The hidden gems, pop-ups and top tips in Scotland this week

1 Largs Viking Festival. Not only is there brilliant music courtesy of the lean, mean, fiddling machines Really Jiggered, but you can also check out a Viking village and see a Scots/Viking battle, the building and setting on fire of a Viking long boat, a stunning fireworks display and lots more! This is a free event next Saturday from 1.30pm.

2 Meet the Mermaids at Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium. It’s going to be mermazing fun for all the family, real-life mermaids will be in the ocean tank alongside the sharks and stingrays. Today 11am-2pm and also next Saturday and Sunday. Same time, same place. Tickets available at https://www.visitsealife.com/loch-lomond/discover/events

3 A really important event takes place on Saturday at the Scottish Parliament from 9am until 4.30pm. Scotland’s Women Stand is gathering 400 women for a dynamic day at the Scottish Parliament to explore the paths to elected office and participation in democracy. Women of all ages, backgrounds, and political affiliations are invited to a day full of inspiration, information and motivation. This event encourages women to explore their political purpose and path and to be a part of positive change towards the goal of gender-equal political representation. Tickets and waitlist tickets available at www.scotswomenstand.org.uk. Free event

4 As a former member of the Sons Of The Desert fanclub, I am very interested in an event which combines Laurel and Hardy with a live band. Three short films starring the comic icons during their early silent days, screened with live music by award-winning composer Dave Abbott. Tonight at 4pm at Leith Depot. Go along and grab a beer and get into another fine mess. Tickets from £9 at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laurel-and-hardy-with-live-music

5 If football is more your thing then get yourself to Dundee on Thursday for an evening with Luis Garcia live. The Liverpool legend and Spanish internationalist is appearing at Duck Slattery’s Showbar at an intimate event with supporters. He will talk candidly about his time at Anfield, including the “ghost goal” versus Chelsea and the incredible behind-the-scenes story of that night in Istanbul. Hosted by LFCTV’s Mark Benstead, the evening includes a Q&A with the audience and the opportunity to win some incredible signed memorabilia from Liverpool Legends. Tickets from £30 from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-luis-garcia-tickets

6 Don’t just stay in your room. You can be there at the turnstiles, with the wind at your heels. You can stretch for the stars and you can know how it feels, thanks to the guys at Regular Music. Yes, it’s The Waterboys at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowland on Saturday at 7pm. Tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/the-waterboys-tickets

7 Maybe I’ve saved the best till last... Bonkers Bingo is back, fiercer, sassier but not really classier – millions of fun. Featuring an Ultrabeat DJ set. Get your pretty green eyes to Paisley Mecca Bingo at 7pm on Saturday. Tickets are disappearing but still available at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bonkers-bingo-ultrabeat-chris-henry-tickets. From £5, bizarre but brilliant