1 WHAT we all really need right now is a day in a beautiful park, stellar tunes, all our pals, scrumptious grub – and beer. And that can be delivered my friend. The gang over at The Craft Beer and Food Truck are having a festival with laid back vibes and Instagram moments galore, the very best street food in Scotland, a tasting tent and DJs. It’s dug and wean friendly (and what’s more they let the weans and the dugs in free). I’ll be there making all the mischief, having all the fun and drinking all the beer, so if you want to join, get your tickets sharpish. Tickets are on sale now. For more info head over to www.facebook.com/craftbeerandfoodtruckfestival

2 THE funny man in the hat, Jerry Sadowitz, comedy marmite is heading to Glasgow on Sunday, July 18, this year to do a bit of his stand up at the King’s Theatre. Tickets are on sale this week and selling like hot cakes. If you fancy it head over to www.atgtickets.com/shows/jerry-sadowitz/kings-theatre-glasgow/ and snap a few up at £25 a skull and its an adults only gig.

3 WE missed a lot of the peripheral Christmassy stuff last year and one thing that I am definitely getting in the diary for this year is the wonderful The Nutcracker, performed by Scottish Ballet in Edinburgh. One of my favourite things to do, book yourself in for this treat and let Tchaikovsky’s score transport you to a land of dreams, and a story lifted straight from the pages of a classic fairytale. For all the details head to www.scottishballet.co.uk/event/the-nutcracker. From December 1 at the Festival Theatre.

4 TROON is my home from home and what a fantastic wee toon it is. This summer it’s all about the gigs, with the South Beach summer sessions featuring a fantastic double bill. The Skids and Big Country at Troon Concert Hall on Sunday, August 1, will be a cracker and tickets are on sale now.

I’m not expecting to grow flowers in the desert but I can live and breathe and see this gig in summertime! Tickets available at www.southbeachsessions.co.uk/en/skids-and-big-country/ priced from £35.

5 SAY the word Holyrood and I think politics and independence (or is that just me?) but now there’s a new reason to say Yes to Holyrood. The local distillery have exciting news, they are relaunching with a fabulous outdoor courtyard park situated right beside Holyrood Park and beneath iconic Arthur’s Seat. Open as of tomorrow with award-winning caterer Hickory doing the food. There are of course safety measures in place and for the moment you need to pre-book. For more information go to www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk or follow them on their social media channels.

6 RADISSON Red turns three this week and they are all ready to celebrate. The hotel has a gorgeous rooftop bar with stunning views over the west end and is the cool choice for visitors. I’ll be jumping up to the rooftop bar Friday night for sure, sunshine, cocktails and sounds, what’s not to love?

7 A MUCH loved part of the now famous Finnieston strip in Glasgow is the secret garden – the Finnieston’s famous garden which has been taken over by Johnnie Walker.

The area – which seats 30 people throughout – will throw open its doors to the public tomorrow. The area includes several seated booths as well as a central area where customers can book up to six people from three households. Sunshine, freedom and whisky gang thegither we earnestly cry. Rabbie would approve.

The Finnieston Bar is situated at 1125 Argyle Street in Glasgow. For more info go to www.thefinniestonbar.com