What to do this weekend: 27-28 May

ALL WEEKEND

Hidden Door Festival

This year's Hidden Door Festival takes you to the derelict old Leith Theatre. We can't wait to explore this stunning art deco building and enjoy some live music, cinema, spoken word and visual art. The festival is running between 26th May and 4th June - the entry is free between noon and 6pm, ticketed afterwards.

Dundee Design Festival

Meanwhile at Dundee West Ward Works, the former print works will be hosting this year's Design Festival. Last March at the Dundee Instameet I was lucky to visit this cool building and spent hours with fellow grammers photographing it. Totally worth the trip from Edinburgh!

27TH MAY, SATURDAY

Foodie Saturday

Plenty of foodie events happening in town this weekend from Dinner at Jupiter to Pomo d'Oro at Edinburgh Food Studio. Also did we mention that The Pantry at Colinton is now open?

28TH MAY, SUNDAY

The Other Side of Hope

If you missed Aki Kaurismäki's new film in February at the Glasgow Film Festival, this is your chance to watch it. Filmhouse is showing The Other Side of Hope this weekend and I managed to convince Mr Enthusiast to join me (he's usually not a fan of the weird foreign movies I pick). If you liked Le Havre or you're a fan of Finnish deadpan humour you should not miss this one.

Have a nice weekend!

Weekend away: Skye

Our new year's resolution for 2017 was to explore more of bonnie Scotland. We welcomed the New Year on the Isle of Skye and this is a long due post on our island getaway.

How to get there and where to stop on the way:

We set off from Edinburgh by car - I had a list of places I wanted to stop on the way so Mr Enthusiast had a long day of driving ahead.

• Our first stop was Doune Castle. You might recognise the mighty medieval castle from Monthy Python or the Game of Thrones. They have a pretty funny audio guide narrated by Monthy Python's Terry Jones.
• After a short drive we stopped for lunch at Mhor 84. A hot bowl of soup and some yummy cake were just what we needed to keep us going. The same people also own Monachyle Mhor. If you have more time, I recommend glamping at Pilot Panther or at the Ferry Waiting Room. Once there, don't forget to check out the Mirrored Lookout at Loch Voil.
• Finally, no trip to Skye is complete without stopping at the majestic Eilean Donan Castle aka Dornie.

Where to stay: Bealach Uige Bothy

We first stayed at Joanna's Bealach Uige in Staffin back in November 2015 - loved it so much that we returned to check out her new self-catering Bothy. Arriving on a cold winter night after a full day of driving, we received the warmest welcome.

Welcome to the Bothy, on a cold winter night

Window reflections of the Quiraing in the morning sunshine

Excuse the messy bed - could not leave without a photo of the room in daylight

You can book the Bothy via Airbnb or just contact Joanna directly via e-mail at jojomackinnon@hotmail.com. If her amazing taste in interiors has inspired you, follow her on Instagram @bealach_uige_bothy.

Where to eat:

The Bothy's kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need and Joanna also provides a starter pack with the basics. Handy if you forgot to buy milk or bread! I was lucky to have my favourite chef, Mr Enthusiast with me and we thoroughly enjoyed the Staffin bay views at breakfast from the kitchen window.

If you came to Skye for a bit of a foodie adventure, don't miss the famous Three Chimneys and book in advance. We also stopped for lunch at Kinloch Lodge, on the way back to mainland Scotland and can thoroughly recommend it.

What to do:

Joanna provided us with local maps and guidebooks including a pocket guide of Skye coastal and country walks - the perfect bedtime read to plan the day ahead. She also gave us useful tips about places which were not listed in guidebooks but known to locals and are equally beautiful (and less crowded with tourists).

Our favourites include climbing the Old Man of Storr, passing the Needle rock formation, walking at the Quiraing, visiting Neist Point and the Kilt Rock. We did not make it to the Fairy Pools this time, so we have the perfect excuse to return.

 The Kilt Rock on a cold winter day

The stunning Neist Point with the lighthouse - it was incredibly windy

 Posers near the Three Chimneys

The Old Man of Storr - amazing climb

A few more tips:

• If you are longing for a quiet holiday, try to avoid high season. Skye can get really busy then and you will certainly not have these beautiful places for yourself.
• Pack reasonable clothes and proper walking shoes. We have seen tourists climbing the Old Man of Storr in high heels and white hipster trainers.
• Always collect your rubbish and don't forget about sustainable tourism. You want your grandchildren too to enjoy Scotland's unspoilt natural beauty.

