Kirsty Fraser

Music loving aficionados of Glasgow rejoice! Record Store Day 2016 (which takes place on Saturday April 16) isn't far away and there’s a whole heap of live music action, DJ sets and limited edition vinyl to get your mitts on around the city. Record Store Day launched in America in 2007 and its aim is to celebrate the multitudes of independent record stores around the world. The way it works is simple: for one day only, independent record shops stock a selection of limited-edition releases on CD and vinyl. Musicians across the globe join in by releasing special editions of their work, playing impromptu sessions in-store and by generally celebrating the wonders of our independent record shops. This year there will be enough sweet treats and tea to go around too, so get involved and enjoy the family-friendly vibes these Glasgow record stores have planned for April 18. Love Music, 34 Dundas Street, Glasgow   With more than 500 Record Store Day releases in stock on the day, Love Music is set to have queues snaking out of the door from early in the wee hours. But don’t worry, there will be plenty to keep you entertained as you wait in line. With a whole range of music acts set to appear on the day plus the obligatory free tea and cakes (don’t mind if we do!), Love Music is the place to be. The full line-up is: FiniTribe, Randolph's Leap, C Duncan, James King & the Lone Wolves, Colonel Mustard & the Dijon 5, Frankie Iero (ex My Chemical Romance guitarist/vocalist), Mickey 9s, Apach

The festive season is well and truly upon us, and amidst the Christmas nights out and long-awaited catch ups with friends and family, there are some serious cocktails to be devoured. But we’re not just talking about your typical run-of-the-mill Martinis and oh-so-obvious Cosmos. While standard cocktail fare is delish, save it for the other 11 months of the year. The festive season demands some festive spirits to match, so here are four of Glasgow’s best not-so-ordinary cocktails to bring a little Christmas cheer into your life. The Pear, Ginger and Raspberry Mule at SoHo  SoHo, Miller Street Not only is SoHo one of Glasgow’s unsung heroes in terms of food but their lovely Pear, Ginger and Raspberry Mule shows they also know how to make a damn fine cocktail. Made with Absolut Pears Vodka, Chambord Raspberry liqueur, ginger beer, fresh lime and a dash of Angostura bitters, this nimble little drink is a great accompaniment to SoHo’s fantastic Italian cuisine. Served in a cute little jar, it’s a cocktail you'll want to sample repeatedly.SoHo, 84 Miller Street The Coconut and Chilli Daiquiri at Bar Soba Bar Soba, Merchant City Think it sounds like a weird combination? Well we did too until we had a glass or two and felt our taste buds exploding. The finest ingredients, such as Koko Kanu coconut rum, fresh lime and homemade lychee syrup, are the foundation for this yummy cocktail. Not only is it the perfect accompaniment to Bar Soba’s delicious Pan Asian menu but the lemongrass

Earlier this year we brought you a variety of lesser-known facts about Glasgow, including the city's links to the patron saint of love and how we have our very own slice of NYC right in the heart of the city. As you could probably guess though, there's much more to the dear green place than that - for example, did you know that Batman owes much to the city, or that there's more than just tunnels underneath our Central railway station? Here are nine new interesting and quirky facts about our cultural haven. 1. 'Wee Willie Winkie' was written by a Glaswegian <img class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102941384/image.jpg" image_id="102941384" loaded="246631" total="246631" type="image/jpeg" data-width-class="" data-credit="flickr.com/photos/mariancraig/" data-caption="" id="ec76a2fb-c242-df94-2442-9af40844c9a4"> flickr.com/photos/mariancraig/   William Miller, better known as the 'Laureate of the Nursery', was born in Dennistoun. In his early 30s he wrote 'Wee Willie Winkie', which was first published in 1841. The original Scots version wasn't given its first showing until 1863, when Miller’s book 'Scottish Nursery Songs and Other Poems' was published. A memorial to the poet now resides in Glasgow's Necropolis. 2. Glasgow blazed a trail for cinemas <img class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102941386/image.jpg" image_id="102941386" loaded="185575" total="185575" type="image/jpeg" data-width-class="" data-credit="flickr.

