1 The Big Feed: Street food social at 249 Govan road, tickets on the door.

This is literally cheaper than chips for a day out (£2) in a brilliant warehouse full of street food traders, local bars and independent food stands, with board games, retro arcade machines, bands and the all-important espresso martini stand. The dates to note are October 13 and 14. Open 12noon-10pm on Saturday and 12noon-7pm on Sunday. Family & dug friendly. If you work for the NHS, entry is free. More info at https://www.facebook.com/bigfeedgla

2 Dockyard Social – 95 Haugh Road, Finnieston 12/13/14 October. £5. Weans free.

Another brilliant event that supports local independent bar and food retailers. Foodie friendly, family friendly, dug friendly in hip-as-hell Finnieston. Eat well and do good. Open 5pm-11pm on Friday. 12noon-11pm Saturday and 12noon-8pm Sunday. (I’m a big fan of the bubble waffles... #justsayin)

3 Harry Potter Workshop, the Dockyard Social.

Potion making, Harry chat, slime making and other suitable spooky fun. Prebook at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/glasgow/the-dockyard-social/harry-potter-workshop-finnieston

4 The Big Big Gin Festival at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

On your arrival you will receive your very own exclusive 2018 Big Big Gin Festival Balloon Glass and access to a showcase of the best gins around. Bars will operate on a token system. Tokens are £5 each, with one token paying for a single measure of gin, garnish and premium mixer. There will also be some great Scottish craft beers on sale, as well as various wines and prosecco available. Live music, various food, guaranteeing a fabulous festival. Strictly over-18s.

5 The Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Edinburgh.

The Festival of Politics returns on Wednesday October 10 until Saturday 13 for more debate, music and film! This year’s headliners include Michael Heseltine, Margaret Hodge, Ben Okri, Darren McGarvey, Professor Mary Beard and Sir Tom Devine OBE. Anyone who saw McGarvey on Question Time will want to pitch up to this event. Buy your tickets online at festivalofpolitics.scot £8/£6

6 Ghost Hunting at Mains Castle, Dundee. 12 October.

Mains Castle is reputed to be haunted, and manifestations are said to include unexplained voices, furniture moving by itself and dark presences. The castle is said to be home to the spirit of a woman brutally murdered by her husband. This eerie 16th century building is the setting for a number of other paranormal experiences involving spirits of several former occupants, including a very young child, servants and former prisoners. Do you dare to spend the night? £45 online at www.ukghostnights.co.uk

7 The Scots who Built the White House, the Engine Shed, Stirling.

Did you know that a number of Scottish stonemasons were taken over to Washington DC to work on the construction of the iconic White House? Go to this free exhibitiona to learn about their journey and the amazing work that these men did home and abroad. Free.