1 Stereophonics

Aberdeen Conference Centre and Edinburgh Castle, today and July 15-16

The Stereophonics will make a triumphant return to Scotland when they bring their Keep the Village Alive tour back north of the border this week.

Known for hits including The Bartender and the Thief, Mr Writer, Dakota and The Handbags and The Gladrags, the Welsh rockers will treat fans to new material from their upcoming album along with some classic tracks during the shows.

With support from Walking on Cars, the gigs are shaping up to be a must for music fans.

Ticket prices start from £39.50 in Aberdeen and £42.50 in Edinburgh. Visit www.stereophonics.com.

2 Summer at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, today until September 2

Set in the stunning surroundings of Holyroodhouse, this action-packed programme of summer activities promises fun for all the family. Designed to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, events include activity trails, garden party tours and weird and wonderful activities that give an insight into stranger objects from the Royal collection. There’s even a chance to visit the new family pavilion in the Palace Gardens.

Tickets prices vary. Visit www.royalcollection.org.uk for more information.

3 Ness of Brodgar excavations

Various venues, Orkney, July 10-21 and August 1-24

History buffs will be able to uncover the mysteries of one of the biggest archaeological finds in recent times when the Ness of Brodgar excavation opens its doors to the public.

A wealth of treasures, including pottery and the foundation of a ‘neolithic temple’, have already been found at the prehistoric complex which lies in the heart of the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site between the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness.

Come along and scratch below the surface of this amazing site.

Visit www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/nessofbrodgar

4 Callander and Trossachs Summerfest

Various venues, Callander, July 16-31

This two week celebration of the creative arts has something for everyone.

Highlights this year include an evening with former Makar Liz Lochhead, performances from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Riverside Ceilidh Band and felting, jewellery and mosaic workshops. There will also be pottery exhibitions, cycle rides, walks and afternoons of music, film and poetry.

Ticket prices vary. Visit www.facebook.com/CallanderSummerfest for more information.

5 Grumpy Old Women Live

Perth Concert Hall, Perth and the King’s Theatre, Glasgow, July 15 and 17

Jenny Eclair and her fellow Grumpies Mrs Brown’s Boys star Susie Blake and Casualty’s Kate Robbins hit the road again with their brand new show, Fifty Shades of Beige.

Following on from the success of their sold-out, critically acclaimed 2015 tour, the outrageous new show includes tips on the art of Grumpy Grooming, the joy of large pants, a free nagging masterclass and a complimentary anger management workshop.

Ticket prices start at £25 in Perth and £29.15 in Glasgow. Visit www.grumpyoldwomenlive.com for more information.

6 Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival

Tarbert, Loch Fyne, July 15-17

More than 40 vessels from across the UK will descend on Tarbert’s harbour this weekend for this annual celebration of traditional boats. The three-day event features stalls, games, woodworking and boat building demonstrations, traditional music, steam engines, a greasy pole competition and a full size replica Viking longship. There will also be a traditional raft race on Saturday, where competitors use their own handmade creations to battle for first place.

Entry is free. Visit www.tarberttraditionalboatsfestival.org.uk for more information.

7 Comic Invention

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow, today until July 17

A must for art lovers and comic fans, this fascinating exhibition examines graphic novels and how we tell stories using pictures.

Covering everything from the ancient Greeks to Marvel, the exhibit showcases a variety of rare items from the Hunterian vaults and beyond, including Glasgow Looking Glass, a Glaswegian publication that is arguably the oldest known comic. Other highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and original drawings from Marvel and DC legend Frank Quietly.

Tickets cost £5. Visit www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/visit/exhibitions/exhibitionprogramme/comicinvention/ for more information.

8 The Colour Run

Glasgow, July 17

Runners will get the chance to take part in the ‘happiest 5k on earth’ when The Color Run returns to Glasgow this weekend.

Combining music, a party atmosphere, exercise and Glasgow’s glorious architecture, the family friendly event, which is not timed, sees participants covered in bursts of coloured powder as they complete each kilometre of the race.

Runners can head along to the Color Festival Area after crossing the finish line to listen to DJs and MCs and take part in the ‘Color Throws’.

Entry starts at £23. Visit http://www.thecolorrun.co.uk/ for more information.

9 Hebridean Celtic Festival

Lews Castle Green, Isle of Lewis, today until July 16

Marking its 20th year, this unique, award-winning festival held in the atmospheric surroundings of Lewis and Harris celebrates Celtic music and Gaelic culture.

This year’s festival features performances from the Red Hot Chili Pipers, Runrig, Julie Fowlis, Hayseed Dixie and the John McCusker Band. There will also be food, workshops, family entertainment and ceilidh dancing.

Tickets start from £26 for adults, £22 for concessions and £6 for children over six. Visit www.hebceltfest.com for more information.

10 Byre in the Botanics

Botanical Gardens, St Andrews, various dates in July and August

Held in St Andrews’ picturesque Botanic Gardens, this summer season of outdoor concerts, performances and films is full of hidden gems.

Organised by the Byre Theatre, the season features live shows from Barbara Dickson and Rab Noakes, Capercaillie and The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, ballet from Berlin’s JSLN Dance and a performance of Bard in the Botanics’ new Macbeth. There will also be classic film screenings, big screen productions from Glyndebourne and Shakespeare’s Globe and a host of family-friendly activities.

Ticket prices vary. Visit www.standrewsbyreinthebotanics.com for more information.

11 The Glasgow Mela

Kelvingrove Park this weekend

The free multi-cultural festival, which has been running for over 25 years, mixes live music and theatrical performances with film screenings, family activities and mouth-watering foods.

A perfect way to spend the day.

Entry is free. Visit www.glasgowmela.com for more information.