December 2008 and throughout the year, Loch Rannoch Watersports Centre, Kinloch Rannoch. A multitude of activities are available to groups and individuals. Taster sessions for beginners are available all week, while those with more experience can benefit from further training or simply hire one of their boats. All activities are under the supervision of qualified staff, and all necessary equipment can be provided for a safe and enjoyable day, weekend or week away. You can choose from Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Boat Hire, Mountain Biking, Quad Biking, Off Road Driving and Safari’s, Climbing, Abseiling, Archery, and multi-activity courses. www.goforth.co.uk

Throughout the year, The Scottish Storytelling Centre, John Knox House High Street, Edinburgh. The Centre is a unique venue the home of Scotland's stories on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The autumn and winter programme reflects the seasons and celebrations of St. Andrew's Day, Yule and the turning of the year, with live storytelling, theatre and family events. Please visit their web address www.scottishstorytellingcentre .co.uk for all the relevant details.

5 September 2008 to 6 December 2008, Mackintosh Re-interpreted, Hunterian Art Gallery, Glasgow. Original textile designs by Charles Rennie Mackintosh alongside new interpretations, created and presented by the Centre. www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk list the full details of this event.

10th December 2008, 2pm, The New Duntrune Demonstration Garden, Dawson Park, DUNDEE. This demonstration promises to be entertaining and instructive, so come along and find out how to make an attractive floral Christmas display. Admission Free

12th to 13th December 2008, Swan Lake, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry. First produced in May 1875 at the Russian Imperial Theatre, Moscow, Swan Lake is a classic ballet, which tells the romantic story of a young maiden who is transformed into a swan after being cursed by an evil sorcerer. Programme details can be found at www.pitlochry.org.uk

14th December 2008, Callander Farmers’ Market, Station Road carpark, Callander. Large selection of Scottish producers of food, plants and crafts, organised by Stirling Farmers’ Market on behalf of Callander Community Development Trust.

29th December 2008 to 5th January 2009, The Scottish 'Birding and Wildlife Experience, The Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire. Why not try something different which will incorporate a holiday enjoying birdwatching in a picturesque part of Scotland and also enjoy the excitement of a true Scottish Celebration seeing out the old year and bringing in the new details can be found on www.heatherlea.co.uk

31st December 2008, Stonehaven Fireball Festival, Stonehaven. Stonehaven's Fireball Festival is a spectacular sight as local people form a processession along the old town High Street swinging fireballs to ward off the darkness of winter and bring in the new year in what is one of the few remaining traditional mid-winter fire festivals on the east coast. Full details are at www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk

31st December 2008, Across Scotland, Hogmanay. Hogmanay - New Year's Eve to the uninitiated - is party night in Scotland. Many towns and cities throughout Scotland have their own celebrations and you'll always be welcome, so come along and experience a traditional Scottish new year for yourself. The City of Edinburgh hosts the largest street party in Scotland with thousands of visitors. www.edinburghshogmanay.org