GLASGOW UFE listings
EDINBURGH LIFE
Lighting p the City
What exactly is being lit up? Glasgow city centre, when the annual switching on of
the Christmas lights takes place.
So is it just a quick flick of a switch? Not at all, there’ll be plenty of entertainment
before and after the grand flicking.
What kind of entertainment? Well it all starts with music from Craig McMurdo and his ‘Big Band‘ at 5.30pm, followed by the Lord Provost at 6.30pm who’ll do the honours along with some showbiz panto stars.
And is that the end of it all? No, the finale will be the big fireworks display from the top of the City Chambers. And Shine On Glasgow will continue up until Christmas Eve, with events taking place all over Glasgow.
Shine On Glasgow Sun 21 Dec, 5.30pm. Free. George Square, Glasgow. Info 0870
6002512.
GLASGOW LIFE LISTINGS continued
Museum Of Transport
Kelvin Hall, 1 Burnhouse Road, Glasgow, 287 2720. Mon-Thu & Sat 10am—5pm; Fri & Sun 11am—5pm. Free. A museum crammed with buses, trams, fire engines, ships and other paraphernalia, devoted to the history of transport. See Art listings page 94 for temporary exhibitions.
People's Palace 8: Winter Garden Glasgow Green, Glasgow, 554 0223. Mon-Thu & Sat 10am-5pm; Fri & Sun 11am-5pm. Glasgow’s best-loved institution has recently undergone a major facelift to celebrate its centenary year. The new displays are set out thematically with subjects including The Patter, Visions Of The City and Crime And Punishment. SeeArt listings page 94 for temporary exhibitions.
Scotland Street School Museum
102 THE LIST 18 Nov-2 Dec 1999
Museum Of Education, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, 287 0500. Mon—Thu & Sat 10am—5pm; Fri & Sun 11am—5pm. Free. Designed in 1904 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and now home to archive material on education in Scotland from 1872 onwards. Reconstructed classrooms give a flavour of Victorian, Edwardian, World War 11 and 1960s school days. SeeArt listings page 94 for temporary exhibitions.
St Mungo Museum of Religious Life And Art
2 Castle Street, Glasgow, 553 2557. Mon—Thu & Sat 10am—5pm; Fri & Sun 11am—5pm. Free. A museum of world faiths, featuring a Zen garden, priceless art works from the world’s six major religions, Dali’s Christ 0f Saint John Of The Cross and the story of religion in Scotland through words and pictures. See Art listings page 94 for temporary exhibitions.
.Clubs. napsn..
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ON YOUR DOORSTEP , Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About . . . MIDLOTHIAN SKI CENTRE
Skiing is a top sport, in fact skiing may be the top sport. In the effort-to-speed ratio, ski-ing rates pretty highly on this reviewer’s scale — not a lot of energy expired and the potential to reach a break-neck pace in seconds. Other people may take a more professional attitude, but what the hell - I haven’t broken anything yet.
As the season is upon us, what better time to dust down your bobble hat and goggles and get some practice in. And what better place than Europe's most extensive artificial skiing area, Midlothian Ski Centre (aka Hillend). There are at least two advantages to dry slopes over real snow; the first being that, to Edinburgh dwellers certainly, the former is nearer, the second that skiing on dry slopes requires more accuracy and balance, making them an excellent place to learn or hone your technique. The major disadvantage is that falling over hurts a lot more.
As to Hillend’s facilities, there are runs suitable for skiers of any standard, and the existence of two tows and a chair-lift means that, unless you’re an absolute beginner on the nursery slopes, there is no need to exhaust yourself shuffling up the hill under your own steam. There is also a fairly large ski-jump for those in search of that extra kick. Snowboarders abound, although I've still no idea how they manage to use the tows. And, even on a fairly busy Sunday afternoon, the queues were not unbearable. (Abi Bremner)
Fun factor 5 out of 5
Exercise potential 4 out of 5
Chill factor 5 out of S — it's winter, it’s Scotland and you’re on an exposed hill - dress appropriately
Value for money 3 out of 5
Added extras Ski-maintenance facilities, cafe
How you get there Bus no. 4 from Princes Street, then a brisk walk up the hill; drive towards Penicuik and watch out for the sign just after you cross the by- pass.
How much it costs £6 for one hour; £2.50 for each additional hour (discounts available) - ski or snowboard hire included.
When it's open Mon-Sat 9.30am-9pm; Sun 9.30am-7pm (winter hours).
I Midlothian Ski Centre, Hillend, nr. Edinburgh, 445 4433