November: it’s a month that often seems to fly by unnoticed while we write lists in the sprint towards Christmas. But perhaps it’s time to stop, and embrace this ‘transition to winter’ month. Light some candles, throw a log on that fire, and we’ll tell you how.
Loch Lomond Shores promises a finale of fireworks over Loch Lomond
St Andrew’s Day at the Wallace Monument, Stirling
Festive Lights Event 12-5pm 15 November, Loch Lomond Shores: Nothing is more cheering in the darker winter days than light in any one of its guises – whether that be candles, open fires, or fireworks. And if you are someone who refuses to acknowledge Christmas until you turn your calendar page to December, then there’s not even a single mention of the ‘C-word’ at the Festive Lights Event at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch on Sunday 15 November. Kicking off their festive programme of events in the weeks that follow, there will be live DJs, market stalls and street food, as well as free entertainment and activities for the kids. To finish the day with a bang, there will be a spectacular fireworks display over the Loch. The day out is free, as is the parking. Details here: http://www.lochlomondshores.com/whats-on/
Branagh Theatre Live: The Winter’s Tale, 26 November: Chilly outside? How about snuggling up in a warm theatre for a bit of winter Shakespeare? The Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling are screening Branagh Theatre, broadcast live from London’s Garrick Theatre, with a play that’s perfect for the season. A tale of jealousy and its consequences, ‘A Winter’s Tale’ will star a remarkable group of actors, featuring Judi Dench as Paulina, alongside Tom Bateman (Florizel), Jessie Buckley (Perdita), Hadley Fraser (Polixenes), Miranda Raison (Hermione) and Kenneth Branagh as Leontes. And there’s a happy ending too. For more information visit http://macrobertartscentre.org
Balfron Woodland Light Experience, 12-25 November: If you missed getting tickets for the Enchanted Forest at Faskally Wood in October, then this event might just be for you. Illuminating 14 acres of woodland on the edge of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the Woodland Light Experience brings nature to life at night with light, sound and projection in North Ballochruin Farm, in Balfron Station. There’s a heart-warming story behind it too – the forest was created by doting grandfather of five Mr Hendry, who then decided to make it an experience not only for his own grandchildren, but for all children. Look out for their Santa Experience too. You need to book tickets but parking is free. Details here: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/light-experience/ and you might want to like them on Facebook too: www.facebook.com/seelights
St Andrew’s day Inspiration: Our poor Patron Saint St Andrew tends to get forgotten, appearing as he does in the last day of November – just one sleep before the advent calendars open. But this year, VisitScotland are determined we shouldn’t forget him, and have created a useful portal of St Andrews Day events for you to browse by postcode. Noteworthy amongst them is the Wallace Monument in Stirling, who will be offering free entry throughout the St Andrews’s day weekend of 28th and 29th. What better way to honour our patron saint than a climb up the Abbey Craig and a visit to this emblem of our nationhood? For more details on this and events throughout Scotland, see: http://www.scotland.org/whats-on/st-andrews-days-out/
Lighting up the woodland night in Balfron