It may be dark and chilly, but that’s no reason not to venture out exploring. From family fun to visual art, here are our editor Lynn’s top tips on the best of what’s on in East Lothian over the next two months.
Dive in to the all-new Scottish Seabird Centre this Winter
Conservation and education charity, the Scottish Seabird Centre, has almost completed the second stage of its exciting refurbishment programme. This will see its Discovery Experience exhibits and interactive wildlife cameras fully upgraded. The new content focuses on Scotland’s amazing marine wildlife, habitats, seabirds and the challenges facing them, including climate change, invasive non-native species and plastic pollution. The all-new exhibits have been created to have a cross-generational appeal, and the informative storyboards, digital exhibits and fun games will engage and inspire people of all ages and abilities.
The Seabird café and giftshop are open throughout the refurbishment programme and the Discovery Experience is due to launch mid-December, just in time to welcome visitors over the festive break. Keep an eye on the website and social media for news of the opening date.
www.seabird.org
Museums
Find out more about the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune by taking part in one of their Museum Stories trails. What are the must-see highlights of the museum? What was East Fortune Airfield like during the war? These downloadable trails were produced by members of the East Lothian community, who selected their highlights and shared personal stories of the museum. Simply head to their website to download a trail during your visit. www.nms.ac.uk/flight
Food and drink
Station Yard Micropub in Dunbar has a season of festive events taking place to get you in the mood for Christmas. On 29 November they’ve got GINgleFest, where guests can taste a wide variety of gins. The following night they’ll have a ‘Party Like It’s Xmas’ evening. On 1 December you can help them celebrate their second birthday and on 11 December they have a ticketed event, ‘Wines for Christmas’. Head to their Facebook page for details.
Facebook – @stationyard
Family fun
A Christmas Fairy Trail is an immersive theatrical experience taking place on selected dates throughout December at Archerfield Walled Garden. Set along a trail designed as a magical world of fairies and forest folk, you’ll find surprises around every corner, with illusions, magic, lighting and lasers. Expect flying fairies, dancers and circus performers as well as interactive optical illusions and close encounters with the friendly forest folk.
£11 for children, £15 for adults, £48 for families, with under-twos free
www.archerfieldwalledgarden.com
Theatre
It’s that time of year again. The panto at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh is always legendary and this year is no exception. Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott are back in a circus-inspired take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Expect magic, music, mayhem and plenty of porridge.
Until 19th January
£18.50-36.00
www.capitaltheatres.com
History
Explore medieval weapons and castle life with Man at Arms, an informative talk taking place at Dirleton Castle. Hear tales of siege warfare, with a selection of weapons on show. This talk is part of the Saltire Festival and is free with admission to the castle.
1st December, 1.30pm
www.hes.scot
