The List's Guide to Scotland's Festivals 2019

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THE GUIDE

TO

S ’ D N A L SCOT S L A V I T S FE 2019

MUSIC

BOOKS

FAMILY

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FOOD

ART

THEATRE DRINK

FILM

OUTDOOR

COMEDY COMED

& MORE

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL: IMAGINATE Edinburgh’s international children’s festival presents a programme of dance, storytelling and puppetry. See page 14, imaginate.org.uk PHOTO: ALAN PEEBLES

In 2019 Scotland’s events sector continues to thrive, with hundreds of festivals taking place across the length and breadth of the country. From large-scale celebrations, such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, through to communityfocused events like the Stranraer Oyster Festival, Scotland invites the world to experience its culture.

Amongst these is a broad range of innovative and exciting film festivals, from the internationally renowned to the locally significant. This guide will focus on six notable film festivals, supported through Screen Scotland’s Film Festivals Fund, including Dunoon’s weekend-long celebration of cinema, and Glasgow’s Scottish Queer International Film Festival.

Alongside the cultural events taking place this year, the country will also host a number of major sporting events including the highly anticipated Solheim Cup. This stellar line-up of events allows Scotland to continue to occupy a space on the international stage, screen and putting green.

As we reflect on 2018’s Year of Young People, which put Scotland’s youth in the driving seat of a fantastic range of events, we also look ahead to 2020’s Year of Coasts and Waters. With a range of on-and-off-water events already on offer throughout this year celebrating our coastlines, maritime heritage, wildlife and food and drink, there are loads to ‘wet’ the appetite.

Creative Scotland, EventScotland and VisitScotland proudly support this publication and recognise the important role festivals play in the cultural life of our country.

PHOTO: JON GREEN

FOREWORD

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL With its picture-perfect white sands, Tiree Music Festival has been described as one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. See page 61, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

MILLPORT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL A rootin’ tootin’ weekend of country and western gigs across several venues on the Isle of Cumbrae.

This year’s event marks the festival’s 25th anniversary. See page 68, millportcountrymusic.com 4

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PHOTO: BRIAN HARTLEY

LUMINATE

DEAD BY DAWN

Luminate celebrates our creative lives as we age by offering a wide range of inspirational arts activities with, by and for older people. See page 39, luminatescotland.org

The Filmhouse’s horror fest hosts a selection of genre premieres, classic features, short films and special guests, plus a mini-fest running through Saturday night. See page 38, deadbydawn.co.uk PHOTO: PETE ROBINSON

PHOTO: 59 PRODUCTIONS

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS

STRANRAER OYSTER FESTIVAL

The world’s leading festival city has a jam-packed schedule all year. Find out what Edinburgh has in store for 2019. See page 62, edinburghfestivalcity.com

Celebrate the seafood heritage of Stranraer at Scotland’s premiere oyster festival. Hear from top chefs and speakers and enjoy plenty of entertainment.

See page 70, stranraeroysterfestival.com PHOTO: GREGORY LORENZUTTI

PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

SONICA

Paisley’s annual festival of the macabre celebrates the town’s long and dark history of grim goings-on with fun entertainment for all the family. See page 80, paisleyis.com

Since its inception in 2012, Glasgow’s cutting-edge international arts festival has been crossing the boundaries of music, theatre, visual and electronic art. See page 83, sonic-a.co.uk 5

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

Project Editors: Katharine Gemmell, Murray Robertson

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Senior Designer: Lucy Munro Designer: Seonaid Rafferty

DATE NAME OF FESTIVAL

Partnership Director: Sheri Friers Contributors: Kelly Apter, Niki Boyle, Deborah Chu, Paul Dale, Ashley Davies, Brian Donaldson, Katharine Gemmell, Sofia Matias, Henry Northmore, David Pollock, Murray Robertson

17 JANUARY–3 FEBRUARY

CELTIC CONNECTIONS HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, celticconnections.com

Advertising: Rachel Cree, Ross Foley, Jen Lubbers, Brendan Miles, Jakob Van den Berg CEO: Simon Dessain Publisher: Robin Hodge

Published by The List Ltd HEAD OFFICE 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050 www.list.co.uk email festivals@list.co.uk

LOCATION & WEBSITE

CATEGORY

Glasgow’s annual folk, roots, indie, world and traditional music festival celebrates the links between Celtic music and cultures across the globe, featuring ceilidhs, workshops, talks, dancing, art exhibitions, and free events. The 2019 festival hosts the talented likes of Judy Collins, Rhiannon Giddens, Sharon Shannon, Cherish the Ladies, Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert, Karine Polwart, Phil Cunningham, Graham Nash, Seth Lakeman, Niteworks, KT Tunstall, Elephant Sessions, Mull Historical Society and plenty more.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

ISSN: 2054-8036 © 2019 The List Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of The List Ltd. This edition published January 2019 Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd.

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DISCLAIMER : The List magazine has made every effort to ensure information published in this guide is correct. Line-ups, times and dates can change at short notice, however, so please check with the festival before attending. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors the guide may contain. For up-to-date listings information go to list.co.uk. Festival organisers can get in touch at festivals@list.co.uk.

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

FESTIVAL CHECKLIST 1

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THE PACK IT JACKET Be prepared for the unpredictability of Scottish weather with this easily packable waterproof jacket. Out March.

Price: £39.95 Stockist: seasaltcornwall.co.uk

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COLAB MERMAID / UNICORN DRY SHAMPOO Feel as fresh as a mythological creature while you’re on the go with this vegan and cruelty-free range by COLAB. Price: £3.49 Stockist: boots.com

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FISHEYE PHONE LENS Upgrade your Insta wherever you go this year with this handy clip-on fisheye lens.

Price: £5.99 Stockist: tkmaxx.com

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A CHOOSING: SELECTED POEMS Liz Lochhead’s poetry collection features personally selected verses from the past four decades of her career.

Price: £9.99 Stockist: gsashop.co.uk

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Deborah Chu and Sofia Matias provide the essential guide to products that will help you through another year of festivalling 3

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RAILCARD If you’re planning on fully enjoying the festival season, then a railcard is essential to cut down costs on all that travelling.

Price: £20–£30 Stockist: railcard.co.uk

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BOOZE HIP FLASK Despite what’s said on its tin, you can fill this pocket flask with any beverage. Featuring illustrations by David Shrigley.

Price: £28 Stockist: gsashop.co.uk

ARAN HECTOR SET This beanie hat and scarf set of soft lambswool from the Scottish Borders will definitely keep the chills away.

Price: £58 Stockist: wonkywoolies.com

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CAMP SHOWER If you’re basking in mud at an outdoor festival, keep squeaky clean with this camp shower from Glasgow-based Trakke.

Price: £145 Stockist: bothystores.com

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Ŵ D / Ű T " 1MŴ

A place of legends

31st July - 26th August 2019 @ThePleasance pleasance.co.uk GSF19-Features BD.indd 10

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The beating heart of the greatest festival on Earth

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

VITAMIN SEA Our urban hubs are not the only places jumping to exciting sights and sounds of topclass festivals. Ashley Davies takes in the delights of Scotland’s harbours, beaches and coastlines, finding a feast of events about food, drink, music and Vikings

I

t’s no exaggeration to say that Scotland has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. There are thousands of miles of unspoilt beaches, hundreds of pretty harbours – many of which still play a crucial part in the country’s seafood economy – and an abundance of breathtakingly beautiful accessible and remote islands.

So it makes total sense that Scotland will be shining a light on this rich resource during 2020 as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters celebrations. With an exciting range of existing festivals already celebrating the theme – from food and drink events to coastal jamborees showcasing our wonderful landscapes – there’s lots to dip your toes into throughout the following 12 months.

A rising star on the festival scene is Fringe by the Sea (2–11 Aug) which takes place in the gorgeous seaside town of North Berwick in East Lothian, and is merely a 35-minute train journey from Edinburgh. For ten days, a couple of large Spiegeltents take over the pretty harbour area, hosting a range of shows covering everything from live music and comedy to author talks and children’s entertainment. It has an ambitious programming team who continue to attract some big names, many of whom are in the country at that time to take part in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. And between shows you can tuck into some street food, enjoy a beach walk or even go for a swim to work off your fish and chips.

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Heading further north (you can take a ferry from North Berwick to Anstruther in the summer), the East Neuk Festival (26–30 Jun) attracts top international classical musicians to this picturesque part of Fife. Churches, gardens, a large barn and some other unusual spaces (including Scotland’s Secret Bunker and an aircraft shelter) are used as venues for concerts across a handful of impossibly attractive towns and villages including Cellardyke, Crail (pictured right), Kilrenny and Kilconquhar. You can also enjoy other musical genres, including jazz and world music, as well as spoken-word performances, films and visual art exhibitions. Be warned, though: prepare to spend longer here than you’d planned because you will fall in love with the area.

One of the picture-postcard whitewashed villages in the East Neuk of Fife hosts a splendid event for seafood lovers. The Crail Food Festival (Jun), started off eight years ago with a few market stalls in the community hall, but to satisfy growing demand for delights from Scotland’s natural larder, the event has evolved into an unmissable celebration of good food and drink in the area. If fresh, locally sourced seafood is your thing then you’ll be in heaven. You’ll also find product talks and tastings, demonstrations from chefs, live music, children’s entertainment, market stalls and more.

People who love whisky absolutely have to put Islay on their must-visit list. A pilgrimage to this exquisite southern Hebridean island (home to eight distilleries and counting) is a wonderful LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

experience at any time of the year, but the last week of May iss particularly interestingg and fulfilling.

The Islay Festival off 4 Music and Malt (24 May–1 Jun), which hass been running for moree than 30 years, puts onn an enticing range off events focused on – ot but emphatically not elimited to – the uisgebeatha that this part off the country is so famous for.

All of the distilleries, including Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Laphroaig and Bruichladdich, open their doors to visitors, and there are tastings and talks as well as the occasional limited-edition bottle or cask. To add to the wonderful atmosphere, there’s a great programme of traditional music, including ceilidhs, workshops and lessons, as well as poetry, food and a wide range of other opportunities to delve into island culture. It’s also a perfect excuse to forget the rest of the world and absorb the calming natural heritage of the island.

And while you’re there, do jump on a ferry to check out the neighbouring island of Jura.

For something you’re unlikely to find anywhere else on the British Isles, check out the Largs Viking Festival (Sep) which takes place in North Ayrshire. For almost 40 years,

th dramatic occasion this hhas marked the 1263 B Battle of Largs, the fi final mainland armed cconflict between the S Scots and the Norse.

H Highlights include the cceremonial burning oof a longboat at sea, a festival of fire, and 13th-century craft demonstrations.

T There’s also a chance to find out more about hhow Vik Vikings lived, as well as lots of food, drink and other entertainment.

Portsoy is the destination for the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (22 & 23 Jun) which welcomes visitors for a weekend of nautical fun, featuring food and drink, children’s events, music, crafts and rowing competitions.

The thriving Edinburgh seaside neighbourhood of Portobello hosts the increasingly interesting Art Walk Porty (Sep). The event brings together the artists who live and work there, while at the same time acknowledging and celebrating its heritage as a seaside holiday destination, complete with Victorian promenade and a beach that attracts people from all walks of life.

Keep up to date with exciting plans for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 at visitscotland.com/YCW2020

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

YOUNG AT ART With another Edinburgh International Children’s Festival on the horizon, Kelly Apter reflects upon some new opportunities available thanks to 2018’s Year of Young People

F

rom a humble tent in Inverleith Park to an internationally-renowned event with global appeal, the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival has grown exponentially since 1990. Much like the young audience members who first visited it, the festival has matured, explored new horizons, and increased in size. Others now look up to it for guidance.

Although delegates from the theatre world are an important part of the festival’s audience, they are by no means the biggest. Family audiences make up a significant number while over 50% of tickets are sold to schools, which is one of the reasons director Noel Jordan likes to involve young people in the programming process. Each year, he escorts a team of 10 to 15-year-olds to see shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, helping them pick a favourite for the next Edinburgh International Children’s Festival.

The Year of Young People 2018 may have come to an end, but the legacy of those events lives on inside the hearts and minds of those who took part in them. The impact of this cannot be underestimated, just as a visit to the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival can have resonance long after audiences leave the theatre.

‘I truly believe there’s nothing quite like the

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experience of viewing theatre for the first time and having a deep connection to what you see, hear and feel,’ says Jordan. ‘Experiencing the performing arts communally as a family provides the opportunity for discussion and shared memories. And I love our focus on schools, which helps us offer a formative arts experience to a diverse range of children from different backgrounds.’

With this, its 30th instalment, the festival will once again hand audiences a lens through which to view the world in all its glory and complexity.

‘Each year, the companies we present are responding to contemporary life,’ says Jordan.

‘In 2019 we’ll have works that explore the joy of the natural world, perennial themes such as friendship, and stories that champion the perspective of young people as active agents in their own lives. I’m always delighted to look across the 15 productions that comprise the festival and see the wealth and diversity of work we offer audiences. Thirty festivals strong: that is an achievement to celebrate!’

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, various venues, 25 May–2 Jun, imaginate.org.uk LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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WED 23 OCT – SUN 17 NOV

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

SHINING A LIGHT The light show scene in Scotland is booming. David Pollock chats with Enchanted Forest producer Zoe Squair to find out why

‘I

n the last four or five years, we’ve noticed a lot of organisations replicating what we do,’ says Zoe Squair, producer of the Enchanted Forest sound and light festival.

Founded in 2001 and set in Faskally Wood near Pitlochry, The Enchanted Forest (3 Oct–3 Nov, pictured) might not have been the first ever such festival, but it was the only show in town until the recent explosion of similar events.

The proof of Enchanted Forest’s success is in comparing the numbers over the years: in 2001 it was a three-day weekend event attended by a couple of thousand people, while in 2018 it went on for five weeks and welcomed 80,000 folk. ‘We’re a charitable organisation, so we aim to give families the best experience,’ adds Squair. Enchanted Forest has pitched itself perfectly over the years, and after gaining a national reputation – as well as a number of tourism awards to back it up – an everincreasing amount of son et lumière festivals have now popped up over Scotland.

Among them are Illuminight with Lidl (23 Oct–17 Nov) with its walking trail around Dean Castle Country Park near Kilmarnock, and Vogrie Fire & Light Adventure (Sep & Oct),

just south of Edinburgh. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh also hosts a sparkling trail with Christmas at the Botanics (Nov & Dec), while there are further events such as Fire & Light (1 & 2 Jan) at Helix Park near Falkirk, and the Kirkcudbright Festival of Light (10–13 Oct) which makes a feature of the town itself.

‘Our audiences are all quite experienced with these types of event now, and they’re the ones who keep us on our toes,’ says Squair. ‘We pay attention to all of the other events to see what they’re doing and whether we can learn from them, but our audience’s expectations are the ones we try and achieve.’

Squair believes that this stiff competition doesn’t seem to have impacted negatively on Enchanted Forest, and that there appears to be room for everyone. ‘The 2018 event was our busiest yet,’ she says. ‘We don’t find that people want to travel less, but they do want to have a better and more exciting experience. I think our location, in the middle of a beautiful area with a forest that inspires us every year, provides that, and we know that’s part of what brings people to us.’

PHOTO: ANGUS FORBES

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10th – 15th September 2019 Author readings Award-winning poets Storytelling | Open mic events | Live music Exhibitions | Kids’ Day

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Islay Book Festival Fèis Leabhraichean Ìle 29th August to 1st September 2019

Sea salt and single malt There’s no better place for a book festival

Confirmed so far

Ian Rankin Jackie Kay Karen Campbell Philip Reeve Sarah McIntyre Sue Lawrence Tom Devine plus more to follow!

Follow our story:

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www.islaybookfestival.co.uk

48th

16th – 25th May 2019

ALL the Ar TEN Day ts ONE Am s azin Festival g

Folk, Rock, Pop, Classical, Opera and Jazz Theatre • Comedy • Family Fun Literature • Contemporary Scottish Art Tickets on sale from 18th March (Festival Friends) 25th March (general public)

Online at www.perthfestival.co.uk Box Office on 01738 621031

@IslayBookFest #IBF2019

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PICTURE PERFECT Scotland’s film festival circuit is as diverse as it is fascinating. Featuring documentaries with a conscience to classics of European cinema, Niki Boyle focusses on some of the best movie gatherings for 2019

S

creen Scotland’s Film Festivals Fund is a new initiative helping a number of screen events throughout the year to grow and diversify. Several film festivals across Scotland already benefit from the fund’s assistance, and here’s a taster of what they’ve been able to accomplish.

Given the typically wild and windy environs of Scotland’s north-western islands, it’s not surprising that the Hebrides International Film Festival (Sep) is focused on islands, the environment and remote communities. Its selection of documentaries, feature films, shorts and archival footage hail from all over the world, with the 2018 edition featuring submissions from the likes of Iceland, Japan and Spain.

Meanwhile, it touches on issues very much in the public consciousness, such as plastic pollution in the oceans, and on more esoteric, unique stories: Chris Burkard’s ‘Under an Arctic Sky’ follows

a group of surfers riding the stormy Icelandic seas beneath the northern lights. Not that the festival doesn’t explore beyond those boundaries: Oscar-winning animation The Breadwinner and a handful of live performances were also among the 2018 highlights.

As you might guess from the title, the Glasgowbased Document Human Rights Film Festival (24–27 Oct) favours documentaries, both old and new, that perform the important task of shedding light on a broad range of human rights issues. Previous highlights include Joshua Oppenheimer’s The Act of Killing (pictured) his mesmerising, Oscar-winning exploration of Indonesian death squads; and the BAFTAawarded I Am Breathing, directed by Emma Davie and Morag McKinnon. This film follows the final months of 33-year-old Neil Platt – a Scottish architect with Lou Gehrig’s disease – as he grapples with the idea of leaving something 19

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

meaningful behind for his infant son. In addition to a powerful programme, Document boasts filmmaking workshops and masterclasses, as well as screenings of archive and found-footage materials from around the globe.

The French Film Festival (7 Nov–12 Dec) is a grand celebration of all things Francophone, with films from all over the French-speaking world (including Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec and African territories, as well as our more obvious cousins across the Channel) screening in towns and cities across the UK. The programme skews predominantly towards new releases, featuring the work of cinematic luminaries such as JeanLuc Godard, Marion Cotillard, Jean Dujardin and Isabelle Huppert (all of whom featured in the 2018 festival) alongsidee rising stars, thoughh there’s also the odd nodd to France’s illustriouss cinematic heritage: thee most recent programmee included screenings off the Gérard Depardieustarring Cyrano de Bergerac and wartime classic La Grande Illusion. The festival isn’t one to shy away from current affairs either with last year’s edition hosting a selection of female-led films that served as a welcome showcase during a time of calls for greater gender equality within the industry.

An unlikely city twinship is at the heart of the Havana Glasgow Film Festival (14–16 Nov), which celebrates artistic and cultural links between Cuba’s capital and our own dear green place. Conceived by screenwriter and director Eirene Houston, a regular in Havana for some 20 years, the programme is a mix of documentary and feature-film screenings, discussions, exhibitions and – unsurprisingly, given both cities’ fondness for a get-together – parties and salsa sessions. The 2018 festival featured period drama Hello Hemingway, coming-of-ager The Roof and award-winning transgender narrative His Wedding Dress, as well as shorts and documentaries from the shores of both Scotland 20

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and Cuba. Plans for 2019 include events to mark a pair of significant anniversaries (the fifth for the festival and 60th for the much-revered Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry), as well as – fingers crossed – an appearance from Cuban actor-director Jorge Perugorría on the 25th anniversary of his breakout film role, Strawberry & Chocolate.

Closer to home, the Dunoon Film Festival (Dec) in Argyll & Bute is a weekend-long celebration of cinema, with a programme of beloved masterpieces geared towards giving audiences what they want. The 2018 festival featured screenings of Jules et Jim and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (plus an appearance from Aardman artist Jim P Parkyn) alongside more contemporary delights such as Sundance darling Hearts Beat L Loud and Scottish zombie musical Anna and the Apocalypse ((pictured). There are aalso fun events for aaspiring filmmakers, and ffree screenings of films w with a local angle: last yyear’s selection included a documentary on G Glasgow-born Charlie C Chaplin impersonator Billie Ritchie, and archive programmes about Dunoon’s storied history as a seaside resort.

The Scottish Queer International Film Festival (30 Sep–6 Oct) celebrates the full

spectrum of sexuality through a packed programme of shorts, fiction features, discussions, workshops, parties, exhibitions and performances. Better known by its cheeky acronym, SQIFF, the festival is rooted in Glasgow but inclusive in its globetrotting outlook. The 2018 event included a Queer Arab Lives strand and a screening of the documentary Shakedown, which explores the history of an allblack, female-owned LA strip club. Better yet, screenings are priced on a sliding ‘pay what you can’ scale, from free to £8, so everyone is welcome.

To find out more about Screen Scotland’s Film Festival Fund, visit screen.scot LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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SPORT | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2019 PHOTO: INGRID MUR

Glasgow Film Festival

SCOTLAND THE PERFECT STAGE Scotland is famed for being a world-class events destination - and it is easy to see why. From marathon running to whisky tastings, mountain biking to live music, films to golf, there is a wealth of events and festivals happening across the country, with something for everyone to enjoy. Below is a selection of some of our major sporting events and cultural highlights coming up in 2019…

European Athletics Indoor Championships 1–3 Mar Emirates Arena, Glasgow The European Athletics Indoor Championships returns to Scotland for the first time in nearly 30 years. Taking place across three days, this actionpacked competition will be the perfect opportunity to witness some of the world’s best athletes compete, including Scotland’s very own Laura Muir. glasgow2019athletics. com

Guinness PRO14 Final 25 May Celtic Park, Glasgow History will be made as Glasgow’s Celtic Park hosts the Championship decider for the first time.

The thrilling final will see the top two teams from the competition involving professional sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales battle it out for the coveted trophy. pro14rugby.org/final UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 1–2 Jun Nevis Range, Fort William

This must-see event showcases some of the best mountain biking in the world. As well as watching the thrilling downhill and four-cross action, there’s plenty for spectators to enjoy at the World Cup Village including demonstrations, competitions and food & drink. fortwilliamworldcup. co.uk Women’s Tour of Scotland 9–11 Aug Various locations This brand new fixture on Scotland’s cycling

calendar will include both a world-class cycling race with female pro teams from all corners of the globe, as well as a publiccycling event with 5,000 participants from across Scotland and beyond. womenstourofscotland. com Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running 6 October Loch Ness Taking place along the majestic shores of Loch Ness, this annual mass participation event includes a range of

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HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2019 | CULTURE

distances available to suit all runners’ abilities, with a marathon, 10k, 5k and Wee Nessie race. For spectators, there’s also an Event Village at the finish line. lochnessmarathon.com IFSC European Climbing Championships 2019 Lead and Speed 5–6 Oct EICA: Ratho, Edinburgh The best climbers from across Europe will descend on Edinburgh for IFSC European Climbing Championships this autumn. The competition will be the ideal chance to see climbing up close ahead of the sport’s debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships 4–8 Dec Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Glasgow Attracting some of the biggest stars in the sport, this prestigious swimming meet will see over 500 athletes compete across 40 short course swimming events to be crowned European Champions. euroswim2019.com Glasgow Film Festival 20 Feb–3 Mar One of the UK’s fastest growing and most highly anticipated film festivals. Film fans can expect another packed programme full of premieres, glitzy galas, discussion panels,

PHOTO: FINALCRUX FILMS

IFSC European Climbing Championships 2019 Lead and Speed

interactive workshops and special events. glasgowfilm.org/festival StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival 6–10 Mar St Andrews StAnza returns this spring with another ambitious programme of poetry, music, children’s events, film, and art exhibitions.

