What's On?

What's On?

The list below is of events due to take place across the Undiscovered Scotland Area. If you know of an event that ought to be listed here, let us know.

July

• Various dates in July: Live Music at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Clachaig's legendary atmosphere has much to do with the regular live music featured in the Boots Bar. With everything from contemporary to traditional music featured, the atmosphere is always relaxed, friendly and informal - and often a little mad. Visit our month by month listing of music at www.clachaig.com.

• 3-5 July: The Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace Set impressively in the grounds of Scone Palace, the Scottish Game Fair is regarded as one of the main countryside events of the year in Scotland, demonstrating the importance of game and other wildlife and their contribution to the Scottish countryside. The Fair attracts over 30,000 visitors who come to see spectacular arena events, gundog and fishing competitions and clay pigeon shooting. There are also 400 trade stands selling guns, fishing rods and outdoor clothes and for the children there is a Punch and Judy Show. Daily 9.30am to 6pm. Adult £14, Child (5-15) £3, Under 5s Free and Family £31. For further information, visit: www.scottishfair.com, Tel: 01828 650639 or email: info@scottishfair.com.

• 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 July: Ardkinglas House Tours Friday tours will take place at 2.30 at Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, Argyll. Entry is £6. To request a booking please contact Ardkinglas Estate Office by Tel: 01499 600261, Fax: 01499 600241 or email: info@ardkinglas.com.

• 3-31 July: Garden Detectives at the National Museum of Scotland Join Garden Detectives this summer and put the natural world under the magnifying glass. What calls our parks and gardens home? Track evidence, investigate insects, unearth clues and get hands-on with habitats. Who knows what you'll discover? For children aged 5-9. Admission Free. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

• 3-31 July: The Home Season, Pitlochry Festival Theatre Six marvellous works by Scottish authors including the world premiere of Whisky Galore - A Musical!  J.M. Barrie's "What Every Woman Knows",  Muriel Spark's "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie", Liz Lochead's "Good Things", and Simon Donald's "The Life of Stuff". See website for details.

• 3-31 July: Prehistoric Frolics at Almond Valley The lives of our ancient ancestors will be celebrated in a summer-long programme of activities for children and their families, allowing everyone to play their part in recreating a prehistoric encampment. Workshop sessions will be run every day to teach the skills essential for prehistoric living and each day a little more will be added to the settlement. There's a shelter and fences to be built, crops to plant, and livestock to tend. And between all of this hard work there's the need to make fire, prepare food, make clothing and bedding and even go hunting. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Adults £5, Children (3-16) £3.50, Family (2 Adults, plus up to 4 Children) £17. Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

• 3-31 July: Go Wild! - Summer Programme at the National Museum of Rural Life Make the most of the holidays with our new summer activities. Tel: 0131 247 4369 for more information on arts and crafts - including kite making and photography - as well as music sessions. Get lost in our willow maze or enjoy a short film in our theatre. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Daily at 11.30pm and 2pm (2hrs, booking essential, Tel: 0131 247 4369) at National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Phillipshill Road, East Kilbride.

• 4 & 5 July: British Superbike Championship at Knockhill A fabulous spectacle of 2 wheel speed, the British Superbike Championship makes its annual pilgrimage North of the Border, to provide spectators with stunning elbow to elbow action. Discover for yourself what all the noise is about, when the 180mph projectiles representing Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki attack the Knockhill tarmac. Add a fabulous mix of supporting races and a race day atmosphere unequalled anywhere in the UK and you have the British Superbikes at Knockhill! Tickets from £5 to £32. Knockhill Racing Circuit, by Dunfermline, KY12 9TF.

• 5 July: Grounds Tour at Scone Palace Join Assistant Head Gardener Jonathan Campbell as he takes visitors on a special tour of the magnificent gardens at Scone Palace. Tours, which last approx 1 hour, will take place at 11am and 2pm. Entry to grounds only is Adult £4.80, Child £3.20 and Concessions £4.20. To guarantee a place on your chosen tour please telephone Pamela Lawrence on 01738 552300 or email: visits@scone-palace.co.uk. Places may also be booked on arrival, subject to availability.

