Highland Games hammer throwing
The summer holidays are upon us! School’s out and the kids are home. Whether you love summer with your family or agree with writer Caitlin Moran in declaring it ‘a state of emergency’, here are some ideas to keep both you and the little ones sane throughout the summer.
Highland Games: These traditional Scottish events offer something for everyone – from serious competition to dancing, audience participation tug o’war and kids’ activities. And there’s good food to be had too. For some Highland Games close to Stirling and Perth check out Alva Games on 11 July, http://www.alva.ukctest.co.uk/home/, Loch Lomond Highland Games on 18 July http://www.llhgb.com/ and the Kinlochard Family Highland Games on 19 July http://www.kinlochard.org/gala2015.html – there’s lots for the children to do at that one in particular.
The Crannog Centre, at beautiful Loch Tay
Foodie Festivals: 2015 is Scotland’s Year of Food and drink and there’s never been a better time to sample some of our nation’s greatest flavours. For a fun and educational family day out, why not try some Iron Age fare at the Crannog Centre on Loch Tay, Aberfeldy on 16 July, learning about ancient cooking methods and tasting the finished results. For details and tickets, see http://www.crannog.co.uk/. Or, if you’re in Stirling, celebrate the Old Town Jail’s summertime reopening with its fabulous family day out, The Great Escape. This event on 18 July will include an outdoor market, magicians, story-telling, live music, and brand-new Crime and Punishment exhibition featuring costumed actors. And it’s free. Click here for details.
Watch the sport of Kings at Perth Races
Something Different: For an exciting day out with a difference, why not head to Perth Races on 12 July for its Family Fun Race Day? There’s racing for the grown-ups, a One Direction Tribute band for the teenagers, and the ‘Action Glen Extravaganza’ for the kids, including giant inflatables, archery, pony rides, segways and much more. All these activities are included in the ticket price, with junior race cards throw in too. Full details here: https://www.perth-races.co.uk/. Love to dance? There’s Scottish dancing for all, throughout the summer, In Linlithgow Palace Courtyard. This brilliant, inclusive event is becoming incredibly popular with both tourists and locals alike. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy your tea and shortbread too! Under 12s go free, tickets on the door: http://www.scotchhop.org.uk/. Fans of Alice in Wonderland, young and old, will love The White Rabbit Treasure Hunt in Pitlochry, presented by the Walking Theatre Company. The White Rabbit is looking for the Red Queen, and the Red Queen is looking for her flowers – don’t lose your heads! For ticket prices and booking, see https://pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/
- Highland Games pic: By Alasdair Middleton from Rothesay, Scotland (Bute Highland Games 2010) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Crannog Centre: Elliott Simpson [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Other pics: allfreedownload.com