Halloween is big business. When it comes to things that go bump in the night it seems us Brits are definitely happy to part with our cash. Not only is Halloween now the third biggest retail event of the year - sitting just behind Christmas and Easter - but it's estimated that this year alone we'll spend a spook-tacular £300 million on Halloween items and paraphernalia. With this in mind, it's no surprise that the variety and range of costumes available to buy has increased substantially. But so too have the daft ideas that go with them. Instead of expelling the myths that surround Scottish culture, it seems Halloween is a time to indulge in the delusions of Scots and their bonny lives in bagpipe country. If you're still on the lookout for your costume this year, here's some of the best (and worst) examples which apparently represent Scotland... See you Jimmy...   Tartan hats and ginger wigs go together like Irn-Bru and deep fried Mars Bar suppers, and we all know how often us Scots like to indulge in those appetising delights.Amazon.  Who wears short kilts? We wear short kilts         Not only do we all wear tartan and sport ginger locks, but we're also always wearing kilts. Although we can't remember ours ever being as short as this.Amazon. We're bringing sexy back   Jeans are out. Note to anyone not in Scotland: this is how all women dress here on a daily basis. Fact.Amazon.   Scottish cowgirls??   We didn't get taught about cowgirls in Scottish history but maybe our t

Once again it’s the time of year when we dress up and go out guising for some sweet delights. But there’s more to Halloween than trick or treating, particularly where Glasgow's involved. To the untrained eye our cultural haven may look like a city bursting with life, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find plenty of stories concerning Glasgow's afterlife too. From ghostly apparitions stalking our beloved Clockwork Orange to vampires roaming the southern Necropolis, Glasgow has its fair share of dark and spooky mysteries. So take a peek, if you dare, at these ghoulish tales. The beautiful lady of Hillhead undergroundGlasgow’s underground was opened in 1896 and over the years has been central to many tales regarding things that go bump in the night. Take for instance, Hillhead station. Ever been casually waiting for the subway and heard the mysterious sound of laughter drifting across an empty platform? If you haven’t had the pleasure yet perhaps you will, as the ghost associated with this West End stop-off tends to be heard either laughing her head off, giving a little whistle or singing a song or two. There's nothing to worry about though; the beautiful lady is one of Glasgow’s friendlier ghosts and is most often sighted decked out in her 1930s finery. Witnesses who have spotted her often sense an aura of happiness when she’s about. This ghost sounds like a hoot and a half. The demon child of Shields Road undergroundAnother subway stop with particular links to the paranormal

Dating is hard. But a little tickle of our funny bones usually makes it all worthwhile, right? That's why, when searching for your next online date, you should appreciate the profiles that don't take themselves too seriously. While some Tinder users go down the serious route, posing for the camera and dazzling us with their pearly whites, others see it as an opportunity to show off their GSOH, and thank god for them. At least we think they're kidding.  So here are 15 Tinder users who know how to make us laugh. Swipe right for these charming individuals...   1. Say You, Say Me  This guy would surely have us dancing on the ceiling, all night long. No? (Sorry, it had to be said.)   2. Scotland the brave       We're not entirely convinced this man is genuinely playing the bagpipes, but then Tinder never lies, does it?   3. Celeb Selfie  Watch out. We think Jennifer Lawrence might already have her eye on this fella.   4. Captain Adventure   At least he's got pals.   5. Chim Chim Cher-ee       Filming for the new Mary Poppins remake has taken a turn for the worst.    6. Neigh bother  I'd do as he says to be honest.   7. Bacon makes everything better Mmm, bacon.   8. Let him be your hero  Looks legit to us.   9. Bubbles burst  No words. Just swipe.  10. All by myself Someone please go cheer this poor guy up.   11. Wind beneath his wings Can we have some 15p crisps and a can of juice please? Ta.   12. Look out, it's...         Seriously. Help him out.   13. Party starter

