2240. lantabulous ftiii as we join Beth. Mr P atid Spat! on their musical adventure to weird and wonderful places. Exhibition

Animal Magic llntil l0 Jan l‘)‘)h‘. City Art Centre. 2 Market Street. 52‘) 3993. Mon—Sat l0am 5pm. The last chance to see the wonderful and fascinating world of the animal kingdom as seen tlirotigh the eyes of botli artists and scientists.

OUTSIDE THE CITIES

Activities And Fun

Bat Box Workshop Sat 17 Jan.

l0ani -noon. 50p. Calderglen Country Park. Strathaven Road. liast Kilbride.

0| 355 236644. Ages 8-- l2. A chance to learn a bit more about these furry fliers aiitl make summer roost boxes. Children's Nature Club Sat l7 Jan.

I 3pm. Castle Semple Centre. Clyde Muii'shiel Country Regional Park. 01505 342882. Fun and games on an environmental theme.

Children's Nature Club Sat I7 .lan. l-rlipm. Cornalees Bridge Centre. Clyde Mtiirshiel Country Regional Park. 0l475 52 I458. Create bird boxes for the feathered friends who live iii the park. Animal Antics Sat l7 .lan. 2—3pm. Caldergleii Country Park. Strathaven Road. liast Kilbi'ide. 0l355 236644. Ciel to know the animals and their behaviour better with the loo staff at the park. Smart Art Animation Sat to Jan.

l0am 12.30pm. t‘lS (U2) per term. llovvden Park Centre. Livingston. 01506 43.1 634. Ages l l. A six week course in the process beltind animation from the initial design to using a camera.

Smart Art Animation Sat l7 Jan.

l0am l2..i0pm. L‘Ih’ l£l2l per term. Burgh llalls. l.inlithgow. 0|506 433 (i342. Ages 8 l I. See abov e_

Theatre

The International Purves Puppets Biggar l.ittle 'l‘heatre. Broughton Road. ()IS‘)‘) 22003 l. £4.40adttlts1£5.30 children lreductions for parties of over l0). Shows on offer over the coming fortnight are as follows:

The Magic Egg l‘ri l6 Jan. l2.45pm and Thu 22 Ian. [0.30am Pips and Panda discover a magic egg which causes them no end of trouble.

Snow White See photo caption.

(a I \ '3 it: 2 . f p, (lg. Io

DISCOVERING JAPAN Sat 20 Dec-Fri 27 Feb. Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, 429 1202. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm; Sun 2—5pm. Hands-on fun in this interactive exhibition which delves into the lifestyles and customs of Japan. There are lots of activities to take part in, from Japanese writing and creating a miniature Japanese garden to tasting Japanese food or trying on a kimono.

listings

THE VIMTO CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CARNIVAL SECC, Finnieston

Quay.

Glasgow, info: 204 0123. Until Sun 18 Jan. 1.45—10.45pm. £1. Those good people at Vimto are sponsoring this year's Christmas and New Year Carnival so the mixed-fruit liquid has been splashing all over the place. As ever, it’s the rides which make the event what it is and new innovations include the Seastorm which, you may be startled to discover, is based on a nautical theme. Old favourite the Wild Mouse, the 30ft high rollercoaster with its scary hairpin bends, is there. Look out too for the return of the Big Wheel, one of Europe's biggest travelling Ferris Wheels. For those of an old, infirm or cowardly disposition you can indulge in all the usual

This section gives details of special selected events taking place within Edinburgh and Glasgow and around the Central Belt this fortnight. Listings are compiled by date, place and then event. Extra Time listings compiled by Brian Donaldson.

FRIDAY 9

Glasgow

The Vimto Christmas and New Year Carnival SIiCC. Finnieston Quay. info: 204 ()I23. Until Stiii lh’ .lan.

l.45-- l0.45pm. Ll. litii'ope's biggest indoor festive funfair gets into its final nine-day rush of thrills and spills. See photo caption.

Edinburgh

Maltman TOUT Royal Mile \Vhiskies. opposite St Giles Cathedral. info: 624 7624. 7pm. £7.50 with two whiskies. £6 with one. In the wake of the recent international festival. Scotch Whisky Connoisseur Tours proudly presents tutored nosings and tastings on each Friday of the month. Your guide will let you in on the history and methods used to create the potent orangey stuff while you get tore in to the samples.

