The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
AROUND TOWN
Rise Up!
Various venues, Aberdeen, until Sun May 5, various times and prices. Curated by We Are Here Scotland and commissioned by Aberdeen Performing Arts, Rise Up! is a celebration of some of the many diverse voices and visions that shape Aberdeen and Scotland’s Black and PoC creative communities. Come along for three days of art, music and dialogue. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Various venues, Speyside, 07789 671635, until Mon May 6, various times and prices. The doors to Speyside’s famous distilleries are flung open, with visitors invited to meet the makers and taste the finest whiskies. Plus food, live music, talks, workshops, tours and more. spiritofspeyside.com
Fishing at Davochfin Farm
Davochfin Farm, Dornoch, IV25 3RW, 01862 810600, until Thu Oct 31, daily 10am-10pm (last admission for rod hire 7.45pm), £15£30 (children £8-£20), rod hire £5 per booking, fish per lb £5. Davochfin Farm has three fishing lochans filled with rainbow trout, making it a great day out for new and experienced anglers. Families can experience the excitement of catching a fish and then enjoy the fruits of their labour. Fishing equipment is available for hire, while ice cream and snacks can be purchased too. davochfinfarm.co.uk
Whisky Tasting
The View, 34 George Street, Oban, PA34 5NL, 01631 569599, until Thu Oct
31, daily 12.30-1.30pm & 2-3pm, £25. Experience the rich and complex flavours of Scotland’s most beloved whiskies. An expert host will guide you through the history and stories behind four different drams. obanview.com
Ring of Brodgar Walk
Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge, Stenness, Stromness, KW16 3JZ, 01856 841815.
Thu May 2, 1-2pm, free. Join the rangers to learn more about Scotland’s largest stone circle and the wider landscape in which it sits. Find out how much effort went into creating the site and what people think about it today. No pre-booking required. historicenvironment.scot
Fiends For Life: Free Dark History Tour of Aberdeen
Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY, 01224 337700. Fri May 3, 6pm, free. Discover the darkest characters in Aberdeen’s history with this free tour focusing on the city’s most notorious witches, murderers and ghosts. Suitable for ages 12-plus or at parental discretion. aberdeencity.gov.uk
Focus Craft Fair
Stonehaven Town
Hall, Allardice Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2BU, 01569 765341. Sat May 4, 10am-4pm, free. The Focus Arts and Crafts Design Group is a nonprofit association which has been in existence for more than 30 years. Their aim is to support and promote local art and crafts created by their members. Focus only sells items handmade by the group’s artisan members and they are proud to support local charities, including this year’s beneficiaries Alzheimer Scotland and Guide Dogs Scotland. scotlandcrafts.co.uk
Grow How
Dobbies Aberdeen, New Park Farm, Whitemyres, Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, AB15 6AX. Sat May 4, 10.30am, free; Dobbies Inverness, Inshes Retail Park, Inverness, IV2 3TW, 01463 701770. Sat May 4, 10.30am, free. Learn from horticultural experts and finesse your gardening skills in free in-store demonstrations. These sessions will cover sustainability, growing your own, working with the seasons to maximise your outdoor space, and include a chance to ask the expert. dobbies.com/grow-how
Medieval Weekend
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Dunbeg, Oban, PA37 1PZ, 01631 851489, until Sun May 5, SatSun, 12-4pm, included in admission price (adults £7.50; concessions £6; children free-£4.50; members free). Take a step back in time at one of Scotland’s oldest surviving strongholds. Wander through the living history camp to experience what life was like in medieval times. And hear about the tumultuous events between the powerful Bruce and Macdougall families that led to the creation of one of the most powerful clans in Scotland. historicenvironment.scot
Stenness and Barnhouse Walk
Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge, Stenness, KW16 3JZ. Wed May 8, 10-11am, free. Join the rangers for a walk around one of the oldest stone circles and nearby neolithic village of Barnhouse. Find out about the close connection of both these sites and their part in the story of neolithic life in Orkney and beyond. No pre-booking required. historicenvironment.scot
ART Celebrating Printmaking at Peacock
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293, until Sun May 12, Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Sun 11am-4pm, free. A celebration of 50 years of printmaking at Peacock and its role in the cultural life of the north-east. On display are iconic and vibrant works by founding members and artists, pioneering printmakers and teachers. aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
