Ten Things You Cannae Miss . . . July 17 – 23

By Katrina Patrick -

Our team have swept the length and breadth of Scotland to find you the most vibrant, most unusual and most unmissable events on offer this weekend, and in the coming week . . .

Carnival

On Saturday, July 18, bands from as far away as Japan, Brazil and South Africa will parade along Kirkcaldy’s High Street for the Fife International Carnival from 3pm. Don’t fret if rain hits; the blaze of colour will continue in the main auditorium.

Games Galore

This is definitely the weekend for Highland Games! Loch Lomond, Tomintoul, Taynuilt, Lochcarron and Inverness are all hosting Games on Saturday, July 18. Click the links for more information, and go to WelcomeToScotland website to find a Highland Games near you.

Can’t Forget

Last chance to catch Karen Dunbar in Can’t Forget About You at the Tron Theatre! The riotous comedy closes on Saturday, July 25, and tells the tale of 25-year-old Stevie who might just have fallen for 29-year-old Glaswegian widow Martha – but his family are having none of it. 18yrs+.

A Golden Voice

Best known as the lead singer of Capercaillie, Karen Matheson will be taking to the Islands Stage in Stornoway at the Hebridean Celtic Festival to perform mesmerising folk songs in both Gaelic and English. Tickets available here, and do check out our interview with her, here!

Auld Alliance

Stirling Castle explores its French Connections this weekend (July 18 and 19) with a series of special events and art exhibitions in honour of the 500th year since the birth of Mary of Guise. Discover the influence the wife of James V and mother of Mary Queen of Scots had on the castle.

Music at Paxton

The Music at Paxton festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in style with over a week of the finest international chamber music concerts in the stunning Picture Gallery. Prize-winning young quartet Notos Piano Quartet open the festival at 7.30pm on Friday, July 17.

Carnival – Mark 2!

If you can’t make it to Kirkcaldy (or if you enjoyed the carnival and want to go again!) head to Edinburgh for their Carnival Parade on Princes Street and in the gardens on Sunday, July 19, where the same colourful dancers will be taking to the streets as part of the Edinburgh Jazz Festival.

Junior Championships

For the first time ever the British Rowing Junior Championships take place at Strathclyde Country Park as a standalone event. Traditionally held every four years, this event is the first of the new schedule, which sees the Championships become a yearly event. Cheer on the youngsters on July 18 and 19.

ButeFest!

This brand new event will take place in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute featuring live music, food, craft beer and cider and free camping facilities. Local producers and exotic flavours combine to tease the tastebuds, while pirate-themed fancy dress entertain the littlest Butefesters. Arr!

Glamis Prom

The open-air concert returns on Saturday, July 18, in the stunning grounds of Glamis Castle. Elaine Paige and Susan Boyle top the bill, with Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra and special guest Norman Bowman. Bring a camping chair and a picnic – this is a night you really cannae miss.