Here's what you can get up to in Scotland this week...

1 IT’S Easter day and there is a host of eggciting activities all over the country, with chocolate eggs by the truckload to be found on treasure hunts and trails. The RSPB Scotland events are not strictly for the birds and are on offer at Lochwinnoch, Loch Lomond, Loch Garten, Mersehead, Helix, Kelvingrove and Loch Leven. There’s an Easter Sunday Pirate Fun Day at Scone Palace, egg hunts at Traquair House and Paxton House in the Scottish Borders and hunts at various National Trust properties throughout Scotland.

2 WOMEN are being recognised for the first time in the National Wallace Monument’s Hall of Heroes. Visitors will be able to see sculptures of missionary Mary Slessor and the co-founder of the Maggie’s Centres, Maggie Keswick Jencks, following a major refurbishment of the exhibition galleries within the monument which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Wallace: A Hero In The Making, an animated film commissioned specially for the monument and which tells the story of William Wallace, can also be seen in the Hall of Arms where his sword is on display.

3 EXPERIENCE the Iron Age at the Crannog Centre near Kenmore as it is brought to life again after the winter. Visitors can celebrate spring with quizzes and games, and create woodland instruments, as well as watch coracles being made. There is a woodland orchestra workshop today and tomorrow, while Tatha, a local group of musicians, will be making their debut performance with a composition inspired by the Iron Age. It will also be demonstrated how travel via the River Tay to Europe and beyond brought shared cultures, skills and technologies to the area.

4 THEY are famous for their battles, but perhaps less well known is that portraiture of the highest quality was vitally important to the Jacobites. Paintings and engravings were circulated across Europe, keeping the cause alive in the hearts and minds of their supporters. At the National Museum of Scotland on Wednesday, historian Edward Corp will talk about the turbulent life of Charles Edward Stuart and how he was represented by artists during his lifetime. A New View of a Prince starts at 6.30pm and lasts until 8pm.

5 A CLASSIC Sherlock Holmes tale is being brought to life at Eastwood Theatre in Giffnock on Wednesday and Thursday. Blackeyed Theatre’s production of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Sign of Four, is crammed full of adventure, romance, comedy, and, of course, one or two rather brilliant deductions.

6 NOVELIST and dramatist Ajay Close will be talking about her latest book, The Daughter of Lady Macbeth, at Perth Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday. The event is part of the Soutar Festival of Words which is being held for the first time to celebrate poet William Soutar. There are more than 20 events, including author talks, the Perthshire poetry slam, children’s events, music and opportunities for people to gain an insight into the world of creative writing. There are also walking tours inspired by books.

7 SLACKEN your belts for Paisley Food and Drink Festival, one of the largest outdoor food and drink events in Scotland. Running on Friday and Saturday, it is a celebration of the best that Scotland’s larder has to offer, with plenty of food-related fun. Tickle your taste buds at more than 40 traders and vendors, tasting sessions with Gin 71, a demonstration kitchen with celebrity chefs, and the Renfrewshire CAMRA beer tent. You’ll also be able to enjoy a dedicated vegan and vegetarian zone and live entertainment, all in the stunning grounds of Paisley Abbey.