Get In The Spirit

IT’S important to have fun while you can, was my Grampa’s sage advice. Wisdom that’s all the more true at this time of year. December can be such a dismal month – dark, dreich, with a constant damp coldness that seeps into your bones. The endless days of summer seem such a long way off.

Luckily, there’s loads of brilliant things to do all around the country to bring a bit of joy and light to even the darkest of winter days – and you’ll find all the inspiration you need right here!

If it’s culture you’re after, you’ll love our piece on Scottish Ballet’s Nutcracker... what’s more Christmassy than that?

Some thrilling family fun? How about the Irn-bru Carnival. I remember going there every year as a kid – way back to the days when it used to be at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall. On my last visit a couple of years ago, I swear I recognised the Rotor ride as the same one from all that time ago. Just thinking about it makes me feel a wee bit nauseous...

Elsewhere in these pages you’ll find info on Christmas markets, shows and gigs. And if you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll love Fi Russell’s article on her ski touring trip through the Campsie Fells – a place it’s very rare to get suitable conditions these days. Talk about grabbing your fun while you can!

It can be hard to summon the enthusiasm to venture out when the weather’s so miserable. So, if you’d rather curl up with a hot drink and a good read, then you'll find plenty fantastic features to help you while away the hours.

We have absorbing big reads from Polly Pullar, writing about Scotland’s red deer, Jim Crumley, on the wildlife of his favourite mountain, and a great interview with Clare Grogan.

When you add in our fascinating historical tales – like the cantankerous Scot who was castaway on a desert island and became the real-life inspiration for Robinson Crusoe – you have the best read you’ll get all month!