• 10 July: Falconry Display at Scone Palace A chance to get up close and interact with some of Scotland's most spectacular birds of prey. Displays take place at various times throughout the day. Entry to grounds only is Adult £4.80, Child £3.20 and Concessions £4.20. Entry to both Palace and Grounds is Adult £8.50, Child £5.30, Concessions £7.30 and Family £24.

• 11-19 July: Freewheeling at Loch Ness An exhibition of contemporary textile art by a group of nine artists based across central Scotland.  The emphasis is on quilting. From 10 am to 4.30 pm daily at The Inch Hotel, Fort Augustus, PH32 4BL. Admission free.

• 12 July: Jazz at Drumlanrig Castle Craig McMurdo and his jazz quartet provide glitz, glamour and sophisticated sounds as dusk falls gently over Drumlanrig Castle and its magnificent gardens. As you sit back and relax, sip on expertly prepared Pimms and savour fresh, local strawberries. Drumlanrig Castle has thought of everything for an enchanting summer evening. Gates open at 6pm. Music starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50. To book, Tel: 01848 331555.

• 17 & 18 July: National Youth Choir of Scotland Summer Concerts This outstanding choir of Scotland's young singers will perform a varied repertoire including: Sir Michael Tippett's 5 Spirituals from A Child of Our Time, James McMillan's Divo Aloysio Sacrum Pieces by Walton, Leighton and Tavener and some Traditional songs. 17 July at St Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh - 7.30pm. Tickets available through the website, at the door or Tel: 0141 287 2856. 18 July at Perth Concert Hall - 3pm. Tickets available through the Horsecross Website or Tel: 01738 621031.

• 18 & 19 July: Edinburgh Treefest and Wood Market 2009 For the 8th year, Four Winds Inspiration Centre and Treefest Partners are putting on a fantastic show of all that's best in the woodland world, with something for everyone: crafts, demonstrations, displays, music, games, activities, refresments and stalls.  Come along and soak up the atmosphere, and there'll be lots of sustainable wood products to buy as well! From 11am to 5pm at Inverleith Park Arboretum Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. Admission free.

• 19 July: Heavy Horse Show at the National Museum of Rural Life Come and see Clydesdale horses, Highland and Shetland ponies and donkeys at one of Scotland's biggest heavy horse shows. See nearly 200 of the country's largest and smallest horses, from six feet tall to 34 inches small! There will be show classes, displays, agility courses and tail dressing workshops (not on the real things!). From 10am to 5pm at National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Phillipshill Road, East Kilbride. Adult £6, Concessions £5, Children under 12 free, Members free. Book now on: 0131 247 4369.

• 22 July: Homecoming Scotland Stewart Family Trail at Scone Palace As part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations, the Palace will be hosting living history performances by costumed actors, telling the history of the Royal House of Stewart's connections to Scone. Performances will take place at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Entry to grounds only is Adult £4.80, Child £3.20 and Concessions £4.20. Entry to both Palace and Grounds is Adult £8.50, Child £5.30, Concessions £7.30 and Family £24.

• 24 July: Celeb-AM Golf Day at Cawder Golf Club in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care This day is sure to be fun filled with Birdies, Bogies and maybe even a few hole in ones! Most importantly it will do (and hopefully raise!) a huge amount for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Each team will consist of three players and a celebrity golfer. With registration costing £400 per team, participants can either arrange for their own celebrity golfer or Marie Curie will arrange one for them. Breakfast and lunch will keep the golfers going throughout the day. To find out how you can sign up for the Big Build event Tel: 01415 311383 or email: bigbuild@mariecurie.org.uk.

• 25 July: Ardkinglas House Tours Saturday tours will take place at 11am at Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, Argyll. Entry is £6. To request a booking please contact Ardkinglas Estate Office by Tel: 01499 600261, Fax: 01499 600241 or email: info@ardkinglas.com.

