1 Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow: And where better to implement social distancing than on the water? Master open water swimming, although we would suggest bringing a wetsuit to keep out the cold. If you want to learn white-water rafting or how to kayak, then there are five-week progression courses. While if you already know how to chop your way through the rapids, just bring along your kayak. Or maybe try a paddle-boarding taster session. Saturday, August 1. https://pinkston.co.uk
2 Young Historians Family Walking Tour, Edinburgh: Homeschooling driving you around the bend? Then let someone else take the strain. This walking tour kicks off in Greyfriars Kirkyard (where better?) and your youngsters, from 10-16, will be able to soak up all our capital city’s rich history, from skulls and bones to kings and queens. All tours will be private to your family group. Telephone 0131 235 2351 https://www.edinburghexpert.com
3 Time and Tide: The Transformation of the Tay, McManus Gallery, Dundee: It’s part of Dundonians’ everyday life. But how has the silvery Tay changed and how has the growth of the city affected the river and its wildlife and the people who live on the banks of the river? This exhibition at the McManus tells you how. https://www.mcmanus.co.uk/exhibitions/time-and-tide
4 Inspired Nights on The Green, Historic Green, Union Street Aberdeen: Your weekend starts here as it so often does on Union Street, but these are changed times so it’s outdoor drinking and dining. Celebrate the best in Aberdeen and Shire food traders. And lap up the local entertainment. Today and Friday. https://www.aberdeeninspired.com/festival/inspired-nights
5 Spinning around – Glasgow’s Remarkable Record Shops, Riverside Museum: Remember them? Ask your parents. Back in the days before mobile phones, playlists, Spotify et al we used to spend our lives (and dogging off school) in record shops. Every musical genre is catered for here and there is a homage to Glasgow musical talent too. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/riverside-museum
6 Eastern Encounters: Four Centuries of Paintings and Manuscripts from the Indian Subcontinent, The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse: Highlights from the South Asian holdings of the royal collection are going on display, the majority for the first time in Scotland. You’ll see exquisite illuminated manuscripts, vivid depictions of the Mughal court, royal portraits and illustrations of Hindu epics. https://www.rct.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-palace-of-holyroodhouse
7 Gaelic Storm Virtually Live: Described as mixing the traditionalism of Irish folk music with the primitive sparse sound of rising folk artists Monsters of Men and Mumford and Sons, you can get your dose of “live” music at 11pm on Friday on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/GaelicStorm/
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