This year’s line-up will feature over 80 poets, showcasing some of the biggest names in literature alongside upcoming talent. stanzapoetry.org Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 1–6 May Speyside Set in the heart of

Scotland’s scenic whiskyproducing region, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world.

The festival’s wideranging programme includes over 500 events from distillery tours to ceilidhs. spiritofspeyside.com St Magnus International Festival 21–27 Jun Orkney Taking place during the magic of midsummer, Orkney’s celebration of the arts brings together worldclass performances and community participation, and features an array of chamber music and opera concerts, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts. stmagnusfestival.com Cowal Highland Gathering 29–31 Aug Dunoon Renowned for its stunning location and friendly atmosphere, the Cowal Highland Gathering is a highlight of Scotland’s Highland Games season. With its mix of piping, heavy athletics, children’s entertainment, and the World Highland Dancing Championship, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. cowalgathering.com

These events are supported through EventScotland Funding Programmes.

EventScotland.org @EventScotNews #perfectstage

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GOLF | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2019

PHOTO: TRISTAN JONES

SCOTLAND STAGES THE BIGGEST EVENT IN WOMEN’S GOLF The 2019 Solheim Cup 9–15 Sep Various venues PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles, Perthshire Scotland, the home of golf, will welcome the biggest and most prestigious event in women’s golf to its shores in 2019. The Solheim Cup is held biennially alternating between venues in the United States and Europe and this year it will return to the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, home

Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open 10–14 Jul The Renaissance Club, East Lothian As one of eight Rolex Series events on the European Tour, the Scottish Open has proven to be the perfect warm up for The Open. The

of The 2014 Ryder Cup. Inspirational images of Scotland will be beamed across the globe as golf fans get to watch some of the best female golfers in the world compete in this match play format. Scotland’s Catriona Matthew will captain Team Europe as they take on their American counterparts in a bid to win the trophy back.

For more information on where to buy tickets to this unmissable sporting event, go to the Solheim Cup website: solheimcup2019.com

beautiful East Lothian venue of The Renaissance Club will welcome fans through their doors for the first time, offering a wonderful interactive spectator village experience with something to do for both golfers and nongolfers. asiscottishopen.com

Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 7–11 Aug The Renaissance Club, East Lothian The world’s best female golfers will return to Scotland for this co-sanctioned event which will see the strongest field

outside of the Major Ch i hi Championships assemble. The superstars of the LPGA and LET will head to The Renaissance Club which hosts this world-class tournament for the very first time having also hosted the Men’s Scottish Open the month before. ladiesscottishopen. com Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 26–29 Sep, Various An event that offers a unique opportunity to witness golf’s very best play on three of the most prestigious links courses in the world – Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews. Fans can expect to see A-List movie stars, musicians and sports stars tee it up alongside Major Champions and Ryder Cup stars. alfreddunhilllinks.com

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

JANUARY 1 & 2 JANUARY

FIRE & LIGHT FAMILY Helix Park, Falkirk, thehelix.co.uk

A magical illuminated outdoor experience around the Home of the Kelpies.

4 JANUARY

KING TUT’S NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION MUSIC King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, kingtuts.co.uk

King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution starts 2019 with a line-up of acts making waves in the Scottish music scene.

The Rising Souls take up the headliner spot, with supporting acts Pariah Soul and Run Into the Night.

Fire & Light

4–6 JANUARY

CAGE-A-RAMA FILM & TV CCA, Glasgow, cca-glasgow.com

Scotland’s second Nicolas Cage Film Festival takes place near the actor’s birthday. The event is organised by Matchbox Cineclub, an independent cult film exhibitor based in Glasgow.

7–11 JANUARY

TEENY TINY TODDLER FEST FAMILY Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh, camera-obscura.co.uk

Five floors of interactive exhibits, workshops and play stations with hands-on fun.

12–27 JANUARY

BURNS HAME TOUN FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Ayr, burnsfestival.com

Celebrate the bard in his hame toun with a street party 26

featuring a strip-the-willow world record attempt, a haggis and whisky festival, plus the only Burns Supper in the world to take place within Burns Cottage.

17 JANUARY–3 FEBRUARY

CELTIC CONNECTIONS HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, celticconnections.com

Glasgow’s annual folk, roots, indie, world and traditional music festival celebrates the links between Celtic music and cultures across the globe, featuring ceilidhs, workshops, talks, dancing, art exhibitions, and free events. The 2019 festival hosts the talented likes of Judy Collins, Rhiannon Giddens, Sharon Shannon, Cherish the Ladies, Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert, Karine Polwart, Phil Cunningham, Graham Nash, Seth Lakeman, Niteworks, KT Tunstall, Elephant Sessions, Mull Historical Society and plenty more.

22–27 JANUARY

BURNS&BEYOND HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, burnsandbeyond.com

A new festival celebrating Scottish culture and the legacy of Robert Burns, Burns&Beyond features ‘Museum of the Moon’

by British artist Luke Jerram which will be housed at St Giles’ Cathedral. The 2019 programme also includes the flagship Culture Trail, the Lost Map’s Howlin’ Fling!, and The List’s The Red Rose Club.

24 JANUARY–3 FEBRUARY

BIG BURNS SUPPER HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Big Burns Supper Spiegeltent, Dumfries, bigburnssupper. com

Our Bard’s birth is marked with a vast selection of dance, theatre, visual arts, live art and comedy, turning Burns Night into a festival of contemporary arts.

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26 JANUARY–10 FEBRUARY

COMEDY / THEATRE & DANCE Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow, britanniapanopticon.org

FAMILY Norie Miller Park, Perth, perthcity.co.uk

Celebrate Scotland’s favourite poet with comedy, music and, of course, whisky.

Experience the beauty of Perth’s riverside as illuminations transform the Norie Miller Walk into a winter wonderland.

25–27 JANUARY

27 JANUARY

FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Various venues, Peebles, eastgatearts.com

FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE / MUSIC Kinkell Byre, St Andrews, kinkellbyre.com

PANOPTICON BURNS NIGHT

PEEBLES OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL

A busy weekend of adventure films, inspiring speakers and hands-on sessions, all housed in the truly picturesque Tweed Valley.

PERTH RIVERSIDE LIGHT NIGHTS

BURNS NIGHT

A night of songs, poems, dancing and feasting for Scotland’s bard.

The night includes a performance

by Robyn Stapleton.

26 JANUARY

27 JANUARY

FOOD & DRINK SWG3, Glasgow, nationalwhiskyfestival.scot

FAMILY / HERITAGE / LITERATURE Burns House Museum, Mauchline, eastayrshireleisure.com

THE NATIONAL WHISKY FESTIVAL

A chance to try a selection of fine whiskies from over 40 tasting stands. Some of the best drams from around the world are on offer and local restaurants are also providing ideal dishes to complement the different whiskies.

26 & 27 JANUARY

EDINBURGH WELLBEING FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / OUTDOOR Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, edinburghwellbeingfestival. com

This is a two-day event devoted to all matters revolving around health, fitness and wellbeing.

Activities include yoga classes, guided meditations and talks on nutrition, mindfulness and emotional health. Guests at the 2019 event include Professor Green, Julie Montagu, Jack Monroe, Hollie Grant, Yoga Ganesh, Haemin Sunim and Carly Rowena.

PHOTO: MIKE PENNINGTON

25 & 26 JANUARY

BURNS’ BIRTHDAY IN MAUCHLINE

Two-day family event celebrating ol’ Rab’s birthday, with particular reference to Mauchline.

28 JANUARY–8 FEBRUARY

FIFE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

MUSIC Various venues, Fife, ffom.org.uk

Competitive and noncompetitive performers at this community festival range from primary-school children to adults, in both vocal and instrumental classes.

29 JANUARY

UP HELLY AA FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Shetland, uphellyaa.org

Shetland shows off its history with a spectacular fire festival and other merry making. See Spotlight, right.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

UP HELLY AA A spectacular feast for the senses is assured when Lerwick plays host to its annual torchlight procession and dramatic burning of a galley.

Up Helly Aa is a true community happening as local volunteers pitch in to aid the preparations which have made the event a success since it arrived in Shetland back in the 1880s. Up Helly Aa has only ever been cancelled or postponed on the occasion of world war, the death of monarchs, and (in 1900) from an influenza outbreak.

On the day, events kick off at 9am and include a march, civic reception, visits to the Shetland Museum and local schools, while the clock starts to count down to the unveiling of the galley and its subsequent scorching. Plus, between May and September, there’s an exhibition which showcases the event’s history through photographs.

(Brian Donaldson) ■■ Various venues, Shetland, 29 January, uphellyaa.org

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FEBRUARY 1 FEBRUARY–2 MARCH

FEBRUARYFEST

FOOD & DRINK Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, glencoescotland.com

Running for more than 20 years, FebruaryFest now provides a whole month of the best beer Scotland’s brewers have to offer to lots of thirsty drinkers. The programme also boasts live music and quiz nights, along with tributes to beer’s best pal: whisky.

2–12 FEBRUARY

MANIPULATE VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, manipulatefestival.org

Puppet Animation Scotland collates a collection of worldclass animation, puppetry and related performing arts of all styles and techniques. The 2019 event will have its base at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, with additional performances in venues across the country.

8–21 FEBRUARY

2 FEBRUARY

HEBRIDEAN DARK SKIES FESTIVAL

MUSIC SWG3, Glasgow, swg3.tv

MULTI-ARTS / OUTDOOR / SCIENCE Various venues, Isle of Lewis, lanntair.com/darkskies

COLOURS Scotland’s longest running dance festival brings together thousands of clubbers with superstar DJs. This year marks the event’s 24th birthday and this, their first show of a busy 2019, has Blasterjaxx, Roger Sanchez, Eddie Halliwell, Headhunterz, Purple Disco Machine, Mambo Brothers, Third Party and Menno de Jong popping up on the excellent line-up.

An ambitious programme features stargazing events, workshops and talks led by leading scientists, as well as film, music and theatre, all located on the Isle of Lewis, which has some of the darkest skies in the UK and is one of the best places in the country to see the Aurora Borealis. The 2019 festival features Chris Lintott (presenter of The Sky at

Night), singer-songwriters Rachel Sermanni and Emma Pollock, and award-winning children’s storyteller Andy Cannon, with events taking place at An Lanntair, Gallan Head and the Callanish stones.

8–10 FEBRUARY

THE BUTE GIN FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Glenburn Hotel, Isle of Bute, buteginfestival.co.uk

A celebration of all things gin.

Enjoy samples, meet the makers and take part in masterclasses.

14–17 FEBRUARY

WINTER WORDS FESTIVAL LITERATURE Pitlochry Festival Theatre, pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

A chilled-out book fest with author events, storytelling sessions, movement workshops and literary lunches. Cool stuff.

See Spotlight, page 29.

15–17 FEBRUARY

TRUE ORIGINS: THE SCOTTISH GIN FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Barn, Banchory, trueorigins-ginfestival.com

Festival celebrating Scottish gins, with masterclasses, live music, Scottish-inspired street food and plenty of botanicals to enjoy. Also The Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, 29 & 30 March; Lochter Activity Centre, Inverurie, 19 & 20 April; The Briggait, Glasgow, 31 May & 1 June.

15–17 FEBRUARY

CAPITAL SCI-FI CON True OriGins: The Scottish Gin Festival 28

FAMILY / FILM & TV / LITERATURE Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, capitalscificon.co.uk

Science-fiction convention aiming to raise funds for

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). There will be large-scale props from movies plus live special effects presentations, retro gaming consoles, trade stalls and a cosplay competition. Actors and voice-over artists make appearances over the weekend along with cult comic book illustrators and writers.

20–24 FEBRUARY

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Various venues, Fort William, mountainfestival.co.uk

Held in Scotland’s outdoor capital, this year’s series of films and lectures celebrating mountain culture covers everything from rewilding in Scotland to ascents in the Himalayas.

22–24 FEBRUARY

GRANITE NOIR LITERATURE Various venues, Aberdeen, granitenoir.com

Aberdeen’s crime writing festival returns for a third year with author events, workshops and family shows.

2019’s programme includes appearances from Stuart MacBride in conversation with Susan Calman, Abir Mukherjee, Sophie Hannah, Yrsa Sigurdardottir and much more.

25 FEBRUARY–8 MARCH

ARTS ACROSS LEARNING FESTIVAL FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeencity.gov.uk

20 FEBRUARY–3 MARCH

A festival with more than 200 free events that aims to encourage stronger bonds between pupils, teachers and arts bodies.

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

28 FEBRUARY–3 MARCH

FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org/festival

Since 2005, Scotland’s fastestgrowing film festival has become a force to be reckoned with in the movie world. This year’s event features an exploration of classic and less-renowned American films from the epochal year of 1969, the best of Belgian cinema, and anniversary party celebrations of sci-fi cine-epics Alien and The Matrix.

21–25 FEBRUARY

AUDACIOUS WOMEN FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / POLITICS Various venues, Edinburgh, audaciouswomen.scot

A festival for and by women with something to give – breaking down personal, political and institutional barriers and giving a massive shout out to women everywhere.

BRAEMAR MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Braemar, braemarmountainfestival.com

The second Braemar Mountain Festival celebrates the mountains in winter with a programme of workshops covering ski touring, winter skills, avalanche awareness, low level walking, and fell running.

28 FEBRUARY–6 MARCH

INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, invernessmusicfestival.org

Run by Inverness Festival Association, this festival is a competitive event that allows people of all ages and abilities to display their skills. The main discipline groups are vocal, instrumental, speech, Gaelic and Scottish.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

WINTER WORDS FESTIVAL Set in picturesque Pitlochry, the Winter Words Festival is a literary celebration that gathers together writers and spoken-word artists from around the world for a programme of songs, stories and workshops across a diverse range of subjects and themes. Hosted in the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Winter Words has grown from strength to strength over the past 15 years, previously hosting the likes of Tartan Noir superstar Val McDermid, ‘the Flying Scotsman’ Graeme Obree, and broadcaster / author Sally Magnusson.

The festival similarly offers opportunities for emerging writers through their annual contests, which range from short fiction to drama.

Other highlights include events for families and wee ones, including storytelling sessions and movement workshops, as well as a book fair, literary lunches and writing masterclasses.

(Deborah Chu) ■ Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 14–17 February, pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

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MARCH 1–3 MARCH

WEE DUB FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, weedubfestival.co.uk

Since 2003, this annual festival features workshops, science and drama presentations, speakers and competitions. See Panel, page 33.

8–10 MARCH

3–31 MARCH

Country music extravaganza featuring some of Nashville’s biggest stars. The 2019 lineup includes Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Lady Antebellum, Brett Eldredge and Lyle Lovett.

Festival dedicated to dub and reggae music, offering a diverse and enjoyable weekend of gigs, clubs, workshops and food.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MIDDLE EASTERN SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE

2 MARCH

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, mesp.org.uk

HINA MATSURI FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Kibble Palace, Glasgow, japanesematsuri-glasgow.org.uk

Take part in this celebration of Japanese culture by checking out a spot of taiko drumming, trying your hand at origami and sampling some Asian sweets.

2 MARCH

NAAFC ANNUAL ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Grangemouth Town Hall, boxandfiddle.com

All-day accordion and fiddle competitions, a prize-winners concert and closing dance, if your feet weren’t already a-tapping.

2–16 MARCH

DUNDEE WOMEN’S FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / POLITICS Various venues, Dundee, dundeewomensfestival.org.uk

Three weeks of events, dramas, discussions and workshops, the theme for 2019 is ‘Hear Women’s Voices’. The idea is to keep informed, stay confident and make a difference.

2–23 MARCH

CAITHNESS INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Caithness, science03.org 30

This festival draws together people from a wide range of spiritual backgrounds, cultures, traditions and communities to celebrate peace and mutual understanding via spiritual, educational and cultural events. The 2019 programme includes wellbeing workshops, an event on peace with Professor Paul Rogers, and a Mindful Peace Walk.

4–7 MARCH

SHETLAND COUNTY DRAMA FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Garrison Theatre, Lerwick, facebook.com/ shetlanddramafestival

Annual festival with drama groups from all over Shetland competing for prizes.

6–10 MARCH

STANZA: SCOTLAND’S POETRY FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, St Andrews, stanzapoetry.org

The cleverly titled StAnza is a literary festival that focuses on verse. Joining the locals for readings, performances, slams, open mics, jazz, films, workshops and poetry-related art exhibitions, and installations are a host of local and international wordsmiths.

Among those taking part are Imtiaz Dharker, Harry Giles, Alan Spence, Gerda Stevenson, Antosh Wojcik, Caroline Teague and Kate Tough.

C2C: COUNTRY TO COUNTRY MUSIC SSE Hydro, Glasgow, c2c-countrytocountry.com

8–24 MARCH

LOCHWINNOCH ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Lochwinnoch, lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

Lochwinnoch’s annual arts festival is a celebration of music, art, dancing and theatre. See Spotlight, page 32.

9 & 10 MARCH

DORNOCH GRAND FIBRE FEST HERITAGE Dornoch Social Club, fibrefest.org.uk

A festival of fibre and woollen crafts, with masterclasses in weaving and botanical printing.

9 & 10 MARCH

THE SCOTTISH FLY FAIR HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling, scottishflyfair.org

Fair with over 40 fly fishing exhibitors, with fly tyers from Britain, Ireland and Europe.

11–16 MARCH

GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Stranraer and Newton Stewart, gallowaymusicfestival.org.uk

Competitive music festival for amateur musicians of all ages.

The syllabus covers a wide range of categories including piano, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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PHOTO: STEPHANIE GIBSO

brass, woodwind, recorder, strings, ensemble, vocal, choral, jazz, recital, composition, speech and Scottish traditional, with members of the public welcome to attend all competitions.

N

13–17 MARCH

GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Glasgow Film Theatre, glasgowfilm.org

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

LOCHWINNOCH ARTS FESTIVAL The Lochwinnoch Arts Festival (aka The Friendly Festival), keeps on trucking some 19 years after being launched as a one-day book event. Having grown out of all recognition, it now has a main strand as well as a series of Fringe events.

Among those confirmed to be appearing so far are Alan Bissett who is resurrecting his ‘onewoman play’, The Moira Monologues, authors Kirstin Innes and Bernard MacLaverty, and Badger the Mystical Mutt who will endear himself to you with his ropy magic skills. Plus, Christine Bovill brings us her Piaf Show, there’s a Johnny Cash tribute from Jericho Hill, and traditional music from Capercaillie legend Karen Matheson.

Meanwhile, if you’re more into getting involved, there are workshops for devotees (or first-timers) of the accordion, fiddle and penny whistle.

(Brian Donaldson) ■ Various venues, Lochwinnoch, 8–24 March, lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

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This is the largest competitive short film festival in Scotland and celebrates diverse forms of cinematic expression that transgress the boundaries of conventional narrative film. The programme includes international and Scottish competitions, networking events, panel discussions, workshops and parties.

14–31 MARCH

AYE WRITE! GLASGOW’S BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Glasgow, ayewrite.com

Aye Write! remains committed to celebrating Scottish and international writers and writing.

The 2019 programme will be announced in mid-January, but the quality is assured given that past guests have included Maggie O’Farrell, Val McDermid, Brett Anderson, Professor AC Grayling, Evan Davis, Shami Chakrabarti, Graeme Obree and Jo Swinson.

luminaries as Reginald D Hunter, Janey Godley, Larry Dean, Jerry Sadowitz, Catherine Bohart, Jasper Carrott, Garrett Millerick, Foil, Arms & Hog, Julian Clary, Russell Kane, Al Murray, Michelle McManus, Elaine C Smith, Andrew Maxwell, Desiree Burch, Phil Kay, Des Clarke and Andy Zaltzman.

15–17 MARCH

THE NIEL GOW FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Dunkeld and Birnam, niel-gow.co.uk

Established in 2004 to celebrate the life of Perthshire fiddle legend Niel Gow, this festival is now a breeding ground for traditional music talent, running a selection of workshops and performances, with events taking place across the lovely villages of Dunkeld and Birnam.

15–23 MARCH

EDINBURGH’S FESTIVAL OF IRELAND HERITAGE / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghsfestivalofireland.org

A little bit of Ireland descends upon Edinburgh around St Patrick’s Day as the city celebrates the rich culture of the Emerald Isle. This is a multi-arts, family-friendly celebration of the links between Edinburgh and Ireland, with storytelling, music, comedy and lots and lots of dancing.

14–31 MARCH

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

16 MARCH

COMEDY Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowcomedyfestival.com

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Fife College, Kirkcaldy facebook.com/ AdamSmithGlobalFoundation/

Glasgow’s comedy festival birls back into your life, getting ever more impressive with each outing.

For 2019, you’re looking at a top line-up which includes such

KIRKCALDY’S FOOD AND DRINK FAIR

Part of the Festival of Ideas, this fair is a celebration of local food and drink with demonstrations, talks and samples. The LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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programme features Gary Maclean, the 2016 winner of MasterChef The Professionals.

20–24 MARCH

HIPPFEST FILM & TV The Hippodrome, Bo’ness, falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Scotland’s only silent film festival runs over five days with events, screenings and workshops, featuring live music and storytelling by national and international musicians and performers. This year’s opening film is the 1922 Rob Roy. 20–30 MARCH

RARE BOOKS EDINBURGH LITERATURE Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh, rarebooksedinburgh.com

Rare Books is a new festival celebrating book history as well as rare tomes. There are talks, exhibitions, workshops and a twoday book fair.

21–23 MARCH

EDINBURGH YARN FESTIVAL ART / HERITAGE Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, edinyarnfest.com

A cosy and colourful festival aimed at ‘yarn-enthusiasts of all flavours’, this woolly bonanza caters for everyone who knits, crochets, embroiders, spins and haberdashes. There’s a party, Fringe event and the Big Knit-Night to keep everyone entertained.

21–31 MARCH

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenjazzfestival.com

A host of musicians and performers descend on the Granite City for a few days of jazz and blues, with everything from jamming and workshops, to

CAITHNESS INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL Run by Science03, a charity which promotes science, technology, engineering and maths across the local area, the Caithness International Science Festival is an attempt to attract younger people to the joys and revelations within the fields of scientific endeavour.

The CISF has been running since 2003, and for this year’s event there will be the usual array of events for both the general public as well as those dedicated to local schools. Plus there’s a family fun day event on the 23rd.

During the month, there will be a vast range of talks, demonstrations, exhibitions and programmes that cater for every science taste. The schools element ranges from petting snakes and hedgehogs with Animal Magic, learning about endangered species with wildlife author and photographer Dr Michael Leach, a spot of ocean research from Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth, and circus science with Scotty the Science Clown. Every school in Caithness and a number in North Sutherland are involved, from nursery wee ones all the way up to secondary school pupils, and there’s a design competition which last year received over 1200 entries.

On the public talks and events front, there will be crime-scene stories with a former detective, a chance to learn how local whisky is made, the growing of commercial flowers and a look at how physics is involved in the majestic art of mountaineering. Last year’s festival had a record-breaking 7000 attendees, with 1750 of those showing up for the family fun day. (Brian Donaldson) ■ Various venues, Caithness, 2–23 March, science03.org 33

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chilled out gigs on the green and late-night sessions. See Panel, page 35.

22 & 23 MARCH

MARCH INTO PITLOCHRY MUSIC Pitlochry Town Hall and McKays Bar marchintopitlochry.co.uk

Music festival with over 30 performances across four venues returns for its fourth year. The lineup features The Dunwells, Blue Rose Code, The Wellgreen, Iain McLaughlin and the Outsiders, and Admiral Fallow.