• 25 July: Dufftown Highland Games We have Heavy, Light and Track Events, Tug O'War, The 5 Tops Hill Race, a Special Race for Overseas Visitors, Highland Dancing, Massed Pipe Bands and Children's Events. Afternoon Teas and a Beer Tent are available and there are numerous Side Stalls. The Pipe Bands beat the retreat in The Square at 6pm. From 11am until approximately 6.45pm.

• 25 July: East Fortune National Museum of Flight Airshow Set coordinates for East Fortune Airfield on Saturday 25 July for the National Museum of Flight's annual air display. Look to the skies in the afternoon for more than two hours of high-octane aerial displays, ranging from historic war birds to contemporary military jets. There will be lots to see and do throughout the day. Take part in children's activity workshops, fairground rides, displays, demonstrations and much more. Early bird savings tickets available from 1st to 13th July; Adults £14, Concessions £12, Children to age 15 £7, Family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) £30. Standard tickets priced from £10 for Children to age 15, Adults £17 and a Family ticket £45. For further information check out our website or Tel: 01312 474302.

• 25 & 26 July: The Gathering One of the signature events of Homecoming Scotland. One of the largest clan gatherings in history taking place over 2 days in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.

• 25 & 26 July: Great Glasgow Duck Race in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care Big Build Appeal The Clyde River Festival draws to a 'quacking' end with the annual 'Great Glasgow Duck Race' when thousands of yellow rubber ducks are released on to the Clyde. Marie Curie's Big Build Appeal is now counting down to the new hospice opening in 12 months time. It needs 20,000 ducks to have an owner by the 26 July and is urging everyone to pick their winning duck soon and help the charity raise the roof! People can adopt a duck for just £5 or increase their chances of winning by adopting their own flock of 5 for £20.

• 31 July - 9 August: Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival One of the key strands of this year's programme is keyboards in all shapes and sizes from concert grands to Hammond organs.

August

• Various dates in August: Live Music at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Clachaig's legendary atmosphere has much to do with the regular live music featured in the Boots Bar. With everything from contemporary to traditional music featured, the atmosphere is always relaxed, friendly and informal - and often a little mad. Visit our month by month listing of music at www.clachaig.com.

• 1 August: Aberlour Highland Games We have Heavy events, Light and Field, Tug O' War, Highland Dancing (SOBHD) all ages, Solo Piping, Haggis Hurling (Overseas Visitors Only), Massed Pipe Bands, Children’s Races and Pets Parade. Evening: 6.30pm Fancy Dress and Massed Pipe Bands 10pm Marquee Dance. Events from 11am.

• 1 August: Rome for a Day at Drumlanrig Castle Prepare to step back in time at Drumlanrig as we host the authentic Rome For A Day! With a fun-filled line up of entertainment, events and activities harking back to the Roman times. Staff will be dressed up and on hand to tour visitors around the Roman Fort, provide sword-making classes, teach the art of the mosaic and much more. With such a great line-up, visitors will be set to experience some Delectatio Profundo (that’s great fun to us non Romans!). From 11am to 3pm. Adults £4, Children (3-16) £3, Family £12. Tel: 01848 331555 or email: enquiries@drumlanrig.com for tickets and further information. Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, DG3 4AQ.

• 1-14 August: Go Wild! - Summer Programme at the National Museum of Rural Life Make the most of the holidays with our new summer activities. Tel: 0131 247 4369 for more information on arts and crafts - including kite making and photography - as well as music sessions. Get lost in our willow maze or enjoy a short film in our theatre. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Daily at 11.30pm and 2pm (2hrs, booking essential, Tel: 0131 247 4369) at National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Phillipshill Road, East Kilbride.

