Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

The Great Tapestry of Scotland: Throughout the Beginning of March, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Potentially the longest tapestry in the world (beating the Kieskamma tapestry in the South African parliament by a cool 23 metres), the artwork has been worked on by people from all across the country since 2012. It tells the story of Scotland’s history from the formation of the land in the prehistoric era to the re-convention of the Scottish Parliament in 1998, in 160 panels and 143 metres of stitching.

Shattered Hopes: The Gordon Highlanders in 1914: Throughout the Beginning of March, The Gordon Highlanders’ Museum

Discover the role the Regiment had in the first few months of World War I.

Sir David Gill: 1843-1914: Aberdeen’s Royal Astronomer: Throughout the Beginning of March, Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Exhibition marking 100 years since Gill’s death about how a son of an Aberdeen watchmaker grew up to become the foremost practical astronomer of his age.

The Amateur Eye: Photographs of 1930s Aberdeen: Throughout the Beginning of March, Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Previously unseen photographs taken by chemistry teacher and talented amateur photographer, Martin F Bailey, around Aberdeen in the 1930s.

Anthony Schrag: Throughout the Beginning of March, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Work by an artist who specializes in work that doesn’t necessarily look like art at all; for a public commission in Hoxton, London, he got the locals to play an un-winnable (but still losable) game of five-a-side tug of war.

Rhona Taylor: Typology: Throughout the Beginning of March, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Works from the Edinburgh-based artist exploring thresholds, barriers, boundaries and transitions.

Sets: Throughout the Beginning of March, The Smart Gallery

When the National Theater of Scotland produce a show, they create a miniature replica of the stage to work through artistic and technical choices. This exhibition allows you see these backstage sets and some of the design tools used in theater-making process.

Music, Comedy and Dance

Aberdeen Jazz Festival: Beginning 12 March, Various Venues and Times

A host of musicians and performers descends on the Granite City for a few days of jazz and blues, with everything from workshops and jamming sessions, to chilled out gigs on the green and late night sessions. Confirmed for 2014 are Swedish drummer Magnus Ostrom and the great Jack Bruce.

Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra: 1 March, The Cowdray Hall, 7.30pm

An eclectic repertoire from the orchestra.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac: 2 March, Music Hall, 7.30pm

The Mick Fleetwood-approved tribute act who cover the gamut of Mac material from the Peter Green era to the Buckingham/Nicks days.

Aberdeen Sinfonietta: 9 March, Music Hall, 7.30pm

The Aberdeen Sinfonietta is one of the leading musical ensembles in the North East, giving regular concerts and also providing orchestral support to choral societies in the area.

The Furey’s and David Arthur: 12 March, Music Hall, 7.30pm

The Irish legends perform with Davey Arthur.

Edinburgh Quartet: 6 and 11 March, King’s College Chapel/Cowdray Hall, 7.30pm/5.30pm

Scotland’s premier string quartet was founded in 1960 and maintains close relationships with composers all over the UK, as well as playing dozens of concerts a year in venues all over the country.

Russell Howard: Wonderbox: 13 March,  Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, 8pm

The energetic star of Good News and Mock the Week takes his Wonderbox on tour.

Around the World in Music: 16 March, Music Hall, 2.30pm

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Aberdeen Parkrun: 1, 8 and 15 March, Beach Esplanade, 9.30am

An informal weekly 5k run along the Beach Esplanade. Everyone is welcome, no matter how fast or slow (you’re welcome to walk the route, bring your dog or push a buggy), so you can use it as a one-off fitness test, a chance to get some fresh air or come every week to try to beat your personal best time.

Andy Kirkpatrick: Inappropriate Climbing: 10 March, The Lemon Tree, 8pm

The author and mountaineer talks about his recent climbs, including climbing El Cap with his 13-year-old daughter, revisiting Norway’s Troll Wall and his latest attempt to climb the North Face of the Eiger.