Scotland - Special Events

Scotland has many Festivals and events throughout the year; traditional, cultural, sporting entertainment and special interest. Below are a few examples. Ask us about events that can be linked to your vacation. Call 1-888-529-2448

The main summer event in Scotland is the Edinburgh International Festival, one of the greatest celebrations of the arts, attracting audiences from around the world to the city's thrilling atmosphere. The festivities offer a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of live performances in music, theatre, and ballet by internationally renowned artists as well as the joy of discovering new and unfamiliar works. It is normally held in the last 2 weeks of August and first week of September.

In 1947 several companies not invited to perform started what is now known as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It has become the largest arts festival in the world. In 2003 more than 668 groups participated putting on 1,541 different shows with a total of 21,594 performances in 207 venues. The Fringe normally takes place over three weeks in August, just ahead of the International Festival. Other Festivals take place around the same time, a Book Festival, Jazz Festival, Film Festival and more.

The spectacular Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle normally takes place in the last 3 weeks of August.

Normal performances of the Tattoo are timed to allow full appreciation of the last of the post-sunset light, silhouetting the imposing bulk of Edinburgh Castle. The program for the Tattoo varies from year to year. The massed pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments, usually incorporating guests from as far a field as South Australia, is at the core of any Tattoo. The show always features a lone piper located high on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle. At the end of each show the Finale brings onto the Esplanade all the performers from that night's event - in 2003 over 1000 people - for a climax that includes the taking of the salute and an impressive fireworks display. Participants then march down High Street before the spectators follow them. No description, no set of images, and no TV presentation can possibly do justice to the true Tattoo experience. Location, atmosphere and stunning performance combine to form an unforgettable evening's spectacle. Note book early, it’s a sell out.

Burns Festival Ayrshire (late May, early June)

The festival that aims to capture all that makes Robert Burns reverberate as the nation's most celebrated literary icon. He was born at Alloway, a mile and a half south of Ayr on 25 January 1759, the eldest of seven children to William Burnes and Agnes Brown. His father built the house in which the eldest of his seven children was born. The house is a single-room thatched cottage with a barn and cowshed, it is now a museum and contains original manuscripts and other memorabilia.

A monument nearby, erected in 1820, overlooks the old Brig o’ Doon, immortalized in "Tam o’ Shanter". Burns an' a’ that alludes to one of the works that falls firmly in the radical category, For A That And A That. Written around 1795, it was inspired by the poet's support of the French Revolution and is rich in its passion for universal equality. Bridging the gap was the romantic notion of the manner in which he portrayed himself as the ploughman poet when first introduced to the Edinburgh intellectual scene. Then a life during which he was extraordinarily prolific in fathering children, even by 18th Century standards, and despite his latter devotion to Jean Armour, the list of paramours to match.

The whole of Burns is, however, considerably greater than being simply the sum of these prodigious, parts. It is evoked by the setting for this festival as much as the memory of the man himself, and let us hope that the events in future festival programs, as in the first, will have you living and breathing Burns in a way that simply reading his work cannot quite achieve.

The Hebridean Celtic Festival is a four-day musical celebration in July. Based in Stornoway, the Western Isles of Scotland, it is held annually and is fast approaching its tenth year. Over 10,000 festival-goers attended the 2003 event and there are a number of reasons for its increasing popularity: The music - each of the four main nights have their own musical theme, from Gaelic and Family, to Rock and Party. Whatever your tastes, there is something for everyone. Festival-goers can enjoy music of the highest quality in their favored style; or they can open themselves to whole new experiences and sample all the festival has to offer. The setting - the festival is mainly held in a huge marquee (capacity 3,000) in the beautiful grounds of Lews Castle. But there is more to the area. Stornoway and the rest of the Western Isles promise spectacular views and scenery. There are also a huge number of activities available from surfing and sailing to hill-walking and sites of historical interest. The community - the people give the festival great support and our visitors a friendly welcome. The festival also rolls out a series of community workshops and events that help ensure our culture continues to thrive.

Highland Festival Inverness The festival is held in June and is an annual celebration of highland arts and culture. It has an array of entertainment with artists from home and abroad all intent on filling Inverness with color, noise, laughter and fun.

Speyside Whisky Festival. Whisky, Music, Food & Fun in Malt Whisky Country. This celebration of the national product has become an established fixture on Scotland's tourism calendar, remember to book early to avoid disappointment. With a packed program of events in late April an early May, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Festival reflects the rich heritage of whisky-making which is an integral part of the lives of the Speyside communities.

Pipe Band Championships there are three major championships Scottish Pipe Band Championships at the end of May, British Pipe Band Championships usually in the middle of June. World Pipe Band Championships in the second week of August, hosted in Glasgow, on the Glasgow Green.

Braemar Gathering and Highland Games. The Gathering is always held on the first Saturday in September and it is perhaps the most famous and best Highland Games anywhere. It features the finest Pipe Bands, pipers, Highland dancers, and athletes in a beautiful setting surrounded by hills. The Braemar Gathering has been regularly attended by members of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria first attended in 1848. Indeed, King Malcolm Canmore held games nearby almost 1000 years ago so there is a long 'pedigree'. On the Saturday of the Braemar Gathering the village echoes the sound competing pipe bands. The varying colors of numerous tartans are in evidence. In the arena athletes are taking part in a variety of track events and the arduous hill-run up Morrone, towering nearby. 'Heavy' athletes demonstrate their prowess in 'tossing the caber', 'putting the stone' and 'throwing the hammer'. The tug of war competition is always a great favorite. The expertise of the best Highland Dancers has to be seen to be believed. Each year many thousands attend the Gathering so it is advisable to book tickets and accommodation early. Those visitors making a rare or 'one-off ' visit to the Gathering may find that their experience is heightened if they have a Grandstand ticket.

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