• 1-16 August: Prehistoric Frolics at Almond Valley The lives of our ancient ancestors will be celebrated in a summer-long programme of activities for children and their families, allowing everyone to play their part in recreating a prehistoric encampment. Workshop sessions will be run every day to teach the skills essential for prehistoric living and each day a little more will be added to the settlement. There's a shelter and fences to be built, crops to plant, and livestock to tend. And between all of this hard work there's the need to make fire, prepare food, make clothing and bedding and even go hunting. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Adults £5, Children (3-16) £3.50, Family (2 Adults, plus up to 4 Children) £17. Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

• 1-31 August: Garden Detectives at the National Museum of Scotland Join Garden Detectives this summer and put the natural world under the magnifying glass. What calls our parks and gardens home? Track evidence, investigate insects, unearth clues and get hands-on with habitats. Who knows what you'll discover? For children aged 5-9. Admission Free. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

• 1 & 2 August: Festival of Orchids at Scone Palace Buy orchids from top orchid-growers, gain tips and ideas from talks and demonstrations and enjoy the orchid displays in the beautiful staterooms of Scone Palace. From 9.30am to 5pm. Entry to both Palace and Grounds is Adult £8.50, Child £5.30, Concessions £7.30 and Family £24.

• 7 August: Homecoming Scotland Bruce Family Trail at Scone Palace As part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations, the Palace will be hosting living history performances by costumed actors, telling the history of the Royal House of Bruce's connections to Scone. Performances will take place at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Entry to grounds only is Adult £4.80, Child £3.20 and Concessions £4.20. Entry to both Palace and Grounds is Adult £8.50, Child £5.30, Concessions £7.30 and Family £24.

• 7-9 August: Edinburgh Mela Festival Scotland's leading celebration of cultural diversity through the arts. Bringing together some of the finest talent from across Scotland and the UK as well as international artists and presenting them in a vibrant and exciting environment with interactive opportunities for children and families and a food and craft market.

• 7-29 August: Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009 sees Scotland’s colourful military musical spectacular celebrate its 60th season, while paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, and playing its part in Scotland’s first ever year of Homecoming.

• 7-31 August: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe The biggest arts festival in the world, with something for everyone: theatre, comedy, music, dance, exhibitions and much, much more.

• 7, 14, 21 & 28 August: Ardkinglas House Tours Friday tours will take place at 2.30 at Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, Argyll. Entry is £6. To request a booking please contact Ardkinglas Estate Office by Tel: 01499 600261, Fax: 01499 600241 or email: info@ardkinglas.com.

• 11, 18 & 25 August: Evening Bat Walks at the National Museum of Rural Life Come and help monitor wildlife at the farm. Learn from the experts and get a chance to encounter these fascinating creatures. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. From 8.45pm on 11th & 18th and 8.30pm on 25th (2hrs, booking essential, Tel: 0131 247 4369) at National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Phillipshill Road, East Kilbride. This is a free event.

• 12 & 13 August: The Clan Ross Gathering 2009 This two day event will coincide with the Glenmorangie Highland Games.

• 14 August - 6 September: Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh's six major theatres and concert halls, a few smaller venues and often some unconventional ones too, come alive with the best classical music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art from around the globe.

• 15 & 16 August: Bruce Festival 2009 A magnificent celebration of King Robert the Bruce.

• 15 & 16 August: Scottish Championship Horse Trials at Scone Palace Scottish Open and Novice Eventing Championships. From 8am to 6pm daily. Admission £5 per car (includes programme). For further information, visit: www.centralscotlandhorsetrials.co.uk or contact James Oakden on 07778 928115 or by email: jamesoakden05@aol.com.

• 15-31 August: Edinburgh International Book Festival An inspiring literary festival, the world's largest public celebration of the written word, right in the heart of Edinburgh: hundreds of author events, debates and workshops packed into 17 extraordinary days.

• 27-29 August: Cowal Highland Gathering 2009 The world’s biggest and most spectacular Highland Gathering, dating back to 1894, returns to Cowal this August with a new fantastic festival programme. Witness more than 700 highland dancers and 3000 pipers from across the world compete to win championship titles. 9am to 6pm each day. Advance Tickets £4 - Thursday, £6 - Friday, £10 - Saturday or £14 on the day. For more information please visit our website or Tel: 01369 703206. Dunoon Stadium, Argyll.