22–24 MARCH

HAWICK REIVERS FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Hawick, hawickreivers.com

A programme of music, drama and re-enactments allow you to experience what life was like in the mid sixteenth century.

30 MARCH–20 APRIL

PUPPET ANIMATION FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Scotland, puppetanimationfestival.org

The UK’s largest and longest established annual performing arts event for children pulls some strings to present a feast of puppet-based entertainment, working with local authorities, organisations and venues throughout Scotland.

MARCH, DATES TBC

ULLAPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Ullapool, ullapooldance.org

Dance festival with classes for all ages and abilities where you can learn something new or brush up a little on established movement skills.

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APRIL

5–10 APRIL

COUNTERFLOWS

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, counterflows.com

MUSIC Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, harpfestival.co.uk

A festival of underground, experimental and international music, Counterflows marries the local to the international with artists from around the world collaborating with homegrown talent across Glasgow.

4–7 APRIL

Held on the beautiful grounds of Merchiston Castle School, EIHF annually welcomes a healthy mix of world-class harpists and up-and-coming talents playing a range of styles from folk to jazz for concerts, courses, workshops, the UK’s largest harpmakers exhibition and late-night music sessions.

UNDEPENDENCE FILM FESTIVAL

5–14 APRIL

FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, undependence.co.uk

ON THE ROCKS STUDENT ARTS FESTIVAL

Pop Up! Scotland present indie shorts and features which aims to open up non-mainstream work for a wider audience.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, St Andrews, ontherocksfestival.com

4–7 APRIL

5–7 APRIL

Student-run arts festival featuring shows, concerts and exhibitions for all the family.

GLENFARG FOLK FEAST

6 APRIL

MUSIC The Green Hotel, Kinross, glenfargfolkclub.com

A small and friendly stalwart of the folk festival calendar, this festival is an initiative of Glenfarg Village Folk Club and is open to many musics of an acoustic variety as well as storytelling and poetry.

LORDS OF THE LAND FESTIVAL MUSIC Barrowlands, Glasgow, musicglue.com/lords-of-the-land

Extreme festival with a full day of thrash and death metal action. The line-up for 2019 features Electric Wizard, Coroner, Tankard, The Black Dahlia Murder and Belphegor.

5–7 APRIL

CONPULSION DEATH

6–21 APRIL

FAMILY Teviot, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, conpulsion.org

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

Conpulsion is Edinburgh’s largest weekend tabletop gaming convention, covering board games, role-playing games, card games and wargames. There are guests, competitions, events, traders and lots of games to play including old favourites and brand new releases.

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, sciencefestival.co.uk

Hands-on science for families in venues across the city with a programme ranging from the entertaining to the controversial and, of course, the icky. For 2019, the programme follows a theme of ‘Frontiers’.

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

7 APRIL

HIGHLAND HAGGIS FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY Spean Bridge Primary School, West Tirindrish, highlandhaggisfest.co.uk

Celebrate Scotland’s national dish at the Highland Haggis Festival: eat, drink, dance and be very merry.

11–13 APRIL

WIDE DAYS MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, widedays.com

Scotland’s key music convention is back with an extended programme to celebrate its 10th edition, including more networking opportunities and live offerings.

12–14 APRIL

THE SCOTTISH ELVIS FESTIVAL MUSIC The Westerwood Hotel, Glasgow, absoluteelvis.com

A celebration of the King with plenty of Scottish Elvis impersonators.

12–14 APRIL

GINTYRE: FESTIVAL OF SCOTTISH GINS FOOD & DRINK Town Hall, Campbeltown, gintyre.com

Festival of Scottish gins, with the chance to taste drinks from across Scotland, meet the producers and enjoy a variety of ‘fringe’ events such as gin dinners and special cinema screenings.

13 APRIL

FALKIRK GIN FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa, Polmont, facebook.com/falkirkginfestival

Craft Beer Discovery, the team who host Falkirk’s festival of craft beer and Falkirk Whisky Festival,

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL Every March, Aberdeen rings out to the sound of jazz, gospel and blues. Paying tribute to one of the most enduring musical genres, the Aberdeen Jazz Festival takes over multiple venues across the city, from small music clubs to big theatre shows.

The Blue Lamp is the festival’s hub with intimate shows every day from Scottish talent and international jazz stars. Last year’s programme featured sets from the likes of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra resident vocalist Georgina Jackson, MOBO Award winner Soweto Kinch, soul singer Ola Onabulé, Edinburgh trumpeter Colin Steele, and vocalist / saxophonist Camille Thurman.

The music spills out across the city courtesy of jazz dinners, workshops, swing dance parties, film screenings and the West End Jazz Trail, with gigs in libraries, hotels, churches, as well as at The Lemon Tree and His Majesty’s Theatre. And let’s not forget Jazz on the Green, the largest free outdoor music event in the Granite City, which boasts a huge line-up (last year featured 20 bands playing across nine stages) of jazz, blues, funk, soul, R&B, swing, bop and big band acts.

The Aberdeen Jazz Festival expanded to 11 days for the first time in 2018 which paid dividends with record-breaking attendances.

The 2019 line-up is still to be announced, but if it matches the last few years’ bills we should be in for a treat with gigs that celebrate old-time trad and New Orleans rhythms, to hip hop, funk and soul.

(Henry Northmore) ■ Various venues, Aberdeen, 21–31 March, aberdeenjazzfestival.com 35

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branch out into the gin game with the Falkirk Gin Festival.

Sample some spirits while you learn how to achieve that perfect serve. The ticket price includes samples of all gins, a programme and one gin and tonic token.

The Filmhouse’s horror fest hosts a selection of premieres, classics, short films and special guests.

See Spotlight, page 38.

13 APRIL

MUSIC Various venues, Loch Shiel, lochshielfestival.com

PAISLEY COMIC CON FAMILY / FILM & TV LITERATURE Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley, PaisleyComicCon.com

20 & 21 APRIL 19–21 APRIL

GLASGOW ZINE FEST

LOCH SHIEL SPRING FESTIVAL

LITERATURE CCA, Glasgow, glasgowzinefest.com

A celebration of comic art and culture with stalls, traders, games, cosplay, artists and writer talks, and demonstrations.

A festival of Western classical music set amid the stunning Loch Shiel. From offbeat locations to local traditions, national celebrations to innovative performances, this celebrates everything to do with chamber music.

13 & 14 APRIL

20 APRIL

SCOTLAND’S DAFFODIL FESTIVAL

FIFE BRASS BAND FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR Backhouse Rossie Estate, Collessie, backhouserossie.co.uk

MUSIC Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, onfife.com

Make the most of lovely spring daffodils with a delightful woodland walk, an egg hunt, artisan stalls, some specialist talks, nine-hole putting and more.

Dance and electronic music festival featuring Richie Hawtin’s first appearance in Edinburgh for

WALK ISLAY FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Isle of Islay, walkislay.co.uk

DOC’N ROLL SCOTLAND FILM & TV / MUSIC Cameo Cinema, Edinburgh, docnrollfestival.com

TERMINAL V

FILM & TV Edinburgh Filmhouse, deadbydawn.co.uk

21–26 APRIL

25–28 APRIL

20 APRIL

DEAD BY DAWN

A weekend of workshops, screenings, talks and socials dedicated to self-publishing.

See the best of Scottish island landscapes with this walking festival. There are six different walks to choose from, including the traditional Friday walk around Jura and Cnoc-Brec.

Bands around Scotland present their own brassy concert programme.

MUSIC Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, terminalv.co.uk

18–21 APRIL

18 years. The line-up also includes the likes of Mella Dee, Mall Grab, Helena Hauff and Maceo Plex.

The UK’s music documentary festival funded by the BFI. The festival was brand new to Scotland last year and returns in 2019 to showcase compelling music films from all genres.

PHOTO: ALASDAIR WATSON

26 & 27 APRIL

PAISLEY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Abbey Close, Paisley, paisley.is

A celebration of the best that Scotland’s larder has to offer with plenty of food-related fun.

26 & 27 APRIL

SHUFFLE DOWN MUSIC Dobbie Hall, Larbert, shuffledown.co.uk

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All-day indoor music festival featuring local and up-andcoming musicians, plus arts and crafts, food and beer stalls.

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LIVE COMEDY EVERY NIGHT! W W W. T H E S T A N D . C O . U K

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THE STAND’S LEGENDARY NEW COMEDY NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY ONLY £3

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TRADITIONAL

MUSIC & SONG ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND

F Find out about activity in your area tthrough our annual Event Calendar and website www.tmsa.org.uk, or a ssend us the details about your folk c club, session, event or festival to be added to our listings. a Attend a local TMSA branch or national event, or support our work by buying a TMSA Young Trad Tour CD or other recordings and books.

Check out our Interactive Music whe ere Map at www.tmsa.scot, where \RX FDQ ÀQG RXW PRUH DERXW 6FRWODQG·V PXVLFDO KHULWDJH

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The TMSA is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland No: SC199976 and a Scottish Charity No: SCO03819. We acknowledge project funding from Tasgadh & Creative Scotland through the National Lottery.

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26–28 APRIL

GALASHIELS WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Galashiels, galawalk.co.uk

As well as a range of walks around Gala and its surrounding area, the festival includes a pub quiz and concert.

26–28 APRIL

NORTHERN STREAMS

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

DEAD BY DAWN Lurching back to life every April in Edinburgh’s Filmhouse, Dead by Dawn is the UK’s longest-running horror film festival. It launched in 1993, with two UK premieres from fledgling horror maestro Peter Jackson. The festival regularly attracts the work of new directors who will go on to greater things, as well as revered veterans looking back on their esteemed careers: last year’s guest of honour was John Landis, the director of An American Werewolf in London.

Horror is a largely misunderstood film genre, and Dead by Dawn relishes the chance to champion it in all its varied forms.

Their mantra is that story is paramount, along with humour, suspense and atmosphere. The festival continues to celebrate horror with screenings of new titles, rare and beloved classics, and a selection of short films. New converts and the cine-curious are always welcome to join the fold. (Murray Robertson) ■ Edinburgh Filmhouse, 18–21 April, deadbydawn.co.uk

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FAMILY / MUSIC The Pleasance, Edinburgh, northernstreams.org

Festival featuring Scottish and Nordic music, song and dance, with concerts, workshops and sessions from up-and-coming and established artists.

isle of Colonsay. As well as readings and performances, the emphasis is on meeting and chatting with the writers, plus debate and good craic in the pub.

29 APRIL–19 MAY

COLONSAY FESTIVAL OF SPRING FAMILY / MUSIC / OUTDOOR Various venues, Colonsay, colonsayspringfest.co.uk

This tiny island comes alive with a series of events that showcase its natural beauty featuring workshops and tours, whisky tasting and cake baking, music, exhibitions and film screenings.

30 APRIL

26 APRIL–9 MAY

FOLK FILM GATHERING FILM & TV / MUSIC Filmhouse, Edinburgh, folkfilmgathering.com

Folk film festival with a focus on songs and labour and their importance to communities around the world.

27 APRIL

SCOTLAND CALLING MUSIC O2 Academy Glasgow, o2academyglasgow.co.uk

One-day punk festival featuring The Exploited, Slaughter & The Dogs, Macc Lads, Angelic Upstarts, UK Subs, Conflict, Discharge, Peter & The Test Tube Babies, Duncan Reid & The Big Heads and Delinquents.

27 & 28 APRIL

COLONSAY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / FAMILY Colonsay Village Hall, Isle of Colonsay, colonsaybookfestival.org.uk

A book festival hosted by the beautiful inner Hebridean

BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beltane.org

A modern interpretation of the ancient fertility festival of Beltane housed in the spectacular setting of Calton Hill. Beltane Fire Society performs the story of the death of winter and the birth of summer via dance, drumming, debauched acrobatics, giant puppetry and, of course, fire.

APRIL, DATES TBC

TRADFEST EDINBURGH / DÙN ÈIDEANN HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, tracscotland.org/tag/tradfest

Edinburgh’s TradFest kickstarts the summer season with a feast of folk arts (music, storytelling, dance, folk film, literature, talks, crafts and visual arts) across Scotland’s capital. Inspired by the traditions of May Day and Beltane, the festival showcases cultural traditions with a contemporary spin.

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MAY 1–6 MAY

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Speyside, spiritofspeyside.com

While the main focus of this festival is on the aqua vitae, there’s a wide-ranging programme of events going on.

Distilleries, shops, restaurants, pubs and villages throughout Speyside welcome visitors, with an enormous array of special tastings, tours, food, music and outdoor activities.

1–31 MAY

LUMINATE: SCOTLAND’S CREATIVE AGEING FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, luminatescotland.org

Luminate celebrates our creative lives as we age. See Panel, right.

2–4 MAY

KINGDOM OF FIFE REAL ALE AND CIDER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, onfife.com

A chance to sample over 30 real ales from around the country, as well as wines, ciders and continental beers. Live music is on offer and all guests receive a commemorative beer glass and programme with detailed tasting notes.

2–5 MAY

BIG LIT LITERATURE Mill on the Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, millonthefleet.co.uk

A long weekend of events in Gatehouse of Fleet, including talks, stories and poetry.

LUMINATE While 2018 officially became the Year of Young People in Scotland, those behind the likes of Luminate were determined that we wouldn’t forget the folk at the other end of the age spectrum. Last year, Luminate changed gears slightly by becoming an all-yearround umbrella for creative ageing work, and it returns in 2019 as a standalone festival throughout May rather than the traditional October.

For this year’s nationwide event, shows, exhibitions, performances and workshops will pop up everywhere from the Orkneys down to the Borders in venues as diverse as community centres, art galleries, theatre spaces, care homes and an assortment of locations which will facilitate intriguing site-specific work. Artists, groups and organisations across the community were encouraged to bring some work to the table with submissions being handed in at the opening part of 2019.

Among those involved in the fiesta of goings-on which took place across the calendar year of 2018 were Magnetic North Theatre Company who led development days for older emerging artists, some inspirational speaking business from New Zealand’s Hip Op-eration Crew founder Billie Jordan, performances from Dance Base’s PRIME (the nation’s first semi-professional dance group for the over-60s), and a two-day intergenerational arts programme at Dundee Contemporary Arts.

Meanwhile, there’s ongoing work occurring with military veterans at Erskine Care Homes entitled Unforgotten Forces which features filmmaking, poetry reading, model making, sculpture, stone carving and sound recording. (Brian Donaldson) ■ Various venues, Scotland, 1–31 May, luminatescotland.org 39

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2–5 MAY

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, shetlandfolkfestival.com

This internationally renowned festival – the most northerly folk gathering in the UK – hosts eclectic line-ups of folk, blues, jazz and swing with a programme of workshops, sessions and concerts. It’s famous for showcasing Shetland musicianship, especially the unique fiddle tradition.

2–5 MAY

BANDSTAND BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Bandstand Bar and Restaurant, Nairn, braevalhotel.co.uk/index.asp

The largest indie beer and music festival in the Highlands, boasting more than 140 real ales, ciders and craft beers from all over the UK. Expect live music, speciality foods, whisky, charity stalls and a barbecue.

and bespoke combinations of unusual liqueurs, bitters, homemade syrups and infusions.

3 & 4 MAY

SUMMERHALL BEER FESTIVALE FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, Edinburgh, summerhall.co.uk

All things beery, yeasty and delicious are packed into Summerhall for an ale-filled weekend featuring in-house brewery Barney’s.

3–5 MAY

3–5 MAY

CREETOWN COUNTRY CEILIDH FESTIVAL MUSIC Creetown FC, Creetown, dgwgo. com

Three days of country and ceilidh music, plus family activities.

3–5 MAY

SCAPA FEST: THE YOGA & ADVENTURE FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / OUTDOOR Ardkinglas House, Cairndow, scapafest.com

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL

Yoga and adventure festival.

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Oban, obanfestival.org

BURNSFEST!

An Oban-based festival showcasing young talent, with over 1100 participants and 125 competition classes. The 2019 event is set to be the biggest year yet with 11 disciplines and new fringe events.

3–5 MAY

4 MAY FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Rozelle Park, Ayr, burnsfestival. com/burnsfest

A programme of events based around the works of Oor Rabbie, including live music, a Burns Wine Bar and Beer Garden, A-Coo-Stick Tipi, The Mercat, Performance Pokey, Bairns Bunnet, Burns Fair and other events.

BONFEST 2–6 MAY

ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL ART / FILM & TV Tower Mill, Hawick, alchemyfilmfestival.org.uk

Annual film festival with a focus on high-quality artistic projects and experimental short film from around the world, mixing this with thematically-related feature-length screenings and a sprinkling of cinematic magic.

3 & 4 MAY

COCKTAILS IN THE CITY FOOD & DRINK The Hub, Edinburgh, cocktailsinthecity.com

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MUSIC Bonfest Festival Site, Kirriemuir, bonfest.com

Fans from all over the world descend on the sleepy Angus town of Kirriemuir for a celebration of its most rock’n’roll son, AC/DC frontman Bon Scott.

4 & 5 MAY

TECTONICS GLASGOW MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, tectonicsfestival.com

Tectonics Glasgow is a glittering festival of new music, curated by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s redoubtable Principal Guest Conductor Ilan Volkov.

3–5 MAY

GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Girvan, girvantraditionalfolkfestival. org.uk

A weekend community folk festival run by Girvan Folk Club which features a range of open sessions, concerts, workshops and children’s events, all with a trad flavour.

4 & 5 MAY

GLASGOW COFFEE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC The Briggait, Glasgow, glasgowcoffeefestival.com

This festival celebrates the mighty coffee bean, showcasing Scotland’s specialty coffee scene.

There are roasters, bars, brews and baristas hosting tastings and presentations.

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23-26 MAY 2019

EVERY YEAR IT’S A BRAND NEW ADVENTURE tel: 01387 213218 email: info@spring-fling.co.uk www.spring-fling.co.uk

D springflingopenstudios C @spring_fling #SF2019 Z springfling

Four Men and a Dog Lau Cara Dillon John Doyle, Dermot Byrne and Éamonn Coyne Saltfishforty The Poozies Kinnaris Quintet Malinky The Chair Còig The Wrigley Sisters Son Yambu Jim Malcolm Ryan Young and Jenn Butterworth Heisk The Revellers Peter Wood Dance Band Hullion plus many more . . .

www.orkneyfolkfestival.com

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PHOTO: LIAM DICKSON

4–6 MAY

OPEN STUDIOS NORTH FIFE ART / HERITAGE Various venues, Fife, openstudiosfife.co.uk

This open studio event gives you the chance to visit professional artists, designers and makers in their own workspaces. Artists from across the north of Fife open up their adapted sheds and bespoke studios to display paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and work in glass, metal and wood. Commission work, purchase something unique or simply enjoy the beautiful wares.

5 MAY

STEREOFUNK FESTIVAL MUSIC Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, stereofunkevents.com

Club night Stereofunk bring you a full and jumping day of DJs and live music.

ELECTRIC FROG + PRESSURE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL Since starting life in 2013, Scotland’s most prominent electronic music festival has gone from strength to strength, bringing the genre’s most iconic international artists to the banks of the Clyde.

Set against the backdrop of the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum, this May Bank Holiday festival is curated by the teams at Electric Frog and Pressure, and kicks off the summer festival season in true electro style.

At last year’s event, the likes of Sven Väth, Skream, Len Faki and Fatima Yamaha took to the stage, and 2019’s line-up is already looking just as good with Belfast-born, London-based duo Bicep making their Riverside Festival debut. The pair’s Feel My Bicep parties have sold out events all over the world and helped spawn their own record label.

Taking over a stage is Denis Sulta with his Sulta Selects. The Glaswegian native is one of the biggest emerging electronic artists in Britain, and has been at the helm of Edinburgh’s successful FLY Open Air festival. This year’s event will also be celebrating an anniversary as Glasgow institution La Cheetah celebrates its tenth birthday. To mark the occasion, the club will take over a stage and host DJs who made their name in the basement club.

Maximum Pressure will also be out in force with a strong technooriented line-up. Slam’s Pressure parties are always a highlight on the Glasgow clubbing calendar and the duo will surely be bringing some top-class acts from their iconic Soma label.

(Katharine Gemmell) ■ Riverside Museum, Glasgow, 25 & 26 May, riversidefestivalglasgow.com 42

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9 MAY

SCOTTISH COMEDY FILM FESTIVAL COMEDY / FILM & TV Campbeltown Picture House, filmfreeway.com

Scotland’s only comedy film festival returns to present screenings of classic, archive and new comedy films, plus live events, stand-up and workshops.

9–12 MAY

DUNDEAD HORROR FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, dca.org.uk

For the fifth year running, Dundee indulges its bloodthirsty side with a Bank Holiday weekend of cinematic thrills and scares.

With sneak previews and terrifying classics, the event has a distinctly inclusive feel, welcoming spinechilling suggestions via Twitter and Facebook.

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10–12 MAY

PERTH BEER FESTIVAL

FIFESING: THE FIFE TRADITIONAL SINGING FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK North Inch Park, Perth, perthbeerfestival.co.uk

Combined beer festival and rugby sevens tournament so you have something to watch while drinking beer from around the country. There’s also a ticketed function at night with a top-notch local band.

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Fife, springthyme.co.uk/fifesing

PHOTO: CHRIS SCOTT

10 & 11 MAY

A celebration of traditional singing for passionate vocalists and intrigued onlookers. The weekend includes a lively series of concerts, singarounds, sessions, workshops, demos and talks.

10–12 MAY

BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Dumfries House, Cumnock, boswellbookfestival.co.uk

A quirky literary festival devoted to biography and the first modern biographer, James Boswell. The festival spans talks, performances and workshops by writers, actors and artists. The 2018 event featured Andrew O’Hagan, Jackie Kay, Loki, Sally Magnusson and Anthony Horowitz.

10–12 MAY

ULLAPOOL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Ullapool, ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk

Continuing the importance of literature in Highland culture, this festival brings together writers from the local area, Scotland and abroad, and knows how to take care of its guests: the events are organised thoughtfully so that festival-goers can attend everything.

10–12 MAY

COLL BIRD FESTIVAL

10–16 MAY

OUTDOOR An Cridhe, Isle of Coll, collbunkhouse.com

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL

A chance to find out about the bird life on and above the Isle of Coll, headed up by the elusive corncrake.

10–12 MAY

MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Moniaive, moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk

One of the country’s most civilised festivals, the Moniaive Folk Festival boasts a heated marquee (extremely handy if the pre-summer weather turns unseasonably parky) and a campsite with hot showers alongside its myriad musical sessions, children’s programme, workshops and piping competition.

OUTDOOR Various venues, Newton Stewart, walkfestnewtonstewart.com

A week of guided walks exploring the wild hills, rugged coastline and rolling countryside of Galloway in south-west Scotland. Walks are guided by members of Galloway Mountain Rescue Team and some have specific themes such as wildlife, coastline, geology or history.

10–17 MAY

HIGHLAND WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Highlands, highlandwhiskyfestival.com

Brand new festival celebrating the Highland Whisky Trail and taking place at eight distilleries along the North Coast 500 route.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

HIDDEN DOOR One of the bright lights of the multi-arts festival scene in Edinburgh returns with a slimmed-down programme for 2019. It’s been a mesmeric five years since Hidden Door first flung itself open in intriguing venues on the likes of King Stables Road, Roxburgh Place and Market Street, with the names attracted to the event getting increasingly starry. Last year’s festival featured gigs from Young Fathers, Nadine Shah, C Duncan and Stina Tweeddale, while dance and visual arts made an impact led by the likes of Jung In Lee, Scottish Dance Theatre, Oana Stanciu and Stephanie Mann.

