1 Glasglow. Halloween is coming and events across the country take a spooky and spectacular turn. Today sees the first day of Glasglow at Glasgow Botanic Gardens. It promises a magical world full of light, fantasy and fun at a brand-new event where Glasgow’s West End will be transformed by the imaginations behind the country’s biggest sound and light shows. A family show. Tickets at www.itison.com, £18 for adults & £11.50 for kids. On until November 11.
2 ‘I am not here, then, as the accused; I am here as the accuser of capitalism dripping with blood from head to foot.’ John Maclean, Speech from the Dock, 1918.Join author Henry Bell at Waterstones Glasgow in a discussion on Henry’s book and the work and life of MacLean. Free to enter but register at www.waterstones.com. Tuesday, October 23.
3 Something Wicked this way comes… Paisley’s Halloween Festival promises brilliant things this year. The parade will set off from Paisley’s Art Centre at 6pm on Saturday October 27, haunting soundscapes along the way. Spectacular aerial performances will take place throughout the evening, big screens around the town centre, a main stage showcasing amazing acts, funfair, a cinema screening of horror films, workshops, pumpkin carving, family-friendly activities and costume balls for all ages – and a cast of witches suspended from Paisley Town Hall. More info at www.paisley.is
4 Edinburgh and the Slave Trade. The true cost of the new tow. At Canongate Kirk, a talk led by Sir Geoff Palmer OBE as part of Black History Month. Scotland benefited disproportionately from the slave trade. We may not like to believe this of our ancestors but it’s true nevertheless. This lecture, which is followed by a Q&A and drinks reception, really shouldn’t be missed. Tickets at www.ewh.org.uk October 25 at 6pm.
5 RSS Discovery, berthed at Discovery Quay, Dundee, is to be taken over for four days by the team behind Dark Waters. It’s full scream ahead for an onboard event that’ll never be repeated. For four nights only it will be closed to the general public, and ticketholders can “enjoy” tales of death on the ice, murder, mutiny and ghostly tales from the sea. Not for the faint of heart; some parts of this tour will be extremely cramped and claustrophobic. October 23-26. Tickets at www.ddtours.co.uk
6 An evening with Graham Norton. The brilliantly funny Norton is doing a stand-alone gig at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh. Tickets £26. The TV chat show host will be discussing his show, career and his book. A special night. Tomorrow.
7 Dr Philippa Whitford MP talks about Scotland’s Future. Aberdeen plays host to Dr Philippa Whitford as she discusses Brexit, Health, and Palestine on Saturday October 27, The inn at the Park Hotel. Free to attend. Please register via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-philippa-whitford
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