• 28-30 August: Bladnoch Folk and Blues Festival III Three days of music including artists such as Skerryvore, Bellvue Rendezvous, The Fortunate Sons and Adrian Byron Burns, kids entertainment - a climbing wall, face painting, junk music workshops, a busking competition and music sessions. Catering on site, booking recommended. The Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown.

• 29 August: Ardkinglas House Tours Saturday tours will take place at 11am at Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, Argyll. Entry is £6. To request a booking please contact Ardkinglas Estate Office by Tel: 01499 600261, Fax: 01499 600241 or email: info@ardkinglas.com.

• 29 August: Runrig Live at Scone Palace As part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations, Runrig will play live in the magnificent parklands of Scone Palace. 2pm to 11pm. Tickets, priced £34.27 (plus booking fee), are on sale now from Scone Palace, Tel: 01738 552300 or email: visits@scone-palace.co.uk.

September

• Various dates in September: Live Music at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Clachaig's legendary atmosphere has much to do with the regular live music featured in the Boots Bar. With everything from contemporary to traditional music featured, the atmosphere is always relaxed, friendly and informal - and often a little mad. Visit our month by month listing of music at www.clachaig.com.

• 1-27 September: Garden Detectives at the National Museum of Scotland Join Garden Detectives this summer and put the natural world under the magnifying glass. What calls our parks and gardens home? Track evidence, investigate insects, unearth clues and get hands-on with habitats. Who knows what you'll discover? For children aged 5-9. Admission Free. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

• 1-30 September: Perthshire Open Studios Offering the unique opportunity to get to know local artists and makers. In the studios you will find a variety of artwork including paintings, sculptures, photographs, stained glass, woodwork, ceramics, jewellery, metalwork and much more. For further information visit the website or Tel: 01738 477834.

• 4 & 5 September: Islay Book Festival An intimate and prestigious Festival with a range of authors to suit all tastes. This year sees Lord George Robertson speak on his career from rural Islay to the White House; Hamish Macdonell, Political Editor of the 'Scotsman' on his book on the first ten years of Scottish Devolution; Andrew Nicoll on his romance that has topped the best seller charts in Australia and New Zealand. Sunday is 'Crime Sunday' with three distinguished crime writers both in lively conversation with each other and the telling of their individual specialities; be it forensic pathology or Glasgow's underground crime scene. A full programme of events for children will also be held.

• 4, 11, 18 & 25 September: Ardkinglas House Tours Friday tours will take place at 2.30 at Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, Argyll. Entry is £6. To request a booking please contact Ardkinglas Estate Office by Tel: 01499 600261, Fax: 01499 600241 or email: info@ardkinglas.com.

• 5 September: The Braemar Gathering The most exciting games and gathering in Scotland and the only one to have the Queen as Chieftan. International athletes will be among those taking part in the "heavy" and "track" events. Pipers and dancers will be of the usual high standard while teams from H.M. Forces will compete in the InterServices Unit Tug of War Championship and in the Services Medley Relay Race. Scottish Pipe Bands will be to the fore with the customary Massed Pipe Bands appearing. From 9.30am.

• 5-13 September: Scottish Borders Walking Festival The 15th Scottish Borders Walking Festival, part of Homecoming Scotland, celebrates the lively and often colourful history of the Border Reivers. Enjoy over 60 themed walks and a full programme of social events, taking in the stunning scenery surrounding Jedburgh and Hawick (including Denholm, Newcastleton and the Cheviot Hills). Walks vary widely from easy strolls to strenuous hill climbs and are priced from Free to £13 - there will be something for everyone. For further information visit the website or Tel: 01835 863170.

• 6 September: Grounds Tour at Scone Palace Join Assistant Head Gardener Jonathan Campbell as he takes visitors on a special tour of the magnificent gardens at Scone Palace. Tours, which last approx 1 hour, will take place at 11am and 2pm. Entry to grounds only is Adult £4.80, Child £3.20 and Concessions £4.20. To guarantee a place on your chosen tour please telephone Pamela Lawrence on 01738 552300 or email: visits@scone-palace.co.uk. Places may also be booked on arrival, subject to availability.

