This event is a celebration of talent and individual inspiration: it has attracted more than 100 artists in its first outing.

You are invited to share the experience of the artist, invited into that special arena – the studio – where artists and makers develop their creativity. You are being offered privileged access to the creative process and to the artists in the place where it happens and where they work, a place usually closed and private.

Forth Valley Open Studios 2010 is a non-profit event organised by a committee of enthusiastic and competent volunteers drawn from busy artists across the (loosely interpreted) Forth Valley.

The studios you can visit will offer a surprising diversity of works and the chance to buy or view, talk directly to the artists about their work and ideas: the studio space itself might be purpose-built or might also be an adapted, ingenious solution to the question of where to work creatively.

 Forth Valley Open Studios takes place from 12-20 June 2010, with studios being open from 10am-5pm (with some late opening to 7pm, please see individual artist entries for exact opening times).

The studios are organised around 4 routes : The Trossachs, The Campsies, Falkirk Area, The Ochils. Full details can be found in the routes section of their website http://www.forthvalleyopenstudios.com/ .

The reasons behind self-harming and ways which it can be reduced or stopped can be explored.

There is a booklet on understanding self-harm which will help anyone who self-harms or people close to them.

The MIND infoline is 0845 766 0163

MIND also has charity shops across Britian.

The web address is www.mindorg.uk/help/information

This is achieved by a variety of means including free, confidential Workplace Visits, practical information and advice, and a structured Award Programme.

More information at their website http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/ and InTouch Forth Valley hopes to bring more details in June about specific aspects in the Forth Valley area.

It also aims to influence health and social care policies locally and nationally.

http://www.nshn.co.uk/

Call 0800 622 6000 ( 7pm – 11pm )

Address – NHSN PO Box 7264 Nottingham NG1 6WJ

Membership of this charity is free. It is sponsored by the National Lottery Big Lottery Fund

For dog-owners there are basic common sense rules to follow, like keeping dogs on leads if in a field where there are cows or horses.

Other advice is to keep dogs out of fields of vegetables or fruit , unless on a clear path.

Dogs must not enter fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals.

Visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com for more information.

Call 01738 444177 to get a copy of this code. A large print copy is available.

There is the UK’s highest funicular railway, a mountain garden and the opportunity to see some of Britain’s rarest and well known birds.

The mountain can be reached by bus, car, bike or on foot. Weather permitting the mountain is open all year round, except on Christmas day. (The railway may be closed for part of November for maintenance. )

There is a shop on the mountain selling maps, books, binoculars and other items. There is a bar selling wine, coffee and home-baking.

An exciting new attraction is the free to enter ” The Dark Room “, a ‘Camera Obscura’ taking you on a visual journey to 48 locations across Scotland.

Snow permittting the skiing, sledging and snowboarding is amongst the best in Scotland.

For more information visit www.cairngormmountain.org

or phone 01479 861261

Other activities include Ceilidh nights, exhibitions by local artists, educational visits and several outdoor sports events.

The mountain is wheelchair friendly but weather conditions can pose problems and registered guide dogs are welcome on the train.

The safari takes in 250,000 acres of Perthshire and reaches heights of nearly 3000 feet. Grouse, Red Deer, Golden Eagles and other rare wildlife can be found on this safari.

Booking is essential.  Call 01887 820071 to book.  The safari is open all year.

For the off-road driving a driving licence is required and you get the assistance of an experienced instructor who will steer you through forests, burns etc.

There are several different types of safaris – a forest safari, cycle safari, walking safari and a mountaion safari.

Stag and Hen parties, birthdays and other celebrations are all catered for, a personal Safari Ranger and a Private Charter Range Rover can be provided.

The Safari Lodge has a gift shop and cafe.

There is ample car/bus parking, disabled access is catered for (including some disabled access to the Land Rovers) and there is plenty of space for things like picnics.

School groups and childrens parties are welcome

To book go to www.highlandsafaris.net

Address Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2JQ

The monument is dedicated to Scotland’s most celebrated hero William Wallace.

To access the monument entrance tickets can be bought at the Visitors Reception Centre. The visitors centre is fully accessible to the disabled and the monument has limited disabled access.

The monument is open all year round only closing for 2 days in January for essential maintenance and on Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day.

Special events take place at the monument , like a celebration of St. Andrews Day and a Battle of Stirling bridge historical presentation.

For more details visit www.nationalwallacemonument.com

or call 01786 472140

The monument is supported by Stirling Council, the Scottish Forestry Commission, the Scottish Tourist Board and the European Union.

The monument can host special events like weddings, presentations and product launches, phone the above number for a special events information pack.

There is a restaurant open all day serving fresh food and home baking.

The Ark opens from 10am to 6pm seven days a week.

Visit www.noahsarkperth.co.uk for more information

or call 01738 445568

Address – Old Gallows Road, Western Edge, Perth PH1 1QE