Mary Craig: Adventures in Featherland
Tin Shed Gallery, Larach Mhor, Torloisk, Isle of Mull, PA74 6NH, until Sun Jun 2, Wed-Sun 12-5pm, free. Mary Craig, originally from East Lothian, and now living in Berwickshire, was trained at Edinburgh College of Art. Her work uses gesso on paper or board with acrylic paint and inks, watercolours, coloured pencils, charcoal and pastels. Alongside Mary, Charlotte Mellis, the owner of the Tin Shed Gallery, will be showing her own work. tinshedgallery.co.uk
Artist Rooms: Louise Bourgeois
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293, until Sun Jun 9, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 11am-4pm, free. Aberdeen Art Gallery launches its 2024 exhibition programme with the only Scottish showing of work by the French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, who is widely recognised as one of the most important and influential figures in modern and contemporary art. This exhibition focuses on works produced during the last two decades of her life, a period of extraordinary creativity, during which Bourgeois re-examined many of her lifelong concerns to create a body of new work exploring identity, gender, childhood, family and memory. Personal, provocative, vulnerable and raw, her work reaches us with a powerful immediacy more than a decade after her death. aberdeencity.gov. uk/AAGM
Arpita Shah: Nalini
Duff House, Banff, AB45 3SX, 01261 813004, until Sun Jul 14, Thu-Sun 10.45am & 1.30pm, £10£12 (£7.50-£9.50; children free-£7; members/carers free). Spanning India, East Africa and the UK, Nalini explores the connected histories of Arpita Shah’s mother, grandmother and herself. The exhibition reveals ancestral intimacies across space and time, and how histories, memories and bodies are intertwined. Nalini is a personal journey for Shah, which has allowed her to reconnect with the past through her maternal lineage and explore migration, distance and loss. historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/places/duffhouse
Angus Festival of Makers
Various venues, Angus, until Sat Aug 31, various times and prices. Visit exhibitions, open studios and workshops across Angus. Talk to artists and makers, sign up for a workshop, and purchase something beautiful. anguscreatives.co.uk
We Move As a Murmuration
Timespan, Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale, KW8 6JA, 01431 821327, until Mon September 30, daily 10am-5pm, free. Drawing inspiration from bird flocks, We Move As a Murmuration looks at the oppression, domination and alienation of nature under capitalist, colonial and modernist forces, addressing environmental and social justice. By moving as a murmuration, the exhibition advocates for the liberation of all, and invites collective action to overcome the separation between humans and nature. timespan.org.uk
Gordon Contemporaries
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293, until Sun Oct 27, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 11am-4pm, free. Exhibition from the David and June Gordon Memorial Trust, which has been supporting the arts, community and youth organisations in the northeast for nearly 50 years. Featuring recent work by a selection of award-winning local artists, while providing an insight into their career paths and practice. aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
Artroom with GHAT
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293, until Sat Jun 29. Sat 10.30am-12.30pm, free
– no need to book. Led by professional artists and run in partnership with Grampian Hospital Arts Trust, these person-centred weekly sessions welcome adults of all abilities to experiment with artmaking using a variety of materials. aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
The Photography of Arpita Shah: Grandmother Muse, Portraiture and Heirlooms
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293. Sat May 4, 2-3pm, free. British-Indian photographer Arpita Shah will be in conversation with Catriona McAra, art historian at the University of Aberdeen, about her series Nalini. This intergenerational event seeks to explore the figure of the grandmother through the medium of photography and the inherited object. aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
BOOKS Cromarty Crime & Thrillers Weekend
Various venues, Cromarty, 01381 600354, until Sun May 5, Fri-Sun, various times and prices. The seaside town celebrates the best of crime writing in a weekend packed with events, talks, Q&As and book signings. Mark Bridgeman, Anthony Horowitz, Ian Rankin and Donna Freed are among those appearing. cromartyartstrust.org.uk
