonder organisers call it Scotland’s most picturesque chamber music festival. Celebrating its 20th year with a star-studded collection of music makers from around the world, highlights include tomorrow’s Reels to Ragas performance at Glenfinnan Church, bringing together pioneering tabla player Kuljit Bhamra, homegrown multiinstrumentalist Fraser Fifield and members of the Red Note Ensemble for a night of global musical fusion.
www.lochshielfestival.com
9 Big Glasgow Comic Con
Trades Hall of Glasgow, Sat Stock up on comics and graphic novels, rummage for original artworks and action figures, and hunt for clothes, crafts, and cupcakes as this semi-regular pop culture collectibles fest makes a return for 2016. The theme of the event is Disney, so expect to see plenty of people coming dressed to impress inspired by Mickey and Donald – Duck that is – as well as Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. A competition for the day’s best costumes takes place at 3pm. Wallet-friendly entry is £1.
www.bigglasgowcomic.com
10 Edinburgh Beer Festival
Stewart Brewery, Loanhead, Midlothian, Sat This new craft beer festival makes its debut this weekend at the headquarters of one of the east coast’s favourite independent breweries. Among products and styles promised from companies near and far are collaborative offerings cooked up with the Lake District’s Hawkshead, Stirlingshire’s Fallen and Oregon’s Crux Fermentation. There’s also music from Edinburgh bands Mt Doubt, The Alibis and Fight, Robots! Fight! plus a variety of food truck fare on offer to provide a bit of extra ballast. Tickets are £12.50-£15.
www.stewartbrewing.co.uk