Got no plans for the weekend? Here's our guide to what's on in Scotland.
1 William Hunter to Damien Hirst: The Dead Teach the Living
Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, Glasgow
Scottish art lovers will get the chance to see a piece by one of Britain’s most controversial artists before anyone else in the world as Damien Hirst’s The Necromancer makes its public premiere in Glasgow.
The artwork, which is part of an exhibition at the Hunterian that explores the mutual synergy between art and science, comes from the private collection of leading art dealer, collector and curator Anthony d’Offay.
However, the piece, which features a cabinet filled with obstetric instruments and medical specimens, including resin models of foetuses, is not for the faint hearted.
The exhibition also includes rarely seen objects from William Hunter’s century collection and new works by Scott Rogers and Catherine Street.
If you can’t make it along this weekend though, don’t worry. The exhibition is on until January 7 2017. Entry is free.
2 Culzean Family Fun Run
Culzean Castle and Country Park, Maybole, April 24
Combining fresh air, exercise and spectacular scenery, the Culzean Family Fun Runs are a great way to enjoy the breath-taking grounds of Culzean Castle and Country Park. The popular event includes 10k and 5k races, with proceedings kicking off at 1pm. Runners keen to put their own stamp on the event can dress up if they want to. The park is home to an 18th Century castle and the Culzean estate. Spaces are limited with tickets costing £5 for adults and £3 for children. Visit the National Trust for Scotland website for more information.
3 Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt
Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, until May 1
This treasure hunt with a difference is guaranteed to raise a smile. It’s a race against the clock to find the cuddly Britannia corgis that have been hidden on board the Royal yacht. A treat for the whole family, there are prizes on offer for those who manage to track down all of the elusive corgis. Alternatively, post your corgi selfies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to be in with a chance of winning a delicious box of Britannia fudge.
4 Dig up a Dinosaur
Dundee Science Centre, Dundee, until May 22
Have you ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of Jurassic Park’s Doctor Alan Grant? Well, now’s your chance. This hands-on workshop will give budding palaeontologists the chance to dig up a dinosaur and find out how fossils are formed. Would-be fossil hunters will also learn how to preserve and identify their discoveries.
Tickets for the workshop cost £7.95 for adults, £6.95 for students and concessions, and £5.95 for children. Under fours go free. Contact Dundee Science Centre for more information.
5 Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
The SSE Hydro, Glasgow today and the AECC Arena, Aberdeen on April 24
The former Oasis guitarist kicks off his UK tour in Scotland tonight, performing at Glasgow’s cavernous SSE Hydro before heading north to the AECC. With an impressive back-catalogue full of classic tracks, including Don’t Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall, the Mancunian music legend is sure to perform some old-school crowd pleasers alongside a flurry of new material. Support for the nights comes from Welsh psychedelic rockers, Super Furry Animals. Tickets are priced £39.75-£79.45 for Glasgow and £47.50 for Aberdeen.
6 An Audience with Charles Dickens
The Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen, until August 14
One for lovers of classic literature, this exhibition explores the works of Dickens and his rather more unusual side-line, as a performer of his own works. The exhibit, which was inspired by the celebrated author’s visits to Aberdeen in the 19th century, includes rare first editions of all of his novels, from The Pickwick Papers to his unfinished work, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. It is the first time that the 15 rare first editions, which are part of the university’s Special Collections Centre, have been displayed together at the institution. Entry is free.
7 Thriller Live
The King’s Theatre, Glasgow, until April 23
Celebrating the career of the King of Pop, this musical extravaganza is filled with classic songs from Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5.
Featuring favourites including Billie Jean, I Want You Back and Can You Feel It, the spectacular show, which combines pop hits with videos, dancing and special effects, has proved to be a big hit with audiences since moonwalking onto the stage in 2006, taking over $150m globally.
Tickets for the show cost £16.25. Contact the King’s Theatre for more information.
8 Colonsay Book Festival
The Village Hall, Isle of Colonsay, April 23-24
Set in spectacular surroundings, Colonsay’s annual literary festival is a must for book lovers. Now in its fifth year, the festival boasts an impressive programme of talks and workshops from some of Scotland’s best-loved authors, including Denise Mina, Julie Davidson and former Today host James Naughtie, and a pub quiz. Previous guests have included Alexander McCall Smith, Liz Lochhead, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Christopher Brookmyre.
Tickets for the festival are £10 for individual events and £60 for a weekend pass. Visit the Colonsay Book Festival website for more information.
9 Christopher Johnson: The Dark Bunny
Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, until April 30
Home to an array of terrifying monsters, quirky creatures and imaginative creations, this exhibition is every sci-fi, fantasy and film buff’s idea of heaven. The exhibition of sculptures in the Scottish Design Exchange showcases the fantastical creatures, costumes and characters created by Edinburgh-based sculptor Christopher Johnson, a.k.a. The Dark Bunny. His creations have to be seen to be believed. Entry is free.
10 An audience with John Hartson and Chris Sutton
Walkabout, Renfield Street, Glasgow, April 21
Football fans are in for a treat tonight as legends John Hartson and Chris Sutton discuss their careers and life after the game at a special talk in Glasgow. The dynamic duo will regale their audience with tales from the Premier League and Celtic during the evening. John Hartson will also talk about his incredible journey from battling testicular cancer to setting up the John Hartson Foundation. The night will be hosted by referee John McKelvie.
Tickets are priced £22-£58.85.
11 WWE Live Wrestlemania Revenge
The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, April 23
Some of the biggest stars of the wrestling world will be in Glasgow on Saturday when WWE returns to the city’s Hydro. The action-packed show will include tag team battles, a match between Roman Reigns and Ireland’s Sheamus and an appearance by wrestling legend Ric Flair.
Tickets for the show are priced £34.05-£400. Contact the SSE Hydro for more information.
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