Throughout January 2010, ScotlandsPeople Centre, East End Princes Street, Edinburgh. Visitors can view digitised key Scottish resources such as birth, marriage and death records, wills, census records and coats of arms, going back almost 500 years. Staff are on hand to offer help and advice. Visit www.scotlandspeoplehub.gov.uk for full details.

Throughout the year Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh, provides an abundance of interesting events to suit the whole family from experiencing what it was like to be a servant in the castle in days gone by to art classes and discovering the exotic blooms which can be found in the gardens there is something for everyone. Full details can be found on their website www.cac.org.uk

January 2010 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

1st January 2010 The Loony Dook, South Queensferry, nr Edinburgh. To celebrate the first day of every new year, a growing number of hardy souls leap into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry - fancy dress welcome, wetsuits not allowed and all monies collected go to local charities. You don't have to be loony to join in but it helps... To find out more about this fun event please visit www.theloonydook.co.uk

14th to 31st January 2010, Celtic Connections, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. The biggest winter music festival in the world, Celtic Connections features artists from around the globe alongside the very best Scottish talent at venues across the city. From concerts, ceilidhs and club-nights to drums, drams and dancing, January evenings will never be dull again! www.celticconnections.com

9th January 2010, Strauss Gala, Usher hall, Edinburgh. This spectacular event takes you back in time to the days of the glittering ballrooms of 19th Century Vienna. For full programme details please visit www.usherhall.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 scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk for all the relevant details.

23rd January 2010, Directing Masterclass, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry. A chance to learn a range of essential directorial skills and techniques from PFT’s own Artistic Director, John Durnin, including production conception, text analysis, actor communications and technical delivery. Ideally, participants should have some experience and or understanding of theatre production, but it’s not essential! Full details are obtainable from www.pitlochry.org.uk

23rd to 24th January 2010, Aviemore Sled Dog Rally, Glenmore Forest Park, Aviemore. At this time of the year , mushers from throughout the UK gather in the area around Aviemore for one of the most challenging and prestigious of the British Siberian Husky Club's series of rallies. Hopefully the weather will proide plenty of snow to make it a real arctic experience. If there is no snow at ground level for the event, the races will still go on with mushers using a three-wheeled rig that looks like a bike without a seat. The program of events can be found at www.siberianhuskyclub.com

26th January 2010 Up-Helly-Aa, Lerwick, Shetland. Britain's biggest and most spectacular fire festival features a torch-lit parade of almost 1000 people, dressed either as Vikings or in all manner of crazy fancy-dress costumes, the spectacular features the burning of a Viking galley, ceilidhs and all-night partying. Contact www.uphellyaa.org  to find out more.