1
BACKSPIN a new art exhibition in Glasgow is using the power of ping pong to raise funds for a community table tennis club. The exhibition will display bats (paddles) designed by artists, illustrators and professionals across the UK. The exhibition will take place this week and includes Turner Prize winner Martin Boyce and is being held at Wasp’s studio in the Trongate Glasgow, until December 15. Open Monday to Friday from nine until five and Saturdays 11 until three, Every penny raised will go towards the Drumchapel Table Tennis Club which is a vital service in the community of Drumchapel. For more information please visit www.pim-pam.co.uk/spin
2
THE Blythswood Hotel Glasgow under the tutelage of fabulous new general manager Mafalda Albuquerque remains at the very top of its game. Lobby level restaurant IASG which comes from the Gaelic for fish is glamorous, sexy and a hip happening hang out. There are super sounds and a bar that invites you to stay for just one more. If you’ve a Christmas night out planned or just fancy treating yourself to a bit of glamour at one of Billy Connolly’s favourite hang outs, get yourself down. The food is incredible and all new locally sourced Scottish menu available Follow them on instagram @kimptonblythswoodsquare
3
AN incredible radical art exhibition Deck The Halls is hitting the always special and innovative SWG3. Using skateboards as the medium for their art, the most avant garde, radical and inspirational artists in the country will be displaying, in the urban arts gallery inspired by skateboarding itself and the incredible juxtaposition of street art and club culture. Thirty-four unique and talented artists will be showing and of course the music and drinks will be phenomenal. The exhibition launches on December 2 until the 24th. For further information follow @swg3glasgow @yardworksglasgow @electricshorespublicity
4
YOU feeling Christmassy yet? If not then get yourself and the varicose veins down to Edinburgh Botanic Gardens where Santa and his elves have created a one mile illuminated trail that winds its way through the garden. Wander beneath the tree canopy bathed in seasonal colour, enjoy the accompanying sounds of Sea Of Light, the shimmering showers of Digital Rain and the 100 lights of Fireflies In The Woods. Today until Christmas week, tickets and further information available at www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics
5
DIDN’T used to rate them all that much, but after a fabulous set at the Playground Festival in Glasgow, I have to thoroughly recommend that you avail yourselves of tickets to see The Libertines at Edinburgh Usher Hall this Wednesday at 7pm. For further information and to buy those last few tickets to see Pete Doherty and Carl Barat’s tales of the everyday rebellion and riotous indie-rock debauchery. Head over to tickets.usherhall.co.uk
6
DUNDEE Winterfest is go! With an ice rink, a festive market, bar, big wheel and kiddies rides – it’s all going on in Slessor Gardens this year. Adding to the city’s attractions and creating a waterfront focal point, Winterfest will offer a great day out for all and I’m assured there will be mulled wine. The event is free, just pay to ice skate.
7
THE big Daddy of all the Christmas markets is here. Get your fill of festive wooden toys, meaty sausages and hot drinks at twinkly festive market stalls across Edinburgh. The capital never looks prettier than when filled with fairy lights. Treat yourself and the family to a magical day out. www.edinburghschristmas.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