Here's what you can get up to in Scotland this week...
1. HIS political thinking seems to belong in medieval times, so it is perhaps no surprise that a Trump Tapestry has now been created. Cupar Corn Exchange is the venue for the first official showing of the Chronicle of Mercia, aka the Trump Tapestry. The free exhibition which runs this week (June 16-22) contains a tapestry by Wulfgar the Bard (also known as Mike Middleton) which depicts recent events in American politics as though they took place in early medieval Britain. In true Trumpian style, it’s described as the “biggest embroiderment of the truth – since ever!”
2. THE current American president is, of course, no stranger to Aberdeenshire, but he’s not expected at the Aberdeen Highland Games today, where there will be some real heavyweights throwing extremely heavy objects through the air. As well as the traditional Scottish Highland Games competitions, there will be pipe band championships, solo piping competitions, a funfair, family entertainment, free children’s activities, catering outlets and a beer tent. The Games take place at Hazlehead Park.
3. TODAY also sees the last day of the Muckle Toon Adventure Festival (MTAF), which is fast becoming the flagship outdoor adventure event of southern Scotland. Steeped in history, the scenic countryside surrounding Langholm boasts a multitude of natural trails guaranteed to make any mud-loving adventurer grin from ear to ear. The MTAF Basecamp can be found at Langholm Rugby Club, with everything from guest speakers, a climbing wall, live music, beer, demonstrations, food and an assault course (best tackled before the beer and food).
4. GLASGOW’S Jazz Festival has another excellent line-up for music fans this year, including Fergus McCreadie, Ruby Turner, Madison McFerrin, David McAlmont, Haftor Medbøe, Jacob Karlzon, Lucy Woodward, Charlie Hunter, Sarah Jane Morris, Skinny Pelembe and Mulati Astatke. It begins on Wednesday and runs until June 23 at various venues across the city. With film screenings, talks, major concerts and a late-night jazz club, it’s one of the biggest events in the Scottish and British jazz calendar.
5. EDINBURGH International Film Festival also begins on Wednesday, with Boyz In The Wood chosen as the opening film. This year there is also the world premiere of Schemers, which is set in Dundee and based on the early career of music promoter David McLean. Special guests at this year’s festival include Douglas Mackinnon and composer David Arnold, makers of the hit series Good Omens, who will attend a special screening of all six episodes of the show. Richard Dreyfuss will attend the world premiere of Astronaut.
6. IT’S June so it’s Royal Highland Show time, which this year runs from June 20 until June 23 in Edinburgh. Now in its 179th year, the four-day event remains a draw for all those interested in rural life. As well as more than 4000 livestock on show, there will be demonstrations in cookery, crafts and fashion, and more than 1000 stands selling anything and everything. Food professionals at the cookery theatre this year include Kilted Chef Craig Wilson, Batch Lady Suzanne Mulholland and Carina Contini of Edinburgh’s Contini restaurants.
7. THE talented students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland are presenting free nights of entertainment on Wednesday and Thursday at their Glasgow base. Tanya: A New Musical is set in the high-glam, fake-tan world of Essex, and follows Tanya, a pale girl who has permanently tanned hands, as she tries to fit in with the popular girls and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Tanya is a collaboration between RCS students from all departments and is suitable for everyone aged 14 and over.
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