Plans for the weekend? Here’s what we’re up to
The weekend is nearly here and we’re gradually starting to see a lift of lockdown restrictions in Scotland. And while we are still waiting for restaurants, bars, visitor attractions and other public spaces to reopen, there is plenty we can be doing, both inside and outside, to enjoy ourselves and keep our families occupied this weekend.
Stretch your legs
The sun is due to be out this weekend and with plenty of open space around Grandhome, it’s the perfect time to get out for a walk or cycle, stretch your legs and get some vitamin D (don’t forget the suntan lotion!). Why not take a trip down to Scotstown Moor Nature Reserve or to the beach, which are both around 20 minutes away by bike?
Get the barbecue ready
Having a BBQ in your back garden is one of summer’s greatest pastimes – and the fact that we are now able to meet outside with another household is the perfect excuse. Support a local butcher and buy your BBQ burgers and sausages from H&S Milne and Sons and put your favourite Spotify playlist on. Keg of beer and Hawaiian shirt optional.
Have a picnic in the park
The humble art of picnicking has been right up there with the best of ways to enjoy the sun at the weekend and during our WFH lunches. And now, with new government advice stating that we can sit in parks if socially distanced, picnicking outside of our own back yard can be once again enjoyed. Dig out the picnic blanket and cool box!
Start gardening (if you haven’t already!)
Garden centres are now open once again with social distancing measures in place. Studies have shown the benefits of gardening for our mental health (so much so that horticultural therapy is said to help treat depression and anxiety). You could use this time to plant some flowers and seasonal plants, or take the time now to learn how to grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs. There are some handy guides for how to care for your garden available at rhs.org.uk.
Watch some classic theatre
The National Theatre in London is still broadcasting some of its most popular productions for free during the lockdown. Following two sold-out runs at London’s National Theatre in 2013, and a West End transfer, this week’s at-home broadcast is This House – a timely, moving and funny insight into the workings of British politics by James Graham (the same writer behind the recent TV show Quiz). The play was broadcast via the National Theatre’s YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday but is still available to view over the next six days. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home
Get cultured with the kids
Bringing Shakespeare’s Globe’s trademark playfulness into your home, these new interactive online events will include a variety of storytelling and workshop sessions – many of which have been specially designed for kids of different ages. Led by the theatre’s practitioners, the sessions enable kids and their families to get involved from anywhere in the world – simply book in advance and join in from home via Zoom. The programme kicks off today with special workshops on Macbeth, followed by sessions looking into family-favourite A Midsummer Night’s Dream and finally The Tempest. Great if you fear kids are missing out on literary learning at home. ShakespearesGlobe.com
Create a wanderlust list
Our holidays might be on hold but that doesn’t stop us from dreaming of where we’d love to be when all this is over. And with recent reports suggesting that we may be able to staycation later this summer, it’s time to start thinking about where you would like to go in the UK. The Bimble app allows you to collect, save and share your favourite places and create lists of places you’re dreaming of visiting. You can also create a list of the local places you’ll visit when the restrictions are lifted and your favourite high street gems are open again.