COMEDY Rachel Parris: Poise
The Tivoli Theatre, 34-48 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NB, 01224 641122. Thu May 2, 7.30pm, £21.38. The star of BBC’s The Mash Report discusses love, relationships, milestones and the state of the world. thetivolitheatre.com
Weegie Hink Ae That
Assembly Rooms, Sinclair Terrace, Wick, KW1 5AB, 01955 602584. Fri May 3, 7pm, £22; Strathpeffer
Pavilion, Strathpeffer, IV14 9DW, 01997 420124. Sat May 4, 7pm, £22. Fastpaced, witty comedy with clever twists on Scottish culture. Comprising Gregor Mackay, Conor Hardie and Elliot Hanigan, the Glasgow-based comedy sketch trio have sold out Edinburgh Fringe runs, headlined comedy clubs and venues, and launched numerous viral sketches. weegiehinkaethat.co.uk
Breakneck Comedy Club: Phil Walker Plus Guests
Breakneck Comedy Club, 28 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AX, 07702 305532, until Sat May 4, Fri-Sat, 7.30-9.30pm, £14.72. Ever since being voted City Life Comedian of the Year at the Comedy Store in Manchester, Phil Walker has been in demand. Supported by Dr Dave Wandless and David Garbutt. breakneckcomedy.co.uk
Peter Wood: Me, Myself & I
Breakneck Comedy Club, 28 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AX, 07702 305532. Sat May 4, 5-7pm, £10. Peter Wood is Breakneck Comedy’s resident MC. In 2019 he was a finalist in Scotland’s Best Comedian, following his sold-out show Aberdeen in Technicolor. He has supported and acted as MC for some of the biggest names on the circuit, including Gary Meikle and Fred MacAulay. breakneckcomedy.co.uk
FAMILY Madagascar The Musical
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA, 01463 234234, until Sun May 5, Thu-Fri 6pm. Sat 2pm & 6pm. Sun 11.30am & 5pm, £22-£44. Join all of your favourite animal friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of Madagascar in this magical musical production. Featuring CBBC and Strictly favourite Karim Zeroual as King Julien. eden-court. co.uk
MacMoray Easter Festival
Cooper Park, Elgin, IV30 1HS, until Sun May 5, Sat-Sun, 10am-11pm. Family-friendly festival with two large outdoor music stages, children’s activities, food stalls and a funfair. Confirmed acts include Blue, Peter Andre, Scouting for Girls, the Hoosiers, D:Ream, Basshunter, Boyzlife, Gareth Gates, Hue and Cry, Whigfield, and many more. macmoray.com
Baby Boogie
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293. Sat May 4, 10.30am-12pm, adult and child £7 (family £13). Join DJ Nina for a fun-filled morning of sparkly dance tunes in Cowdray Hall in this monthly daytime disco for little ones to enjoy with their adults. Coffee, cakes and juices are available to buy from the cafe. Aimed at under 5s. aberdeencity.gov. uk/AAGM
Youth Trad
An Lanntair, Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DS, 01851 708480. Wed May 8, 4-5pm, free. Join a slow session designed for young musicians from Primary 7 and above, where you can learn tunes at a comfortable pace and play in a group setting. Whether you’re new to playing an instrument, or looking to gain more experience, this session is open to all. You can bring along your own instrument, or guitars, whistles, bodhrans and keyboards are available if needed. The session will be led by Eilidh Young, an arts worker, music teacher and pipeband drummer. lanntair.com
MUSIC Shetland Folk Festival
Various venues, Shetland, 01595 694757, until Sun May 5, various times and prices. Now in its 42nd year, the Shetland Folk Festival welcomes visiting and local acts to the UK’s most northerly folk event. Concerts are performed throughout the Isles, showcasing some of the best international, British and Shetland music. shetlandfolkfestival.com
Loch Shiel Festival
Various venues, Loch Shiel, until Sun May 5, various times and prices. A festival of classical chamber music set against stunning views of Loch Shiel. Musicians featured include Colin Currie, Maxwell Quartet, Dopey Monkey, Thomas Foster, Chris Stout and Catriona McKay. Other activities include talks, walks and film screenings. lochshielfestival.com
Lunchbreak Concert: Big Noise Torry
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293. Thu May 2, 12.45-1.30pm, pay as you feel. From Tchaikovsky to traditional Scottish music, Big Noise Torry return to Cowdray Hall with a diverse and dynamic programme. aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas & Eduardo Martin
An Tobar Arts Centre, Argyll Terrace, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6PB, 01688 302211. Thu May 2, 8pm, pay what you decide / £15; Bunessan Hall, 6 Ardmeanach View, Bunessan, Isle of Mull, PA67 6DG, 01688 302211. Fri May 3, 8pm, pay what you decide £10-£25 (young Scot £8). Havana-born, London-based Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas and his Grammy-nominated former mentor Eduardo Martin perform a mix of jazz, flamenco and Cuban. antobarandmulltheatre. co.uk