For 2019, the plan is to continue opening up interesting urban spaces to showcase the best of Scotland’s creative talent.

Hidden Door will return to Leith Theatre for a long weekend of gigs and immersive events aimed at raising funds to secure the long-term future of the festival. (Brian Donaldson) ■ Leith Theatre, Edinburgh, 30 May–2 June, hiddendoorblog.org

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10–19 MAY

15–18 MAY

17–19 MAY

FALKIRK TRYST FESTIVAL

BOOKED!

STRICHEN FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY / LITERATURE Various venues, West Dunbartonshire, west-dunbarton.gov.uk/libraries

FAMILY / MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, Strichen, buchanheritagesociety.co.uk

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Falkirk, fdacc.org.uk

Annual festival featuring the best of the visual and performing arts in Falkirk.

10–26 MAY

SOUTHSIDE FRINGE COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, southsidefringe.org.uk

A 17-day independent fringe festival that aims to broaden the scope of music, comedy, burlesque, cabaret, art and theatre events which are happening deep in Glasgow’s southside.

11 MAY

WOODLAND DANCE PROJECT MUSIC Secret venue, Midlothian, woodlanddanceproject.com

A one-day music fest based at an undisclosed woodland area 20 minutes from Edinburgh.

11–19 MAY

GET CREATIVE FESTIVAL COMMUNITY Various venues, Scotland, voluntaryarts.org

A free, local literature festival run by West Dunbartonshire Libraries that nevertheless manages to book some big name authors for its programme of talks, signings as well as some more unusual events.

This friendly festival has been running since 1984 and seeks to keep traditional art forms alive. Located across north-east Scotland, Strichen Festival offers a programme of music, song, verse, drama and dance plus competitions and ceilidhs.

16–25 MAY

17–19 MAY

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

GIG IN THE GOIL

FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Perth, perthfestival.co.uk

Music, comedy, theatre, dance and visual arts are all up for grabs at this festival. The 2019 programme includes Verdi’s Macbeth, Fairport Convention, Jools Holland and Horrible Histories.

MUSIC Drimsynie House Hotel, Cairndow, giginthegoil.co.uk

Gig in the Goil is a boutique music festival in the heart of Argyll with an eclectic range of musicians performing over three stages, including headliners Donnie Munro & Trail West.

17–20 MAY

17 & 18 MAY

OPEN THE DOOR: SCOTLAND’S WOMEN WRITERS FESTIVAL LITERATURE Glasgow Women’s Library, womenslibrary.org.uk

Get Creative Festival is a merger between the Get Creative Weekend and the Voluntary Arts Festival. It takes place across the country and encourages people to come together and be creative in their local community.

Open the Door is Glasgow Women’s Library’s literary festival with a difference.

Over two packed days, contemporary women writers will be celebrated as will three scribes from history: Naomi Mitchison, Janet Paisley and Agnes Owens.

13–19 MAY

17 & 18 MAY

ORKNEY NATURE FESTIVAL

BEÒ MUSIC FESTIVAL

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Orkney, orkneynaturefestival.org

MUSIC Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum of the Isles, Armadale, Sleat, clandonald.com

ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Arran, arranmountainfestival.co.uk

This mountain festival features a huge variety of guided walks and scrambles throughout Arran’s stunning hills and mountains. The programmes features everything from wildlife-watching walks along the island’s coastline to airy scrambles on towering granite ridges.

18 & 19 MAY

Get familiar with Orkney’s wildlife through walks, talks, activities, demonstrations, concerts and more.

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Two days of Gaelic music taking place on the Isle of Skye.

THE WHISKY STRAMASH FOOD & DRINK Surgeon’s Hall, Edinburgh, thewhiskystramash.com

The Whisky Stramash offers you a chance to enjoy drams and scotches from these parts and across the world in fresh and innovative ways.

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In the lush mountains untains of So South West Scotla Scotland and n

OMAR SOULEYMAN MUNGO’S HI FI SOUND SYSTEM ELEPHANT SESSIONS (FULL (FUL LL RIG)

MOONLIGHT BENJAMIN TALISK - SOLAREYE GRIOGAIR LABRUIDH MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS ORAN BAGRAIDH - GWYNETH GLYN LORCÁN MAC MATHÚNA DOIMNIC MAC GIOLLA BHRÍDE JOSIE DUNCAN - AWRY OMAR AFIF AND GNAWA TRANCE FUSION THE HONEY FARM - JEROME HILL BRISTOL BRANCH - DELIGHTFUL SQUALOR GYPSY ROOTS - THE MATATUNES THE DALMELLINGTON SILVER BAND AND MANY MORE

Music to the hills, people to the land www.knockengorroch.org.uk

Find out what’s happening in Fife www.welcometofife.com/events

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL Established as the region’s first entertainment event in 1979, the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival is Scotland’s largest rural multi-artform gathering. In 2018, more than 170 artists performed at 82 events across the full breadth of the region. Among last year’s many highlights were local fiddle player Gavin Marwick with the ten-piece Journeyman Project, rising folk stars Talisk, trad singer Robyn Stapleton, Scottish string trio Kate in the Kettle, national treasure Dougie MacLean and Mongolia’s throat singers Anda Union.

As well as the main programme, there’s a series of independently-run Fringe events which last year included gigs by Elephant Session and stand-up from Fred MacAulay. This is a chance to help the area celebrate its 40th year of enjoying an excellent spread of cultural fare in early summer. (Brian Donaldson) ■ Various venues, Dumfries and Galloway, 24 May–2 June, dgartsfestival.org.uk

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18–24 MAY

23–26 MAY

BALLATER WALKING FESTIVAL

KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH

OUTDOOR Various venues, Royal Deeside, walkballater.com

FAMILY / MUSIC Knockengorroch Farm, Castle Douglas, knockengorroch.org.uk

Run continuously since 1998, this festival caters to all abilities of walkers. Making the most of the magnificent views on easy, medium and strenuous walks across seven active days, the events are led by very knowledgeable local residents, full-time rangers and professional mountain guides.

21–24 MAY

CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Campbeltown, springbank. scot/events

This is the annual showcase of the best of Campbeltown’s whiskies and spirits, with distillery open days, whisky dinners, local crafts and live music.

23–26 MAY

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Orkney, orkneyfolkfestival.com

A firm fixture in the folk festival calendar since its inception in 1982, the festival’s combination of Orcadian talent and visiting musicians earned it the accolade of Event of the Year at the 2011 Scots Trad Music Awards.

An outdoor festival with the emphasis on roots music, the line-up is a melting pot of world, folk, fusion and dub reggae music with electronica, hip hop and drum & bass thrown in for good measure.

24 & 25 MAY

EDINBURGH CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Leith, edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s global craft beer gathering returns with breweries from around the world, street food and live music.

24–26 MAY

MHOR FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MULTI-ARTS Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder, mhorfestival.net

A huge array of activities is on offer at this festival, including baking competitions, theatre, live music and many more activities for kids and adults alike.

24–26 MAY

COASTWORD FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Dunbar, coastword.co.uk

23–26 MAY

The literary community comes together to bring a roster of bookish delights to Dunbar for a weekend-long festival.

ORKNEY JAZZ FESTIVAL

24–26 MAY

MUSIC Stromness Hotel, Stromness, stromnesshotel.com

A weekend of traditional jazz with players from around the UK and a sprinkling of local talent.

MAY FESTIVAL MULT-ARTS Various venues, Aberdeen, abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival

Arts and science festival with over 100 events on everything from sports to science.

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24–26 MAY

25 & 26 MAY

30 MAY–30 JUNE

UKULELE FESTIVAL OF SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL

WEST END FESTIVAL

MUSIC Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, ukulelefestivalofscotland.co.uk

OUTDOOR Potterrow, Edinburgh, edinburghmarathon.com

The Ukulele Festival of Scotland featuring concerts, workshops, jam sessions, bus tours, a youth festival and more.

Scotland’s largest running festival of its kind with seven races to choose from over two days including the marathon, team relay and junior races.

24 MAY–1 JUNE

ISLAY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND MALT

25–27 MAY

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, islayfestival.com

ART / FAMILY Various venues, Dumfries and Galloway, spring-fling.co.uk

The Islay Festival (or ‘Fèis Ìle’ in Gaelic) celebrates 35 years in 2019. The fest offers distillery tours, live music, a food fair, golf and bowling competitions and even Gaelic lessons for those who want to fully embrace the culture.

A vibrant visual art and craft open studios event covering the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway and offering a chance to see behind-the-scenes of 90–100 local artists.

24 MAY–2 JUNE

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, dgartsfestival.org.uk

See Spotlight, page 46.

25 MAY

HIGHLAND FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness, eden-court.co.uk

25 MAY–2 JUNE

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, imaginate.org.uk

Edinburgh’s international children’s festival of performing arts presents a programme of dance, storytelling and puppetry, suitable for anyone with an imagination. See Feature, page 14.

30 MAY–2 JUNE

ANGUS GLENS WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR The Angus Glens, Dundee, angusglenswalkingfestival.com

25 & 26 MAY

Dozens of walks over four days from gentle coastal strolls to exhilarating hikes.

MUSIC Riverside Museum, Glasgow, riversidefestivalglasgow.com

The Electric Frog crew and Pressure join forces. See Panel, page 42.

Taking over the West End of Glasgow, the festival treats the ears to a great musical line-up, tantalises all the senses with a carnival, and delves into the creative depths of local studios and exhibitions with the Hidden Lane open days.

SPRING FLING

The best of Scottish food and drink, with producers exhibiting their wares.

ELECTRIC FROG + PRESSURE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, westendfestival.co.uk

30 MAY–2 JUNE

HIDDEN DOOR MULTI-ARTS Leith Theatre, Edinburgh, hiddendoorblog.org

The innovative festival lives on!

See Spotlight, page 43.

31 MAY–2 JUNE

PORTSOY MUSIC FESTIVAL: THE TENTH HAAL MUSIC The Salmon Bothy, Banff, salmonbothy.org

A three-day festival which captures the varied music traditions of the north of Scotland, whch means that there’s everything here from bothy ballads to Burns as well as Celtic, folk, Americana and Irish-influenced music. The 2019 programme includes Siobhan Miller, Jimmy Crowley and Ralph McTell.

31 MAY–2 JUNE

JUNIPER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, Edinburgh, solid-liquids.co.uk/juniper

With top producers allowing you to try before you buy, as well as gin talks, cocktails, food stalls and handmade fashions and crafts on sale, the Juniper Festival celebrates all things related to gin.

31 MAY–2 JUNE

SOUTHSIDE FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, southsidefilm.co.uk

A super-local festival that brings an eclectic programme of films and workshops to ‘pop-up’ cinemas in various venues.

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POWER TO THE

INDEPENDENTS eventbrite.co.uk/l/music

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POWER TO THE

INDEPENDENTS eventbrite.com/l/music eventbrite.com/l/music

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31 MAY–3 JUNE

MAY, DATES TBC

FYNEFEST

DUNDEE DESIGN FESTIVAL

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Fyne Ales, Cairndow, fynefest.com

Beer is the star at FyneFest, with a wide variety of brews from the UK and beyond, though it takes pains to be kid-friendly with various entertainments.

MAY, DATES TBC

TAKE ME SOMEWHERE THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Glasgow, takemesomewhere.co.uk

A festival of contemporary performance, taking place across Glasgow and building on the legacy of the arts programme at the city’s late but legendary venue, The Arches. Take Me Somewhere features events created through a programme of artistic development opportunities as well as inspirational work from beyond Scotland. Last year featured the likes of David Hoyle, Cora Bissett, Split Britches, FK Alexander, Rosana Cade & Eilidh MacAskill, and the Quote Unquote Collective.

ART / HERITAGE Various venues, Dundee, dundeedesignfestival.com

A celebration hosted by the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design.

MAY, DATES TBC

ELIE SCARECROW FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Elie, welcometofife.com

The scarecrow festival has the straw-laden folks popping up throughout the lovely village of Elie.

MAY / JUNE DATES TBC

PITMEDDEN COMMUNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Pitmedden, pitmeddenmusic.com

Not-for-profit community music festival with jazz, orchestra, rock and more. There are also food stalls, kids entertainment and a beer festival showcasing craft beer and cider from around Scotland.

JUNE 1 JUNE

TASTE OF GRAMPIAN FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Thainstone Centre, Thainstone, tasteofgrampian.co.uk

The largest food festival in the north of Scotland showcasing local produce and offering much fun entertainment for all the family.

1 JUNE

THE GATHERING FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Northern Meeting Park Arena, Inverness, facebook.com/ thegatheringscotland

Family-friendly festival with a focus on folk and trad music alongside local food and drink.

Headliners Tide Lines are joined

by The Vatersay Boys, Elephant Sessions, Ho-Ro, Siobhan Miller, The Trad Project and the City Of Inverness Youth Pipe Band.

1 JUNE

LILIAS DAY FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Kilbarchan Park, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, liliasday.co.uk

A day of celebrations has been hosted by Kilbarchan village ever since the 1700s. The 2019 version kicks off with a historic parade through the village followed by decorated floats, pipe and brass bands and those entering the fancy dress competition.

2 JUNE

DUNDEE WESTFEST: BIG SUNDAY FAMILY / MUSIC Magdalen Green, Dundee, dundeewestfest.org

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Magdalen Green is filled with attractions, arts and crafts, live music, food stalls, carnival rides and more for a full day of family fun.

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3–7 JUNE

6–9 JUNE

ABERDEEN AND NORTH EAST OF SCOTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

LOOK AGAIN FESTIVAL

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, nespa.scot

Aberdeen’s oldest and original music, drama and dance festival. Running since 1909, this summer event features competitions in storytelling, Scots verse, mime, classical music performance and choral singing.

4–6 JUNE

CELTIC MEDIA FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Aviemore, celticmediafestival.co.uk

Promoting the languages and cultures of the Celtic countries, this three-day celebration of broadcasting, screen and film talent hands out awards in various categories including documentary, drama and animation. The 2019 event takes place in Aviemore with the the main events revolving around talks, interviews and discussion panels.

6–9 JUNE

THE EDEN FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Raehills Meadows, Moffat, edenfestival.co.uk

This boutique festival (with over 300 acts performing across 13 stages) brings you live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus skills, theatre, a children’s area, fun, games and much more. 2019’s line-up includes Chinese Man, This is the Kit, DJ Zinc, Irvine Welsh (DJ), Bondax, My Baby, John Cooper Clarke (the estimable Bard of Salford) and Macka B & The Roots Ragga Band.

ART Various venues, Aberdeen, lookagainfestival.co.uk

A celebration of art and design in Aberdeen inviting locals to see their city through fresh eyes.

6–16 JUNE

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

A packed programme of workshops, shows, films, discussions, heritage and exhibitions at various venues across the city aims to bring science, innovation and technology to the masses. See Spotlight, right.

6–16 JUNE

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF CYCLING OUTDOOR Various venues, Edinburgh, edfoc.org.uk

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling lends a bit of sport and leisure to the capital’s stacked arts and culture festival calendar. Alongside cycling events, from lengthy scenic tours to talks from well-known cyclists to family bike rides, the festival also features a related film and art programme.

7 & 8 JUNE

OBAN LIVE MUSIC Mossfield Stadium, Oban, obanlive.com

A two-day open air concert will showcase international acts in Oban’s Mossfield Stadium. The Oban Live event follows on from the successful ‘Decade’ concert that was held back in May 2015 in order to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Skerryvore.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL For its 13th year, Glasgow Science Festival returns for an exploration of all things science and engineering. The festival takes place across the city in venues such as university campuses, the Kinning Park Complex, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, plus a variety of pubs and galleries.

This year the theme is ‘Glasgow Steams Ahead’ which commemorates the 200th anniversary of steamengine innovator James Watt’s death. His legacy in the field of science is farreaching (he played a role in kick-starting the industrial revolution) and this anniversary is the perfect way to celebrate Glasgow’s rich scientific heritage.

The organisers also hope to use this to showcase current research in renewable energy, robotics and healthcare. The festival is planned with everyone in mind, and the aim is to make science accessible and fun for all. (Katharine Gemmell) ■ Various venues, Glasgow, 6–16 June, glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

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7 & 8 JUNE

EAGLESHAM BEER FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FOOD & DRINK Eaglesham Playing Fields, Eaglesham, eagleshambeerfest. uk

This community beer festival celebrates the best of local and national food and drink, all of which is complemented with live music.

7–9 JUNE

ARRAN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Arran, arranevents.com

The island known for being Scotland in miniature presents a weekend of folk, with sessions, concerts and ceilidhs centred in Brodick.

architecture and discover what it means to them. Projects may take the form of exhibitions, performances, discussions, screenings, installations, writing, lectures, walks, music or temporary structures. The 2019 Architecture Fringe revolves around the theme ‘In Real Life’.

8 & 9 JUNE

BALLANTRAE FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK Shore Front, Ballantrae, ballantrae.org.uk/foodfestival

A food and drink festival celebrating local eating and drinking. Dedicated to promoting quality, well-sourced food, there are tastings, pop-up restaurants, producers and traders to meet, organic food stalls and demonstrations.

7–9 JUNE

POTFEST SCOTLAND

8–16 JUNE

ART Scone Palace, Perth, potfest.co.uk

LEITH FESTIVAL

Scotland’s International Ceramics Festival will feature over 100 ceramic artists selling their work, as well as workshops, demonstrations and classes.

7–9 JUNE

TWEEDLOVE PRESENTS TRANSCEND OUTDOOR Innerleithen, Tweed Valley, tweedlove.com

The Scottish bike festival weekend is back for its 10th edition in 2019 with a new venue, new events and new adventures. Expect bike demos, a festival village, DJs, live music and lots of family fun.

7–23 JUNE

HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, leithfestival.com

The vibrant community of Leith shows off its abundant festival skills with a fun-packed programme of events including exhibitions, concerts, walks, talks and films. Have a special look out for the Festival Gala Day and the Leith Festival Tattoo.

13–16 JUNE

KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Kirkcudbright, kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk

The Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival turns the clock back by placing the emphasis squarely on traditional jazz, from ragtime to swing.

ARCHITECTURE FRINGE ART Various venues, Scotland, architecturefringe.com

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13–16 JUNE

BAILLIE GIFFORD BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Harmony Garden, Melrose,

bordersbookfestival.org Taking place in the National Trust’s Georgian Harmony Garden, the Borders Book Festival attracts world-class literary figures.

14–16 JUNE

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Keith, tmsakeithfestival.blogspot.com

Traditional music, song, poetry and dance in Keith across a platform of competitions as well as spectator events, culminating in a traditional farewell concert and ceilidh.

14–16 JUNE

MUCKLE TOON ADVENTURE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Langholm, muckletoonadventurefestival. co.uk

Family adventure festival featuring cycling, running and guided walks.

14–16 JUNE

EDINBURGH FILM FEST IN THE CITY FILM & TV St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, edfilmfest.org.uk/filmfestinthecity

This three-day weekend event is an increasingly popular set of free open-air film screenings held in partnership between Essential Edinburgh and Edinburgh international Film Festival, and produced by Unique Events. This year’s programme is announced in April, so prepare to get your rugs and snacks at the ready.

14–16 JUNE

KILLIN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC McLaren Hall, Killin, killinmusicfestival.com

A three-day festival of music featuring live bands and artists as well as sessions and workshops throughout the village of Killin over the weekend.

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14–23 JUNE

MORAY WALKING & OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Highland and Moray Regions, themorayway.org.uk

A series of walks in the varied landscape of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Country. Take in the sights along sandy beaches, over hilltops, past railway tracks and in the footsteps of whisky smugglers.

15 JUNE

EDINBURGH WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, thewhiskylounge.com

Killin Music Festival

Pairing up with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this event brings a huge range of whiskies from Scotland and around the world to the capital, and features a series of masterclasses.

Wee Ellis and Tito Puente. With major concerts, a late-night jazz club, film screenings and talks, it’s one of the biggest events in the Scottish and British jazz calendar.

15 & 16 JUNE

19–30 JUNE

THE POWER OF FOOD FESTIVAL

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Edinburgh, poweroffoodfestival. wordpress.com

A festival hosted by community food gardens across Edinburgh, giving foodies the chance to go on location and experience how grub is grown.

19–23 JUNE

GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, jazzfest.co.uk

The Glasgow Jazz Festival has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B and world music across the years, from Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Elvin Jones and Pat Metheny to Tony Bennett, Buddy Guy, Pee

FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, edfilmfest.org.uk

The oldest continually running film festival in the world, the EIFF draws on its prestige to consistently present abundant programmes of new features, documentaries, retrospectives, shorts, panel discussions and educational workshops, with a few high-profile premieres thrown in for very good measure.

20–30 JUNE

REFUGEE FESTIVAL SCOTLAND MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk

Co-ordinated by the Scottish Refugee Council, and centred

around World Refugee Day (for 2019 it’s June 20), this annual festival of arts and cultural events celebrates the contribution which refugees make to Scottish cultural life and the welcome offered by local people.

21 JUNE

MIDSUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, crannog.co.uk

The annual Midsummer Music Festival at the Scottish Crannog Centre which evocatively features Scottish music around a log fire is warmly welcomed back for 2019.

21–23 JUNE

SOLAS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Errol Park, Errol, solasfestival.co.uk

A midsummer music and arts festival in the heart of Perth and Kinross with performances and workshops in world music, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts, as well as talks and debates.

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21–27 JUNE

ST MAGNUS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Orkney, stmagnusfestival.com

St Magnus is a prestigious music festival that brings international orchestras, recitalists, theatre and literature to the Orkney Islands for a week around Midsummer. The event is renowned for its unique blend of world-class performance and community participation.

22 & 23 JUNE

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Portsoy, stbfportsoy.org

As traditional boats congregate in the historic harbour, the seaside town of Portsoy celebrates with a festival of music, sailing, rowing and traditional crafts and art.

22–23 JUNE

YOUTH BEATZ MUSIC Various venues, Dumfries, youthbeatz.co.uk

Scotland’s biggest free youth music festival provides opportunities for young people to gain experience of organising, performing and producing a large-scale event.

26–30 JUNE

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL ART / LITERATURE / MUSIC Various venues, East Neuk, eastneukfestival.com

World-class, critically-acclaimed music, art and literature converge on this busy corner of Fife. Though chamber music remains at the heart of its programme, the East Neuk Festival’s most varied selection yet includes musical surprises, international authors and imaginative artworks, all located 54

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in quirky venues. Confirmed artists for 2019 include the Belcea and Pavel Haas Quartets, piano legend Elisabeth Leonskaja, The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and harpist Catrin Finch.

26 JUNE–7 JULY

GARIOCH THEATRE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Inverurie, gariochtheatrefestival.org.uk

Staging a mix of professional and youth theatre shows alongside community events and exhibitions, this Inverurie-based theatre festival aims to foster some new talent by providing training opportunities in a range of theatre and dance skills.

29 JUNE

GLASGOW COMIC CON ART / FILM & TV / LITERATURE Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, glasgowcomiccon.com

Glasgow Comic Con is a highly popular annual event which focuses on showcasing sequential art, and will once again host a wide range of established and up-and-coming creators from all across the globe.

29 JUNE–7 JULY

3 HARBOURS ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, East Lothian, 3harbours.co.uk

A diverse mix of art, music, performance and heritage which has been hosted by the delightful East Lothian locations of Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie for over a decade now.

JUNE, DATES TBC

ANNUALE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, annuale.org

Annuale is a festival celebrating independent grassroots creative

projects in Edinburgh, curated by the people at Embassy Gallery and taking place at various locations.

