Suzanne McLaughlin serves up a week of delights

1 FRESH from a stonking set at Glastonbury, Haim are leaving California for Caledonia to play their “One More Haim Tour”. The band’s latest album, Women in Music Part Three, is their best stuff by a country mile, although we do love them playing with Swifty in No Body No Crime. They are on at the SEC Hydro on Thursday. Follow the band, hear the sounds, and buy the tickets at www.haimtheband.com. Tickets are priced at £40.

2 WATERSTONES book of the month is the fabulous The Fair Botanists by the incredible Scottish author Sara Sheridan, a tale filled with the heady aroma of enlightenment Edinburgh, this vibrant period novel tells the tale of two women who meet in Edinburgh’s fascinating botanical gardens. Sara is a big indy gal and all round superstar, so go see her do an author talk, which are announced periodically – but in the meantime, make an event of this book, pour a gin and tonic, sit in your easy chair, or perhaps a bench at the Botanics, and enjoy.

3 ROLL up, roll up for all the fun of the fair – and circus – in Ayr. Yup, it’s time to pack the sarnies, the bucket and spade, the weans, and the dugs, and head to the town’s seafront, where there is a cruelty-free circus featuring Las Vegas traditions and contemporary styles with extreme stunts and classic clown escapades. Audiences will be amazed by the jam-packed Circus Vegas with show-stopping performances that will have you on the edge of your seat. On top of this, there will be the aerial straps, roller skating, hula-hoop, comedy trampoline, juggling. and a troupe of dancers performing their acts – all with unique twists, many of which have never been seen before in the UK. Candy floss and good times, only £13 on the door. July 9-12.

4 NILE Rodgers and Chic visited their home from home as they performed at the mighty TRNSMT. Top names playing today include Nina Nesbitt and Lewis Capaldi. Summer is festival time. Go on, we were all stuck in the house for far too long. Go get out in the sun and dance your wee heart out. Tickets and all the gen at www.trnsmtfest.com. Tickets still available for today ... at the time of writing!

5 IT’S St Andrews’ time to shine as the Fife town welcomes The Open. It’s a gorgeous town, and the fabulous Rusacks with some of the best views in the golfing world have an array of food, drink and entertainment to delight all this week. Of course 18 is the gem in the crown with unparalleled views over the Old Course. To find out more about what’s on, follow them on the socials @18standrews and check out the website www.18standrews.com

6 MISOGYNY and monsters, dungeons and dragons. Stranger Things has sparked a renewal of interest in the age-old game Dungeons And Dragons – a fantasy roleplaying game which combines collaborative storytelling and improvisation with the randomness of dice rolls. Dungeon Matron Becky has written this adventure with beginners in mind but more experienced players are also welcome. It’s all happening with a feminist edge at the Glasgow Women’s Library. I’ll be running up that hill for a ticket. Today 1pm. For more events, head over to www.womenslibrary.org.uk

7 THE Stand were brilliant during the lockdowns, entertaining us all at home, but now the comics are back gigging and we could all use a damn good night out. Where better than the Stand in Edinburgh, which this week is having a best of Scottish comedy nights. This Thursday, July 14, doors open at 19:30 and the show kicks off at 20:30. The comics will be revealed this week. I hope it’s big Gary Little. Funniest fella in Scotland.

Grab tickets at www.thestand.co.uk