Acknowledgement: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and purely my own. We paid for our accommodation and meals and this is not a sponsored post.

All photos by The Edinburgh Enthusiast (C)

What to do this weekend: 20-21 May

ALL WEEKEND

Festival of Museums

Celebrate this year's Festival of Museums by visiting Edinburgh museums you have not explored before. Our top picks are the newly renovated St Cecilia's Hall which houses a pretty concert hall as well as a music museum, and the Anatomical Museum. Sadly for the latter the tours are already sold out, but the museum will be open on the last Saturday of May, so you don't have to wait too long - just to warn you, this is your last chance to visit until August!
There are plenty of other events going on, not only in the Auld Reekie, but Scotland-wide. Browse the full programme here and don't forget to sign up in advance to your favourite ones. Some of the Edinburgh events can be booked via Eventbrite.

20TH MAY, SATURDAY

World Whisky Day

Happy World Whisky Day! Not that you need an excuse for a wee Saturday dram. Plenty of whisky-related events going on: still of few tickets left for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Steak and Whisky Tasting or you can sing up for a special whisky tour by Mercat Tours.

Today at Apple

Today at Apple is launching this Satuday and they have two photo walks lined up for this Saturday with local instagrammers. In Edinburgh Amanda Hitch @amandajoyh will lead the walk, while in Glasgow landscape photographer Michael McDonald. Sign up early with your Apple ID to avoid disappointment.

21ST MAY, SUNDAY

Manhattan

Watch the digitally restored version of this Woody Allen classic at the Filmhouse. If you are not a Woody Allen fan, the young Meryl Streep alone is worth coming along!

Have a nice weekend!

What to do this weekend: 13-14 May

ALL WEEKEND

Scottish Street Food Awards

Expect three days of streetfood feast from Friday to Sunday with your favourite vendors at the Pitt. Get your tickets here.

Ingliston Revival

Instagrammers, watch out - there might be plenty of classic cars in the 'burgh this weekend. We spotted a Jaguar D-type (Mr Enthusiast reckons) this morning in Corstorphine! Get the full programme at the Ingliston Revival's website.

13TH MAY, SATURDAY

Summerhall Beer FestivALE

Coinciding with the Scottish Street Food Awards running this weekend, Summerhall is hosting FestivALE4 so that you are not left thirsty. Mr Enthusiast vouches for the Summerhall resident Barney's Beer, while I am hoping to stop on the way there at Brew Lab Late (yes, they are now open until 9pm 5 days a week) for a cold brew Martini.

14TH MAY, SUNDAY

Flying Scotsman Crossing the Forth Bridge

Grab your camera and head to North Queensferry for a chance to see the Flying Scotsman crossing the Forth! The Forth Bridge Hub Facebook page has some pretty useful information to get your timing right. Fingers crossed for no rain! 

Have a nice weekend!

What to do this weekend: 6-7 May

ALL WEEKEND

Port Edgar Marina Open Weekend

The weather forecast predicts plenty of sunshine for this weekend - a perfect excuse to come along to the Port Edgar Marina open weekend for taster sessions of kayaking, open canoeing, windsurfing and keelboat sailing. Mr Enthusiast has done some sailing at Port Edgar a couple of summers back and enjoyed it a lot!

Glasgow Coffee Festival

Meanwhile in Glasgow coffee lovers can bond over a cuppa at the Briggait: the Glasgow Coffee Festival is on all weekend. Buy your tickets in advance via Eventbrite.

6TH MAY, SATURDAY

Jupiter Artland Opens

Yay, Jupiter Artland opens this Saturday for the very first time in 2017! They've got plenty of events scheduled for the coming months, check out their website and book in advance to avoid disappointment.

7TH MAY, SUNDAY

Empty Parliament Instameet

@igersedinburgh has teamed up with the Scottish Parliament to organise another cool event: the Empty Parliament Instameet. Did you know that the Scottish Parliament is open to everyone between Mondays and Saturdays and you can also visit it for free? For more details on visiting the Scottish Parliament click here.

Arthur's Secrets

Join Historic Environment Scotland between 1-3pm for a guided tour at Arthur's Seat - discover its history and wildlife. The tour is free but booking is essential.

Charity Garden Opening

Have you always wanted to visit the private gardens of Edinburgh's 250 years old New Town, but never had a friend with benefits (keys to the gardens)? This Sunday between 2-5pm both Moray Place and Bank Gardens will open their doors to the public as part of Scotland's Gardens charity open day.

Have a nice weekend!