1 Player: Videogame Interaction from Atari to Toys to Life
Perth Museum and Art Gallery, Perth, various dates in August and September
Gaming geeks will be able to relive their childhoods at this exhibition dedicated to the history of videogames.
The hands-on exhibit explores the latest trends in digital game play and how our interaction with videogames has changed over the years.
Gamers can also challenge their friends on Nintendo’s Virtual Boy and retro classics like Super Mario Bros, Star Wing and Sega Rally.
Tickets cost £3 for adults and children, £2 for concessions and £10 for a family pass. Visit www.pkc.gov.uk/player for more information.
2 Strathaven Balloon Festival
John Hastie Park, Strathaven, August 26-28
If your idea of bliss is spending a carefree weekend in the clouds then this is the event for you.
Now in its 17th year, the festival, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland, is packed full of balloon flights, live entertainment and falconry. A display of balloons will also be tethered to the ground so visitors can take a closer look at these magnificent flying machines.
Entry is free. Visit www.strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk.
3 Craigmillar Castle Craft Skills Festival
Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, August 27
Perfect for anyone wanting to brush up on their stone masonry skills, this festival includes everything you need to know about the ancient craft.
The family-friendly day of discovery features geology tours, design your own stone carving workshops and a Medieval Construction Science Show. Would-be stone masons can also test out their new skills with a modern day master in the castle’s garden.
Entry to the festival is including in the Craigmillar Castle admission price. Visit www.historicenvironment.scot.
Read more: Biffy Clyro on their new album and why Simon Neil's a romantic
4 Electric Fields
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Dumfries, August 26-27
Music fans will be flocking to Dumfries this weekend for the hotly anticipated return of Electric Fields.
This gem of a festival combines some of the biggest names in music with stunning Scottish scenery and real ale. This year’s headliners are Glasgow legends Primal Scream and indie icons The Charlatans.
Other highlights include Eliza and the Bear, Everything Everything, The Twilight Sad, C Duncan and Honeyblood.
Tickets cost £55 for a day ticket and £94.50 for a weekend camping pass. Visit www.electricfieldsfestival.com.
5 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh, today until August 27
The world-famous Edinburgh Tattoo’s 2016 residency in the Scottish capital will come to an end this Saturday.
Drawing crowds from around the globe, the unique event showcases bagpipes, drums, military bands, display teams, dancers and a haunting lament from the Lone Piper against the gorgeous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The final performance on Saturday will also include an extended fireworks display.
Tickets start at £66. Visit www.edintattoo.co.uk for more information.
6 Great Scottish Swim
Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, August 26
Set in the glorious surroundings of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, this event will let swimmers dip their toes in the iconic Scottish loch.
The popular open water event, which caters for all levels and abilities, includes races ranging from a 5k to two miles. This year 's swim also marks the inauguration of two new races, the SwimRun, which includes a 5k and 800m run, and a marathon 10k.
Entry is £24. Entrants for the half mile swim must be 12-years-old and over. Entrants for all other races must be 16-years-old and over. Visit www.greatswim.org/Scotland
7 Largs Viking Festival
Various venues, Largs, August 27-September 4
Celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Largs, this festival promises fun for all the family.
The annual event features living history installations in a 13th century village recreation, craft and cooking demonstrations, a farmers’ market, aerobatic displays, on-stage entertainment and owl magic.
The festival will end with a re-enactment of the Battle of Largs, the burning of a Viking longship and a spectacular fireworks display.
Ticket prices vary. Visit www.largsvikingfestival.com
Read more: Biffy Clyro on their new album and why Simon Neil's a romantic
8 Byres Road Makers Market
Hillhead Library, Glasgow, August 27
Design lovers and fashionistas will descend on Glasgow this weekend as the makers market returns to Byres Road.
The market, which is held on the last Saturday of every month, boasts an eclectic mix of handmade crafts and unique designs from some of Scotland’s most talented artists, crafters and designers.
For those who can’t make it this weekend, the makers market recently opened a pop-up shop in nearby Ruthven Lane.
Entry is free.
9 Coronation Street on Tour
SECC, Glasgow, August 27-January 1 2017
Coronation Street fans are in for a treat this weekend when sets from Britain’s favourite cobbled street arrive in Scotland.
Giving fans a glimpse into Corrie’s inner secrets, the guided tour includes sets, props, costumes and memorabilia from the hit ITV show and a virtual reality welcome from Alison King, a.k.a. Carla Connor. Fans can also get their picture taken behind the famous bar at the Rovers Return.
Tickets start from £22.50. Visit www.itv.com/coronationstreet/tour.
10 St Andrews Photography Festival
Various venues, St Andrews, today until September 11
If you’ve developed an interest in photography then this festival is bound to capture your attention.
Celebrating St Andrews’s role in the development of photography, the inaugural festival will host exhibitions, workshops and talks from Hamish Brown, Franki Raffles, David Peat and Sean Dooley. Highlights include an exhibition on 175 years of Scottish photography, a photographic tour of St Andrews and a Victorian Tintype Studio.
Entry is free. Visit www.facebook.com/StAndPhotoFest.
Read more: Biffy Clyro on their new album and why Simon Neil's a romantic
11 Biffy Clyro
Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, August 27
Biffy Clyro will receive a heroes’ welcome when they bring their signature brand of headbanging alternative hard rock to Glasgow’s Summer Sessions.
The Kilmarnock trio will treat fans to performances of tracks from their new album, Eclipse, as well as a selection of songs from their back-catalogue.
Tickets cost £45. Visit www.biffyclyro.com
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