If your weekend needs some extra fizz, s1play.com's Fergal MacErlean

Sunday Herald, The, Aug 5, 2001 by Fergal MacErlean

Days OUT

ARBROATH Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre Opening Arbroath, today. 9.30am to 6.30pm. Admission free to Abbey and new centre.

Arbroath Abbey, the nation's most revered ancient monument, will take a step into the 21st century with celebrations for the opening of a (pounds) 1.8 million visitor centre this weekend.

The Abbey commands a pivotal historical role as the signing place of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, when the nobles of Scotland affirmed their independence from England and their support for Robert the Bruce as their King.

The new centre will bring the atmosphere surrounding the momentous declaration back to life through interpretative and audio visual displays in addition to examining the architectural interest of the building.

Local people and visitors are invited to join the celebrations, which includes free entry to the Abbey, to mark the latest occasion in the Abbey's eventful history. Among the weekend's attractions will be a medieval market (noon-4pm) which promises to fill the courtyards and paths around the Abbey with the sights and smells of yesteryear.

The feeling of being among living history will be enhanced by members of Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society who will be parading in full costume. There will also be a falconry demonstration so come prepared for drama.

DUNDEE Spirit of Discovery City Quay, Victoria Dock and Queen Elizabeth Wharf. August 11-August 13.

Nine tall ships will converge at the Port of Dundee in a display of nautical engineering to celebrate the centenary of RRS Discovery. The Discovery, undoubtedly one of the UK's most important maritime assets, was launched in Dundee on March 21,1901. The ship set sail under Robert Falcon Scott on his famous voyage of discovery to the Antarctic. On that voyage, when the Discovery was trapped by ice for two winters, Scott wrote: "Thus it was that after she had afforded us shelter and comfort for two full years, and after we had borne a heavy anxiety on her behalf, our good ship was spared to take us homeward. On 16 February 1904, the Discovery came to her own again - the right to ride the high seas." Over the next half century, sailing the world's oceans, she served generations of scientists contributing to some of the most important maritime research work of the day. Discovery returned to Dundee in 1986 where she was built and became the symbol of that city's regeneration. The fleet of tall ships arrive in the Tay on Friday from Denmark, having completed the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race, and will berth alongside City Quay in Victoria Dock and riverside wharf when there will be a fun fair (6pm-11pm). From Saturday to Monday there will be quayside entertainment with live music, beer tents, a craft fair (City Quay, 10am-9pm) and the opportunity to go on board the ships at the weekend (Victoria Dock and Queen Elizabeth Wharf, 11am-7pm). On Monday, between 9am and 11am, the ships will gather for a spectacular Parade of Sail on the River Tay.

KENMORE Scottish Crannog Centre Kenmore, Loch Tay, Perthshire. Daily 10am-5.30pm (Last tour 4.30pm). 01887 830583. (pounds) 3.85, (pounds) 2.85, family ticket (4) (pounds) 12 You would be forgiven for thinking you had gone back in time when you step foot on the wooden walkway which leads to the replica crannog on Loch Tay. The stunning reconstruction of this ancient type of loch-dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland is all the more realistic because of its natural setting on the southern shore of the loch. Archaeological surveys have discovered 18 crannogs in Loch Tay, many of which are underwater and date back 2500 years.

The conical dwellings were built out in the water on stilts as defensive homesteads, secure from wild animals and invaders; in times of trouble the wooden walkway would have been destroyed. At the crannog centre you can walk out to the crannog and marvel at the skill in its design.

Inside it has been recreated to look and feel as it would have done centuries ago. A guide will lead the tours and provide information on the historical details of life for those who lived there and on aspects of the reconstruction project. You can try your hand at making fire using a rod, cup and bow; use a lathe, made from a springy sapling, to turn wood or try weaving cloth on a loom constructed from branches. The exhibition centre houses some of the original artefacts discovered from the nearby crannogs. There are four videos to watch, one of which has images of the archaeological work carried out underwater. Note: Although these buildings are referred to as crannogs, in Scotland they should really be called crannags. Crannog is the Irish rather than Scottish Gaelic.

EDINBURGH Royal Observatory Visitor Centre Blackford Hill, Edinburgh.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm. 0131 668 8405. (pounds) 3.50, (pounds) 2.50, ((pounds) 2); family ticket (pounds) 8 If you've ever wondered about the physical mysteries of the universe, then the Royal Observatory Visitor Centre will answer many of your questions. The centre, on top of Blackford Hill, three miles south of Edinburgh's city centre, houses several hands-on exhibits that have been carefully constructed to explain astronomical matters in a manner that is easy to understand. The centre is housed in the original 1894 Observatory building and contains several exhibit areas, two telescopes and a gift shop.