1SACK BORIS! The single most important event that you can go to this week is your local polling station. Let’s get rid of that shower and have ourselves a merry little Tory-free Christmas. FREE at primary schools and community centres near you this Thursday, December 12, 7am-10pm. Now you can’t say you weren’t told.
2Christmas is Cumming. Break out the tinsel, dust off your baubles and prepare to party ... tonight. The ultra-special, one-off event at Cottiers Theatre in Glasgow’s West End will see multi-award winning actor, performer, author and activist Alan Cumming (pictured) hit the decks with star turns from Royal Conservatoire (RCS) students, graduates and special guests. The line-up includes Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader, famed for her captivating vocals and powerful performances. The night of dancing, mischief and merry-making aims to raise the roof and raise funds to support the student experience at RCS, one of the world’s top performing arts institutions. Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow’s West End, £100
3Our very own Clara Ponsati, lecturer at St Andrews University and friend of Scottish independence is at court on Thursday, election day. Ponsati will be accompanied by her lawyer Aamer Anwar. Get to the polling stations and vote and then, if you can, head along to Edinburgh Sheriff Court at 9.30am. Defend Clara.
4Next Saturday night it’s time to dance for the planet. In the midst of a climate emergency, it’s important to remember to DANCE. Join Dr Reelgood’s ceilidh in supporting the rebellion! At Summerhall in Edinburgh. Invite your friends, family, colleagues and local community groups to enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and solidarity! All the deets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/extinction-rebellion-fundraising-ceilidh-with-dr-reelgood-tickets-82978682473.Tickets from £5. Summerhall Main Hall. EH9 1PL
5We should talk about it. China Crisis are heading to Dundee this week! It’s probably wishful thinking, but you may still get your paws on a ticket for this hugely fabulous 80s band. Playing at Clark’s on Lindsay Street, Dundee. Today.Doors open 3pm. Tickets £23. Details at https://www.seetickets.com/event/china-crisis-retrospective/clarks/
6Christmas at the Bo & Birdy’s at the Blythswood hotel is a glittery festive fizz-filled dream. Get yourself and that special someone along for a glass (or bottle) of Moët. Go on, treat yourself.
7Pretty Ugly on Saturday night ... Wham bam thank you ma’am! Last Christmas they gave you their heart, but this year they are going to give you Glasgow’s greatest 80s covers act! Band of Gold will be digging out their sequin jackets to bring you all the Smash Hits and Top of the Pops from the decade from The Boss to Bowie to The Bangles. The Pretty Ugly DJs will also be spinning the best festive bangers along with the usual mix of pop, indie and disco for your yuletide dancing needs. Dancing shoes firmly on. Saturday December 14, 9pm-2am, downstairs at The Admiral Bar, £6 or £5 before 10pm
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