At this stage in January, the festival season seems very far away.

The very idea that a beer tent would not have icicles seems absurd and, to be frank, it almost seems dangerous to imagine that you should spend your leisure time anywhere other than the sofa.

And yet The National Whisky Festival returns to Glasgow in a few short weeks and, perhaps by then, the thought of leaving the house will not seem so preposterous.

Taking place at SWG3 on Saturday 25th January, the 4.15pm session has sold out but there are still tickets for the session starting at noon. Main pic from Festival Facebook shows guests at a previous event.

Obviously, there will be plenty of whisky to sample but the festival also wants to celebrate the 'fundamental effect it has on the nation's culture'.

Celtic Connections

To that effect, this will be the fourth year that the event has linked up with Celtic Connections and artists from the music festival will be playing at the whisky festival.

Guests can also look forward to food and drink stalls from firms such as Babu Bombay Street Kitchen Chocolate Tree, Hawkhead Whisky Smoked and Hen of the Woods.

There will be some 30-50 exhibitors sampling their wares so you won't go drouthy. All samples are included in the ticket price.

And if you really want to get to grips with Scotland's national drink, there will be plenty of master classes being led by whisky experts keen to share their knowledge.

Whisky cocktails will be on sale courtesy of the Blue Arrow jazz bar and, if you need a break from the strong stuff, there will also be a beer bar running.

Hugely popular since its launch, this festival always seems to sell out. So if you want the end of your January to have a golden glow to look forward to, be sharpish with booking those tickets.