There's plenty on in Scotland this week!
1 NOT just another Finnieston spot, launching this week is the utterly fabulous latest addition to the strip, Derby Lane. I really love that Glasgow’s Finnieston is a Mecca for independent operators, and Derby Lane, pictured, is no exception, owned by the charming Sandy and Sophie, this bar/restaurant is as gorgeous and stylish as they are.
New York style in downtown Glasgow, the slickest of service, the most shimmering of cocktails it’s a wonderland of spectacular and cute. Sophie the style queen behind the venue has preserved the original features of this one time seamstress shop and has brought her beloved Papa’s showman history into the venue with family owned gold leaf which adds a special shine to the signage. For more details head to www.derbylane.co.uk. Bookings can be made as of this week. Enjoy.
2 IF Covid has taught us anything then its taught us the value of shopping local, whilst considering the global impact. Handmade and artisan over mass market tat every time, so lets give a big shout out to local and female owned craft businesses. (Let me know of any worthy of a mention in this column. Twitter and Instagram details below.) Two fabulous young women making their dreams happen are Rach and Steph, the co-owners of Rears (@rears.design on insta and etsy) where you can buy their unique one of a kind quality colourful earrings. The girls are now selling in Steph’s home town Ayr. Pop in to Cherry Soda boutique or visit them at www.etsy.com/shop/rearsdesign
3 ANOTHER local artisan business is the hemp and cbd based products including a fabulous moisturiser by brand new independent and indy-supporting Scottish business, Nutrivive by paisley kids Harry, John and Jennifer.
A vegan sustainable health-based brand of products, 90% of their products are recyclable and they are carbon net zero. Their products are organic and a joy to use. Have a wee nose at their website www.nutrivive.co.uk
4 LOOKING for something to do with the weans? How about heading to East Lothian where Visit Scotland and The Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust have teamed up to mark the battle and its legacy. From a large scale battle reenactment to unique exhibitions and workshops, cafes and art displays it’s all going on. Tickets are on sale this week. To find out more please visit www.battleofprestonpans1745.org
5 ARE you up Fife way? Well if so, there’s a treat in store for you, you lucky ducks. The one and only Ship Inn in Elie is hosting a beach boules competition and beach bbq to raise money for Dundee University Parkinsons. A good cause, a great local pub, fab grub and a wee paddle. Today August 1 from 11am onwards. Just head over to the beach/pub and enjoy.
6 IF you’re of a certain age, you may remember the Tennent’s lager lovelies cans which featured provocative and sometimes sexualised photographs of women models. In a Glasgow Women’s Library event, Historian Dr Thora Hands will trace the marketing of the Tennent’s lager lovelies cans from the 1960s to the early 1990s, and consider their legacy. This is a free event. Tuesday August 3 at 6:30-8:00 pm For details head to www.womenslibrary.org
7 THIS is our land, home to the finest produce and we should celebrate that. Transition Stirling aim to do just that. As part of Summer of Activities, they are delighted to bring you a foraging event for children aged 8 to 11. Learn how to forage safely, how to identify plants and the kids will play some foraging games too. Meet by the river at Allanwater Park by the A9. Setting off at 11am on Friday August 6, For info go to www.transitionstirling.org.uk
Twitter: @suzemclaughlin and Insta: @suzemclaughlin
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