Are you heading to university this year as a direct entrant or a mature student? Time Out Glasgow blogger Kirsty has these tips and advice to help you make the most out of uni life. I remember it like it was just last year. Probably because it was last year, but I am still struck by just how nervous and worried I was about starting uni. If you’re just about to embark on your first year as a university student too, you may have that same fear. Mine was compounded by the fact that I was not only about to embark upon a new life, flung into the fully-fledged world of academia, but that I was entering into the third year of my degree, straight from a college HND. My transition had been mediated to a certain extent by my former college – current university students had come in and given talks, and we’d sat through an afternoon crash course on figuring out the minefield of university timetabling. But no matter how many hours you spend poring over literature written to put you at ease, that gnawing worry can be hard to remove. But I’m here. I made it through my first year of uni (as a third year student). Being a direct entrant has its obstacles but you absolutely don’t have to go it alone. So here are some tips and things I learned about being a direct entrant. 1. Go to your university's direct entrant weekEvery uni will welcome DE students differently. Some might think a quick tour of campus and a free cup of tea is enough to settle you in. If that is genuinely their take on suppor

Glasgow's East End might not be the first place you think of when it comes to eating out in style but, hopefully, that's about to change. In recent years Duke Street has become a wee bit of a foodie haven just waiting to be discovered. Whether you're talking about the stalwarts of Duke Street, such as Coia's Cafe, or new joints on the block, like Drygate Brewing Co, the prices are always reasonable and the welcome forever friendly. So here's four of Duke Street's best you should be checking out the next time you're in the East End and feeling a bit peckish. Coia's Café facebook.com/coiascafe   An absolute mainstay of Duke Street life, Coia’s has been operating in this neck of the woods since 1928. In 2006 the business expanded and the café was given a massive overhaul, with a top class takeaway and delicatessen being added into the mix. Ice cream fans should visit the Deli for Coia's own Italian ice cream, whilst wine lovers won’t be disappointed by their selection of vino. Italian staples such as pizza, pasta and seafood rule the day when it comes to their a la carte menu. But there's also a fantastic selection of steaks, burgers and salads, as well as Coia's very own mince'n'tatties. And we’ve not even mentioned their delicious breakfasts yet.Coia’s Café, 477 Duke Street. Café Tibo facebook.com/cafetibo   Tibo opened in 2006 and offers up breakfast, lunch and dinner with a welcome dose of banter. Unpretentious and always interesting, their lunch and dinner menu is full

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards is gearing up for its sixth year in action, with a series of showcase events planned in the run-up to the awards ceremony this October. Schnarff Schnarff, A Sudden Burst of Colour and Rebel Westerns are heading up one such event at Bloc from 9pm tomorrow night, offering a free taste of what the SAMA has to offer.   <img class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102776704/image.jpg" loaded="119270" total="119270" type="image/jpeg" data-width-class="" data-credit="facebook.com/SchnarffSchnarff" data-caption="Schnarff Schnarff play at the next SAMA event" id="f23bf5d4-47c6-1419-d75a-c0bbb7912db1"> Schnarff Schnarff play at the next SAMA eventfacebook.com/SchnarffSchnarff       The SAMA, originally started as a university project in 2009, has become an annual celebration of Scottish musical talent. There are seven main categories: Best Acoustic, Best Metal, Best Rock, Best Newcomer, Best Live Act, Best Electro and Best Hip Hop. Previous winners include Hector Bizerk, who went on to play this year’s SXSW festival in Texas, and Edinburgh-based bands Bwani Junction and We Were Promised Jetpacks, former Best Newcomer and Best Live Act winners respectively. More showcase events across Glasgow and Edinburgh will be announced by the SAMA team soon, so stay tuned to the official SAMA Facebook and Twitter. You're also welcome to have a wee look at some of the great interviews, performances and acceptance speeches from prev

