A rave review
Prepare yourself for a feast of creativity and head to Glasgow, Ayrshire and Arran to feel inspired by the imaginations of Scottish writers, artists and performers past and present, says Rosie Morton
When the greenery begins to fade, the leaves adopt a fiery tone, and we start unearthing our cosy coats to shield us from those subtle autumnal winds, many of us fondly reminisce of the longer summer days we have just left behind. Of course, the warmer, brighter days are a tonic, but there is something so childishly pleasing about strolling through the reds and yellows of autumn, kicking up fallen leaves and soaking up the joys of Scotland. Sporting a rich cultural heritage, Glasgow, Ayrshire and Arran offer the ideal escape for artistic minds seeking a balance of urban and rural life.
Though many of us head blindly to Scotland’s capital city for our cultural fix, which admittedly holds an undeniable beauty of its own, Glasgow is easily one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan Scottish cities. Affectionately known as the ‘Dear Green Place,’ its striking ‘Glasgow Style’ architecture, developed by the late Charles Rennie Mackintosh, its numerous theatres and museums, and its abundance of artistic events render it a cultural paradise.
Home to artistic landmarks like the National Theatre of Scotland, the Scottish Ballet and King’s Theatre, there are no shortage of theatrical delights in Glasgow. From 10 to 15 September An Officer and a Gentleman, The Musical will be shown at King’s Theatre, followed by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Saturday Night Fever in October. ( www.atgtickets.com)
Just a 15-minute walk away is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, set in the idyllic Kelvingrove Park. Glasgow’s most popular green space, the museum has 22 galleries to explore.
If you are short of time, fancy a spot of lunch, or just want to relax with some light entertainment, ‘A Play, A Pie and A Pint’ at Òran Mór is also worth checking out. Founded in 2004 by David MacLennan, this unique theatre produces 38 plays annually, providing people with their daily dose of culture during their lunchtime break. Described
by the Sunday Times as ‘arguably the best-value cultural event in the country,’ a new play is produced every week and runs from Monday to Saturday at 1pm. ( playpiepint.com)
From poetry nights, to drawing and writing sessions throughout September, the Centre for Contemporary Arts offers plenty of alternatives for those wishing to actively engage with Glasgow’s art scene. (cca-glasgow.com)
Located on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street, the CCA is also the perfect base from which to explore the city’s architectural gems – situated nearby is Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Room. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the early 1900s, it is one of the finest examples of the architect’s Art Nouveau work. To celebrate his 150th birthday anniversary, exhibitions and tours are taking place across Glasgow, culminating in the Mackintosh Festival in October. Drifting away from the city streets towards Ayrshire and Arran’s countryside and sandy shores, the culture is distinct yet equally rich.
The 2,000-acre Dumfries House, an 18th-century estate in Ayrshire, is an essential pitstop. Saved by Prince Charles in 2007, visitors can enjoy tours of the house and its artwork, as well as the ‘Chippendale 300 Tour’ which showcases the work of renowned cabinet-maker, Thomas Chippendale. ( dumfries-house.org)
A literary expedition to Ayrshire wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to the home of Scotland’s favourite son, Robert Burns. Take a peek inside the home he shared with his family and where he received his earliest schooling.
You could then head to the Alloway Auld Kirk, the eerie spot where Tam first sees the witches and warlocks who proceed to chase him in Burns’ narrative poem Tam o’ Shanter.
Pay homage to the world-famous bard by visiting the Burns monument and wandering around its gardens. You’ll also see images of the other monuments across the globe, dedicated to our Rabbie. ( www. burnsmuseum.org.uk)
Heading from Ayrshire’s countryside towards the coast, bibliophiles can look forward to the Tidelines Book Festival at Irvine Harbourside from 27 to 30 September. ( www.tidelinesbookfest.com)
Led by a committee of book-lovers, the festival will host an array of Scottish authors, serving as inspiration for writers of the future. With the nearby Scottish Maritime Museum displaying a Maritime Perspectives exhibition throughout September and October, Ayrshire is a veritable cultural hub to visit in autumn. ( www. scottishmaritimemuseum.org)
Taking the short hop across to Arran, the McLellan Arts Festival is set to return from 31 August to 9 September. Established in 2004 by the Arran Theatre and Arts Trust, the festival honours the work of Robert McLellan, a prominent Scottish dramatist and short story writer of the 20th century. With creative workshops, poetry, music, film and drama, there will be plenty of inspiration for budding artists. ( www. arrantheatreandarts.co.uk/mclellan-festival)
Eileen Wilson Kerr, arts coordinator of the Arran Theatre and Arts Trust, said: ‘I experienced the McLellan Arts Festival for the first time in September 2017. Coming from Glasgow and a professional background in producing large-scale festivals and events, I didn’t quite know what to expect. But what I found, I loved. Each event has its own heart, its own magic and has a true root in Arran and the people who reside here.’
She added: ‘The programme is diverse – bringing together acclaimed poets, professional musicians, theatre, film, opera, and a good ol’ knees-up festival ceilidh.’
As the seasonal colours begin to shift from bright greens to muted reds, travelling through Glasgow, Ayrshire and Arran offers a seamless blend of city and rural life.
Whether you are a literature, architecture, art or theatre enthusiast, your cultural autumn break is sure to be a showstopper.