1 Electric Glen
Rouken Glen, Giffnock, from Thu
Back to entice visitors out into the natural beauty of Rouken Glen Park after a year’s break is East Renfrewshire Council’s interactive after-dark trail walk. With stunning illuminated views and atmospheric sounds, plus elements of performance, storytelling and exploration, organisers have tweaked the route, improved the visuals and set up an outdoor woodland food court. Running over eight nights until Sunday February 14, entry is via timed half hour slots between 5pm and 8.30pm. Tickets £8-£10. www.electricglen.co.uk
2 Ten Pieces Live
City Halls, Glasgow, Sun
There are still tickets available for this inspiring and accessible event aimed at introducing children to the wonder and excitement of classical music. Each hour-long concert is introduced by Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood and features ten specially-chosen pieces including Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries and Stravinsky’s The Firebird, performed live by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Taking place at 1pm and 3pm and recommended for ages 8 and up, tickets are £12. www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsso
3 Scottish Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Show
SECC, Glasgow, Thu to Sun
Apparently Scotland’s biggest indoor exhibition, this enormous consumer lifestyle event offers a wealth of ideas for anyone planning their next great escape. Aimed at everyone from first-timers to hardened caravan and camping enthusiasts, the four-day show features over 200 exhibitors and more outdoor holiday products than you can shake a tentpole at - plus a huge farmers market and a range of activities for children such as face painting, balloon modelling and a treasure hunt. Open from 10am each day, tickets are £9-£12, with entry free for children under 16. www.caravanshowscotland.com
4 Harry Potter Book Night
Across Scotland, Thu
Relive the magic of JK Rowling’s mega-selling boy wizard series with this spellbinding night of celebration conjured up by publishers Bloomsbury. With a host of special events to look out for in libraries, community centres and bookshops around Scotland, last minute Potter party planners can also download a pack containing ideas for games, decorations, quizzes and suggested readings. Held for the first time in 2015, this year takes as its theme the magic spells at the heart of the books. www.harrypotterbooknight.com
5 National Libraries Day
Across Scotland, Sat
Worth a more general mention is the return of National Libraries Day on Saturday. Now in its fifth year, the initiative aims to showcase the range of services, resources and facilities making public libraries such an important resource. Highlights of a full programme of free events for readers of all ages include a celebration of the poetry of Robert Burns at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow, a day of live music, creative workshops and art displays at Edinburgh Central Library, and a talk from crime writer Alex Gray at Aberdeen Central Library. www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk
6 Chinese New Year Celebration
George Square, Glasgow, Sun
Welcome the Year of the Monkey with an afternoon of free fun including traditional dance performances, martial arts displays, and music. The first event of its kind to be held in George Square, there will also be a host of pop-up food stalls from Chinese restaurants and cafes from around Glasgow. Hosted by city centre eatery Amber Regent along with Glasgow City Council and the Chinese Consulate, the event starts at noon. Event Facebook page here.
7 Food on Film Festival
Kingussie, Thu-Sun
A weekend of fab foodie treats for the eyes, ears and tastebuds with this mini festival celebrating the twin delights of movies and eating. Opening tonight with a screening of beekeeping documentary Queen of the Sun, of particular interest to out-of-towners is Saturday’s Food Hall event, bringing artisan food and drink producers from across Scotland together with a variety of activities for children. With all venues no more than a couple of minutes on foot from the local train station, the programme also boasts a Sunday bread-making competition and a series of screenings matching food-themed films to special menus. www.kingussiefoodonfilm.co.uk
8 First Tingles of Spring
Almond Valley, Livingston, from Sat
Hail the incipient wind down to winter from within the warmth and relative comfort of Livingston-based heritage centre and mining museum Almond Valley. On every day until Sunday February 21, younger visitors can check up on freshly-hatched chicks, and try a range of spring-inspired activities including bean planting, nest building and crafts. This year, there’s also fun first aid sessions where parents are called upon to bandage up their children following some gruesome underground accidents. Admission is £6.50, and £5 for children aged 3-17. www.almondvalley.co.uk
9 Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival
George Square Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat-Sun
Another two days of film and chat for fans of mountain climbing, extreme sports, and photography at Edinburgh University’s George Square Lecture Theatre. Along with some enthralling stories and beautiful scenery from some of the planet’s wildest spots, this year’s programme includes a family-friendly Sunday morning adventure film show, and lectures from speakers such as Scottish climber Dave MacLeod, alpine photographer Jon Griffith and British mountaineer-comedian Andy Kirkpatrick. From £6. www.emff.co.uk
10 RSNO: The Music of John Williams
Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee, Fri-Sun
John Williams is the multi award-winning film composer behind the rousing scores to a catalogue of Hollywood hits including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and ET. This series of concerts gives audiences a chance to experience the thrill of hearing some of his most famous music performed live by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. At the Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Friday, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, and Dundee’s Caird Hall on Sunday, tickets start at £15 - but be quick, availability is limited. www.rsno.org.uk
Don’t Miss: Backstage Tour
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat
A great chance to get a behind-the-scenes view of life at one of the Scottish capital’s most historic venues, with access to areas not usually seen by the public. Starting at 10.30am, tickets are £7.50 and include refreshments. Call the box office on 0131 529 6000 to book. www.edtheatres.com
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