JUNE, DATES TBC

CRAIL FOOD FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Crail, crailfoodfest.co.uk

A weekend of food and drink events in the coastal village of Crail, with plenty of sampling as well as food demonstrations and talks from independent producers across Fife. There will also be music events, children’s activities and indoor and outdoor markets.

JUNE, DATES TBC

HORSECROSS YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Perth, horsecross. co.uk

A festival by children and young people, for children and young people featuring performances and showcases by Horsecross Arts.

JUNE, DATES TBC

MEADOWS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC The Meadows, Edinburgh, meadowsfestival.co.uk

Edinburgh’s festival season cranks into top gear with the Meadows Festival, which offers a local band line-up, dance groups, a dog show, an outdoor market and workshops amidst lots of familyfriendly activities.

JUNE, DATES TBC

SAGRA ITALIANA FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Venue tbc, Glasgow, sagraitaliana. co.uk

A vibrant celebration of food, drink and music in a city that has long taken Italian culture to its heart with this authentic festival which boasts the tagline of ‘celebrating Scotland’s love of Italy’. 2018 marked the debut of this festival which took over George Square.

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SCOTLAND’S INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS 2019 Scotland’s Midsummer Celebration of the Arts

21- 27 JUNE

Exciting events in the haunting landscape, heritage and history of the Orkney Islands. Artists include the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ars Nova Copenhagen, the Maxwell Quartet, Dinara Klinton, Robin Robertson and Helsinki Chamber Choir. www.stmagnusfestival.com / 01856 871445

Summertime music in the East Neuk of Fife

26- 30 JUNE

Classical, jazz, world music and al fresco art on the Fife Coast.

Top artists in intimate, atmospheric venues: piano legend Elisabeth Leonskaja, Belcea and Pavel Haas Quartets, star percussionist Colin Currie, harp-kora duo Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita... or stay outdoors for family fun in a big meadow. www.eastneukfestival.com / 0131 247 2000 for tickets

The Cumnock Tryst

3–6 OCTOBER

An exquisite feast of genre-spanning classical & contemporary music founded by James MacMillan. The finest international musicians perform up close in exclusive settings alongside Ayrshire musicians & composers. For four packed days & nights Cumnock Tryst is a meeting for place for music lovers. www.thecumnocktryst.com

Adventures in new music

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New music by contemporary composers in a programme of concerts, talks, family-friendly events and late-night sessions across Aberdeen City/Shire. The oboe is centre stage in 2019 featuring Christopher Redgate and the Diotima Quartet, James Turnbull, Calefax Quintet, Red Note Ensemble and more.

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JUNE, DATES TBC

FORFAR GALA WEEK COMMUNITY / FAMILY Venue tbc, Forfar facebook.com/ ForfarActionNetwork

Nestled in the heart of the Forfar community, this festival aims to entertain all ages with activities ranging from pipe bands to dog shows and Highland dancing leading up to the gala day.

JUNE, DATES TBC

GLASGOW MELA COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, glasgowmela.com

For over 25 years this huge outdoor festival has been celebrating the traditions of Glasgow’s many and varied immigrant communities with a mix of international music, dance, activities, stalls and other activities.

JUNE, DATES TBC

ISLE OF GIGHA MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Gigha, gigha.org.uk

The smallest music festival in Scotland offers a perfectlyformed line-up of ceilidhs, headline concerts, sessions, workshops and a musical beach picnic.

evening showcases of music and film, as well as opportunities to network with movers and shakers in the creative industries.

3 JULY–23 AUGUST

Flying Birds, Ghostpoet, The Horrors, Teenage Fanclub, Public Service Broadcasting, Ibibio Sound Machine and Dizzee Rascal have appeared in recent times). See Panel, page 58.

THE SKYE FESTIVAL: FÈIS AN EILEIN

5–7 JULY

HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Isle of Skye, seall.co.uk/feis-an-eilein-skyefestival

This summer arts festival began in 1991 and celebrates island culture and performing arts with a strong focus on Scottish traditional music. Events include charity cafes, art exhibitions, theatre, ceilidhs, environmental days and a community-led fringe programme of house concerts.

4–6 JULY

ELECTRIC FIELDS MUSIC Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, electricfieldsfestival.com

This increasingly popular music festival set in the Dumfriesshire hills keeps its focus on Scottish talent. If previous years are anything to go by, a serious number of all-star acts are also likely to be rolling up (Leftfield, James, Ezra Furman, Young Fathers, Noel Gallagher’s High

GWCT SCOTTISH GAME FAIR FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Scone Palace, Perth, scottishfair.com

Three days of country sport, competitions and main ring events at this family-friendly fair. There’s falconry, gun dogs, pipe bands, cookery demonstrations, shooting and a veritable myriad of traders and their stalls as the event continues to ‘celebrate conservation and the countryside’. The 2019 programme is the 31st Fair and will include the popular Cookery Theatre and the Junior Macnab competition.

5–7 JULY

NEWCASTLETON TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Newcastleton, newcastleton.com

This is a family-focused festival

JULY 3 & 4 JULY

XPONORTH FILM & TV / MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, xponorth.co.uk

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of traditional music, featuring workshops, ceilidhs and concerts plus adult and children’s competitions. A healthy attitude of hands-on music-making is positively encouraged here.

the famous victory of the town’s weavers in the historic ‘sma’ shot’ dispute.

5–8 JULY

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Tarbert, Loch Fyne, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, ytas.org.uk/events/nfyt

A colourful programme of performances and special events showcasing the creative work of youth theatre groups from across Scotland and further afield. The 2019 festival moves across to the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr after a successful stint over in the Kingdom of Fife at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes.

5–8 JULY

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY FAMILY / MUSIC Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, Fairlie, kelburngardenparty.com

Kelburn Castle provides the fairytale setting for this eccentric music festival. The graffiti project for which Kelburn is known is just one of the items of handmade décor, art and lighting that make the event a feast for all the senses. Six stages and various pop-up nooks host the musical programme, an eclectic mix of Scottish talent from the avant garde and experimental to the highly accessible.

6 JULY

WEAVE FESTIVAL AND SMA’ SHOT DAY HERITAGE / FAMILY / MULTIARTS Town Centre, Paisley, paisley.is

This popular multi-arts festival returns in 2019 to celebrate Paisley’s rich history of weaving and radicalism, encapsulated in

6 & 7 JULY

TARBERT SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

An opportunity to sample the internationally renowned seafood (and other types of cuisine) from the waters of Loch Fyne. Off-menu there is a parade, music and stalls all situated around Tarbert’s picturesque harbour.

Annual summer school focusing on the connections between Scottish traditional music, Gaelic song and dance, with expert tuition and workshops plus lectures, demonstrations, concerts and ceilidhs.

7–13 JULY

STRANRAER SKIFFIEWORLDS FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Stranraer, skiffieworlds2019.com

A celebration of coastal rowing and water-based activities, with up to a thousand competitors from all over the world.

6–14 JULY

SHETLAND NATURE FESTIVAL

12–14 JULY

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Shetland, shetlandnaturefestival.co.uk

MUSIC Glasgow Green, trnsmtfest.com

From puffins to killer whales, otters to Britain’s rarest flowers, Shetland is a cornucopia of wildlife, and this festival wants everybody to know it as well as to experience it first hand. This Nature Festival features a series of guided walks, family days out and evening talks.

After taking over where T in the Park left off, TRNSMT returns.

Acts are still to be confirmed but previous headliners include Radiohead, Biffy Clyro, Liam Gallagher and Arctic Monkeys.

7–12 JULY

MUSIC Various venues, Stonehaven, stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

CANTILENA FESTIVAL ON ISLAY MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, cantilenafestival.co.uk

The beautiful island of Islay plays host to a repertoire of worldclass classical music. Focusing on collaboration, education and creativity, the festival encourages participants to push their boundaries. This is echoed in a summer school that allows young musicians to work with established practitioners.

7–12 JULY

CEÒLAS MUSIC Various venues, Isle of South Uist, ceolas.co.uk

TRNSMT FESTIVAL

12–14 JULY

STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL

The Stonehaven line-up combines old favourites and exciting new acts in a programme of concerts, ceilidh, workshops, sessions and the Tradition Bearers Concert.

12–14 JULY

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Tiree, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

With its picture-perfect white sands and world-famous surf, Tiree Music Festival has been described as one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. See Spotlight, page 61.

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12–14 JULY

NEWTON STEWART AND MINNIGAFF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Newton Stewart, tradmusic.com

This traditional music and dance festival in Dumfries and Galloway features concerts, workshops, tune and song sessions, Highland dancing and pipe bands.

12–21 JULY

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh edinburghjazzfestival.com

ELECTRIC FIELDS Electric Fields grows in confidence with every passing year. It started as a one-day event, but over its six years has expanded to three days of music deep in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway.

Boasting bigger and better line-ups year on year, there’s a strong focus on homegrown Scottish talent alongside big names for a diverse but perfectly balanced blend of emerging acts, indie bands and guaranteed crowd pleasers.

The 2019 programme is still under wraps but acts over the past few years have included James, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Leftfield, Teenage Fanclub, Public Service Broadcasting, Young Fathers, Frightened Rabbit, Dizzee Rascal and Primal Scream, while much-loved Edinburgh venue Sneaky Pete’s takes control of the dance tent with a mix of international DJs, live acts and underground club heroes.

Nestled amongst the trees in the picturesque grounds of Drumlanrig Castle (which dates back to the 17th century), Electric Fields has built up a reputation as one of the friendliest and most relaxed music festivals in Scotland. They deliberately keep the capacity low for an intimate boutique festival experience, and while the line-up is naturally important, it’s the attention to detail that helps give Electric Fields its unique personality.

Not only do they offer great music but there’s also cabaret, comedy, good food, cocktails, real ale, a funfair, spoken word (organised by Edinburgh collective Neu! Reekie!) and family-friendly events and activities (including an adventure playground, science, art and sports) to keep the kids amused. (Henry Northmore) ■ Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, 4–6 July, electricfieldsfestival.com 58

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Scotland’s biggest jazz festival presents concerts over ten days all over the capital, in parks, churches, clubs and concert halls. With a programme featuring all genre styles from early jazz to the avant garde, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival usually manages to secure some world premieres, new bands, and fresh collaborations, annually mixing emerging Scottish talent with the cream of the international jazz world. In 2018, the likes of Jools Holland, Keyon Harrold, Jerron Paxton, Amythyst Kiah and Curtis Stigers all made their way to Edinburgh.

13–20 JULY

DUNEDIN INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Scotland, dunedindancers.org.uk

Held bi-annually, this event brings together dance groups from France, Germany and Italy alongside those from Scotland to participate in an exchange of folk dance styles in a vibrant series of workshops and performances.

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DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE FESTIVAL

FRI 19 – SUN 21 JULY 2019 CARDROSS ESTATE, PORT OF MENTEITH, STIRLINGSHIRE

Located amidst the glorious ancient oak trees of the Cardross Estate in Port of Menteith, DTRH has been bringing together people, music and ideas for a whole decade. This year’s 10th birthday bash promises to be bigger and more magical than ever with some exciting new additions, including an enchanted woodland.

DTRH started life in 2010, at a site near Doune (hence the name) and has since been celebrating the very best of Scotland’s independent / DIY arts scene alongside amazing international guests each summer.

It’s not all about the music either! This year’s festival will include a huge kid’s area, a well-being tent, workshops, spoken word, cinema and delicious local food, ciders and craft ales.

Top Five Best FamilyFriendly Festivals The Guardian “There’s little doubt that Doune the Rabbit Hole is something special; a festival which is family-friendly, extremely well programmed and bearing a strong sense of localism.”

The Scotsman “Sights like unicorns and dragons handing out bananas, and a bride and groom waltzing round in glow-in-the-dark outfits come as standard. The programming is equally magical, thriving on local grassroots music, and inspired global names.”

The Herald

Tickets are now on sale (weekend: £75 – £115 / day: £35 – £50). Book now at dounetherabbithole.co.uk

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13–21 JULY

UNSTFEST FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Unst, unstfest.org

Britain’s most northerly festival on Britain’s most northerly island is a family-friendly affair featuring fiddle workshops, go-kart races, film screenings and live music worth travelling for.

14–19 JULY

SHETLAND FOLK FRENZY MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, shetlandarts.org

Formerly the Shetland Fiddle Frenzy, this year the festival has broadened to incorporate other aspects of folk music while still retaining a focus on the fiddle. The event consists of workshops, concerts, sessions and masterclasses that celebrate the music and musicians of the Shetlands. For the first time ever the festival hosts international names in tuition roles.

17–20 JULY

HEBCELT FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Stornoway, hebceltfest.com

including a sandcastle competition and rock pool guddle, for both adults and children.

19–21 JULY

ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Anstruther Harbour, anstrutherharbourfestival.co.uk

Family-friendly food festival based in Anstruther and featuring local food and producers, as well as children’s activities, tastings and demonstrations.

19–21 JULY

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE MUSIC Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, dounetherabbithole.co.uk

A boutique music festival that produces a strong line-up of music, theatre, comedy and spoken-word performances.

20 JULY

THE SCOTTISH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Venue tbc, Glasgow, scottishshortfilmfestival.com

Here’s your chance to catch some of the best short films being made in Scotland from a festival which first arrived back in 2012 and has moved between Glasgow and Livingston.

20 & 21 JULY

TARBERT TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Tarbert, Loch Fyne, tarberttraditionalboatsfestival. org.uk

Enjoy the dramatic spectacle of a harbour filled with 40 traditional boats (even including a full-size replica Viking longship) from across the UK. Plus there are stalls, games, woodworking and boat building demonstrations, traditional music and more in this Tarbert location.

19–21 JULY

REWIND SCOTLAND

20–28 JULY

MUSIC Scone Palace, Perth, rewindfestival.com

PETERHEAD SCOTTISH WEEK MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Peterhead, peterheadscottishweek.org

The picturesque Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris provide a fitting backdrop for this family-friendly festival that showcases Celtic, traditional and contemporary music with a strong focus on the Gaelic culture.

Rewind goes large on nostalgia with the biggest line-up of 80s (and some 90s) artists to perform together in Scotland. 2018 featured OMD, UB40, Bonnie Tyler, Midge Ure, Howard Jones, Boomtown Rats, Heaven 17, A Flock of Seagulls, Wendy James and The Skids.

17–27 JULY

20 JULY

21–27 JULY

CRAIL FESTIVAL

DUNURE FESTIVAL OF THE SEA

MUSSELBURGH FESTIVAL

MUSIC Dunure Harbour, facebook.com/dunureFOTS

FAMILY Various venues, Musselburgh, musselburghfestival.org

An annual celebration of traditional and modern music, maritime history, watersports and food.

An annual festival celebrating the history and traditions of the town including family cycles, races and the Common Riding.

COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Crail, crailfestival.co.uk

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A week-long multi-disciplinary programme of cultural events across the Aberdeenshire town of Peterhead (aka The Blue Toun) including a truck show, competitions, entertainment and the all-important crowning of the Buchan Queen and Princesses.

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27–28 JULY

EDINBURGH FOOD FESTIVAL

STRATHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK Assembly George Square, Edinburgh, edfoodfest.com

MUSIC Various venues, Strathaven, facebook.com/ strathavenfolkfestival

Back for its sixth year, the Edinburgh Food Festival showcases some of the best Scottish produce while offering demonstrations, workshops and activities.

25 JULY–25 AUGUST

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL ART / FAMILY Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghartfestival.com

Scotland’s largest annual celebration of visual art offers work by the best contemporary Scottish artists as well as exhibitions of the most important international artists and movements of the 20th century and other historical periods.

26 & 27 JULY

LOCH NESS FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Loch Ness, lochnessfilmfestival.co.uk

An independent, grassroots festival in a truly unique and picturesque location.

26–28 JULY

BUTEFEST MUSIC Ettrick Bay, Rothesay, butefest.co.uk

A three-day family-friendly music festival taking place on the picturesque Isle of Bute.

Annual folk festival in South Lanarkshire.

29 JULY

ABERDEEN MELA FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Westburn Park, Aberdeen, melaaberdeen.org.uk

A day for all communities in the north east with a range of music, dance, theatre and stories as well as ethnic food and drink.

JULY, DATES TBC

LOCH FYNE VIKING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Tarbert, Loch Fyne, facebook. com/LochFyneVikingFestival

This festival celebrates our Viking heritage with groups such as the Causeway Archers and the Glasgow Vikings performing shows. Plus, there’s a re-enactment of the Magnus Barfot’s longship portage.

JULY, DATES TBC

LINLITHGOW FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Linlithgow, linlithgowfolk.com

Linlithgow’s annual Folk Festival regularly features big-name stars, along with music covering the whole spectrum of folk tastes.

JULY & AUGUST, DATES TBC

26–28 JULY

EILEAN DORCHA FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Liniclate Machair, Isle Of Benbecula, edf.scot

A family-friendly festival in the Outer Hebrides with a wide range of music.

PHOTO: DOL EOIN MACKINNON

24–28 JULY

SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Perth, southernfriedfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s festival of American roots music covers all the relevant bases, including blues, country, cajun, gospel, swing and soul.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL Tiree Music Festival is the brainchild of local musicians Daniel Gillespie and Stewart MacLennan whose own experiences playing festivals around the world inspired this small music festival. Part local economy boost, part celebration of the astounding beauty of its surroundings, this laidback event dominates the beautiful sunshine-rich Hebridean Island of Tiree for three days. A selection of campsites, hotels, hostels and B&Bs offer visitors the chance to soak up the atmosphere and explore the white sands of the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides.

The festival is celebrating its tenth instalment, and while there’s no information about the line-up just yet, the 2018 roster included Wolfstone, Be Charlotte and The Hoosiers. Off-grid and off-road, this is a welcome alternative to Scotland’s bigger music festivals.

(Paul Dale) ■ Various venues, Isle of Tiree, 12–14 July, tireemusicfestival. co.uk

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CAPITAL

GAINS

Across June, July and August, Edinburgh is a global hub of arts and culture. We look at 2019’s main players and reveal a new initiative to boost the city’s festival scene

E

dinburgh in August is home to the greatest show on earth. For three inspiring weeks, the city opens its doors and presents the largest number of live performances to be found anywhere in the world. The celebrations embrace all aspects of arts and entertainment from circus to opera, comedy to tragedy, and feature every type of performer from experimental amateurs to internationally acclaimed stars.

All of this was born from the Edinburgh International Festival (2–26 Aug), which was established in 1947 to revive the cultural life of Europe after the horrors of WWII. It selects and presents a core body of world-class

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work with a focus on music, opera, dance, and theatre. This year there will be another spectacular outdoor show to mark the opening, building on the success of recent years, with groundbreaking light projections combined with contemporary music. The full programme is announced in March but one big name has been confirmed on the EIF bill so far: Sir Ian McKellen (pictured above), who will regale audiences at Assembly Hall with performances of his On Stage touring show, featuring extracts from a selection of his most beloved roles.

This year also features the launch of PLACE (or Platforms for Creative Excellence), a new year-round programme to facilitate a range of LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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creative and community projects that seeks to boost ambition and purpose across the Edinburgh Festivals. With extra investment provided by the Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals, plus support and administration from Creative Scotland, PLACE will enable the different festivals to be more innovative and ambitious.

‘The Festivals’ success has always rested on a combination of the local, national and international, resulting in inspirational programming which is authentically rooted in Scotland and creatively engaged with the world,’ says Sorcha Carey, chair of Festivals Edinburgh.

‘The PLACE programme will support us to sustain and enhance our unique programming, nurturing our creatives, stimulating our economy and energising our communities.’

The boisterous excitement of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2–26 Aug) is heightened with around 3000 shows at venues across the city and beyond. The Fringe is the original and much emulated open festival in which anyone can participate, whether amateur or professional. Performances occur all day, every day and late into the night. There are many established acts who return year after year, but it’s always worth trying out new work.

The Fringe is where many great careers are launched, with performers taking to the stage for the first time.

Elsewhere, the Edinburgh International Book Festival (10–26 Aug) is based in the

PHOTO: ROYAL EDIN BURGH MILITARY TATTOO

delightful Charlotte Square Gardens. Each summer the tents go up and, in an oasis of calm, they play host to a wide variety of authors drawn from around the world. The festival includes a star-studded array of writers for children, with crowds of young readers captivated by the magic of books. This year it will be exploring new ways of presenting books and ideas through a programme of cross-artform commissions. It will also set up a biennial project to bring Scottish and international writers together.

Earlier during this period of festivities is the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (12–21 Jul), with many renowned musicians flying in to the city. Among the projects being funded

by PLACE are a community music engagement programme for the city, plus a rehearsal and performance centre.

The Edinburgh Art Festival (25 Jul–25 Aug) stages a wide range of contemporary work in galleries and other spaces across the city. This year it’s enhanced by ambitious international commissions and a dedicated programme for developing new artistic and curatorial talent.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival (19–30 Jun) is the world’s oldest continually running celebration of film, hosting a comprehensive programme of screenings, e talks and events featuring prestigious industry Th leaders. There are usually a few high-profile p premieres championing British t talent.

At the top of the Royal Mile, a nightly explosion of sights and s sounds entertains locals and visitors a alike at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2–24 Aug). The M p pipes and drums set the scene and at attract audiences from around the w world who flock to see an exhilarating co combination of military action, re regimental traditions and global cu culture.

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AUGUST 1–3 AUGUST

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Belladrum, Inverness, tartanheartfestival.co.uk

This family-friendly favourite of the Scottish music festival scene is back with theatre and spoken word events, ceilidhs, art and craft workshops and fancy dress. This year’s music line-up includes Jess Glynne, Chvrches, Elbow, Tom Odell, Lewis Capaldi, Glasvegas, Richard Thompson and The Selecter.

2–4 AUGUST

THE EDINBURGH CUP INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FOOTBALL FESTIVAL FAMILY Peffermill Sports Centre, Edinburgh, theedinburghcup.co.uk

A football festival which brings together grassroots youth football clubs from all over the UK and beyond.

2–4 AUGUST

FOODIES FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Inverleith Park, Edinburgh foodiesfestival.com

Michelin-starred and awardwinning chefs cook up a storm at this year’s festival dedicated to epicureans.

2–5 AUGUST

KIRKCUDBRIGHT ART AND CRAFTS TRAIL

2–11 AUGUST

FRINGE BY THE SEA FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, North Berwick, fringebythesea.com

With a spot of sea air and an entertaining line-up of music, comedy, theatre, film, author and children’s events, North Berwick’s multi-arts festival offers respite from the madness of Edinburgh in festival season.

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh, edintattoo.co.uk

This unique event draws crowds and performers from all over the world, with massed pipes and drums, military bands, display teams, dancers and the haunting lament of the Lone Piper set against the magnificent backcloth of Edinburgh Castle. The 2019 show is called ‘Kaleidoscope’, in celebration of symmetry.

2–26 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

FAMILY Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, truckfest.co.uk

The UK’s largest truck festival with plenty of entertainment for all the family.

3–11 AUGUST

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL ART / FAMILY Various venues, Pittenweem, pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

In this small and friendly village, the harbour’s fishing boats, steep wynds and quirky cottages provide a picturesque backdrop as over 100 artists from all over Britain exhibit their work in houses, garages, halls and shops, and on the pier.

FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, eif.co.uk

4 AUGUST

Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, while it’s recently also added an excellent contemporary music strand. Already confirmed for 2019 is Ian McKellen who will perform a series of highlights from his remarkable career.

HERITAGE Strathallan Games Park, Stirling, bofagames.com

2–26 AUGUST

Visit the homes, studios and exhibitions of local artists and craft makers in many venues in and around Kirkcudbright, the ‘artists’ town’.

FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, edfringe.com

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3 & 4 AUGUST

TRUCKFEST 2–24 AUGUST

ART / FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Kirkcudbright, artandcraftstrail.com

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performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for each and every taste. From big names to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, children’s shows, music and cabaret.

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

Each year, thousands of

BRIDGE OF ALLAN HIGHLAND GAMES

Highland games event taking place in Stirling with traditional competition events and music.

9–16 AUGUST

BLAIRGOWRIE AND RATTRAY ARTS WEEK COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Blairgowrie and Rattray, itsbraw.scot

A week of art, culture, crafts, music and drama, with workshops, demonstrations, talks and more.

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Beyond Borders Internationa2l019 l FestivaTr aquair House , 24–25 August

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ANNIV TH ERSAR Y!

“It’s intimate, it’s expansive, it’s joyful and an engaging festival to be at.”

JOURNALIST AND BROADCASTER, RAZIA IQBAL

Literature | Debate | Music | Visual Arts | Walks Yoga & Meditation | Poetry | Film | Dance | Spoken Word

www.beyondbordersscotland.com Beyond Borders

@beyondborders__

Beyond Borders Scotland

10–26 August 2019 The World, in Words.

900 events featuring 1000 authors, poets, musicians and artists, plus cafés, bookshops and bars all in one central leafy tented village.

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10 & 11 AUGUST

10–18 AUGUST

RATTRAY ARTS FESTIVAL

MIDLOTHIAN OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

ART / FAMILY Rattray Community Hall, rattrayartfestival.co.uk

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Midlothian, midlothian.gov.uk

A number of artists in a variety of media contribute to this festival with proceeds donated to Scottish Charity Air Ambulance.

Previously known as the Midlothian Walking Festival, this event has now grown into a larger and broader celebration of activities from the outdoor world. A range of goings-on take place over the nine days of this festival, including guided walks, talks, wildlife watching, downhill snow sports, and cycling through the area’s villages, towns and countryside.

10 & 11 AUGUST

PARTY AT THE PALACE MUSIC Lochside Field, Linlithgow, partyatthepalace.co.uk

A selection of music royalty performs against the regal backdrop of Linlithgow Palace over two days of live music at this family-friendly fest. Early-bird tickets for 2019’s event are now on sale.

10–18 AUGUST

PIPING LIVE! GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL PIPING FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, pipinglive.co.uk A week-long celebration of piping, including contemporary and traditional, solo and pipe bands. The World Pipe Band Championships take place on the second to last day at Glasgow Green, with free family displays in George Square.

10–26 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, edbookfest.co.uk

The world’s largest public celebration of the written word takes place in the first UNESCO City of Literature in the beautiful Charlotte Square Gardens. As well as leading Scottish and international authors, the varied programme always manages to cover poets, politicians, historians, journalists and children’s authors, while Unbound (a free cabaret-style evening event) ensures that the literary fun runs far into the night.

16–18 AUGUST

INNERLEITHEN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Innerleithen, innerleithenmusicfestival.org

An established Celtic music festival that augments its lineup of local musicians, sessions, traditional singing, street events and workshops with international stars.

17 AUGUST

THE WHISKY SOCIAL FOOD & DRINK Dobbie Hall, Larbert, harbroevents.co.uk

Piping Live!

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Meet brand ambassadors, take part in masterclasses and sample drams from some of the best distilleries in Scotland and around the world.

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17 AUGUST

THE SRUIGHLEA FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Stirling, sruighlea.scot

Weekend festival showcasing Scottish food and drink, live music and highland games.

17 & 18 AUGUST

GALLOWAY COUNTRY FAIR FAMILY Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Dumfries, gallowaycountryfair.co.uk

A weekend of country pursuits and family events with stalls selling local food, drink, and crafts, and various activities from clay pigeon shooting and archery to cookery demonstrations and a sheep show.

21–23 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, thetvfestival.com

An essential fixture for everyone in the television industry is back in 2019 to give out inspiration, networking, learning and fun. Run by and for the television industry, the festival is attended by over 2000 delegates and has featured hundreds of globally renowned top TV folk as speakers, including Ricky Gervais, Joanna Lumley, Professor Brian Cox, Elisabeth Murdoch, Mark Thompson, Michaela Coel, Michael Palin and Jeremy Paxman.

21–25 AUGUST

MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Campbeltown, mokfest.com

Traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish music festival

based on the west coast. The event offers a selection of traditional music and mixed genres concerts, music sessions, festival club, family entertainment, tuition workshops, live music in bars and clubs, and heritage walks.

Amidst the cornucopia of arts and culture events in Edinburgh during the month of August, the Turing Fest focuses on innovation, science and technology and can be relied upon for some appearances by big names from within the digital community.

23–25 AUGUST

STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR John Hastie Park, Strathaven, strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk

An international hot air ballooning extravaganza, combining the stunning sight of hot air balloons launching and flying. Plus there’s a fun fair, stalls, classic vehicles and other evening events.

29 & 30 AUGUST

THE NORTHERN MEETING PIPING CONTEST HERITAGE / MUSIC Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, northern-meeting.org

Piping competition with over 100 solo pipers from across the world.

29 AUGUST–1 SEPTEMBER

23 AUGUST–8 SEPTEMBER

ISLAY BOOK FESTIVAL

THE TROSSACHS BEER FESTIVAL

FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Islay, islaybookfestival.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK The Lade Inn, Callander, scottishrealales.com

A traditional beer festival with live folk music at weekends, food from the Inn’s kitchen and a chance to sample some of the 160 Scottish real ales from the Scottish Real Ale Shop, as well as folk music performances on Friday and Saturday nights.

24 & 25 AUGUST

BEYOND BORDERS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL LITERATURE / POLITICS Traquair House, Innerleithen, beyondbordersscotland.com

Intimate and engaging festival with talks by authors, politicians, journalists and diplomats about pressing global issues. It features an arts and music programme with performance, visual arts, poetry and dance.

27–29 AUGUST

TURING FEST SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, turingfest.com

An intimate and friendly festival on the popular whisky isle that caters to Scotland’s love of crime thrillers as well as introducing quirky and challenging books in a programme with something for all ages.

30 & 31 AUGUST

MIDSTOCK FESTIVAL MUSIC Dalkeith Country Park, midstockfestival.com

Family-friendly music festival whose 2018 line-up included 2 Unlimited, Example & DJ Wire, Mauro Picotto, The Darkness, Ash, Noisettes and Ian Van Dahl.

30 AUGUST–1 SEPTEMBER

MILLPORT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Millport, millportcountrymusic.com

A rootin’ tootin’ weekend of country and western gigs across several venues on Great Cumbrae. The 2019 event marks the festival’s 25th anniversary year. See Spotlight, page 68.

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31 AUGUST–15 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH FOOD & DRINK FORTNIGHT FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Scotland, fooddrinkfort.scot

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

MILLPORT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Once a year on Great Cumbrae, Millport undergoes an extraordinary transformation. For one summer weekend, the seaside resort swells with an extra 10,000 people. Now having reached a quarter of a century, the Millport Country Music Festival has grown to become the biggest of its kind in Scotland.

In its formative years, the festival featured stars such as Sydney Devine and Philomena Begley. Two years ago it rebranded to emphasise the popular modernist approach to country music. Recent performers include The Shires, Ashley Campbell (daughter of Glen), and, in 2018, EastEnders star Shane Richie. With last year’s festivities nominated by the British Country Music Association for Best Original Music Festival, Millport’s place on the country scene is firmly assured.

(Murray Robertson) ■ Various venues, Millport, 30 August–1 September, millportcountrymusic.com

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The Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is an annual celebration of Scotland’s fantastic larder, offering more than 200 events around the country to encourage people to enjoy the produce on their doorstep. These range from cookery demonstrations to festivals, farmers’ markets and tasting events for a fortnight that gets everyone involved from chefs, retailers, caterers, hoteliers, schools and producers to anyone who’s simply a food enthusiast.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

SCREENPLAY FILM & TV Various venues, Lerwick, shetlandarts.org/screenplay

Shetland’s annual film festival curated by critics Linda Ruth Williams and Mark Kermode features screenings, lectures and panel discussions involving national and international film industry professionals and academics while still maintaining a commitment to local filmmakers of all ages.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

CREATIVE PEEBLES FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Peebles, creativepeeblesfestival.co.uk

The arts on offer at this Borders multi-disciplinary festival include music by local performers, visual art representing the local area, author readings, newly-commissioned theatre performances, film, a crafts fair and tours with historical, humorous, musical, landscape and literary themes.

SEPTEMBER 1–30 SEPTEMBER

SCALARAMA FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, scalarama.com

A month-long film festival with pop-up screenings taking place across Scotland, including a large programme in the major cities and the Highlands and Islands.

1–30 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH ARCHAEOLOGY MONTH HERITAGE / OUTDOOR / SCIENCE Various venues, Scotland, archaeologyscotland.org.uk

Every September an exciting range of free archaeological events are held all over the country from the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Islands, including excavations, ancient skills, talks and tours.

5–11 SEPTEMBER

ORKNEY INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Orkney, oisf.org

A kaleidoscopic mix of sparkling ideas and lively activities with talks and outings, food and music. All of this takes place in an island setting where past and future meet.

6 & 7 SEPTEMBER

JOCKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Black Isle Brewery, Munlochy, jocktoberfest.com

Follow the Black Isle creed of ‘Save the Planet, Drink Organic’, and feel even more smug about reduced drink miles by drinking their beer just metres from where it’s brewed. Also on offer for 2019 is plenty of live music and bratwurst.

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6 & 7 SEPTEMBER

6–8 SEPTEMBER

7 & 8 SEPTEMBER

SKYE LIVE

KELSO FOLK FESTIVAL

PERTH FESTIVAL OF YARN

MUSIC Various venues, Kelso, kelsofolkfest.org

HERITAGE Dewars Centre, Perth, perthfestivalofyarn.uk

A weekend of traditional music concerts, sessions, workshops and open mics. Confirmed acts for 2019 include Fara, Hannah Rarity, Old Blind Dogs, Seamie O’Dowd and Viper Swing with members of the Edinburgh Swing Dance Society.

MUSIC The Lump, Portree, skyelive.co.uk

Two-day music festival on Skye offering a fusion of genres, with traditional music, bands, DJs, and dance acts on the bill, along with excellent food and drink courtesy of Skye’s finest foodies. The 2019 line-up includes Peatbog Faeries and Niteworks.

6–8 SEPTEMBER

6–8 SEPTEMBER

The Perth Yarn Fest brings together independent dyers, farmers, small-holders, knitters, spinners, felters and weavers for a top weekend of yarnbased excitement. You can also take your place in a class programme led by professional tutors from across a range of textile disciplines.

KIRRIEMUIR FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND SONG

DUNDEE FLOWER & FOOD FESTIVAL

7–14 SEPTEMBER

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Kirriemuir, kirriefestival.org

A celebration of music in all its wonderful forms, with competitions and events around the cosy town most famous for producing the author JM Barrie.

Past years have included talent from BBC Young Traditional Musicians of the Year and other pedigree samples of Scottish musicality.

FOOD & DRINK / OUTDOOR Camperdown Country Park, Dundee, dundeeflowerandfoodfestival. com

SCOTTISH BORDERS WALKING FESTIVAL

A delicious staple in the Dundee calendar, with food and drink tastings, chef demonstrations, live music and competitions.

Previous guests have included The Incredible Spice Men, Jean-Christophe Novelli and The Beechgrove Garden’s Carole Baxter.

There’s little doubt that the Scottish Borders has some of the most breathtaking scenery across the whole of the United Kingdom. The Scottish Borders Walking Festival, the oldest established walking festival of its kind in Scotland, has a strong reputation for being one of the friendliest walking festivals of the year. The 2019 extravaganza is hosted by both Selkirk and the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys.

HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Selkirk, borderswalking.com

7–21 SEPTEMBER

TECHFEST FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Aberdeen, techfestsetpoint.org.uk

Dundee Flower & Food Festival

TechFest continues to make science, technology, engineering, innovation and mathematics both fun and accessible to children and young people of all ages.

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PHOTO: PETE ROBINSON

10–15 SEPTEMBER

NAIRN BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE / MULTIARTS Various venues, Nairn, nairnfestival.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

STRANRAER OYSTER FESTIVAL If salty brine and muscular flesh are your thing then you may want to check out the Stranraer Oyster Festival. About to enter its third year, this celebration of Scotland’s wild, native oysters marks the start of the harvesting season. The Stranraer Development Trust has lined up top chefs, speakers and entertainers to worship at the altar of the humble oyster on the shores of Loch Ryan which is home to one of the last wild, native oyster beds in Scotland (fished sustainably).

Your children may not have acquired a taste for oysters yet but amongst the adult fare there are also some children and youth projects as well as live music, a festival market, and foodstuffs, arts and craftwork. If all that isn’t enough, there’s an Oyster Shucking Championship competition. (Paul Dale) ■ Stranraer Oyster Festival Performance Marquee, 13–15 September, stranraeroysterfestival.com

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A range of musical, literary and artistic events with a fringe drawing on the talents of the local creative community. The 2019 programme features a Kids’ Day, workshops, author events, a food fair, poetry readings and competitions in illustration and photography.

11 & 14 SEPTEMBER

THE NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT 150TH ANNIVERSARY HERITAGE The National Wallace Monument, Stirling, nationalwallacemonument.com

Special events taking place in September to mark the unique anniversary of this world-famous attraction.

12–15 SEPTEMBER

CEÒL CHOLASA MUSIC Colonsay Brewery, Isle of Colonsay, ceolcholasa.co.uk

Four-day folk fest on the Island of Colonsay.

A high-quality artistic programme that brings Scottish and international jazz musicians together in the unique location of Islay. The festival features a taste of the area, so watch out for hand-dived scallops, crabs, chocolates, homebaking and, of course, Lagavulin.

13–15 SEPTEMBER

LIVE @ TROON MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Troon, liveattroon.com

This weekend music festival has strong headliners year by year, as well as its fair share of choirs and folk artists.

13–15 SEPTEMBER

STRANRAER OYSTER FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Stranraer Oyster Festival Performance Marquee, stranraeroysterfestival.com

Celebrate the seafood heritage of Stranraer at Scotland’s first oyster festival, featuring oyster tasting and competitions, cooking demonstrations and classes, live music and a traders’ market. See Spotlight, left.

13–22 SEPTEMBER

13–15 SEPTEMBER

GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org

Innovative festival for young audiences featuring premieres, screenings, events and special guest speakers. GYFF enables 15–19 year olds to co-create a vibrant and diverse event.

LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, East Lothian, lammermuirfestival.co.uk

Time to savour some great music in the picturesque surroundings of East Lothian, with Lammermuir employing unusual locations to provide a backdrop for top-class chamber music performances.

14 SEPTEMBER

13–15 SEPTEMBER

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL

LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL

FILM & TV Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, islayjazzfestival.co.uk

A selection of jaw-dropping documentaries will celebrate LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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the beauty and power of the world’s oceans. The 2019 festival’s Edinburgh date has been confirmed, with more Scottish venues and dates to be announced soon.

Gain insight into the creative process and see some brand new artworks in a series of studio open days all across the north-east of Scotland, featuring hundreds of different artists.

20–23 SEPTEMBER

ABERDEEN AFROLATIN FESTIVAL MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Hallmark Hotel, Aberdeen, internationallatinfusion.co.uk

WEE G&T FESTIVAL

18–29 SEPTEMBER

A weekend of Latin dancing, workshops, performances, DJ sets and more.

FOOD & DRINK Dewars Centre, Perth, provenderbrown.co.uk

TAKE ONE ACTION FILM FESTIVAL

21 & 22 SEPTEMBER

14 SEPTEMBER

Annual celebration of all things juniper from Provender Brown Deli, with lots of gins to sample, industry experts to chat with, and gin-related cookery demonstrations and masterclasses.

14 & 15 SEPTEMBER

ST MONANS COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, St Monans, stmonans.org.uk

With a strong local community focus, this festival offers a range of spectator and participatory events, with history walks and a camera museum ranking as two of the most popular among a programme of concerts, workshops, visual arts displays and literary events.

14–22 SEPTEMBER

BIG ROMAN WEEK FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Falkirk, falkirkcommunitytrust.org

A nine-day festival encouraging visitors to find out more about the Antonine Wall and our Roman roots. Big Roman Week features walks, talks and family events.

14–23 SEPTEMBER

NEOS: NORTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS ART Various venues, Aberdeen, northeastopenstudios.co.uk 72

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FILM & TV / POLITICS Various venues, Glasgow and Edinburgh, takeoneaction.org.uk

A film festival with a political slant, founded on the belief that ‘cinematic experiences can inspire lasting change’. Also various venues, Aberdeen, 15–17 November; various venues, Inverness, 22–24 November 20–22 SEPTEMBER

BLOODY SCOTLAND LITERATURE Various venues, Stirling, bloodyscotland.com

An innovative festival (co-created by Lin Anderson and Alex Gray) which draws on Scotland’s love of the literary macabre and celebrates crime writing by bringing together leading Scottish, British and international writers. The annual Bloody Scotland showcases debut voices and encourages new and experienced writers.

As well as interviews and panels there’s a torchlight procession, criminal cabaret, a crime writers’ football match, a quiz and much more.

20–22 SEPTEMBER

TARBERT MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Tarbert, Loch Fyne, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

Traditional music takes over the pubs and hotels of Tarbert with a solid series of concerts, workshops and demonstrations.

BIGGAR SCIENCE FESTIVAL SCIENCE Various venues, Biggar, biggarsciencefestival.co.uk

Science festival featuring shows, exhibits, demonstrations and speakers.

21 & 22 SEPTEMBER

CLYDEBUILT FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Glasgow, clydebuiltfestival.com

A chance to learn traditional skills, enjoy folk music and watch ships sail by. There are also boat launches and rowing races, steam bending and storytelling, sea shanties and food and drink.

26–29 SEPTEMBER

TIDELINES BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, tidelinesbookfest.com

Largs-based book festival with a great little line-up of events for kids and adults alike.

27 & 28 SEPTEMBER

LOOPALLU MUSIC Ullapool Pier, Ullapool, loopallu.co.uk

Intimate music fest located in the spectacular surroundings of Ullapool was inaugurated in 2005. Previous acts have included Paolo Nutini, Mumford and Sons, Twin Atlantic and Glasgow art-rock icons Franz Ferdinand.

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27–29 SEPTEMBER

28 SEPTEMBER–6 OCTOBER

ISLE OF JURA MUSIC FESTIVAL

SHETLAND WOOL WEEK

MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Jura, juramusicfestival.com

HERITAGE Various venues, Shetland, shetlandwoolweek.com

Island festival of Scottish traditional music which encourages local talent with concerts, workshops and sessions, completing the bill with established acts to give them something to aspire to.

Shetland’s textile industry celebrates with masterclasses, workshops and events led by professionals from the textile and design industry, along with a makers’ market and exhibitions.

Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, hosting features, short film screenings and nights out. See Spotlight, page 75.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

BLAS FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Highlands and Islands, blas-festival.com

A massive celebration of the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands.

28 SEPTEMBER–18 OCTOBER

ORKNEY BLUES FESTIVAL

HIGHLAND ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL

MUSIC Stromness, Orkney, orkneyblues.co.uk

HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Highlands, highlandarchaeologyfestival.org

Characterised as the ‘smallest, friendliest Blues Festival in the UK’, this is the ideal place to hear good tunes and meet others who share a passion for the blues. Previous acts have included Chantel McGregor, The Paddy Maguire Band and Rhythm Zoo while the 2019 event is its 13th edition.

A fortnight of investigations into Scotland’s ancient past, including walks, practical demonstrations, family events, self-guided trails, insights into recent research, historical talks, and plenty of chances for visitors to get their hands dirty by exploring what lies beneath this famous landscape.

27–29 SEPTEMBER

30 SEPTEMBER–6 OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

DOORS OPEN DAYS ART / FAMILY Various venues, Scotland, doorsopendays.org.uk

Gain free entry to many unique, ancient or modern buildings usually closed to the public.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

DUNBAR TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Dunbar, dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk

The DTMF has a back catalogue filled with some of Scotland’s best loved music names.

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL

SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Wigtown, wigtownbookfestival.com

FILM & TV / POLITICS Various venues, Glasgow, sqiff.org

HUNTLY HAIRST FOOD AND FARMING FESTIVAL

An established and celebrated feature in the Scottish literary calendar attracting many big names. For ten days, Scotland’s National Book Town buzzes with book events as well as theatre, music and site-specific events in quirky venues while a dedicated Children’s Garden hosts events for younger readers. The 2018 event marked the Wigtown Book Festival’s 20th anniversary and featured the likes of Ann Cleeves, Andy Goldsworthy, Cameron McNeish, Sally Magnusson, Louis de Bernières, Clare Balding, Tom Devine and Susan Calman.

The Scottish Queer International

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK

27 SEPTEMBER–6 OCTOBER

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SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

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Various venues, Huntly, huntlyhairst.co.uk A community festival featuring a wide variety of things to see and to do which are all connected to the culture and life of Huntly’s farming community. Local musicians provide the backdrop to a series of literature and foodie events while a new World Stovie Champion is crowned.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

THE SCOTTISH LEARNING FESTIVAL SCIENCE SEC, Glasgow, slfexhibition.com

SLF is the largest education conference and exhibition in Scotland. The event has something to offer everyone involved in education and includes a thought-provoking conference programme.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Largs, largsvikingfestival.org

On the anniversary of the Battle of Largs meet King Alexander of Scotland and King Haakon of Norway with living history installations in a 13th century living history village. There are craft demonstrations, a Scottish food fayre and on-stage entertainment.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

SCOTLAND’S SALMON FESTIVAL HERITAGE / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Inverness, scotlandsalmonfestival.org

Scotland’s Salmon Festival celebrates the iconic Atlantic salmon as a flagship species.

Events include lectures, film screenings and a fair with food stalls, cooking demonstrations and activities for kids.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

TRUE NORTH SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

MONIAIVE MICHAELMAS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL MUSIC Glencairn Memorial Institute, Moniaive, moniaivebluegrass.co.uk

The Moniaive Folk Festival boasts a heated marquee and a campsite with hot showers alongside its myriad musical sessions, workshops and piping competition.

MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenfestivals.com

‘Aberdeen’s festival of music and song’ features some top UK songwriters.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

VERTEX FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, West Kilbride, vertexfestival.co.uk

A community-led festival featuring live music, visual art, comedy, theatre and talks.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

OUTWITH FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER, DATES TBC

MULTI-ARTS Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, outwithfestival.co.uk

VOGRIE FIRE & LIGHT ADVENTURE

Dunfermline-based festival that celebrates comedy, music, literature, theatre and visual art in and around the city.

FAMILY Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge, vogriefirelight.co.uk

A chance to explore this beautiful country park through an illuminated interactive journey.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Now in its fifth year, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) continues to promote and celebrate Scottish queer film culture. Run by and for Scotland’s LGBTQ+ communities, this notfor-profit endeavour is composed of the main festival in September, plus smaller events throughout the rest of the year.

