This week, a banger of a fireworks night at Glasgow Green, a belter of a meal at Central Market and a beauty of a walk up The Whangie.

Fireworks @ Glasgow Green

I love fireworks displays but, I have to say, I often feel a bit let down by them, perhaps because my expectations are sky high. Last November, the Glasgow Green event was lovely, but more small fizzle than big bang. I don't mean to sound dour, it is, after all, a civic event, put on for the city, for free.

This year, however, they blew it out of the park! A crisp, dry night with a full moon made the perfect Bonfire Night backdrop and, because it was less soggy than usual, it felt like half of Glasgow had turned up: for Fawkes' sake. The number of folk just made the chilly night all the more cosy, though, and many were in fine spirit (Buckfast).

The theme of the night was super-heroes and the explosions were nicely timed with the thumping sounds of the tunes of Flash (aaah!), Superman and their equally heroic pals. Apparently, there were in the region of 3,000 fireworks set off - as Robin would say 'Holy Smokes Batman!'

It was a banger of a fireworks night, so thank you Glasgow, I think you're dynamite!

Dinner @ Central Market

I'm only wee - a pocket rocket, if you will - and I have a tendency to get ratty if I don't eat. So, in the hope of avoiding any sparkling disappointment at the fare on offer at the fireworks, I suggested popping into Central Market, in Merchant City, for our tea.

It looks a wee bit like an American styled bistro, but at it's heart, it's inspired by the fruit, vegetable and cheese markets that thrived in the area in the past. This local focus finds it's way into it's small but modern menu too, with plenty of Scottish seafood.

I had something more meaty in my mind, though. I began with their Crispy Beef Brisket, which is a belter of a dish. Crunchy and tender in all the the right places. I would return for this alone. Every night of the week. Their open plan kitchen made it possible to accost their chef to tell him as much. Upping the steaks for my main, I followed with hanger, chimichurri butter and fries: well-cooked hunk with perfectly flavoured sauce on the side (the steak, not the chef).

There's no doubt, Central Market is trading a quality product, in fact, I'd probably sell my soul ('two for a pound') for some more of their brisket. This time, we couldn't stick around for pudding, but I suspect I'll be back before long… tonight, anyone?

Walk @ The Whangie

When autumn falls, I usually feel more like a coorie in and a carry oot than heading out for a hike. However, trying to ward off hibernation last weekend, I decided to take a walk on The Whangie side. It's an easy amble, not too far from the city, between Milngavie and Drymen.

In many ways, The Whangie had me at hello. I giggled it's name for the entire walk. In fact, it's surprising that the husband didn't try to throw me off the unusual rock formation that gives the place it's name. Especially, as there are dark matters in force there. Legend has it that the stone corridor was created when the Devil's tail sliced through the mountain. And, a ghostly old man is thought to lurk around the crags, warning climbers of future falls.

Despite the horror stories (and the daft name), The Whangie is a beautiful walk, with fantastic views towards Loch Lomond and the Campsies on the one hand, and back to our fair city on the other. The best of both worlds, perhaps…

Wee Bird Recommends

Wee Bird is pirouetting with joy about the arrival of Mathew Bourne's dance production of the Tim Burton film Edward Scissorhands with the fantastic score by Danny Elfman at the Theatre Royal between the 19th and 22nd of this month. Tickets are on sale now. Chop chop!