Scotland’s annual music pilgrimage has come a long way since its humble beginnings at Strathclyde Country Park back in 1994. The 17,000 revellers who soaked up the very first T in the Park - including just 2,000 campers - were treated to sets by the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Bjork, Primal Scream and Paul Oakenfold. Nowadays, T draws a markedly larger crowd, with more than 250,000 music revellers expected to descend on this year's event. But as it's grown, the debate rages on over the festival's line-up - does T still have it or is it the poor relation to some of the other larger festivals in the UK and Europe? Scottish people love a good moan. T in the Park lineup beats Glastonbury's (and better crowds) — Aidan Walker (@aidan_nmw) July 1, 2015 the full T in the Park lineup is hopeless — dave (@daveybigtoe) June 2, 2015 Wish I was going to T In The Park this year, class lineup. — Jack Shearing (@jack_lad) July 5, 2015 T in the park lineup is a joke swap it with Reading everyday of the week — Will (@WillFrankThomps) July 2, 2015 Whether you love it or hate it, the music plays on. With some incredible acts set to play across the weekend, here's a selection of T's finest that we think you'd be mad to miss. 1. PridesPrides will go down in T history as the first band to grace the stage at the festival's newly minted Strathallan Castle site. The trio already have previous form, disarming large audiences with their catchy, keyboard driven pop when they played the Com

Glasgow is such a great, vibrant city so here, for your reading pleasure, are just some of the reasons why it's great to be Glaswegian. 1. We turn our buildings into works of art <img class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102533913/image.jpg" loaded="544106" total="544106" type="image/jpeg" data-width-class="" data-credit="Kirsty Fraser" data-caption="" id="d97d597f-e369-f443-247c-28cf2a322852"> Kirsty Fraser Check out a tour of Glasgow's street art. 2. We have a great sense of humour <img class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102531300/image.jpg" loaded="20783" total="20783" type="image/jpeg" data-width-class="" data-credit="www.facebook.com/groups/482654811857816" data-caption="" id="f00bf2fa-cb2c-935d-ae9e-5a9ecaeefeae"> www.facebook.com/groups/482654811857816                               3. Our style mile rivals the best shopping precincts in the UK <img class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102531301/image.jpg" loaded="109248" total="109248" type="image/jpeg" data-width-class="" data-credit="Alex, flickr.com/photos/microwavedboy" data-caption="" id="60d2a5d7-da91-c448-3a74-92abf29a5ee8"> Alex, flickr.com/photos/microwavedboy                                 4. We like our fine dining <img class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102533916/image.jpg" loaded="34077" total="34077" type="image/jpeg" data-width-class="" data-credit="Cail Bruich, Great Weste

Are you tired of the same old shopping trips and excursions? In need of an injection of fun into your extra-curricular activities that will suit young and old alike? Then read on as there’s plenty going on in and around Glasgow to get you motivated. From group mystery games to theatre with an eccentric kick, there’s sure to be a treat or two for you in these five alternative days out. Air Space www.facebook.com/AirspaceUK                                                     With more than 100 interconnected trampolines, Air Space is a fantastic mix of fun and keep-fit. Whether freestyle jumping is more your thing, or you fancy one of the plethora of bouncified team sports including dodgeball, basketball and football, they've got you covered. One hour sessions cost £13 and include your Air Space Jump socks, so won’t break the bank.Airspace, Monday - Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am-10pm. Stewartfield Way, East Kilbride. Escape     Designed as a team-building game, Escape is a unique day out where mystery and suspense reign. The premise is simple: you and your team will be locked in a room with exactly 60 minutes to find your way out. In order to do so, you must solve puzzles, decipher clues and unravel riddles. This really is fun for all the family and with prices starting from £11 per person, it doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are various time slots from early morning to late evening available.Escape, Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street. RollerStop www.facebo