The hidden gems, pop-ups and top tips in Scotland this week...
1. IF you have read this issue of the Sunday National by now you’ll know all about the school strikes on Friday to protest government inaction to avert the climate crisis. Remember that this time the youngsters are asking adults to join in. They want their parents and families and friends to take part in a massive Friday For Future Day of Disruption. On this day, the kids intend to educate, agitate and organise to draw attention to the impact on our world if our governments continue to sit on their hands. In Glasgow, the plan is to meet at Kelvingrove Park and in Edinburgh at Middle Meadow Walk, both 11am. All Scottish protest details can be found at www.climatestrike.scot
2. DOESN’T everyone secretly want to hear those three little words? Brunch, Bottomless, Bo&Birdy’s. I do. I do. I do. In the city that likes to say YES! I bring news of a wonderful, wonderful treat. Easy like a Sunday morning, relaxing with an all-you-can eat buffet brunch with newspapers (this one top the pile I would certainly hope!) and prosecco and cocktails ... and bumping into Billy Connolly (actually that’s probably just me… sorry). Anyway, what is soon to become a Glasgow institution kicks off on September 29 for £50 a head. Bookings at 0141 240 1633, The Blythswood Hotel from 12 noon. I’m telling you now because the opening week will sell out ... so book today.
3. THE Hydro in Glasgow is the place to be this week. The fabulous Ariana Grande appears tomorrow and Tuesday, Russell Howard is on Friday and Still Game is on Saturday. What a week. Just to make your visit to this fab venue even more special, get yourself along to the brand-new Eden Mill bars. Gin is Scotland’s other national drink and no-one does gin better than Eden Mill. It’s Scottish and its owner is committed to our wee and wonderful country. So if you’re hopping to the hydro, nip in for a berry bramble or a basil smash. Owner and Founder of Eden Mill, Paul Miller who is a big fan of this newspaper and our sister daily, was telling me about the Christmas candy cane gin coming soon. Watch out for it. Details of this week’s gigs at https://www.thessehydro.com/whats-on and check out www.edenmill.com
4. RICKY Ross of Deacon Blue is one of the most solid guys in the music industry and he and the band have proven their generosity this week. They have agreed to do a one-off gig at The Glad Cafe in Glasgow. It’s been a bit like rain-town in the Glad Cafe recently, thanks to a seriously damaged roof. Deacon Blue have agreed to play to help the Raise the Roof campaign. The Glad Cafe’s share of their costs is a whopping £40,000 and without this work its future is in serious jeopardy. All details and tickets at www.thegladcafe.co.uk, www.musicglue.com. Tonight, 7pm, £100
5. OVER in Auld Reekie, it’s the launch date of one of the best and most brilliant (and coldest) events of the year. The guys and gals at Social Bite invite you to The World’s Big Sleep Out Launch Party at the Biscuit Factory on Tuesday. It’s your chance to find out more information about the global Sleep Out event Saturday, December 7. There will be nibbles and food trucks and a bar! It’s a free event but register on Eventbrite.
6. IT’S Dundee Pride on Saturday. Sponsored by TAY FM, you can start your day with a drag brunch at the McManus before heading over to join the march at the Overgate Shopping Centre and wind your way to Slessor Gardens, where there will be a youth zone, two stages, a pride market, food trucks and much more. Timings and all the tea at www.dundeepride.com
7. IT’S doors open day today and next weekend and can I make a humble suggestion: visit Glasgow’s best-kept secret, the truly brilliant Glasgow Women’s Library. All week the library is open and the archives are opened on Saturday at 1pm. Details of all the doors open events are available at http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here