1 North Hop 2015
Eden Court, Inverness, Fri-Sat
The Highlands and Islands’ largest craft beer event returns for a second year, bringing an outdoor festival vibe to the weather-proof innards of the Eden Court complex. There are over 60 beers and ciders to try from 12 featured breweries - plus a wide selection of mouth-watering alternatives for those whose tastes run to gin and cocktails. The weekend is also rounded out with talks, and food and drink demonstrations, plus live performances from no fewer than 24 home grown musical acts. With three sessions over two days to choose from tickets start at £15. www.northhop.co.uk
2 Cuningar Loop Come and Try
Cuningar Loop, Rutherglen, Sun
A Glasgow 2014 legacy project taking shape directly across the river from the Dalmarnock athlete’s village site, Cuningar Loop community woodland is due to open formally next year. To showcase the park’s freshly completed outdoor activity zone, Forestry Commission Scotland are hosting a series of special events running from noon to 4pm on Sundays over coming weeks. Visitors will get a first chance to try out adventure play facilities, Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park, and - this weekend - new cycle skills tracks free of charge. More at www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/cuningar-loop
3 Galloway Country Fair
Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries and Galloway Sat-Sun
Two days of rural fun and outdoor entertainment, this annual event is one of the biggest of its type in Scotland. With a souped-up Year of Food and Drink-inspired marquee and over 200 exhibitors, show-goers can shop, sample, taste and try from an array of regional produce, sporting goods, clothing, crafts and lifestyle products. As well as a range of field sports, entertainment and activities include live stunt bike displays and a giant junior assault course. Tickets are £12 for adults and £5 for kids. www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk
4 The Great Escape
Doune Castle, near Stirling, Sun
A long-time favourite with filmmakers - Monty Python and the Holy Grail was shot here in the 1970s, as were portions of Game of Thrones and Outlander more recently - Doune Castle’s real-life history is every bit as colourful as anything found on screen. Sunday’s afternoon of re-enactment brings to life the property’s links to the Jacobite rebellion of 1745-6. Can a band of Hanoverian redcoats held at the Castle following the Battle of Falkirk Muir make their escape? Entry is £3.30-£5.50. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
5 Elgin Food & Drink Festival
Elgin, Sat
Another Year of Food and Drink biggie, taking over the centre of Elgin with a huge outdoor market covering the Plainstones, South Street, and Batchen Street areas. Expect food and craft stalls, hands on cookery workshops and craft beer tasting sessions, with a children’s activity zone featuring messy play, face painting and the chance for little ones to sit on a tractor and milk a cow. On hand with top tips and favourite recipes will be special guests Jamie Scott - winner of last year’s Masterchef: The Professionals - and Great British Bake Off 2014 contestant Norman Calder. www.facebook.com/events/1452561288395003
6 Edinburgh Pipe Band Championships
Royal Highland Centre, Sat
Following on from Glasgow Green’s World Pipe Band Championship, here’s more of the same through east, albeit at a slightly more modest scale. Along with a variety of pipe bands and drum majors vying for supremacy, the day will also feature traditional Highland Games combining competitive heavy events and dancing. Away from the main arena, there are craft stalls and bouncy castles, plus refreshment marquees and a range of catering stands for refuelling. Doors open at 9am, with tickets available from £3-£5 (under-fives free). www.edinburghpipebandchampionship.com
7 David Livingstone Trail Run
David Livingstone Centre, Blantyre, Sun
Fancy a nice off-road run to get the blood pumping? If you’re quick, a limited number of places for this rugged six-miler are still up for grabs. Organised by the National Trust for Scotland and Hamilton Harriers running club, the beginner-friendly off-road route includes a lap of the David Livingstone Centre’s grounds before heading out along the River Clyde Walkway. To keep the non-racers occupied there’s a 1K fun run, a toddler dash, and loads of fun activities. Register from £15 at www.nts.org.uk/Site/David-livingstone
8 Walk For Parkinson’s
Scone Palace, Perth, Sun
A more laid-back way to get some fresh air, this gentle fitness challenge doubles as a fundraiser to help people with Parkinson’s disease, which affects around one in 500 of the UK population. Taking place around the Scone Estate near Perth, participants can sign up for distances of either one, five or 10 miles. Online registration is now closed, but you can still register on the day for £15 (£7.50 for under 16s). There’s no minimum sponsorship, but organisers recommend a minimum of £50 per participant. www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/walk-parkinsons-scone-palace-perthshire
9 Doune The Rabbit Hole
Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, Fri-Sun
What could be the final chance to let it all hang out in a field before the seasons shift, this late-summer music and arts festival abounds with intimate charm and homespun character. Taking place not far from the afore-mentioned Doune Castle, the line-up boasts the best of Scotland’s independent and DIY arts scene alongside guests from further afield - as well as an impressive range of activities aimed at younger festival goers, granted entry for nothing if under the age of 12. Day tickets from £38 (£18 ages 13-15). dounetherabbithole.co.uk
10 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship
Knockhill, Fife, Sat-Sun
Gear up for two days of top notch racing action with the return of this high-profile annual touring car series to the home of Scottish motorsport. Along with practice, qualifying and 15 races across the weekend featuring top teams from the UK and abroad, fans can meet drivers for autographs, browse trade and merchandise stands, enjoy kart rides, and check out special exhibits on the achievements of Scottish driving legends Jim Clark and John Cleland. Adult day tickets tickets start at £14. www.knockhill.com
Don't Miss
Pride Glasgow
Glasgow Green, Sat-Sun
Scotland’s largest annual LGBT Pride event, featuring Saturday’s traditional parade and two days of live entertainment and festivities on Glasgow Green. Musical guests include Texas (pictured), Union J, Heather Peace and Katrina (ex of The Waves). Tickets are £8-£12, accompanied under-12s free. http://pride.scot
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