A couple of Edinburgh’s bright young bars have added premises to their portfolio in recent weeks, with the guys behind Queen Street’s Bramble Bar opening up the Saint on St Stephen Street in Stockbridge, while the team running the nearby Hamilton’s Bar & Kitchen have taken over Baroque on Broughton Street, turning it into Treacle. Both venues will offer food.

Glasgow’s Ivy Bar has completed its relocation from North Street into the former 54 Below premises at 1102–1106 Argyle Street. The style and spirit of the place remains similar to before, though with a refitted kitchen they’re planning to step up the food on offer. The bar includes a shop selling the Oddities streetwear label. 0141 337 3006, www.ivybar.co.uk

On Saturday On 16 and Sunday 17 May, Inveraray Castle hosts the Spirit of the West festival, a celebration of Scotland’s west coast whisky, food, heritage, culture and scenery. Part of Whisky Month being promoted within the Homecoming 2009 programme, it has an impressive line-up including snacks and meals prepared by the Food from Argyll collaboration, Inverawe Smokehouses, Mhor Fish & Bread and appearances from Nick Nairn and Shirley Spear. Info and tickets at 0844 412 4650 or www.spiritofthewest.co.uk