SUMMERIN THE CITY

SEASONS BE

It’s summer. Well, as close as it gets to summer in Scotland. Sunshine is carefully rationed so when it does make an appearance you’d better be prepared to make the most of those breaks in the cloud. Here we present some of the best ideas for enjoying summer in the cities

GET LOST

With over half an acre of hedgy twists and turns. the thoroughly disorientating maze at Traquair House in Innerleithen is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to spend their summer pretending to be Jennifer Connolly in Labry/‘nth. Watch out for the Bog of Eternal Stench, though, and just say ‘no' to any creepy glam rock icons in tights you might encounter. www.traquair.co.uk

SUCCESSFULLY LIGHT hand at dinghy sailing. For a more UP A BARBECUE relaxing day on the river. go for a full Throughout the barbecuing process day sail down the Clyde and back on the golden rules are to be prepared the Paddle Steamer Waverly.

and patient. Take some charcoal and www.9lasgowriverfestival.co.uk

build a pyramid in the grate of the

barbecue, apply a little lighter fluid (half PACK THE

a cup per 2le should do it) and allow PERFECT PICNIC

it to soak in for a minute or two. Take a The ideal picnic involves sweet red

nice long cook’s match and light the fruit of a bite—sized nature, white bread coals. If using firelighters place one in a sandwiches cut tenderly into delicate. gap at the base and centre of the crust-free triangles. and cupcakes and coals, light, and using tongs carefully scones on a multi-tiered cake stand. build a tower of coals channelling the ' Oh. and it should really be washed flame upwards. Leave well alone for a down with something bubbly (ginger good 30 minutes until the coals are beer, actual beer or a good sparkling glowing red with grey ash powdering I wine). But if you don‘t want the bother the surface. gently spread them a little of doing it yourself, make the most of and hold your hand above to check the array of fine purveyors of sunny there's some fine cooking heat. Don’t j time nosh. In Glasgow's West End. apply lighter fluid to hot coals. Get - Heart Buchanan will fill your picnic some juicy meat on the grill to really box (actually. it's a cardboard box. not get it going and look for that slap on 3 unlike the cat's vet vehicle) with the back from your dad. Now you're L whatever mixture of its food you fancy barbecuing. - seared squid salad. Lebanese aubergine dip, lobster, chicken breasts TAKE A BOAT RIDE and so on and will charge you DOWN THE CLYDE according to weight. The menu is at Glasgow River Festival returns on 14 wwwheartbuchanancouk. Garlic and 15 July. Take a short boat trip to also does a pretty divine looking _ . .2. g Braehead and visit the Scottish hamper and lets you choose the f...“ f g z I - 3 I " ~ Maritime Museum. Or take a more contents. Delizique and the ' ' I I 5 * adventurous approach and try your Hyndland Peckhams also sell empty

14 THE LIST 5—19 Jul 2007