1 Alloway 1759
Various venues, Ayrshire, today until January 29
The life of Robert Burns will be commemorated during this unique festival in the Bard’s home town.
The five-day event features a tour of local Burns landmarks, a traditional supper and the Big Birthday Bash, where the doors of Rabbie’s former cottage will be opened to the public for the first time in over 100 years.
For those looking for more unusual activities, visitors can also try haggis hurling during the Alloway 1759 world championships.
Ticket prices vary. Visit http://www.burnsfestival.com/alloway-1759
2 Strictly Come Dancing
The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, January 27-29
Dancing fans are in for a treat this weekend when the BBC brings its new Strictly tour to Glasgow.
Hosted by Anita Rani, the popular live show features a star-studded line up of celebrity pairings including Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton, Ed Balls and Katya Jones, Daisy Lowe and Aljaz Skorjanec and current champions Ore Oduba and Karen Clifton.
Len Goodman will also bid a final farewell to his Glasgow fans as he judges this year’s couples with the help of Craig Revel Horwood and Karen Hardy.
Tickets cost £39.70-£73.80. Visit www.thessehydro.com.
3 An Evening with the Tennent’s Master Brewer
Tennent’s Caledonian Brewery, Glasgow, today
If you’ve ever wondered how Tennent’s legendary lager is made then this could be the event for you.
Master brewer Keith Lugton will be spilling the secrets on what goes into a Tennent’s lager and how to create the perfect pint during this unique evening.
Lager lovers will also be treated to a complimentary pint and a tour of the firm's Wellpark Brewery during the event.
Tickets cost £30. Visit http://tennentstrainingacademy.co.uk
4 Night at the Museum
The Hunterian Museum, Glasgow, January 27
Have you ever wanted to spend a night in a museum? Well, this could be your chance.
The Hunterian will open its doors on Friday to give guests the opportunity to celebrate Rabbie Burns while exploring the museum’s world class displays and never before seen artefacts.
Highlights include films, live music and the chance to see new research on Burns’ literary, historical and musical legacy.
Entry is free but booking is essential. Visit http://www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/visit/events/nightatthemuseumrobertburns/.
5 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival
The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen and Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, January 27-February 5
The best puppetry and animation the world has to offer will be showcased at this creative festival.
Presented by Puppet Animation Scotland, the international event features Scottish, UK and world premieres, the best visual theatre and animations from Scotland, theatre productions from prize-winning local talent and 10 Years: manipulate animation, a celebration of short films screened at the festival over the past decade.
There will also be workshops and master classes on everything from micro cinema theatre to camera and performance.
Ticket prices vary. Visit http://manipulatefestival.org.
6 The National Whisky Festival
SWG3, Glasgow, January 28
Dram lovers will raise a glass to Scotland’s national drink at the inaugural National Whisky Festival this weekend.
The festival features over 30 tasting stands, in-depth masterclasses led by experts, live music programmed by Celtic Connections director Donald Shaw, seminars and food stalls.
Distilleries taking part in the event include Bruichladdich, Jura, Arbikie and Mackmyra.
For those less partial to a dram, Craft beer will also be on offer.
Tickets cost £35. Visit http://www.nationalwhiskyfestival.scot.
7 Winter Warmers
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, today until January 31
The works of Scotland’s Bard will be brought to life during this exciting storytelling festival.
Winter Warmers boasts a packed programme of talks, workshops and celebrations, including family ceilidhs, storytelling sessions, performances of traditional Scottish plays and a special Burns supper.
There will also be music and dance themed performances that pay homage to one of Scotland’s greatest wordsmiths.
Ticket prices vary. Visit http://www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre.
8 Fife Food Festival
Younger Hall, St Andrews, January 28
Foodies will be in culinary heaven when Fife holds its annual food festival on Saturday.
Showcasing the best of Fife’s natural larder, the festival includes hot and cold food stalls, cooking demonstrations and a variety of family activities.
The charity show also features a luxury raffle and the chance to meet some of Scotland’s top food entrepreneurs.
Entry is free. Visit http://fifefoodfest.wixsite.com/fifefoodfestival/.
9 Burns Birthday in Mauchline
Burns House Museum, Ayrshire, January 28-29
Celebrating Scotland's national poet, this event promises fun for the whole family.
The two-day birthday bash includes theatre performances, visual arts sessions, storytelling, music, poetry and street food.
Hosted by the Burns House museum, the event also gives visitors the chance to explore the town and learn more about the vivid character that featured in the Bard’s work.
Entry is free. Visit http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com.
10 Aviemore Dog Sled Rally
Loch Morlich, Aviemore, January 28-29
Mushers from across the UK will gather in the forests around Aviemore on Saturday for the annual dog sled rally.
Celebrating its 34th year, the rally, which is organised by the Siberian Husky Club, sees racers take on forest trails in the gorgeous surroundings of Loch Morlich.
With over 1,000 sled dogs and 250 mushers set to take part in this year’s race, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Ticket prices vary. Visit http://siberianhuskyclub.org.uk/2015-shcgb-aviemore-rally/
11 Scottish Snowdrop Festival
Various venues across Scotland, today until March 12
The native snowdrop will take centre stage during this nationwide festival.
Curious visitors will be able to search for this stunning flower during a series of walks organised by Discover Scottish Gardens.
Parks and gardens taking part in the festival include Castle Kennedy gardens in Dumfries and Galloway, Cringletie House in the Scottish Borders, the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and Greenbank Garden in Glasgow.
Entry is free.
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