Musical Memories
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293. Fri May 3, 1.30-3.30pm, free / pay as you feel. Musical Memories is a friendly singing group for people with dementia, their partners, families and friends. These sessions support wellbeing and encourage creativity and participation. The series is supported by Alzheimer Scotland. aberdeencity.gov. uk/AAGM
A Date with The Everly Brothers
The Tivoli Theatre, 34-48 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NB, 01224 641122. Fri May 3, 7.30pm, £27 (£24.75). The UK’s newest tribute to The Everly Brothers combines classic hits with some lesser-known treasures. thetivolitheatre.com
John Doyle
Stonehaven Community Education Centre, Bath Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2DH, 07901 655270. Fri May 3, 8.30pm, £15 (members £11). Awardwinning Irish musician and member of Usher’s Island and The Teetotallers, who has collaborated with the likes of Liz Carroll, Eileen Ivers and Karan Casey. stonehavenfolkclub.co.uk
Blueflint
Aden Theatre, Aden Country Park, Mintlaw, Peterhead, AB42 5FQ. Sat May 4, 1.30pm, £10. Blueflint are defined by the sublime close harmonies of Deborah Arnott and Clare Neilson, accompanied by intertwining banjos in their raw, honest and beautifully crafted songs. adencountrypark.org.uk
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue
Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS, 01224 641122. Sun May 5, 7.30pm, £16-£28 (free-£26). Featuring the SNJO and Makoto Ozone – he’ll bring his fabulous piano skills to some individual takes on music by Duke Ellington, Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea and Count Basie, in addition to George Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Tide Lines
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL, 01224 641122. Sun May 5, 7pm, £30. Influenced by the traditional music of the West Highlands, the Scottish four-piece take their Elements tour back on the road. aberdeenperformingarts. com
The Hackles
Montrose Playhouse, The Mall, Montrose, DD10 8NN, 01674830658. Tue May 7, 8-10.30pm, £12.50. Americana / indie-folk band The Hackles return to Montrose Playhouse after their successful performance last year. The band began life as a duo featuring Kati Claborn and Luke Ydstie, and are now a trio, with the addition of fiddler and vocalist Halli Anderson, of River Whyness fame. Together they combine sumptuous vocal harmonies with invigorating Roots music. montroseplayhouse.co.uk
Average White Band: Let’s Go Round Again, One Last Time
Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS, 01224 641122. Wed May 8, 7pm, £35. One of the funkiest bands ever to come out of Dundee, Average White Band recapture that Sly Stone / Isley Brothers summer spirit. This final tour of the UK will see them take a joyous trip through their roots and history. aberdeenperformingarts. com
THEATRE I Should Be So Lucky
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL, 01224 641122, until Sat May 4. Thu 2pm & 7.30pm. Fri 7.30pm. Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £25-£59. This official Stock Aitken Waterman musical features the soundtrack of a generation, including music from Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Jason Donovan and Bananarama, woven into an original story. I Should Be So Lucky is about family, friends, love and great times. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Sister Act
Aberdeen Arts Centre, 33 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AA, 01224 641122, until Sat May 4, Fri-Sat, 7.30pm, £19 (£17). Aberdeen College of Performing Arts is excited to present Sister Act, a divine musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film. aberdeenartscentre.com
James V: Katherine
Comar, An Tobar & Mull Theatre, Druimfin Lodge, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6QB, 01688 302211, until Wed May 8, Tue-Wed, 7.30pm, pay what you decide / £15. Katherine is a 19-year-old woman on trial in the King’s court, with only her quick wit as defence against execution. This dramatic interpretation of key events during a turbulent time in Scottish history is filled with hidden histories, deft comedy and secret love. antobarand mulltheatre.co.uk
Sunset Song
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL, 01224 641122, until Sat May 11. Wed 7.30pm, £16-£43 (£19-£38). One of Scotland’s most loved literary heroines, Chris Guthrie, is brought to the stage. Exploring human resilience and the loss of a way of life through a scorching female protagonist, Sunset Song has a profound lyrical intensity that resonates today. aberdeenperforming arts.com