1 Great Scottish Swim
Loch Lomond, Sat
The UK’s largest freshwater expanse hosts Scotland’s biggest open water swimming event for a third year - with up to 2000 brave souls taking part over a range of distances. Registration is now closed, but why not cheer participants on from the safety and relative comfort of the shore? The day’s action begins at 9.30am, with elite races set to feature Glasgow 2014 medallists Ross Murdoch and Robbie Renwick, and Team GB star Keri-Anne Payne. Lomond Shores complex also hosts an open air market and entertainment. http://grtswim.org/Scottish
2 Strathaven Balloon Festival
John Hastie Park, Strathaven, Fri-Sun
The only event of its kind in Scotland, combining a weekend gathering of hot air balloons with free family activities and entertainment. There are 17 confirmed balloon crews this year, expected to be launched into the skies above South Lanarkshire at 6pm (Fri-Sun) and 6am (Sat-Sun only) weather permitting. The town’s award-winning John Hastie Park hosts fun days on Saturday and Sunday, with the festival’s mesmerising highlight coming on Saturday night, when spectators will be treated to an elaborate display of tethered balloons firing up their burners in time to music. strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk
3 Cowal Highland Gathering
Dunoon Stadium, Thu-Sat
Declared to be the one of biggest highland gatherings anywhere in the world, the Dunoon games welcome 23,000 spectators every year. With its mix of dancing, pipe bands, traditional wrestling, heavy athletics and ceilidh music, there should be something for everyone - especially with organisers also promising a range of come-and-try sports activities, mountain bike stunt displays, a kid’s tent, and a special showcase of Scotland’s food and drink. Admission starts at £5 (£2 kids) for Thursday, rising to £14 on the gate for Saturday’s main showpiece. cowalgathering.com
4 Edinburgh Mela
Leith Links, Edinburgh, Sat-Sun
Billed as Scotland’s biggest and best celebration of world music and dance, the capital’s 21st Mela brings together two days of live performances on three stages, a huge clothing marketplace, a special kids area, and a Global Food Village serving up a range of Asian dishes, including Indian and Japanese specialties and other assorted treats. Programme highlights include Bollywood Love Story, featuring 40 local dancers alongside professionals from Delhi. Running from noon to 9pm on both days, tickets on the gate are £5 (kids under 12 free). www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk
5 Dance Show Live
SECC, Glasgow, Sun
Pitched at families and younger fans, this performance showcase and lifestyle exhibition is Scotland’s biggest dance event. Along with opportunities to browse and shop for products from a host of lifestyle and fitness brands, there are taster sessions and choreography master classes with industry professionals, plus workshops, interviews and live performances from celebrity guests including reality TV star Jake Quickenden and Britain’s Got Talent dance troupe Flawless. Tickets are available from £16.50. For more serious enthusiasts, over the weekend the SECC also hosts the UDO World Street Dance Championships (from £30). www.danceshowlive.com
6 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival
Kirkintilloch, until Sun
We’re now mid-way through another annual week of community events celebrating the Forth and Clyde Canal, set to climax in a packed weekend of family fun at Kirkintilloch Marina. Saturday’s Get Active programme includes a range of energetic activities including cycling, climbing and canoeing, followed by a free evening of live music and spectacular waterside fireworks. Sunday’s Gala opens things up further to include the entire town centre – events include street theatre, pond-dipping, market stalls, a funfair, and children’s drop in craft activities. www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org
7 The Women’s Running 10K
Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, Sun
The only Scottish event in a UK-wide mass participation race series for women, offering a fun and friendly way to get out in the fresh air on the last weekend of meteorological summer. Consisting of a flat and speedy two laps of the lake in Strathclyde Country Park, participants can look forward to a free goody bag, a rigorous warm-up, and the opportunity to run alongside a team of pacers at various speeds. There’s also a 5K option for those taking it a bit more easily. Register for £20-£26. womensrunninguk.co.uk/wr10k-2015
8 Largs Viking Festival
Largs, from Saturday
Discover more about how our ancient Scandinavian cousins lived with eight days of historical re-enactment and events celebrating the 1263 Battle of Largs - the last Viking invasion of Britain. Starting with Saturday’s vibrant opening parade, the festival’s centrepiece is an authentic 13th century Viking Village - manned by living history experts from Scotland, Germany, Sweden and Ireland, and open daily from 11am to 5pm (£5/£2 kids). Further on, next weekend’s Party at the Pencil features battle re-enactments, the burning of a replica longship, and fireworks. www.largsvikingfestival.com
9 Giffnock Beer Festival
GHA Rugby Club, Giffnock, Sat
A laid back mix of food, drink, entertainment and South Side sporting action at Giffnock’s first ever beer festival. Among seven Scottish breweries signed up are Fyne Ales, Clockwork Beer Co, and Sulwath Brewery - and there’s also a selection of ciders, wines, limited edition gins and street food to try. A line-up of bands and DJs supply the day’s soundtrack, with fairground rides, inflatables, and zorbs for younger guests. Rugby fans can also watch GHA’s BT National League 1 season opener against Marr RFC. Open from noon, tickets are £5-£8 (under 18s free). www.gharugby.co.uk
10 In The Night Garden Live
Queen’s Park, Glasgow, from Sat
Join Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy, and friends, as this stage show based on the CBeebies hit for tots returns to Glasgow as part of a UK summer tour. A gentle mix of costumes, puppetry, songs and projections, the production is staged in a custom-built show dome complete with parent-friendly features such as changing areas and buggy parking. Running until September 12 (not Tuesdays), two different stories alternate across four daily performances. Tickets are £12.50-£30. www.nightgardenlive.com
Don’t Miss
Virgin Money Fireworks Concert
Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Monday
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra provide choreographed accompaniment to the Edinburgh Festival's traditional pyrotechnic finale from 9.30pm on Monday. Those without a ticket - or access to a swanky New Town penthouse - can enjoy the view from Princes Street, Calton Hill or Inverleith Park. www.eif.co.uk
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