• 8, 15 & 22 September: Evening Bat Walks at the National Museum of Rural Life Come and help monitor wildlife at the farm. Learn from the experts and get a chance to encounter these fascinating creatures. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. From 8.15pm on 8th, 7.45 on 15th and 7.30pm on 22nd (2hrs, booking essential, Tel: 0131 247 4369) at National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Phillipshill Road, East Kilbride. This is a free event.

• 12 & 13 September: Antique & Collectors Fair at the Royal Highland Centre Up to 200 exhibitors will be selling furniture, silver, jewellery, ceramics, glass, pictures and much more at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh. A courtesy bus will operate from Waverley Station to the fair and back.

• 13 September: Scottish Vintage Tractor and Engine Club Extravaganza at Scone Palace Vintage tractors, stationary engines, steam engines and agricultural machinery will be display, together with vintage cars, lorries and other vehicles. Working demonstrations of vintage agricultural machinery including ploughing, combining and threshing, plus trade stands and auto jumble. From 9am to 5pm. Entry is Adult £7, Child and Concessions £3.

• 25-28 September: Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival Four days of whisky filled fun. Join mini bus tours to distilleries not usually open to the public; explore the pairing of whisky with foods such as salmon, cheese or chocolate; dine in restaurants with special festival menus. There is also music, dancing, pipe bands and walks in the countryside and finally the Dregs Party brings the festival to a close.

• 26 September: Ardkinglas House Tours Saturday tours will take place at 11am at Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, Argyll. Entry is £6. To request a booking please contact Ardkinglas Estate Office by Tel: 01499 600261, Fax: 01499 600241 or email: info@ardkinglas.com.

October

• Various dates in October: Live Music at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Clachaig's legendary atmosphere has much to do with the regular live music featured in the Boots Bar. With everything from contemporary to traditional music featured, the atmosphere is always relaxed, friendly and informal - and often a little mad. Visit our month by month listing of music at www.clachaig.com.

• 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October: Ardkinglas House Tours Friday tours will take place at 2.30 at Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, Argyll. Entry is £6. To request a booking please contact Ardkinglas Estate Office by Tel: 01499 600261, Fax: 01499 600241 or email: info@ardkinglas.com.

• 3 & 4 October: East Perthshire Walking Festival A short sharp challenging weekend with something for most abilities. There will be 3 walks each day: a section of the Cateran Trail, a high level long distance trail with Munro diversions, and a low level railway based walk. If public interest is good additional walks will be added. Visit our website to see walk descriptions and to register your interest.

• 4 October: Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running (featuring the River Ness 10K, Healthy Working Lives 10K Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5K Fun Run and Highland Breakfast Run) is one of the world’s most stunning races, and attracted a record field of over 6000 runners from 38 nationalities in 2008. Highlights include a pre-race Pasta Party and festival on race day with pipes and drums, live ceilidh music, kids activities and renowned Scottish Highland hospitality.

• 4 October: Grounds Tour at Scone Palace Join Assistant Head Gardener Jonathan Campbell as he takes visitors on a special tour of the magnificent gardens at Scone Palace. Tours, which last approx 1 hour, will take place at 11am and 2pm. Entry to grounds only is Adult £4.80, Child £3.20 and Concessions £4.20. To guarantee a place on your chosen tour please telephone Pamela Lawrence on 01738 552300 or email: visits@scone-palace.co.uk. Places may also be booked on arrival, subject to availability.

• 9-18 October: Cowalfest Walking and Arts Festival set within the breathtaking scenery, so inspirational to artists and writers, of Argyll’s Cowal Peninsula.

