As much as January is a month designed to recover from December festivities, the weather is grim and we would much rather spend this time indoors, we will likely end up getting bored of sitting inside for too long. But don’t you worry – Decadent Serpent has got you covered for events in Scotland!

EDINBURGH

1. Turner in January – as every year, we will have a unique opportunity to view Turner’s watercolours at the Royal Scottish Academy. As it happens, this year we are commemorating Turner’s 250th birthday so there will also be many special talks and lectures available during this month. https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/turner-in-january-irelands-vaughan-bequest From Wed 1 Jan 2025 – Fri 31 Jan 2025, Open daily, 10am–5pm (12noon–5pm on New Year’s Day), Admission free

2. For fans of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, there is an exciting display of his works in the National Gallery of Scotland. Mackintosh explores the relationship between buildings and their environment. https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/charles-rennie-mackintosh-in-france On now until Sun 9 Feb 2025, Open daily, 10am–5pm (12noon–5pm on New Year’s Day), Admission free

3. More watercolours, this time from George Wilson, who was part of the ‘Brotherhood’, an imitation of Pre-Raphaelites. These influences are very much visible in his works which I will urge you to see if you get a chance. https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/george-wilson-private-landscapes, On now until Sun 9 Feb 2025, Open daily, 10am–5pm (12noon–5pm on New Year’s Day), Free admission

4. William Dyce, an Aberdeen-born artist who made sketches for the Westminster murals after the great fire. This small, but exquisite collection will be a perfect feast for the eyes to anyone interested in British frescoes and murals. https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/william-dyce-at-westminster, On now until Sun 9 Feb 2025, Open daily, 10am–5pm (12noon–5pm on New Year’s Day), Free admission

5.  Jonathan Sainsbury’s Looking for the Seasons. Jonathan tasked himself with retelling the stories from Ladybird books “What to look for in… Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter”. Written by EL Grant Watson and illustrated by C F Tunnicliffe, the books highlighted the seasonal changes in the landscape and wildlife and this is what Jonathan tries to replicate. https://www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/exhibition/looking-for-the-seasons, 13 Nov 2024-11 Jan 2025, Free entry, Weds-Sun, Waterston House, SOC HQ

If you love your snowy gore and Scottish tales of horror, feel free to explore HauntedBurgh with tours for as little as £15. (Runs every week Wednesday through to Friday). https://hauntedburgh.com/

Actor, writer and tour guide Alex Staniforth invents a horror story every night. This is your opportunity for a night you will not forget. (You can catch him every first and third Saturday of the month at Banshee Labiryth at 11:15pm) https://www.edhorrorfest.co.uk/standuphorror

GLASGOW

Burns Night At Mharsanta – for those who wish to immerse themselves in Scottish traditions, we recommend an evening that ensures that the music, poetry, and the food is taken care of. https://www.visitglasgow.com/whats-on/burns-night-at-mharsanta Fri 24 Jan 2025, 7pm, £44

The Winter Collection 2024 – you can still catch the Winter Collection showcasing a mix of art from 19th-21st century. Artists include Joan Eardley, The Scottish Colourists, Glasgow Girls & Boys, Scottish Modern Masters, Modern British artists and a selection of Contemporaries. https://www.visitglasgow.com/whats-on/the-winter-collection-2024, Wed 1 Jan – Fri 31 Jan 2025, 10:00am, Gerber Fine Art, Free

Similarly, you can catch the Winter Exhibition 2024 –  original paintings, drawings & limited edition prints on show, alongside a selection of sculpture and ceramics. The works come from across Scotland and further afield with some recent graduates hanging together with many well-known established artists. https://www.visitglasgow.com/whats-on/the-winter-exhibition-2024, Wed 1 Jan – Fri 31 Jan 2025, 10:00am, Compass Gallery, Free

Do you know of other events worth noting that are happening across Scotland or elsewhere? Let us know!