ANYONE living under the misapprehension that because Forres is a quiet wee town nothing much happens here, would have been given a wake-up call at the weekend.

And I'm not referring to the football result or highlighting the fact that it is the season to celebrate the wee cowerin' timorous beastie, in traditional style, but rather remarking on the Chinese Lion who entertained the folks at the Forres Town Hall this weekend, who was definitely no shrinking violet.

Spectators who packed the venue reported seeing and hearing a lot of roaring and lively activity, as the Lion Dance got underway.

By all accounts it would have taken a wee dram to steady their nerves as the character jumped around the place.

And no, the excitement didn't emanate from the chieftain of the pudding race, having escaped from the hills, although it was probably akin to the frivolity that will be taking place at Burns Night ceilidhs and events happening everywhere this week.

But as we commemorate everything Scottish and toast The Bard this week, it appears that China is also firmly on the menu, with talk of pandas and Chinese businesses seminars to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

But at least for this week Forres is at the hub of this, with a special programme of events taking place to commemorate the special year in the Chinese calendar and also illustrate the links between the two countries.

Although we all think that we have familiarised ourselves by way of the delicacy of the Chinese take-away, there is a lot more to be learned, and a group which has formed in Forres is offering people in the town the opportunity to enjoy a bit of education.

So where did this all come from? Just in the past couple of years, a group calling themselves The Shen Foundation have set up home in Forres, with roots in all things Chinese, from medicine to meditation, and a one-stop shop which offers tea ceremonies and culture.

Now the Falconer Museum has offered itself up as a base for a special exhibition, and for a week-long programme of events, touching on a variety of subjects from Daoism, Buddhism and Chinese business to story-telling, paper-folding, tea ceremonies and even the opportunity to have a Chinese film night.

It is not to be scoffed at. If the event which brought crowds to the town hall goes well, it could be the start of an annual showcase which could encourage people to come to Forres in January, the way they flock to Burghead for the excitement of the burning of the Clavie.

Meantime, toast the Bard and be proud of what Scotland can and does offer the world on a daily basis.