FOLLOWING the whole year celebration that was the Festival of Architecture in 2016, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has decided that 2017 needs its own festival as well.

The month of September will see the whole of Scotland celebrating Scottish Architecture, its legacy and in particular, this year’s special theme – our homes.

The Festival of Architecture is for everybody and the many different types of events aim to engage a wide audience, from school groups to professionals, from the central belt to the islands. Some will be founded on participation and hands-on experience, some purely entertainment, others more educational and even challenging. David Dunbar, former President of the RIAS and chair of the Festival of Architecture 2017 says: "This National celebration of great architecture will transform Scotland’s relationship with its built environment. It will improve our appreciation and understanding, and it will also be fun!"

festivalofarchitecture.scot

TEXAS-based singer-songwriter Sam Baker, pictured, returns to Glasgow after a three-year absence to play a concert at St Andrew’s in the Square on Friday, June 23 for the Fallen Angels Club. Baker’s life changed after a train he was travelling in during a trip to Peru was targeted by terrorists. The bomb blast left Baker needing extensive reconstructive surgery and facing lasting hearing difficulties but having learned to play guitar left-handed, the naturally right-handed Baker began writing songs, and five albums into his career, he has created an international audience for his finely chiselled storytelling and engaging stagecraft. He’s onstage at 8:00pm.

fallenangelsclub.com

IT IS not too late to become part of Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival, in 2017. If you are planning creative activities or events this October which are aimed at older people or have a theme relating to ageing, join the party for the festival's fifth birthday celebrations.

Luminate was initiated in 2012 to focus on Scotland’s ageing society and create an awareness that the arts have a tremendous amount to offer everyone as we grow older. Research shows that greater engagement improves health, wellbeing and quality of life, yet after the age of 65 Scots engage less with the arts and culture.

An online proposal form is now live on our website, and the deadline for inclusion in the 2017 Luminate brochure is 5pm on Friday 30 June 30.

Over the next five years Luminate's focus will shift to year-round developmental work with nationwide festivals presented at less frequent intervals.

luminatescotland.org