c THE GUIDE TO HALLOWE’EN

x Hallowe’en Hitlists

Day of the Dead at Stravaigin. Right, top: Glasgow Science Centre; bottom: Samhuinn.

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AROUND TOWN TOURS

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWE’EN PARTY GOTHIC

HALLOWE’EN GHOST WALKS AT THE TALL SHIP

Most likely the only Hallowe’en party you’ll go to this year with real creepy crawlies in attendance. Animal encounters, fiery fun, fancy dress competitions and slime classes (whatever they are) are also promised. Glasgow Science Centre, Fri 28 Oct.

HAMLEYS HALLOWE’EN TREASURE HUNT Family activities aboard the tall ship Glenlee, docked at the Riverside Museum. Dressing up, special guests and the titular treasure hunt are the order of the day. The Tall Ship, Glasgow, Sat 29 Oct.

TRAMWAY FAMILY DAY: HALLOWE’EN Performances, workshops, quizzes and a best costume competition, aimed at babies, primary schoolers and their families. Tramway, Glasgow, Sun 30 Oct.

The Citz’s Young Company presents a series of tales from the morbid Mr Edgar Allan Poe, including ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ and ‘The Black Cat’. Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 20–Sat 22 Oct. Wander through the creaking chambers of the tall ship Glenlee, learning about the unsolved mysteries from the vessel’s past. The Tall Ship at Riverside, Glasgow, Thu 27 & Fri 28 Oct.

HAMLET VS ZOMBIES GLASGOW GHOST WALK

There’s something rotting in the state of Denmark, and only one man can save the day. Shakespeare gets a makeover in the Flying Duck’s Hallowe’en production. Flying Duck, Glasgow, Mon 31 Oct.

STRAVAIGIN: DAY OF THE DEAD Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Meurtos, is Mexico’s more upbeat alternative to Hallowe’en, celebrated each year on 2 Nov. Remembering the dead is top of the agenda, which is a fine excuse for Stravaigin to lay on a special four-course Mexican menu. Stravaigin, 28 Gibson Street, Glasgow, 334 2665.

Theatrical storyteller Trevor Rooney guides you through Glasgow’s Necropolis graveyard, sharing some of the tales tucked away below the tombstones. Tours depart from Glasgow Cathedral precinct daily by appointment. Phone 07554 446263 to book.

CITY OF THE DEAD Tours for history geeks and scare junkies. Of special note is the Haunted Graveyard tour, with its access to the Covenanter’s Prison and Black Mausoleum. Tours depart from St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, daily at various times. See blackhart.uk.com for details.

SPOOKY LAURISTON

FRIGHT NIGHT AT EDINBURGH ZOO MERCAT TOURS

Grand old country piles form the backdrops to some of the best ghost stories we know, so we’re delighted to see a whole programme of events at Lauriston Castle, including ghost stories and witchy walks. Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh. Fri 21–Sun 30 Oct. A feast, some storytelling and a guided tour around the enclosures by some Edinburgh Dungeon escapees. Jump in quick as there are only 25 places. Over 18s only. Edinburgh Zoo, Fri 28 Oct.

Our pick of this company’s tours is the Vaults Vigil, in which a paranormal investigator requests your help in communing with the dead. Tours depart from the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh, daily at various times. See mercattours.com for details.

SAMHUINN

HOLYROOD HALLOWE’EN Traditional Hallowe’en fun, including apple dooking and encounters with witches and druids to learn the real story behind trick-or-treating. Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Sat 29 Oct.

The Beltane Fire Society re-enacts the pagan ceremony of Samhuinn (pictured). Other Samhuinn/Samhain celebrations (the spelling varies) are being held around the country see list.co.uk. High Street, Edinburgh, Mon 31 Oct.

MARY KING’S CLOSE

The Hallowe’en events at this underground attraction include a few supernatural elements, with special midnight tours available on Hallowe’en night. Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh, Thu 27–Mon 31 Oct.

20 THE LIST 20 Oct–17 Nov 2011

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