1 WOMEN in science in Scotland are often not given the recognition they deserve but an exhibition at Glasgow’s Mitchell Library aims to change that.

It is being staged by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, whose membership includes some of the most talented leaders, thinkers and practitioners in the country today. Leaders and pioneers in their fields, they are the vanguard of new ideas, new knowledge and new technology which are shaping our understanding of the world and supporting a more sustainable use of resources. It can be seen until March 7.

2 IF the dark nights are getting you down it’s not too late to enjoy a bit of winter cheer at Scotland’s leading light festival, Spectra. Tonight is the last night of the free event in Aberdeen which features light artworks across the city. This year it’s inspired by Scotland’s national Year of Coast and Waters, and includes artists Designs in Air, Heinrich and Palmer, Richard William Wheater and Dodda Maggy.

3 THE largest dedicated exhibition of works by Scots artist JD Fergusson to date can currently be seen at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

One of the most significant Scottish artists of the modern age, JD Fergusson was an important and influential artist in Britain in the first half of the 20th century and a leading figure among the Scottish Colourists.

The exhibition features more than 40 of his works and also includes pieces by contemporaries Andre Derain, SJ Peploe and Henri Matisse.

4 JIM McLean was never one of Scotland’s happiest looking characters but was he a football visionary, tactical genius or a greetin’-faced moan? While boss of Dundee United, McLean did something that no-one thought possible, and turned a provincial football club into a genuine European force, though not without cost.
Smile, a new piece based on the life of this football icon penned by Philip Differ, is on at Dundee Rep Theatre on various dates from Tuesday.

5 THE great composer Ludwig van Beethoven still towers over western culture 250 years after his birth in Germany. Tonight at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, conductor Elim Chan, presenter Tom Redmond and the RSNO explore the man behind the myth, the way he would have wanted – through his music. With anecdotes, illustrations and live musical examples, it’s a fascinating way to get inside the mind of a genius. And this year for the first time the RSNO can be experienced from the inside out as the audience can book tickets to sit on stage with the orchestra.

6 WESTERN art and Christianity have a long relationship. For hundreds of years, the Church has been a powerful patron, commissioning works of art from many of the world’s greatest artists. An exhibition called Symbols Of Suffering can be seen at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art from now until the end of June. The display includes works by Craigie Aitchison, John Bellany, Pablo Picasso and Jenny Saville.

7 IT may seem a crazy thing to do in winter but aficionados swear by the benefits of cold water swimming, and there’s a chance for newbies to take the plunge in Glasgow this week at Pinkston Watersports. The sessions in safe, sheltered water aim to help people gain the confidence to swim in open water or for those training for a specific event. They are designed for competent swimmers and some wetsuits are available to hire.