No plans for this weekend? Here's our guide to what's on in Scotland.
1 Jodi: Variable Art for the ZX Spectrum
Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, various dates in August
Inspired by the ZX Spectrum, this exhibition brings the work of influential web art duo Jodi to Dundee for the first time.
The pair from the Netherlands are pioneers in the artistic manipulation of videogames and this exhibit, presented by NEoN Digital Arts, focuses on their experiments with the iconic 1980s Dundee-manufactured computer classic.
It’s a must for avid gamers and computer geeks.
Entry to the exhibition is free. Visit www.northeastofnorth.com.
2 Piping Live!
Various venues, Glasgow, today until August 14
Celebrating the art of piping, this week-long ode to Scotland’s national musical instrument has something for all the family.
The festival features a mixture of contemporary, traditional, solo and band piping as well as a family fun day, music recitals and tastings with Glasgow Gin Club. It culminates in the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green, where 8,000 pipers and drummers will battle over two-days for the chance to be crowned World Champions.
Ticket prices vary. Visit www.pipinglive.co.uk.
3 The Guy Martin Collection
Grampian Transport Museum, Aberdeenshire, today until October 23
Petrolheads will be able to quench their need for speed at this special Guy Martin exhibition.
The exhibit includes the racers prized 1942 Rolls Royce Merlin engine, alongside the bike he built for his Wall of Death world speed record attempt, the 675 Daytona Triumph he custom made for the Isle of Man TT race in 2015 and his Suzuki GSXR 1000 K3 racing machine.
There will also be a chance to see the wreckage of the television host’s Gravity Racer, which he crashed while trying to smash his own gravity racer record on Speed with Guy Martin.
Tickets cost £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions, £3 for students and £1 for children. Visit www.gtm.org.uk.
4 Cos-Con
Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow, August 13-14
Cosplayers from across the globe will descend on Glasgow this weekend for Cos-Con, a unique convention dedicated to the world of cosplay.
The two-day event features panels, competitions, games, vendors, workshops and Cosplay FUN. There will also be talks and appearances from top cosplayers, including Kenny Cosplay Stuff, Cosplex, Candy Valentina and Electrikid, and a convention afterparty.
Tickets cost £15 for a day pass, £25 for weekend entry and £3 for the afterparty. Visit www.cos-con.com.
5 Sigur Ros
The Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh, August 15-16
Sigur Ros will bring their brand of ethereal post-rock to Edinburgh on Monday.
The Icelandic three-piece will visit the Scottish capital for two special shows as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.
The trio are known for their soaring falsetto, haunting melodies and epic soundscapes. Add their formidable live reputation to the mix and this promises to be one show music fans will not want to miss.
Tickets cost £20. Visit www.sigur-ros.co.uk.
6 Harris Tweed Festival Day
An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema, Isle of Lewis, August 13
Fashionistas will get the chance to pay homage to Harris Tweed at this one-day festival dedicated to the iconic fabric.
The legendary handwoven cloth will take centre stage during the family-friendly event, which includes talks from designers, historians and industry experts, performances, an exhibition and a Tweed bike ride to An Lanntair.
There’s even a family ceilidh to round off the celebrations.
Entry is free. Visit www.lanntair.com.
7 Fabulous Food Fest
North Berwick Harbour, West Lothian, today until August 14
Foodies will be able to indulge in a feast of culinary delights and delicious delicacies this week as this tasty festival makes its Edinburgh debut.
Run in association with Fringe by the Sea, the week-long event offers a jam-packed programme of entertainment, including demonstrations, kids food show Tickles the Clown, the North Berwick Cake Off final and the return of television favourite Ready, Steady, Cook.
Some of Scotland’s most renowned food artisans and producers will also be exhibiting.
Tickets prices vary. Visit www.fabulousfoodfest.org.uk.
8 Banchory Beer Festival
Deeside Rugby Club, Banchory, August 12-14
Love beer? Then this is the event for you.
This two-day festival features a unique selection of beers, face painting, a bouncy castle, street food and live music from acts including Skipnnish, The Mad Ferret Band and Bella and the Bear. There will also be some cider, gins, proseccos and Scotland’s first rum thrown in for good measure.
Tickets prices vary. Visit www.banchorybeerfestival.com.
9 Burnistoun Live
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh, today until 14
Rab Florence and Iain Connell bring their much-loved comic creation to the Edinburgh Fringe for a run of shows tonight.
The show will give fans a chance to visit the fictional Glaswegian town, which is home to characters including Kelly McGlade, Jolly Boy John and police officers McGregor and Toshan.
The popular sketch show’s dates in the Scottish capital follow a sold-out run at the Glasgow Comedy Festival.
Catch it while you can.
Tickets cost £12.50. Visit www.edfringe.com.
10 CSI Family Show
Dundee Science Centre, Dundee, today until September 4
Budding Sherlock Holmes’ will get to put their detective skills to the test in this crime solving show.
Would-be crime scene investigators will learn about the techniques used by forensic scientists during the show as they search for evidence and try to solve the case of who broke into the museum.
Entry is free. Visit www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk.
11 Edinburgh International Book Festival
Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, August 13-29
This year’s programme features talks and appearances from Scottish, international and children’s authors, poets, politicians, historians and journalists. Highlights include Alan Cumming, left, Jackie Kay, and Philippa Gregory.
Ticket prices vary. Visit www.edbookfest.co.uk.
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