Scotland’s Islands has issued an update on What’s On  this February 2012:

There’s plenty who will not need reminding of the hug party on Shetland this week – Up Helly Aa is the annual street festival supported by all kinds of activities running through to the end of the week. But this month is bursting with entertainment across all Scotland’s Islands – and if you’ve been keeping up with the likes of the Pulse, The Daily Record and The Sunday Times in the last week or so you’ll have seen confirmation of just how well people do entertainment on the islands.

Up Helly Aa
31 Jan 2012, Shetland Mainland

This is just the big day itself. It involves a series of marches and visitations, culminating in torch lit procession and Galley burning. There’s stand-up comedy, folk music and hours of performing acts and dancing in halls throughout the evening and early morning. This truly is a day you will never forget!

‘Auto Portraits’ and ‘Traces, Elements, Atmosphere’
7 Jan 2012 – 5 Feb 2012, Shetland Mainland

Once you’ve recovered, things to do include this striking exhibition of work by two artists at Lerwick’s stunning modern Museum and Archives.

Stand Up Comedy with Josie Long
4 Feb 2012, Mull

Just a short ferry hop across the sound. “Josie Long’s new show couldn’t be any better. It’s honest, intelligent, funny, and it’s exactly what Britain needs right now… Josie Long is poised to become the most important voice in British comedy” The Skinny*****

Papay Gyro Nights 2012 Art Festival
6 – 13 Feb 2012, Papa Westray, Orkney

An international contemporary art festival, originating from the ancient Papay tradition of the Night of The Gyros. An extraordinary week-long programme begins with a fire lit procession and includes theatre, video, film, workshops and a book launch.

Concert with Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle
14 Feb 2012, Skye

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle are three members of the acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions. With Mike and John McCusker having just finished a tour with Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler, it’s a rare chance to see three of the world’s finest musicians share a stage together.

Sally Magnusson’s Talk – ‘From Harris Tweed to Electric Cars – The Extraordinary History of Pee’
21 Feb 2012, Lewis

We’ll let broadcaster and journalist Sally Magnusson tell the stories that explain this, ahem, interesting title.

Rachel Sermanni with Special Guests
24 Feb 2012, Skye and 25 Feb 2012, Lewis

After months of anticipation, 20-year-old singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni unleashes her debut ‘Black Currents’ EP on January 30th. Check-out the track “Breath Easy” on Joe Whiley’s January 24th Radio 2 show. A concert NOT to be missed!

Arran Bike Club Night Rides
2, 9, 16, 23 Feb 2012, Arran

Mountain Bike runs are off-road as much as possible, using forest tracks and single-track. Anyone is welcome to join, young or old, fit or not so fit – nobody gets left behind! This is a whole other way to see and sense the island landscape. Rides finish at around 8.30 or 9.00 pm. Just visiting? Hire your bikes locally…

Contact:
Scotland’s Islands,c/o Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Development Department, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BW
Tel: 01851 822693
Email: info@scotlandsislands.com
Web: http://www.scotlandsislands.com/