Eight things to do in Scotland this week
We’ve rounded up a few of the best events, shows and festivals happening in Scotland, to help you make the most of your week. Time to get booking…
Photo: Glasgow Coffee Festival
Glasgow Coffee Festival
Java lovers will be delighted to hear the Glasgow Coffee Festival is back for its fifth year. Taking place this weekend at The Briggait, the festival will bring together some of the country’s top roasters, cafes and experts to celebrate all things coffee. Bring your reusable coffee cup and sample your way around Scotland’s speciality coffee scene, with both day tickets and weekend passes available.
May 4-5, tickets £16.50 day/£25 weekend, The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate, Glasgow, G1 5HZ - glasgowcoffeefestival.com
Lost At Sea
Inspired by the loss of playwright Morna Young's fisherman father, Lost at Sea is a personal tribute to the fishing communities of Scotland. The evocative play uncovers a mysterious web of family secrets, spanning 40 years of the fishing industry and featuring music, songs and Scots language from the North East’s fishing communities.
April 30 - May 4, tickets from £15, Perth Theatre, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ - horsecross.co.uk/venues/perth-theatre
Photo: Richard Davenport
Rock of Ages
Embrace your inner ‘80s wild child as smash hit musical Rock of Ages returns to the UK. With classic rock anthem after classic rock anthem, you’re sure to find yourself singing along in no time. Catch it at Edinburgh Playhouse this week, and follow along as country girl Sherrie moves to LA to make it as an actress, but ends up falling for rock star Drew on the Sunset Strip - where the dreams are as big as the hair.
April 30 - May 4, tickets from £13, Edinburgh Playhouse, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA - atgtickets.com/shows/rock-of-ages/edinburgh-playhouse
Idlewild
One of our favourite Scottish indie bands, Idlewild, recently released their ninth studio album, Interview Music. Catch them at Aberdeen’s Music Hall this Sunday to hear the new tunes, which are - of course - in the band’s signature poetic indie style, with a wee bit of inspiration from traditional Scottish folk music.
May 5, tickets £23, Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS - aberdeenperformingarts.com/music-hall
Photo: Scapa Fest
Scapa Fest
In need of some relaxation this weekend? Escape to Scapa Fest, a unique yoga and adventure festival in the stunning surroundings of Ardkinglas Estate on Loch Fyne. Choose from hundreds of yoga, wellness and adventure workshops, talks and performances from over 20 of the UK’s leading experts. Kids are welcome too, offering a fun and unique retreat for the whole family.
May 3-5, tickets from £195, Ardkinglas Estate, Loch Fyne, Cairndow, PA26 8BG - scapafest.com
Let It Be
Beatles fans won’t want to miss Let It Be, the international hit musical show which arrives in Inverness this week. With over 40 of the iconic band’s greatest hits, the show will take you from the early days to The Beatles’ meteoric rise to fame and all the way to their later global mega-hits.
April 30 - May 4, tickets from £12, Eden Court, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA - eden-court.co.uk
Photo: Cocktails in the City
Cocktails in the City
One of Edinburgh’s most popular cocktail celebrations returns to the capital this weekend, transforming The Hub on the Royal Mile into a haven for drinks enthusiasts. Cocktails in the City will bring together some of the world’s top bars and mixologists for two days of exciting pop-ups, masterclasses and tasting sessions.
May 3-4, tickets £12.50, The Hub, Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE - cocktailsinthecity.com
From Root to Leaf at The Gardener’s Cottage
Embrace Scotland’s beautiful seasonal produce with a celebration of spring at The Gardener’s Cottage this Thursday. The restaurant will be hosting a special five-course From Root to Leaf tasting menu to highlight the best plants, herbs, fruits and vegetable grown in their very own garden. Dining doesn’t get much more local than that, does it?