Seven things to do in Scotland this weekend
Don’t fancy yet another weekend doing chores and watching rubbish TV? There’s plenty going on around Scotland, so get yourself off the sofa and book a ticket for one of these events.
Painting workshop at Anthropologie Edinburgh
Brush up on your painting skills at this creative workshop with Anthropologie Edinburgh. Led by contemporary artists Arran Rahimian and Jonathan Barber, you’ll learn all about different painting techniques before having a go yourself. At the end of the session, you’ll be able to take your own Anthropologie-inspired painting home to admire.
February 16 & 17, Anthropologie, 31-41 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HN - tickets £30 (redeemable against purchases £40 and over) - more info
True OriGINs Festival
Promising an interactive, multi-sensory experience for gin connoisseurs, the True OriGINs Festival arrives in Banchory, Aberdeenshire this weekend. Sample your way around the festival, with tastings, masterclasses and workshops from over 70 world-class gin brands. Pass us a G&T…
February 15 & 16, The Barn, Burn O’ Bennie, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QA - tickets from £12.50 - more info
Chvrches
Glasgow-based electronic synth-pop trio Chvrches return to their home city this weekend with a gig at the SSE Hydro. Expect plenty of tunes from their latest album, Love Is Dead, as well as some of the classic hits that helped them break out to international acclaim.
February 16, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, G3 8YW - tickets from £23.50 - more info
Hebridean Dark Skies Festival
An exciting new programme of events which highlights the astronomical wonders which can been seen from the beautiful Isle of Lewis, the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival runs until February 21. With everything from stargazing events and talks from leading scientists, to film screenings and live music, it’s the perfect introduction to astronomy for the whole family.
Until February 21, An Lanntair Centre, Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DS - ticket prices vary - more info
The Giant Lanterns of China
With Chinese New Year just gone, it’s your last chance to catch the Giant Lanterns of China at Edinburgh Zoo. A magical spectacle of light and colour, over 450 beautifully crafted lanterns tell the stories of both Scottish and Chinese myths and legends - and they’re only here until Sunday, so don’t miss out.
Until February 17, Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS - tickets from £18 - more info
Cry-Baby
Inspired by the cult John Waters film of the same name, and from the writers of Hairspray, Cry-Baby is a comedy musical that’s well worth a watch if you’re in Aberdeen this weekend. The story follows conservative ‘50s teen Allison who is lured to the wrong side of the tracks by a gang of misfits, led by the mysterious and charming Wade ‘Cry-Baby’ Walker.
Until February 16, Aberdeen Arts Centre, 33 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AA - tickets from £17 - more info
Romeo & Juliet
Romeo & Juliet really needs no introduction, but we’ll give you one anyway. Performing their rendition of Shakespeare’s most famous tale of love, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra will play dreamy versions of tunes composed by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev, conducted by Elim Chan. As well as Glasgow, the tour will also stop off in Edinburgh on February 15 and Aberdeen on February 17.