Ten Things You Cannae Miss . . . July 24 – 30

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 . . .

Pipes and … sports!

Set against the backdrop of Dumbarton Rock and Castle, the Scottish Pipe Band Championships takes place on Saturday, July 25, welcoming players and spectators from across the globe. For free entry, spectators can enjoy Highland dancing competitions, a sports zone, fun fair and tempting trade stalls.

Shirley at the Byre

From July 23 until August 8, playwright Willy Russell is taking audiences on the eponymous Shirley Valentine’s roller coaster journey of self-discovery, from a drab Liverpool suburb to a world where she can find the girl she once was. Every evening at 7.30 pm at the Byre Theatre, St Andrews – with some matinées, too.

Celebrating Young Artists

The Aberdeen International Youth Festival is one of the world’s biggest celebrations of youth arts. From July 24 until August 4, AIYF brings you the very best in dance, theatre and music with performances all over Aberdeenshire and Angus. Don’t miss the Evening of World Music on Tuesday, July 28.

Ghost Walk!

Ghosts, ghouls, murder and witchcraft – join Mostly Ghostly for a terrifying tour around darkest Dumfries, where you’ll be transported as far back in time as the 14th century by real-life paranormal investigators. Wednesday, July 29 – booking essential. Click here for more!

Fèis Rois

The Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail tour takes place across Scotland from July 20 to August 15, and this week there’s a free performance in Hootenanny, Inverness! Pop along, and click here for more live music performances from some of Scotland’s finest young traditional musicians!

Glasgow’s beach!

Yes, you read that right! The Riverside Museum in Glasgow have built a beach outside their building for the summer holidays, so grab your bucket and spade and head down for some sunshine (hopefully) and sand – right in the city centre, and all for free. Click here for venue information.

Forsinard on Safari

Explore the vast Forsinard Flows nature reserve by 4×4 to find out more about this fascinating and internationally important habitat and see some fantastic scenery along the way. On Sunday, July 26, enjoy tea, coffee and delicious home-baking on this unmissable day out. Click here for more.

Vintage Tea

Every Saturday over the summer the catering students of Dundee & Angus College are running a vintage tea room in the stunning Camperdown House, Dundee. A great chance to see inside the A-listed neoclassical mansion – and guzzle on scones at discount prices!

Vettriano on Display

A new exhibition showcasing a small collection of original works by renowned Scottish artist, Jack Vettriano, opens to the public on Saturday, July 25 at Duff House in Banff. This intimate exhibition includes Vettriano’s famous pieces, but also some rare gems of his early work donated by a local collector.