The aim is always to inspire the creation of more queer content and to make sure it reaches as many LGBTQ+ people as possible, with a sliding scale ticket system ensuring people of all means can attend its screenings, discussions and workshops. Last year’s programme included the Scottish premiere of Campbell X and Kayza Rose’s VISIBLE, a discussion on D/deaf and Disabled queer experiences, and a look at Arab and East Asian cinema. (Sofia Matias) ■ Various venues, Glasgow, 30 September–6 October, sqiff.org

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OCTOBER 3–5 OCTOBER

AYRSHIRE BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Troon Town Hall and Walker Hall, Troon, ayrshirebeerfestival. co.uk

Sample some of the many real ales, ciders and wines produced by local brewers and enjoy live music each evening at this event hosted by the local branch of CAMRA. 3–5 OCTOBER

NESS BOOK FEST LITERATURE Various venues, Inverness and Fort William, nessbookfest.wordpress.com

Inverness-based book festival that features emerging voices as well as big names in a free programme of events.

3–6 OCTOBER

THE CUMNOCK TRYST MUSIC Various venues, Cumnock, thecumnocktryst.com

The Cumnock Tryst is a music festival launched in 2013 by eminent composer and local boy James MacMillan, with Nicola Benedetti as its patron.

features over 250 comedians performing at venues across the city. Confirmed acts for 2019 include Young Ones creator Ben Elton, Fife-born stand-up Daniel Sloss and Irish wag Jimeoin.

3 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER

THE ENCHANTED FOREST ART / FAMILY Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, enchantedforest.org.uk

A stunning sound and light show that transforms Faskally Wood using dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score. See Feature, page 16.

4–6 OCTOBER

CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Callander, callanderjazz.com

FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, woffglasgow.com

4–6 OCTOBER

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A festival for lovers of all sorts of coffee, from your regular cups of Joe to your skinny-grande mocha-swirl-achino-with-extracream sorts.

5–12 OCTOBER

CRIEFF & STRATHEARN DROVERS’ TRYST WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR / HERITAGE Various venues, Strathearn and Perthshire, droverstryst.com

5–20 OCTOBER

A chirpy wee seaside literature fest, run by volunteers and based at Portobello Library.

COMEDY Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeencomedyfestival.com

FOOD & DRINK Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, edinburghcoffeefestival.co.uk

PORTOBELLO BOOK FESTIVAL

WOFF: WORLD OF FILM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL GLASGOW

ABERDEEN COMEDY FESTIVAL

EDINBURGH COFFEE FESTIVAL

4–6 OCTOBER

The Callander Jazz and Blues Festival is the largest rural jazz and blues festival event in Scotland and is now firmly established on the UK festival map.

3–6 OCTOBER

3–13 OCTOBER

5 OCTOBER

Annual celebration of the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. The modern-day Tryst is a week-long festival run by volunteers and built around a programme of guided walks and evening social events.

LITERATURE Portobello Library, Edinburgh, portobellobookfestival. wordpress.com

International festival featuring over 40 films from independent directors from all over the world.

so far for 2019 include Adam Bulley, Chas Mackenzie, Clive Carroll, Hugh Burns and Innes Watson.

ULLAPOOL GUITAR FESTIVAL MUSIC The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, ullapoolguitarfestival.com

The Ullapool Guitar Festival is one for all lovers and players of the six-string with a combination of workshops, concerts, late-night sessions and a trade fair with several top manufacturers of bespoke guitars. Artists booked

DUNDEE SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dundee, dundeesciencecentre.org.uk

A range of exciting and stimulating events, talks, shows and hands-on exhibits demonstrate the wonderful world of science. See Panel, page 79.

6 OCTOBER

BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON AND FESTIVAL OF RUNNING FAMILY / OUTDOOR Bught Park, Inverness, lochnessmarathon.com

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minded, from a full marathon to a cheeky 5k with a ‘Wee Nessie’ option for under 5s. For those who’d rather not work up a sweat, there’s the Event Village at the finish line with a food and drink fair.

6 OCTOBER

MOSSFEST FAMILY / SCIENCE Mugdock Country Park, Mugdock, mugdock-countrypark.org.uk

The Middle of Scotland Science Festival hosts a series of exciting activities suitable for all ages.

6–20 OCTOBER

ACCESS ALL AREAS: FIFE’S FESTIVAL OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS FAMILY / OUTDOOR Fife Coast, Fife, fifecoastandcountrysidetrust. co.uk

This outdoor festival was established in 2017, and features Nordic Walking, a 10k trail race, ranger-led walks and much more.

10–14 OCTOBER

SHETLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

Visiting and local acts join together in a Shetland knees-up to warm up the October evenings with fine trad music.

11–19 OCTOBER

ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, ancomunn.co.uk

The Royal National Mòd is Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival and is famous for celebrating our linguistic and cultural heritage.

In 2019, the festival takes its celebration to the city of Glasgow.

11–19 OCTOBER

THE SPREE

OUTDOOR Various venues, Isle of Tiree, tireewaveclassic.co.uk

Those cuddly fellas at the Bear Scots once again welcome ‘bears, cubs, chasers, otters and admirers’ for multiple parties and club nights, brunches, a pool party and the crowning of Mr BearScot.

10–13 OCTOBER

A highlight on the UK windsurfing calendar, this week-long event guarantees plenty of adrenalinefuelled action as some of the world’s top competitors compete in freestyle, wave jumping and supercross disciplines. A whole host of daytime and evening activities surround the competition.

KIRKCUDBRIGHT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

14–19 OCTOBER

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A Dundee-based festival which brings together the worlds of science and culture.

16–20 OCTOBER

LOCH NESS KNIT FEST HERITAGE Inverness Leisure, Inverness, lochnessknitfest.com

Three-day knitting festival, featuring workshops, talks, presentations, fashion shows and more.

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, St Andrews, standrewsvoices.com

COMMUNITY Various venues, Edinburgh, bearscots.org.uk

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FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS / SCIENCE Various venues, Dundee, dundee.ac.uk/futurefest

Paisley’s national arts festival is a heady mix of music, comedy and arts showcasing the area’s talent.

BWA TIREE WAVE CLASSIC

Magical light festival featuring world-class cultural performances and illuminated immersive experiences.

FESTIVAL OF THE FUTURE

17–20 OCTOBER

BEARSCOTFEST

FAMILY Various venues, Kirkcudbright, kirkcudbrightlight.com

16–20 OCTOBER

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Paisley, thespree.co.uk

12–18 OCTOBER 10–13 OCTOBER

and Islands through concerts, sessions, talks and workshops, all of which makes this one of the finest fiddle festivals around.

BLAZIN’ IN BEAULY MUSIC Various venues, Beauly, blazininbeauly.com

The brainchild of Blazin’ Fiddles, designed to immerse visitors in the music of the Highlands

ST ANDREWS VOICES

It’s all about the voice here, in this eclectic festival of music drawn from opera, Lieder, folk, jazz, early music and contemporary genres.

17–27 OCTOBER

BIGGAR LITTLE FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Biggar, biggarlittlefestival.com

The name is something of a red herring as this small South Lanarkshire festival is really punching above its weight with a large programme of varied arts events put on by different community groups and local businesses, plus a couple of bigname touring artists booked by the festival committee. Covering comedy, theatre, exhibitions, walks, dance and music of all kinds, the festival offers affordable local access to the arts.

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17–27 OCTOBER

DANCELIVE FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenfestivals.com

This annual festival celebrates – and is exclusively devoted to – contemporary dance. The packed programme draws highquality companies to the northeast of Scotland, emphasising new choreography and offering exciting opportunities for participation.

18–31 OCTOBER

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / LITERATURE Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

This celebration of live storytelling and imagination unites Scottish and international storytellers and musicians. Performance, workshops, talks and children’s events feature guest storytellers from across the globe as well as talent closer to home. The 2019 festival has a special focus between Scotland and Canada, aimed at developing new creative work, collaborations and exchanges between Scottish and Canadian artists and festivals.

19 & 20 OCTOBER

TWEED VALLEY FOREST FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Tweed Valley Forest Park, Glentress, forest-festival.com

A vivid celebration here of the rich woodland culture of the Borders in a variety of locations around the beautiful Tweed Valley. The 2019 event will again feature the Peebles wood market, the Scottish conker championships, Carvefest, woodland walks, activities and much more.

DUNDEE SCIENCE FESTIVAL Science. That great antidote to the poison and enthusiasm of superstition. Kirkcaldy-born economist Adam Smith knew the score.

If he were a child today he’d be traversing the Tay Road Bridge to visit this young person-friendly science festival. Launched in 2010, the festival is part of an extensive outreach programme from the much-loved Dundee Science Centre which also includes the Fife Science Festival.

Powered by the remit of the charity behind the Science Centre, this venture is all about promoting hands-on learning experiences.

Positivity, connectivity and entertainment are key with well-practiced inclusion for all ages and those with interests across the scientific disciplines. The packed programme includes interactive live shows, science busking (like a chemistry lesson but fun, and not in school), creative workshops and talking events.

Marked by a strong commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, the festival takes place in the Science Centre as well as in community centres and hub venues across Dundee. Rather than asking people to attend events in the more gentrified areas of the city, there does seem a genuine attempt here to be broad and bold in their attempts to bring the joy of scientific discovery to the wider public.

With a really strong schools-programme thread that stretches beyond the festival to provide science workshops into late October and early November, the festival segues nicely into Abertay University’s Dundee Primary School Science Week. (Paul Dale) ■ Various venues, Dundee, 5–20 October, dundeesciencecentre.org.uk 79

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19 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER

DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk

Discovery, Scotland’s international film festival for young audiences combines the best youth cinema from around the world with a series of creative workshops and events.

23 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER

SOUND FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeenshire, sound-scotland.co.uk

An innovative festival of new music bringing together a wide range of different musical styles in a variety of concerts, workshops, installations and talks.

23 OCTOBER–17 NOVEMBER

PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Scotland’s largest town has a long and dark history of grim goingson, including the infamous hanging of the Paisley witches following a trial in 1697. But it wasn’t until 2014 that the Renfrewshire town inaugurated its Halloween Festival, a year before it started a bid to become UK City of Culture.

Festival organisers have created a comprehensive plan to develop the town’s cultural and creative scope by working with communities, artists and national organisations to curate events specific to Paisley, with broad national and international appeal. And it’s working: the Paisley Halloween Festival grows in stature every year, with ongoing inspiration for its annual programme coming from around the world, including US locations such as Salem and New Orleans, both of which have a strong association with the macabre.

In 2018, supported by the Year of Young People event fund, a 500-strong parade wound its way around the town’s dark streets, featuring gruesome floats, performances from the Beltane Fire Society and music from the inimitable Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.

Above the streets, aerial performances at around 120ft high from the Flying Witches dazzled crowds, while adults and children were entertained with their own costumed balls.

This year, you can expect similar offerings, alongside horror-film screenings for all ages, pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling and hands-on activities for kids. There’s also a suitably creepy carnival atmosphere for everyone to enjoy with a funfair, live entertainment from local dance and theatre groups, plus a selection of local streetfood vendors. (Murray Robertson) ■ Town Centre, Paisley, 25 & 26 October, paisley.is 80

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ILLUMINIGHT WITH LIDL FAMILY Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock, illuminight.co.uk

The Kilmarnock park is illuminated with light installations and AV effects, and there’s quality local food and drink to keep you refreshed.

24–27 OCTOBER

DOCUMENT HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / POLITICS CCA, Glasgow, documentfilmfestival.org

This dedicated international human rights documentary film festival uses international film to raise the profile of human rights and social issues that aren’t exposed in the mainstream media. Document showcases a wide range of styles from reportage to cinematic essays, investigative journalism to leftfield experiments. There are also talks, discussions, workshops and other live events.

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24–27 OCTOBER

ORKNEY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Orkney, orkneystorytellingfestival.co.uk

A four-day programme of walks, talks, story sessions and workshops with renowned storytellers from Scotland and beyond. The events are held across mainland Orkney with a trip to at least one of the outer islands.

The last night always includes an Open Mic session to encourage new talent. The 2019 programme includes Mara Menzies, Gordon MacLellan, Fran Flett Hollinrake and Marita Luck.

25 & 26 OCTOBER

PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL FAMILY Town Centre, Paisley, paisley.is

Halloween comes back to Paisley in 2019 for this annual festival of the macabre. Events include a costumed parade (including floats), performances, scary films, workshops, trick-or-treat booths, pumpkin carving and much more.

See Panel, page 80.

25 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER

AFRICA IN MOTION FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, africa-in-motion.org.uk

Dedicated to showing the diversity of African cinema, AiM has screenings of animated films, features, shorts and documentaries, as well as a short film competition to develop the next generation of African filmmakers.

perthaccordionfestival.co.uk Kicking off with a ceilidh, the 70th Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival takes in competitions and championships during the day before finishing with the Senior Scottish Championship and performances at night from some of the country’s top musicians.

Registration for the festival opens on 1st July.

MUSIC Salutation Hotel, Perth,

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

COWALFEST HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Cowal Peninsula, Cowal, cowalfest.org

Walking festival that takes place amid the natural splendour of the Cowal peninsula with walks focusing on heritage, wildlife, art, folklore or just a good work-out.

26 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER

EDINBURGH HORROR FESTIVAL COMEDY / FILM & TV / LITERATURE Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh, edhorrorfest.co.uk

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

SCOTLAND LOVES ANIME FILM & TV / LITERATURE Various venues, Edinburgh & Glasgow, lovesanimation.com

Horror festival for Halloween covering music, books, comedy, talks and more.

One for lovers of Japanese animated cinema, the festival showcases the latest animation.

31 OCTOBER

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL

ANGUS BREWFEST

FAMILY / HERITAGE / THEATRE & DANCE Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beltane.org

Hosted by Beltane Fire Society, the Samhuinn Fire Festival celebrates the Celtic New Year, marking the end of summer and welcoming the onset of winter. The change of seasons is brought to life through wild drumming, firedancing, acrobatics, and vibrant costumes.

31 OCTOBER–10 NOVEMBER

SONICA MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, sonic-a.co.uk

Cutting-edge performance by established international artists, See Panel, page 83.

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Strathmore Hall, Forfar, angusbrewfest.co.uk

Taste a wide variety of ales, ciders, gins, vodkas and cocktails, and street food.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

FACLAN: THE HEBRIDEAN BOOK FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS An Lanntair, Stornoway, lanntair.com/faclan

Since moving to the cusp of winter and focusing on themes such as the supernatural, this festival has attracted big names.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

CENTRAL SCOTLAND DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL

BOOKMARK

FILM & TV Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, macrobertartscentre.org/ centscotdocufest

FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Blairgowrie, bookmarkblair.com

Macrobert curates and presents a programme of documentaries from the UK and beyond.

26 OCTOBER

PERTH ALL SCOTLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL

A weekend book festival aimed at all ages.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

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OCTOBER, DATES TBC

5–10 NOVEMBER

15–17 NOVEMBER

GRAPHIC DESIGN FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

NEON DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL

SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL

ART Various venues, Glasgow, graphicdesignfestivalscotland. com

ART / FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dundee, northeastofnorth.com

FAMILY / MUSIC The Pleasance, Edinburgh, scotsfiddlefestival.com

Scotland’s only international digital arts festival, featuring moving image, performance, music and technology-driven arts across Dundee.

This exciting, fiddle-fuelled weekend returns in 2019 with concerts, recitals, workshops, talks, stalls, sessions, festival clubs and ceilidhs.

7 NOVEMBER–12 DECEMBER

28–30 NOVEMBER

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

DUNDEE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

The Graphic Design Festival Scotland aims to inspire young designers through active engagement, all the while promoting creativity, collaboration, friendly competition and fun.

OCTOBER–FEBRUARY, DATES TBC

PERTH WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Perth, perthcity.co.uk

A whole range of days out, activities, theatre and music events to brighten up the cold winter months. Highlights include the Chocolate Festival, a farmers’ market, Christmas Light SwitchOn and a Santa Fun Run.

FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

The UK-wide festival dedicated to Francophone cinema, with a programme that features guest filmmakers and actors in meet-the-public sessions, UK premieres, retrospectives, a learning programme for pupils and their teachers, documentaries, animation, shorts and special events.

1–3 NOVEMBER

PERTHSHIRE AMBER FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Perthshire, perthshireamber.com

A traditional music festival taking place across autumnal Perthshire. Expect big names at the afternoon and evening concerts, plus plenty of other activities including the Decorated Wheelbarrow Parade and Amber Autumn Picnic.

4–10 NOVEMBER

GLASGOW FESTIVAL OF BURLESQUE THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfestivalofburlesque.com

A festival celebrating the very best of cabaret, with workshops and performances.

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The UK’s longest continuous running mountain film festival showcases an international programme of films by local filmmakers, presentations and book signings by world renowned mountaineers, adventurers and expedition leaders, and art and photography exhibitions.

29 NOVEMBER–1 JANUARY

9 NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER

FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Bonar Hall, Dundee, dmff.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF WINE FOOD & DRINK The Balmoral, Edinburgh, festival-of-wine.com

A tasting of over 200 wines poured by some of the country’s best retailers and the world’s best producers. Sample wines, stock your drinks cabinet and enter blind-tasting competitions.

14–16 NOVEMBER

HAVANA GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

BEECRAIGS FESTIVE FOREST FAMILY / OUTDOOR Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, westlothian.gov.uk/beecraigs

This Linlithgow event is a brand new winter festival from the team behind Botanic Lights and Illuminight. Follow a 1.5k festive trail through picturesque woodland, featuring state-ofthe-art lighting, projection and interactive installations.

FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, hgfilmfest.com

30 NOVEMBER

A celebration of the culture of Glasgow and Havana with a programme of film, dance, music, social events and discussions across Glasgow. In 2019 the festival is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute) and 500th Anniversary of the city of Havana with a special feature on ‘Titon’ Tomás Alea.

FOOD & DRINK Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, drambusters.com

DRAMBUSTERS WHISKY FESTIVAL

A festival celebrating the water of life. Meet the makers and celebrities of the whisky world and have a wee dram from a range of malts and other spirits. Tickets are on sale to Drambusters Whisky Club LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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members now and for the general public in March.

30 NOVEMBER

ST ANDREW’S DAY FUSION FESTIVAL MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Dundee, leisureandculturedundee.com

Festival of music and dance styles from the diverse community that comprise the modern Dundee.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

ST ANDREW’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN ST ANDREWS FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, St Andrews, standrewsday.com

Where better to celebrate our Patron Saint than the town that shares his name? There are a host of activities for young and old alike to pay homage in St Andrews.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Oban, obanwinterfestival.com

The delightful coastal town of Oban gets all frosty with a series of activities, films and light shows to celebrate the fluffy white season that carries the year to a close.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH INDEPENDENT RADICAL BOOK FAIR LITERATURE / POLITICS Lighthouse Bookshop, Edinburgh, lighthousebookshop. com

A festival of ideas put together and laid on by the folks at the Lighthouse Bookshop in Edinburgh, it showcases publishers and speakers with an emphasis on small and independent presses and writings from way outside of the mainstream.

SONICA Sonica is Glasgow’s cutting-edge international arts festival that crosses the boundaries of music, theatre, visual and electronic art.

The festival is the brain-child of internationally-renowned producing art house Cryptic, who are responsible for some of the most fascinating recent live performance work in the country, including Kathy Hinde’s Luminous Birds and Louise Harris’ Visaurihelix.

Since Sonica first launched in 2012, it has presented over 400 events by 180 artists from six continents. The biennial festival returns in autumn and promises to showcase more Scottish talent than ever, as well as contributions by artists from Argentina, Catalonia, France, Japan, Mexico, Canada and more.

The full programme is yet to be released but one major feature of 2019’s programme is the UK début of Verdensteatret, an Oslo-based artist collective who have been working for the past 30 years on staged works that combine genres such as performance, installation, film and shadow-play. They are set to perform their piece HANNAH after its success in New York. The visual concert, performance and art installation is inspired by the gradual unfolding of geological time, with Verdensteatret’s performers using the entire space as one multilayered audio-visual instrument to create a uniquely humorous and captivating work.

Alongside the programme of performances, Sonica also hosts a series of talks, tours and workshops with industry insiders and artists. The organisers promise, in true Cryptic style, that there will be lots of surprises in store and several exciting new venues to be discovered. (Katharine Gemmell) ■ Various venues, Glasgow, 31 October–10 November, sonic-a.co.uk 83

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NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

GREEK FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Filmhouse, Edinburgh, edinburghgreekfestival.com

Edinburgh’s Greek Film Festival brings cutting-edge Greek filmmaking to audiences in the capital every late autumn, with screenings in the Filmhouse and Q&A sessions from visiting directors.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

PERTH ST ANDREW’S DAY SCOTTISH FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Perth, perthcity.co.uk

Celebrate St Andrew’s Day with live music and a marketplace selling food and drink from our natural larder.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS AND HOGMANAY It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and nowhere else does it quite like Edinburgh. For six weeks, the city centre is transformed into a winter wonderland of holly-jolly festivities. At the famous Christmas market, stalls sell unique gifts, with plenty of mulled wine and warming treats to go around, as well as a fairground for thrill seekers and families alike. Take a spin around the elliptical iceskating rink in St Andrew Square, and meet the man in red himself at Santa’s Grotto. Theatres around town also boast an impressive seasonal programme of plays, dance and cabaret favourites, both old and new.

Picking up right where Christmas leaves off is Hogmanay, which begins on 30 December with a magnificent torchlight procession from the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park. With a programme of classical and traditional music concerts, as well as family events for those with early bedtimes, there is a myriad ways to bid the old year adieu.

The centrepiece of Hogmanay celebrations, however, is the Hogmanay Street Party on New Year’s Eve, which has Princes Street fully taken over by artists, DJs and street performers, while headline acts rock out in the gardens below. Big names from previous years include Paolo Nutini, Biffy Clyro and Franz Ferdinand. Then, after the wild carousing of the night before, start the new year on the right foot at the traditional Loony Dook on 1 January, wherein people plunge into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth to raise money for charity. (Deborah Chu) ■ Various venues, Edinburgh, November–January, edinburghschristmas. com and edinburghshogmanay.com 84

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BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Scotland, bookweekscotland.com

A ‘national book festival’ for Scotland courtesy of Creative Scotland, the Scottish Book Trust and many other collaborators across the country.

A packed programme of starstudded author events, kids’ activities and the distribution of free books all combine to form a week-long national celebration of reading.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

SEALL FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS COMMUNITY / MUSIC Various venues, Skye & Lochalsh, seall.co.uk/smallhalls

An eight-day multi-art winter festival bringing big music to small halls around Skye and Lochalsh with an emphasis on civic celebration.

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS FAMILY Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, rbge.org.uk

Wander beneath the tree canopies bathed in seasonal colour, enjoy the sounds of the Choir of the Trees and keep an eye out for Santa and his elves.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

AN LANNTAIR’S WINTER FESTIVALS FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema, Isle of Lewis, lanntair. com

A festival in honour of Scotland’s national days of celebration: St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night. Events include film screenings, live music and a family ceilidh.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

CHRISTMAS IN ABERDEEN FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, explore-aberdeen.com

Events and activities for the whole family this festive period including the Christmas village, markets, carol concerts and more.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

GLASGOW LOVES CHRISTMAS FAMILY Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowloveschristmas.com

Festive celebrations in Glasgow city centre. Watch the centre become illuminated at Glasgow Christmas Lights switch-on, race a 5k dressed as the estimable Mr Claus for the Santa Dash, watch the parade at the Style Mile

Carnival and enjoy not one but two festive markets.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

KINROSS-SHIRE’S WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Kinross, kleo.org.uk

A lively and fun-packed mix of family entertainments including pantos, music, street market, carols, fairs and Christmas activities.

Six whole weeks of a winter wonderland comes to the capital, with the West End of Edinburgh transformed by a fairground, a host of colourful lights and the fabled European Christmas market with dozens of stalls selling traditional trinkets and crafts as well as delicious Teutonic treats (and, of course, lovely glühwein). See Panel, page 84.

