SUMMERIN THE CITY
IMBIBE OUTDOORS
Oran Mor's old church grounds have afforded a larger outdoor area than most (Great Western Road). Greener but still more of a beer hill than a garden is Brel's little out-back (Ashton Lane); perfectly pleasant during a stretch of fine weather. Also worth a mention are Babbity Bowster (Blackfriars Street) and the dog-friendly McPhabbs (Sandyford Place). A favourite must be Cottiers (Hyndland Street). another church with distracting ambience for that rare. stolen moment. a pint in the sun.
In Edinburgh. The Pond (Bath Road. Leith) is a brilliantly quirky bar. with a lit-up goldfish pond and patio floor made of wine corks. They'll supply the barbecue essentials — gas. plates. cutlery — all you need to bring is the food. In contrast. the Sheep Heid Inn (The Causeway. Duddingston) is a handy stop-off after sunbathing on Arthur‘s Seat. with parasols. a barbecue serving venison burgers and a skittle alley for outdoor bowling. The Pear Tree on West Nicolson Street now has live bands on an outdoor stage. Human Be-ln around the corner are an afternoon suntrap. The Outhouse on Broughton Street Lane combines DJs with hotdogs and beers and their fortnightly Sunday barbecues help barflies recover from the night before.
TAKE A WALK
BY THE CANALS
There are over 130 miles of inland waterways in Scotland offering coast to coast water passage. Follow the canal towpath from Edinburgh to the Falkirk Wheel. Or take the five-mile walk along the Union Canal into Edinburgh. Starting from the Scott Russell aqueduct. passing the Redhall, Slateford. Prince Charlie and Railway aqueducts to arrive at Edinburgh Quay where you can re-fuel at Cargo Bar. www.waterscape.com
16 THE LIST 5--- 19 Jul 2007
COMPILE A SUMMER
MIX TAPE
Andrew Tully from Avalanche Records shares his wisdom:
‘Like Fight Club — but Without the unnecessary carnage — there are summer mix tape rules.
1 It has to be a beat up old BASF C90 cassette. \vith chewing gum or blu-tac jammed in the top to faCilitate recording. MPBS are only for those who think intJSIC begins and ends with Muse's latest chundering opus.
2 The cover should feature some iconic 608 star torn from a magazine — Bardot for the boys. Connery for the girls.
3 Relive Proustian summers gone by with songs from your holidays. ‘Who Loves the Sun' by the Velvets reminds me of two blistering weeks in Seahouses. Northumberland in the 80's. Euro popstrel Spagna's ‘Call Me' is a more sordid kettle of fish.
4 For those la7y. hazy afternoons. sample Ulrich Schnauss' latest blissed out shoega/ing electronica. Goodbye. 5 It's Scotland. its summer — you'll need the Mary Cliain's ‘Happy When It Rains'.‘
SPOT SOME WILDLIFE Scotland is One of the world's top ten and Europe's number one eco- destination. The Falls of Clyde Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve in New Lanark has been rated as a four-star Wildlife
attraction by VisitScotland for their unique Wildlife walks. Kicking off at 8pm through July. August and September. you can spot some badgers. Pipistrell and Daubenton bats. owls. woodcock and roe deer on a two-hOur walk through the reserve. all for $32. Booking is essential as space is limited. 01555 665262.
VISIT THE LIDO EXHIBITION AT
THE LIGHTHOUSE
The 1930s were the heyday for lidos and outdoor swimming pools. when Brits braved the cold and went for an alfresco dip. This photography exhibition looks at the remaining. often neglected lidos still open in Scotland. The Lighthouse. Glasgow. until 15 Aug.
WEAR SHORTS
(WITH DIGNITY)
This season's two hot looks (literally) are Emo Kid (black. big fringe.
skinny jeans) and Nu-Rave lneon EVERYTHING). Both are incompatible with the smallest bit of warmth — yOu'll just get sweaty. and Pete Doherty is not the most attractive of icons to model yourself on. Here's our foolproof guide to updating your look.
Notes on the wearing of shorts. You're going to haul out the same cropped camo trousers you've had since the late 90s. with the weird adjustable darieg bits. We're at peace with that. we really are. although there are some really nice tailored shorts on the high street just now — sure we can't tempt you? Okay. but we‘ve got one tiny request. Please don't wear them With trainers. It might feel practical. but you will always. always end up looking like Stumpy the Boy SCOLit.
Headwear You there in the golfing Visor. Everyone is laughing at you and your partner secretly feels that they don't really respect you any more. Also. note that there's a difference between a cloth Communist—era worker's cap (good) and a baseball cap (bad).
Best laid plans
The ultimate accessories for the perfect picnic
Ella Ooran Summer Bloom Picnicware 62—8. John Lewis
Bean bag 5260. John Lewis
Striped, fold-up picnic rug £79.50. Marks 8. Spencer
Snap a party plastic meal set €9.95. wvwv.iwantoneofthoseconi
Classic book deckchair €59.99. www.iwantoneofthosecoin
Plcnic hamper with flask €50. Debenhains