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scotland
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Calendar of events in Scotland

Large historic stone fortress on a rocky hill with trees and a statue fountain in front.

January

Edinburgh cityscape at sunset with historic buildings, clock tower, and silhouette of Scott Monument.

  • Up Helly Aa: A Viking-inspired fire festival held in Lerwick, Shetland, featuring a torch-lit procession, the burning of a galley ship, and plenty of revelry.

February

Three hikers with backpacks walking on a trail through green hills under cloudy skies.

  • Winter Words Festival: Literary festival held in Pitlochry, featuring talks, workshops, and readings by Scottish and international authors.

March

Clear river flowing over rocks with green moss against a backdrop of sunlit mountains and blue sky.

  • Glasgow International Comedy Festival: A month-long festival featuring comedy acts from around the world, taking place in various venues across Glasgow.

  • Scottish International Storytelling Festival: A ten-day festival celebrating the art of storytelling, featuring performances, workshops, and events for all ages.

April

Colorful row of houses by a calm waterfront with boats and green hill behind under cloudy sky.

  • Scottish International Storytelling Festival: A ten-day festival celebrating the art of storytelling, featuring performances, workshops, and events for all ages.

may

Glasgow University building with tall tower surrounded by green trees and cityscape under a blue sky.

  • Edinburgh Marathon Festival: A weekend-long event featuring a range of running races, including a full marathon, a half marathon, and shorter distances for kids and beginners.

  • Beltane Fire Festival: A pagan-inspired celebration of the changing of the seasons, held on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, featuring fire performances and a dramatic re-enactment of the battle between winter and summer.

  • Isle of Skye Half Marathon: A scenic half marathon taking place on the Isle of Skye, with stunning views of the island’s mountains and coastline.

june

Highland cow with long hair and horns lying among purple heather in a grassy field.

  • Royal Highland Show: Scotland’s largest agricultural show, featuring livestock competitions, equestrian events, food and drink, and entertainment.

  • Hebridean Celtic Festival: A four-day festival celebrating the music and culture of the Outer Hebrides, featuring traditional music, dance, and Gaelic language events.

july

A person walking near old stone buildings and a clock tower lit up at night on a quiet street.

  • Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: A ten-day festival featuring jazz and blues musicians from around the world, performing in venues across Edinburgh.

  • Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: A spectacular display of music, dance, and military pageantry held on the esplanade of Edinburgh.

august

Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle illuminated in blue with the city skyline at night.

  • Edinburgh Festival Fringe: The world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across all art forms, taking place in venues throughout Edinburgh.

september

Stone castle with towers on a grassy hill under a purple and orange sunset sky.

  • Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight: A two-week celebration of Scotland’s culinary heritage, with events and activities taking place across the country.

october

Stone building with an arched door nestled among pine trees on a grassy hill with mountains in background.

    november

    A castle surrounded by thick fog with a forest in the background under a cloudy sky.

    • St. Andrew’s Day: Celebrated on November 30th, this is Scotland’s national day, with events and activities taking place across the country.

    december

    Historic stone castle atop a rocky hill under a cloudy sky, surrounded by green trees.

    • Christmas Markets: Cities and towns across Scotland will have festive markets and events, with a variety of stalls selling food, drink, crafts and gifts.

    • Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: New Year’s Eve celebration in Edinburgh, featuring a torchlight procession, fireworks, and live music.