Around Scotland
The Royal National Mod, Glasgow,
October 11-19. Scotland’s premier celebration of its Gaelic language, featuring ceilidhs concerts and exhibitions.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Macrobert Centre, Stirling, October
12-13. A stunning stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s short story, one that still thrills young and old 50 years since it was first published. It’s a classic tale of tea-time mayhem, with magic, slapstick and sing-alongs. For tickets, phone 01786 466666.
Cocktail Week, various venues, Edinburgh, October 14-20. A fantastic line-up that includes an enchanted cocktail forest, pop-up bars, roof-top cocktail domes and an expanded cocktail village.
www.edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk
Blazin’ In Beauly, October 14-18.
This fiddle festival was designed to immerse visitors in the music of the Highlands and Islands. Guest fiddle tutor is Troy MacGillivray, with workshops by the 2018 BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year.
Kiefer Sutherland, The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, October 16.
The UK-born Canadian actor and singer performs country music from his latest album, Reckless & Me.
Loch Ness Knit Fest, Inverness Leisure, Bught Lane, October
16-20. Knitting festival featuring workshops, talks, presentations, fashion shows, local musicians and much more.
www.lochnessknitfest.com
Festival Of The Future, various venues, Dundee, October 16-20.
Festival that brings together the worlds of science and culture.
Pillage In The Village, Slanj Bar, Tarbet, October 18. Music festival on the banks of Loch Lomond featuring a range of genres including folk, blues and jazz.
Graceland, London African Gospel Choir, Queen’s Hall, October 18.
The choir will perform Paul Simon’s immortal album Graceland, which was released 30 years ago. International Storytelling Festival, Edinburgh, October 18-31.
The 30th Scottish International Storytelling Festival aims to encourage new talent across
Scotland. www.sisf.org.uk
Carnival Of Carnage, Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, October 19. A chance for pole dancers and aerial hoop performers to perform in a non-competitive environment.
www.beaconartscentre.co.uk
Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, October 19-20.
Scotland’s largest consumer exhibition for self-builders and renovators, with seminars and masterclasses.
www.homebuildingshow.co.uk
Jesus Christ Superstar, Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre, October
22-26. Rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that tells the story of Christ in his last days.
Edinburgh Short Film Festival, Edinburgh, October 24 – November 10. A programme of outstanding short cinema, featuring 29 UK premieres and 32 awardwinning short films from the UK and around the world.
Accordion And Fiddle Festival, Salutation Hotel, Perth, October 26. The event starts with a ceilidh and ends with the Senior Scottish Championship and performances by some of Scotland's top musicians. www.perthaccordionfestival.co.uk Scottish And European Ploughing Championships, Bowhouse Farm, St Monans, October 26-27. More than 200 competitors battle it out on the fields in horse, vintage, modern and classic techniques.
Art, Craft And Food Fair, House of Dun, nr Montrose, October 26-27.
Arts and crafts and a bite to eat in this beautiful Georgian house, featuring crafts from textiles to candles.
Langtoun Jazz Mini Festival, Betty Nicol’s, High Street, Kirkcaldy, October 27. Enjoy a series of jazz performances during the afternoon, in aid of the Kirkcaldy Foodbank.
Startup Summit, Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, October 30. One of the UK’s top events for entrepreneurs, with more than 30 speakers. www.startup-summit.com
The Mousetrap, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, October 28-November 2.
The Glasgow leg of a UK tour that celebrates the diamond anniversary of Agatha Christie’s famous play.
What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Eden Court, Inverness, October 30. Cabaret as songwriter
Ruth Katerelos takes you on a musical journey through various states of love. Craft Beer Experience, Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, October 31-November 2. More than 20 breweries, local street vendors, cider makers and distiller.
A Glimpse Of Heaven, Paisley Abbey, October 31. A concert of sacred choral music spanning 500 years, performed by Masterworks Chorale. This event raises funds for Accord Hospice, Paisley.
Tosca, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, October 31-November
2. Fantastic revival of Anthony Besch’s 1980 production of Puccini’s marvellous opera.
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
Sound Festival, various venues, Aberdeen, October 31-November 3.
North-east music initiative encouraging new music creation, discovery and discussion.
www.sound-scotland.co.uk
The Witches Of Pollock, Pollock House, Glasgow, October 31. In the 17th century, the Witches of Pollok were burned at the stake. Witchcraft experts, Cara Hamilton and Ethereal Fearchara, guide you through this theatrical piece telling their story.
Disney On Ice, P&J Live, Aberdeen,
October 31. A colourful and exciting ice show, featuring around 65 Disney characters from across the years, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the Disney Princesses.
Gin Festival, Stirling Highland Hotel, November 1-2. Central
Scotland’s first and largest gin festival returns for its sixth year with more than 100 gins plus the usual accompaniments.
The Angus Minstrels – A Final Farewell, Webster Memorial Theatre, Arbroath, November 6-9.
Final curtain call for the Minstrels after 60 years of fantastic shows and marvellous fundraising.
La Traviata, Adam Smith Centre, Kirkcaldy, November 6-8. Fife
Opera celebrates its 40th anniversary with a performance of Verdi’s well-loved composition.
Track Cycling World Cup, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, November 8-10.
Top-class cycling comes to Glasgow as ace cyclists battle for points ahead of Tokyo Olympics 2020.
McGonagall’s Chronicles, Dundee Rep, November 8. A biography of the Dundonian poet Sir William Topaz McGonagall, written in “almost rhyming verse” – the only way to honour the man who has come to be known as the world’s worst poet.
Spoon Carving Workshop, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh,
November 9. Learn traditional techniques from master craftsman
Jasper Hamlet. www.rbge.org.uk
Glasgow’s Whisky Festival 2019, Hampden Park, Glasgow,
November 9. Scotland’s finest drams come together with whiskies from around the world at this celebration of our national drink.
Troon Wedding Fayre, Troon Concert Hall, November 10. The event includes 50 expert suppliers, live catwalk, competitions and promotions.