Original Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour The Beehive Inn. (jrassmarket. info: 226 6665. 7.30pm. £6 (£5). A great excuse to educate yourself through alcohol as the tour follows in the footsteps of Rabble. Sir Walter. Robert Louis and Irvine across the ale houses of the city. The tour is now running Fridays only.

SATURDAY 10

Edinburgh

30120 Craft and Design Fair Assertiny Rooms. (ieorge Street. 220 434‘). l0am—4.30pm. 60p (40p). Plenty of original ideas here for gifts with the country's leading craftwoi‘kers displaying

sideshows and stalls or get your eyes down for bingo.

their wares in ceramics. textiles. glass. toys. pyrography. hatniaking. silk and lots. lots more. Most items are one-offs or very limited with prices comparable to the High Street bigwigs and those of you foi'tuitotis enough to be under the age of twelve will get in for nowt.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Buddhist Centre Open Week lidinbtirgh Buddhist Centre. (Grange Road. info: 662 4045. Until Sat l7 .laii. Various times. l’iee. Not everyone will have ‘medilate more on their New Year's resolution list btit this ( )pen Week may convert a few. .-\ppai‘entl_v. the CR has 200.000 Btiddhists iii one form or another and the capital's centre is one of the largest organisations in the country

WEDNESDAY 14

Edinburgh

Morningside Justice and Peace Group ()pen l)()()l'. Morningside Road. info; 445 l62X/22‘) I020. l0am. 50p. The group's spring programme is well underway and provides an opportunin for issues of local. national and global concern to be aired. Today's talk is entitled 'Planning for sustainable development' with Sarah Boyack. lecturer iii Planning at lidinbtirgh College of Art at the podium before questions are taken.

THURSDAY 15

Glasgow

The Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow Lecture Lecture Theatre No I. McCance Building. Richmond Street. 7.30pm. Free. After a month's break. the society's US debut lecture is entitled "Feminism iii Scottish Literature' with Professor Douglas (iifford taking the Iloot‘.

listings EXTRA TIME

livmgston

Egyptian Belly Dancing Howden Park Centre. (H506 433634. 6.30. 8pm. £24

H‘ In! for eight week course. These classes could be viewed in different ways the route to an exotic new career or the means to shed a few of the pounds lumped on after Christmas. A comfy skirt and a long scarf to act as a veil are the main requirements. The earlier time is for new beginners while it's an 8pm kick-off for those marginally more proficient iii this noble art. The centre also has classes for those of you more into dancing of the ballroom or line variety. so just give the box office a call.

FRIDAY 16

Glasgow

A Celebration Of Burns Forte Posthouse llolel. Boswell Street. info: 42‘) 559‘). 6.30pm. £30. A night of mirth. music. mayhem and monies rolling in for The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice. So dig otit your Highland dress or lounge suit before digging deep. See photo caption.

Edinburgh

The Scottish Esoteric Network 'l‘oolbooth Tavern. Canongate. info: 225 0‘)?» l. 7.30pm. Free. This group is designed to raise awareness of Paganism and Flsoteric beliefs and to offer an alternative to mainstream spirituality Judaism. Christianity. lslatii. that kind of thing. Meetings occur on the first \\'ednesday of each month at Holyrood 'l‘avern at Xpm. while lectures are held on the third Wednesda '.

Morningside Justice and Peace Group Open Door. Morningside Roatl. info: 445 l62S/22‘) I020. l0am. 50p. This week's heated debate is led by Liz llendry. coordinator of the Jubilee 2000 Scottish Coalition and goes under the banner of ‘Aiding poor countries'.”

as

., $531, A:

A CELEBRATION OF BURNS Forte Posthouse Hotel, Boswell Street. Glasgow, info: 429 5599. 6.30pm. £30. It’s that time of year again when our annual fascination for Rabbie Burns rears itself for a full onslaught of poetry and references to sheep's innards. With George Duffus in the position of host, the line-up includes Only An Excuse and Rab C Nesbitt star Tony Roper (above) and Nessie Wilson providing the toasts, and an alternative version of 'Tam O’Shanter' from Alastair Lang. Once the scran has begun the digestive process, you can reel to the Dead Brilliant Ceilidh Band, chill to the sounds of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and cast any eye which may still be able to focus over a silent auction of works donated by Scottish Artists.

9—22 Jan 1998 THE LISTDS