• 10-31 October: Spooky Happenings at Almond Valley A little horror for the Autumn holidays when the darkest and scariest corners of the old mill and farm buildings become the abode of unearthly creatures intent on horrible fun. Follow the trail of terror and win a small prize for your bravery, join in creepy crafts, gruesome games, and have a spine-tingling good time. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Adults £5, Children (3-16) £3.50, Family (2 Adults, plus up to 4 Children) £17. Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

• 11 October: World Porridge Making Championship 2009 The annual World Porridge Making Championships is followed with interest by connoisseurs of the traditional national dish across the globe. This celebration of Scottish culture includes a pipe band parade of judges and competitors, the official Toast to the Porridge, local craft and produce stalls, cookery demonstrations, live music and street entertainment as well as the Carrbridge Challenge 5km & 3km Forest Run and minis fun run. From 9.30 am in Carrbridge.

• 16-31 October: Clachaig Inn Octoberfest in Scotland's most famous glen. Music, beer tasting and more in the Boots bar. The Inn has three bars and good food is served throughout the day. Clachaig is famous for its range of cask conditioned ales and has a top shelf featuring 160 malt and deluxe whiskies. Visit our website for more information on our What's On page.

• 17 October: Great Scottish 100 A 100 mile hill walking challenge through Scotland’s stunning landscapes, with shorter alternatives too.

• 18 October: Cancer Research UK 10K Run at Scone Palace Fundraising event on behalf of Cancer Research UK. For more information, visit: www.cancerresearchuk.org.

• 30 October: Friday Fright Night at Almond Valley Doors re-open after dark for horrible performances, candlelit trails, the ghost train and traditional Halloween games. Come dressed to kill. Open 6pm to 9pm. Adults £5, Children (3-16) £3.50, Family (2 Adults, plus up to 4 Children) £17. Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

• 31 October: Hallowe'en at Scone Palace Join in the fun with this spooky puppet show! Learn about spooky tales from Scotland's history. Performances will take place at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm. Entry to grounds only is Adult £4.80, Child £3.20 and Concessions £4.20. Entry to both Palace and Grounds is Adult £8.50, Child £5.30, Concessions £7.30 and Family £24.

November

• Various dates in November: Live Music at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Clachaig's legendary atmosphere has much to do with the regular live music featured in the Boots Bar. With everything from contemporary to traditional music featured, the atmosphere is always relaxed, friendly and informal - and often a little mad. Visit our month by month listing of music at www.clachaig.com.

• 13-15 November: Galloway Antiques Fair at Scone Palace Nationally known antiques and fine art dealers will be displaying items for sale including furniture, porcelain, glass, silver, jewellery, mirrors, sculpture, oriental rugs and carpets and much more from early Georgian through to the 1930s. Come along and search for a bargain. Open 10.30am to 5pm daily (to 4pm Saturday). Entry is Adult £4, Under 16s Free.

• 14 & 15 November: Antique & Collectors Fair at the Royal Highland Centre Up to 200 exhibitors will be selling furniture, silver, jewellery, ceramics, glass, pictures and much more at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh. A courtesy bus will operate from Waverley Station to the fair and back.

• 28 & 29 November: Santa at Almond Valley Meet Santa in his cottage in the forest, receive an early Christmas present, join in Christmas crafts and enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Adults £5, Children (3-16) £3.50, Family (2 Adults, plus up to 4 Children) £17. Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

December

• Various dates in December: Live Music at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Clachaig's legendary atmosphere has much to do with the regular live music featured in the Boots Bar. With everything from contemporary to traditional music featured, the atmosphere is always relaxed, friendly and informal - and often a little mad. Visit our month by month listing of music at www.clachaig.com.

• 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, plus 21-24 December: Santa at Almond Valley Meet Santa in his cottage in the forest, receive an early Christmas present, join in Christmas crafts and enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Adults £5, Children (3-16) £3.50, Family (2 Adults, plus up to 4 Children) £17. Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

• 29 December 2009 - 2 January 2010: Clachaig Inn Hogmanay Hoolie in Scotland's most famous glen. Music every evening in the Boots bar from 9pm. The Inn has three bars and good food is served throughout the day. Clachaig is famous for its range of cask conditioned ales and has a top shelf featuring 160 malt and deluxe whiskies. Visit our website for more information on our What's On page.