Your Weekend Starts here

5 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Isn’t it lovely to be back outside enjoying the great outdoors? Gloves, hats and scarves have – mostly – been banished to the back of the drawer as the days grow warmer.

Luckily, events across the north and north-east this weekend are reflecting that, with most taking place outside so you can breathe in the fresh air.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun or getting soaked, you’ll have fun doing it. PERFORMANCE CAR SHOW Inverness Performance Car Show is zooming into Dores tomorrow. Expect to see more than 1,000 cars on display right on the shores of Loch Ness itself, including performance, modified, street, classic, retro and race models.

It’ll be fun for all the family, with food trucks, live stunt shows and amusements to keep everyone entertained. You can buy tickets and find out more at invernesscarshow.co.uk

SPRING PLANT SALE

It’s not too late to get to grips with your garden this year.

A spring plant sale will be held today by the Friends of Cruickshank Botanic Gardens, between 10.30am and noon in the gardens. Plants are donated by the group a n d sponsors, and prices are mostly £1 or £2. You might pay a little more for something that is large or unusual – even then it’s likely to only be £3 or £4.

The sale helps raise funds for the group’s work throughout the year and they will be on hand to advise gardeners. SKYE LIVE You still have a chance to grab the remaining tickets for this weekend’s Skye Live festival.

The line-up for today and tomorrow includes Breabach, The Laggan Band and Talisk. You’ll enjoy great music on Am Meall (known locally as The Lump) in Portree, with stunning views of the Cuillin Ridge on one side and The Old Man of Storr on the other, what’s not to love? CAIRNGORMS NATURE FESTIVAL The Cairngorms Nature Festival runs for 10 days from May 12.

It is an annual celebration of the outstanding wildlife and landscapes that can be found in the Cairngorms National Park – with more than 80 activities in the varied programme.

This weekend, locals and visitors alike could choose to enjoy a canoe tour on the River Spey, orienteering in Grantown, a movie night at a bothy and more. Find out more about the festival at cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk

BIKEMORE

Despite being famous for its two-wheeled pursuits, BikeMore is Aviemore’s first dedicated bike festival, taking place today and tomorrow.

The event is inclusive of a whole range of biking – from mountain bikes to e-bikes – and its varied programme features everything from stunt shows and guided rides to DJ sets and workshops.

Cairngorm Mountain chief executive Susan Smith said: “Cycling is a hugely popular activity throughout the area and the vast range of picturesque trails should be highlighted and celebrated.” The full programme for the weekend can be found at bike-more.co.uk Tickets are available at skyelive.co.uk