HOSPITAL FOR SMALL ANIMALS, Roslin, Midlothian, 1-4pm, Saturday, 13 September Take a guided tour around a building dedicated to the health and welfare of animals of the less-than-large variety. Built in 1999 and opened by the Princess Royal, the hospital is a modern, purpose-built animal hospital situated on the Easter Bush Estate. It incorporates the latest technology and the best practice of animal care. Tours every 30 minutes.
COO CATHEDRAL, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, 10am-4pm, Saturday, 20 September Not as you might think, a temple to the bovine species, but a former cattle shed converted into a venue for parties and events. It was part of the model farm created by George
Truefitt for Sir William Cunliffe Brook in 1889 and forms a key building within the Aboyne Castle Estate.
BELL PETTIGREW MUSEUM: Piranha exhibition, South Street, St Andrews, 12 noon-5pm, Sunday, 21 September The museum houses a large display of animal specimens, some of rare and protected species. Educational display panels, work sheets, information packs and hands-on activities are included.
There will be a special exhibition on the biology of the piranha, from Professor Anne Magurran's laboratory. This was part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition in London last year. There will also be a drawing competition for children.
CRICHTON CASTLE BAT WALK, Midlothian, 7-8pm, Saturday, 13 September Built in the late 14th century as the lordly residence of the Crichtons and later home to the Earls of Bothwell, this castle, currently in the care of Historic Scotland is home to a variety of bats, such as pipistrelle, brown long-eared and Natterer's. If you have ever visited Crichton Castle by day, you may only have been a few feet away from some of these interesting creatures that spend the daylight hours hidden away, but that come out at night to hunt for flying insects. Listen for them using a "bat detector" and spot them as they begin their evening flight. Booking in advance is essential. Please phone the Midlothian Ranger Service on 01875 821990
BEEWARE, Milltimber House, Inver, Perth and Kinross, 1-5pm, Saturda,y 20 September Visit a honey house, where honey is processed and beeswax products made. The honey house is situated in the garden of Milltimber House in the picturesque village of Inver, famous as the home of Niel Gow, the fiddler, and Charles McIntosh, a naturalist and acquaintance of Beatrix Potter. Visitors will be able to view bees at work in an observation hive and watch the making of rolled beeswax candles.
The full article contains 429 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