DECEMBER 30 DECEMBER–1 JANUARY

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY

STIRLING WINTER FESTIVAL

FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghshogmanay.com

FAMILY Various venues, Stirling, stirlingwinterfestival.com

Stirling greets the winter with a programme of events from St Andrew’s Day to the other side of Hogmanay, including a Santa Parade, live music, markets and the Christmas lights switch-on.

NOVEMBER–JANUARY, DATES TBC

SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE WINTER FESTIVAL LITERATURE Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

The Scottish Storytelling Centre in association with Scotland’s Winter Festivals entertains us across the colder months by showcasing the way in which our nation’s traditions can bring Scottish people together, whether they’re home or away.

NOVEMBER–JANUARY, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghschristmas.com

Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebration ushers the new year in with a bang.

A Torchlight Procession winds through the historic Old Town and into Holyrood Park, a massive street party culminates with Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle and for the bravest of souls among you there’s the damp Loony Dook in the River Forth. See Panel, page 84.

DECEMBER, DATES TBC

CROMARTY FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Cromarty, Black Isle, cromartyfilmfestival.org

Film festival featuring interviews and screenings decided by festival-goers.

DECEMBER, DATES TBC

DUNOON FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Dunoon, dunoonfilmfestival.org

Boutique weekend festival bringing world cinema, forgotten classics and new work by Scottish directors to the seaside town of Dunoon.

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INDEX There are two indexes: The first lists festivals alphabetically and the second by category.

3 Harbours Arts Festival Aberdeen Afrolatin Festival Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music Festival Aberdeen Comedy Festival Aberdeen Jazz Festival Aberdeen Mela Access All Areas: Fife’s Festival of the Great Outdoors Africa in Motion Film Festival Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival An Lanntair’s Winter Festivals Angus Brewfest Angus Glens Walking Festival Annuale Anstruther Harbour Festival Architecture Fringe Arran Folk Festival Arran Mountain Festival Arts Across Learning Festival Audacious Women Festival Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival Ayrshire Beer Festival Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival Ballantrae Festival of Food & Drink Ballater Walking Festival Bandstand Beer and Music Festival Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running BearScotFest Beecraigs Festive Forest Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Beltane Fire Festival Beò Music Festival Beyond Borders International Festival Big Burns Supper Big Lit Big Roman Week Biggar Little Festival Biggar Science Festival Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts Week Blas Festival Blazin’ in Beauly Bloody Scotland Bonfest Book Week Scotland Booked!

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54 72 51 76 33 61 78 81 40 85 81 47 54 60 52 52 44 29 29 32 76 52 52 46 40 76 78 82 64 38 44 67 26 39 72 78 72 64 74 78 72 40 84 44

Bookmark Boswell Book Festival Braemar Mountain Festival Bridge of Allan Highland Games Burns Hame Toun Burns Night Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Burns&Beyond Burnsfest!

ButeFest BWA Tiree Wave Classic C2C: Country to Country CAGE-A-RAMA Caithness International Science Festival Callander Jazz and Blues Festival Campbeltown Malts Festival Cantilena Festival on Islay Capital Sci-Fi Con Celtic Connections Celtic Media Festival Central Scotland Documentary Film Festival Ceòl Cholasa Ceòlas Christmas at the Botanics Christmas in Aberdeen ClydeBuilt Festival CoastWord Cocktails in the City Coll Bird Festival Colonsay Book Festival Colonsay Festival of Spring Colours Conpulsion Death Counterflows Cowalfest Crail Festival Crail Food Festival Creative Peebles Festival Creetown Country Ceilidh Festival Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival Cromarty Film Festival DanceLive Dead by Dawn Discovery Film Festival Doc’n Roll Scotland Document Human Rights Film Festival Doors Open Days Dornoch Grand Fibre Fest Doune the Rabbit Hole Drambusters Whisky Festival Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dunbar Traditional Music Festival

81 43 29 64 26 27 27 26 40 61 78 30 26 30 76 46 57 28 26 51 81 70 57 85 85 72 46 40 43 38 38 28 34 34 81 60 54 68 40 76 85 79 36 80 36 80 74 30 60 82 47 74

Dundead Horror Film Festival Dundee Design Festival Dundee Flower & Food Festival Dundee Mountain Film Festival Dundee Science Festival Dundee WestFest: Big Sunday Dundee Women’s Festival Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival Dunoon Film Festival Dunure Festival of the Sea Eaglesham Beer Festival East Neuk Festival Edinburgh Art Festival Edinburgh Coffee Festival Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh Festival of Cycling Edinburgh Film Fest in the City Edinburgh Food Festival Edinburgh Horror Festival Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair Edinburgh International Book Festival Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality nd Peace Edinburgh International Film Festival Edinburgh International Harp Festival Edinburgh International Science Festival Edinburgh International Television Festival Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival Edinburgh Marathon Festival Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival Edinburgh Whisky Festival Edinburgh Yarn Festival Edinburgh’s Christmas Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Eilean Dorcha Festival Electric Fields Electric Frog + Pressure Riverside Festival Elie Scarecrow Festival Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival Falkirk Gin Festival Falkirk Tryst Festival

42 50 69 82 76 50 30 58 85 60 52 54 61 76 46 64 51 52 61 81 83 66 47 64

30 53 34 34 67 58 47 27 53 33 85 32 85 61 56 47 50 81 35 44

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

28 78 36 27 43 26 56 38 64 29 64 50 38 67 30 54 44 44 35 40 40 54 82 29 32 53 85 56 51 32 70 36 34 29 82 84 56 34 60 28 47 74 47 35 43

Inverness Music Festival Islay Book Festival Islay Festival of Music and Malt Isle of Gigha Music Festival Isle of Jura Music Festival Jocktoberfest Juniper Festival Kelburn Garden Party Kelso Folk Festival Killin Music Festival King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution Kingdom of Fife Real Ale and Cider Festival Kinross-shire’s Winter Festival Kirkcaldy’s Food and Drink Fair Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail Kirkcudbright Festival of Light Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival Lammermuir Festival Largs Viking Festival Leith Festival Lilias Day Festival Linlithgow Folk Festival Live @ Troon Music Festival Loch Fyne Viking Festival Loch Ness Film Festival Loch Ness Knit Fest Loch Shiel Spring Festival Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Look Again Festival Loopallu Lords of the Land Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival March into Pitlochry May Festival

40 30 33 54 74 80 66

29 67 47 56 74 68 47 57 69 52 26 39 85 32 64 78 52 69 46 70 70 75 52 50 61 70 61 61 78 36 30 51 72 34 39 28 34 46

Meadows Festival MHOR Festival Midlothian Outdoors Festival Midstock Festival Midsummer Music Festival Millport Country Music Festival Moniaive Folk Festival Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival Mossfest Muckle Toon Adventure Festival Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Festival Musselburgh Festival NAAFC Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival National Festival of Youth Theatre NEoN Digital Arts Festival NEOS: North East Open Studios Ness Book Fest Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival Newton Stewart Walking Festival Niel Gow Festival Northern Streams Oban Live Oban Winter Festival Ocean Film Festival On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Open Studios North Fife Open the Door: Scotland’s Women Writers Festival Orkney Blues Festival Orkney Folk Festival Orkney International Science Festival

54 46 66 67 53 67 43 75 53 78 52 67 60 30 70 57 82 72 76 56 58 43 32 38 51 83 70 34 42 44 74 46 68

PHOTO: GRAHAM WYNNE

FebruaryFest Festival of the Future Fife Brass Band Festival Fife Festival of Music FifeSing: The Fife Traditional Singing Festival Fire and Light Fofar Gala Week Folk Film Gathering Foodies Festival Fort William Mountain Festival Fringe by the Sea FyneFest Galashiels Walking Festival Galloway Country Fair Galloway Music Festival Garioch Theatre Festival Get Creative Festival Gig in the Goil Gintyre: Festival of Scottish Gins Girvan Traditional Folk Festival Glasgow Coffee Festival Glasgow Comic Con Glasgow Festival of Burlesque Glasgow Film Festival Glasgow International Comedy Festival Glasgow Jazz Festival Glasgow Loves Christmas Glasgow Mela Glasgow Science Festival Glasgow Short Film Festival Glasgow Youth Film Festival Glasgow Zine Fest Glenfarg Folk Feast Granite Noir Graphic Design Festival Scotland Greek Film Festival GWCT Scottish Game Fair Hawick Reivers Festival Hebcelt Festival Hebridean Dark Skies Festival Hidden Door Highland Archaeology Festival Highland Food and Drink Festival Highland Haggis Festival Highland Whisky Festival Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival Hina Matsuri Festival HippFest Horsecross Youth Arts Festival Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival Illuminight with Lidl Innerleithen Music Festival

Kelburn Garden Party 87

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Orkney Jazz Festival Orkney Nature Festival Orkney Storytelling Festival Outwith Festival Paisley Comic Con Paisley Food and Drink Festival Paisley Halloween Festival Panopticon Burns Night Party at the Palace Peebles Outdoor Film Festival Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Perth Beer Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Perth Festival of Yarn Perth Riverside Light Nights Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Perth Winter Festival Perthshire Amber Festival Peterhead Scottish Week Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival Pitmedden Community Music Festival Pittenweem Arts Festival Portobello Book Festival Portsoy Music Festival: The Tenth Haal Potfest Scotland Puppet Animation Festival Rare Books Edinburgh Rattray Arts Festival Refugee Festival Scotland Rewind Scotland Royal National Mòd Sagra Italiana Samhuinn Fire Festival Scalarama Scapa Fest: The Yoga & Adventure Festival Scotland Calling Scotland Loves Anime Scotland’s Daffodil Festival Scotland’s Salmon Festival Scottish Archaeology Month Scottish Borders Walking Festival Scottish Comedy Film Festival Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Learning Festival Scottish Queer International Film Festival Scottish Storytelling Centre Winter Festival 88

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46 44 81 75 36 36 81 27 66 27 81 43 44 69 27 84 82 82 60 66 50 64 76 47 52 34 33 66 53 60 78 54 81 68 40 38 81 36 75 68 69 42 68 79 75 74 85

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Screenplay SEALL Festival of Small Halls Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Shetland County Drama Festival Shetland Folk Festival Shetland Folk Frenzy Shetland Nature Festival Shetland Wool Week Shuffle Down Skye Live Solas Festival Sonica Sound Festival Southern Fried Festival Southside Film Festival Southside Fringe Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Spring Fling St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews St Andrew’s Day Fusion Festival St Andrews Voices St Magnus International Festival St Monans Community Arts Festival StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival Stereofunk Festival Stirling Winter Festival Stonehaven Folk Festival Stranraer Oyster Festival Stranraer Skiffieworlds Strathaven Balloon Festival Strathaven Folk Festival Strichen Festival Summerhall Beer FestivALE Take Me Somewhere Take One Action Film Festival Tarbert Music Festival Tarbert Seafood Festival Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival Taste of Grampian TechFest Tectonics Glasgow Teeny Tiny Toddler Fest Terminal V The Bute Gin Festival The Cumnock Tryst The Eden Festival The Edinburgh Cup International Youth Football Festival The Enchanted Forest The Gathering The National Wallace Monument 150th Anniversary The National Whisky Festival

54 68 84 78 30 40 60 57 74 36 69 53 81 80 61 47 44 39 47 83 83 78 54 72 30 42 85 57 70 57 67 61 44 40 50 72 72 57 60 50 69 40 26 36 28 76 51

The Northern Meeting Piping Contest The Power of Food Festival The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The Scottish Elvis Festival The Scottish Fly Fair The Scottish Short Film Festival The Skye Festival: Fèis an Eilein The Spree The Sruighlea Festival The Trossachs Beer Festival The Whisky Social The Whisky Stramash Tidelines Book Festival Tiree Music Festival TMSA Keith Festival Tradfest Edinburgh / Dùn Èideann TRNSMT Festival Truckfest True North True Origins: The Scottish Gin Festival Turing Fest Tweed Valley Forest Festival Tweedlove Presents Transcend Ukulele Festival of Scotland Ullapool Book Festival Ullapool Dance Festival Ullapool Guitar Festival unDependence Film Festival UnstFest Up Helly Aa Vertex Festival Vogrie Fire & Light Adventure Walk Islay Weave Festival and Sma’ Shot Day Wee Dub Festival Wee G&T Festival West End Festival Wide Days Wigtown Book Festival Winter Words Festival WoFF: World of Film International Festival Glasgow Woodland Dance Project XpoNorth Youth Beatz

67 53 64 35 30 60 56 78 67 67 66 44 72 57 52 38 57 64 75 28 67 79 52 47 43 34 76 34 60 27 75 75 36 57 30 72 47 35 74 28 76 44 56 54

CATEGORY

64 76 50

ART

70 27

3 Harbours Arts Festival Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival

54 40

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Annuale Architecture Fringe Arts Across Learning Festival Crail Festival Creative Peebles Festival Doors Open Days Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dundee Design Festival East Neuk Festival Edinburgh Art Festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Edinburgh Yarn Festival Festival of the Future Fringe by the Sea Glasgow Comic Con Graphic Design Festival Scotland Hidden Door Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Look Again Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival NEoN Digital Arts Festival NEOS: North East Open Studios On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Open Studios North Fife Outwith Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Peterhead Scottish Week Pittenweem Arts Festival Potfest Scotland Rattray Arts Festival Refugee Festival Scotland Royal National Mòd Sonica Spring Fling St Magnus International Festival St Monans Community Arts Festival Vertex Festival West End Festival

54 52 29 60 68 74 47 50 54 61 64 64

30 33 78 64 54 82 47 64 30 51 39 28 70 82 72 34 42 75 44 60 64 52 66 53 78 81 47 54 72 75 47

COMEDY Aberdeen Comedy Festival Aberdeen Comedy Festival Burns&Beyond Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh Horror Festival Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Edinburgh’s Christmas

76 26 26 64 81 47 85

Fringe by the Sea Glasgow International Comedy Festival Leith Festival Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Outwith Festival Panopticon Burns Night Perth Festival of the Arts Scottish Comedy Film Festival Southside Fringe The Spree Vertex Festival West End Festival

64 32 52 30 39 70 34 75 27 44 42 44 78 75 47

COMMUNITY Aberdeen Mela BearScotFest Biggar Little Festival Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts Week Booked!

ClydeBuilt Festival Crail Festival Creative Peebles Festival Eaglesham Beer Festival Elie Scarecrow Festival Fofar Gala Week Get Creative Festival Glasgow Mela Lilias Day Festival Meadows Festival Millport Country Music Festival Pitmedden Community Music Festival SEALL Festival of Small Halls Southside Fringe St Monans Community Arts Festival Vertex Festival

61 78 78 64 44 72 60 68 52 50 56 44 56 50 54 67 50 84 44 72 75

FAMILY Aberdeen Mela Access All Areas: Fife’s Festival of the Great Outdoors An Lanntair’s Winter Festivals Anstruther Harbour Festival Arts Across Learning Festival Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running Beecraigs Festive Forest Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Big Roman Week Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts Week

61 78 85 60 29 52 76 82 64 72 64

Book Week Scotland Bookmark Boswell Book Festival Burns Hame Toun Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Burnsfest!

Caithness International Science Festival Capital Sci-Fi Con Christmas at the Botanics Christmas in Aberdeen ClydeBuilt Festival CoastWord Colonsay Book Festival Colonsay Festival of Spring Conpulsion Death Crail Festival Creative Peebles Festival DanceLive Discovery Film Festival Doors Open Days Dunbar Traditional Music Festival Dundee Science Festival Dundee WestFest: Big Sunday Edinburgh Art Festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh International Book Festival Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh International Film Festival Edinburgh International Science Festival Edinburgh’s Christmas Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Eilean Dorcha Festival Elie Scarecrow Festival Festival of the Future Fire and Light Fofar Gala Week Fringe by the Sea FyneFest Galloway Country Fair Glasgow Loves Christmas Glasgow Mela Glasgow Science Festival Glasgow Youth Film Festival Hawick Reivers Festival Hebcelt Festival Highland Food and Drink Festival Highland Haggis Festival Horsecross Youth Arts Festival Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival Illuminight with Lidl Islay Book Festival

84 81 43 26 27 40 30 28 85 85 72 46 38 38 34 60 68 79 80 74 74 76 50 61 64 66 47 64 53 34 85 85 61 50 78 26 56 64 50 67 85 56 51 70 34 60 47 35 54 74 80 67 89

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

Isle of Gigha Music Festival Kelburn Garden Party Kinross-shire’s Winter Festival Kirkcaldy’s Food and Drink Fair Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail Kirkcudbright Festival of Light Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Largs Viking Festival Lilias Day Festival Linlithgow Folk Festival Loch Fyne Viking Festival Meadows Festival MHOR Festival Midlothian Outdoors Festival Millport Country Music Festival Mossfest Muckle Toon Adventure Festival Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Festival Musselburgh Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival National Festival of Youth Theatre NEoN Digital Arts Festival Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival Northern Streams Oban Winter Festival Orkney Folk Festival Orkney International Science Festival Orkney Nature Festival Paisley Comic Con Paisley Halloween Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Perth Riverside Light Nights Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Perth Winter Festival Perthshire Amber Festival Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival Pitmedden Community Music Festival Pittenweem Arts Festival Puppet Animation Festival Rattray Arts Festival Samhuinn Fire Festival Scapa Fest: The Yoga & Adventure Festival Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Shetland Nature Festival 90

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56 57 85 32 64 78 69 46 75 50 61 61 54 46 66 67 78 52 67 60 70 57 82 56 38 83 46 68 44 36 81 44 27 84 82 82 66 50 64 34 66 81 40 68 79 54 57

Spring Fling St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews St Andrews Voices St Monans Community Arts Festival StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival Stirling Winter Festival Stranraer Oyster Festival Stranraer Skiffieworlds Strathaven Balloon Festival Strichen Festival Tarbert Music Festival Tarbert Seafood Festival Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival Taste of Grampian TechFest Teeny Tiny Toddler Fest The Eden Festival The Edinburgh Cup International Youth Football Festival The Enchanted Forest The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tidelines Book Festival Tiree Music Festival TMSA Keith Festival Truckfest Tweed Valley Forest Festival UnstFest Up Helly Aa Vogrie Fire & Light Adventure Walk Islay Weave Festival and Sma’ Shot Day Wigtown Book Festival

47 83 78 72 30 85 70 57 67 44 72 57 60 50 69 26 51 64 76 64 72 57 52 64 79 60 27 75 36 57 74

FILM & TV 3 Harbours Arts Festival Africa in Motion Film Festival Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival Annuale Arts Across Learning Festival CAGE-A-RAMA Capital Sci-Fi Con Celtic Media Festival Central Scotland Documentary Film Festival Cromarty Film Festival Dead by Dawn Discovery Film Festival Doc’n Roll Scotland Document Human Rights Film Festival Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dundead Horror Film Festival Dundee Mountain Film Festival Dundee Women’s Festival

54 81 40 54 29 26 28 51 81 85 36 80 36 80 47 42 82 30

Dunoon Film Festival Edinburgh Film Fest in the City Edinburgh Horror Festival Edinburgh International Film Festival Edinburgh International Television Festival Folk Film Gathering Fort William Mountain Festival Glasgow Comic Con Glasgow Film Festival Glasgow Short Film Festival Glasgow Youth Film Festival Greek Film Festival HippFest Loch Ness Film Festival Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival Ocean Film Festival On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Outwith Festival Paisley Comic Con Peebles Outdoor Film Festival Refugee Festival Scotland Scalarama Scotland Loves Anime Scottish Comedy Film Festival Scottish Queer International Film Festival Screenplay Southside Film Festival Take One Action Film Festival The Scottish Short Film Festival unDependence Film Festival West End Festival WoFF: World of Film International Festival Glasgow XpoNorth

85 52 81 53 67 38 29 54 29 32 70 84 33 61 28 70 70 34 75 36 27 53 68 81 42 74 68 47 72 60 34 47 76 56

FOOD & DRINK An Lanntair’s Winter Festivals Angus Brewfest Anstruther Harbour Festival Ayrshire Beer Festival Ballantrae Festival of Food & Drink Bandstand Beer and Music Festival Burns Night Burnsfest!

Campbeltown Malts Festival Cocktails in the City Crail Food Festival Drambusters Whisky Festival Dundee Flower & Food Festival Dunure Festival of the Sea Eaglesham Beer Festival Edinburgh Coffee Festival Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival

85 81 60 76 52 40 27 40 46 40 54 82 69 60 52 76 46

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2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

The Whisky Social The Whisky Stramash True Origins: The Scottish Gin Festival Wee G&T Festival

66 44 28 72

HERITAGE

Cocktails in the City Edinburgh Food Festival Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival Edinburgh Whisky Festival Falkirk Gin Festival FebruaryFest Foodies Festival FyneFest Gintyre: Festival of Scottish Gins Glasgow Coffee Festival GWCT Scottish Game Fair Highland Food and Drink Festival Highland Haggis Festival Highland Whisky Festival Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival Islay Festival of Music and Malt Jocktoberfest Juniper Festival Kingdom of Fife Real Ale and Cider Festival Kirkcaldy’s Food and Drink Fair MHOR Festival Paisley Food and Drink Festival Perth Beer Festival Sagra Italiana Scapa Fest: The Yoga & Adventure Festival Scotland’s Salmon Festival Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Stranraer Oyster Festival Summerhall Beer FestivALE Tarbert Seafood Festival Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival Taste of Grampian The Bute Gin Festival The Gathering The National Whisky Festival The Power of Food Festival The Sruighlea Festival The Trossachs Beer Festival

61 27 53 35 28 64 50 35 40 56 47 35 43 74 47 68 47 39 32 46 36 43 54 40 75 68 39 70 40 57 60 50 28 50 27 53 67 67

3 Harbours Arts Festival Beltane Fire Festival Big Burns Supper Big Roman Week Blas Festival Bridge of Allan Highland Games Burns Hame Toun Burns Night Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Burns&Beyond Celtic Connections Cowalfest Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival Dornoch Grand Fibre Fest Dundee Design Festival Dunure Festival of the Sea Edinburgh Yarn Festival Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Elie Scarecrow Festival FifeSing: The Fife Traditional Singing Festival GWCT Scottish Game Fair Hawick Reivers Festival Highland Archaeology Festival Hina Matsuri Festival Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail Largs Viking Festival Leith Festival Loch Fyne Viking Festival Loch Ness Knit Fest Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Festival Musselburgh Festival NAAFC Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival Open Studios North Fife Perth Festival of Yarn Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Royal National Mòd Samhuinn Fire Festival Scotland’s Salmon Festival Scottish Archaeology Month Scottish Borders Walking Festival Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

54 38 26 72 74 64 26 27 27 26 26 81 76 30 50 60 33 32 85 50 43 56 34 74 30 64 75 52 61 78 67 60 30 42 69 84 78 81 75 68 69 79 54

Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Shetland Wool Week Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews Strichen Festival Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival The National Wallace Monument 150th Anniversary The Northern Meeting Piping Contest The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The Scottish Fly Fair The Skye Festival: Fèis an Eilein TMSA Keith Festival Tradfest Edinburgh / Dùn Èideann Tweed Valley Forest Festival Up Helly Aa Weave Festival and Sma’ Shot Day

78 74 39 83 44 60 70 67 64 30 56 52 38 79 27 57

LITERATURE 3 Harbours Arts Festival Audacious Women Festival Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival Beyond Borders International Festival Big Burns Supper Big Lit Biggar Little Festival Bloody Scotland Book Week Scotland Booked!

Bookmark Boswell Book Festival Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Burns&Beyond CoastWord Colonsay Book Festival Creative Peebles Festival Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival East Neuk Festival Edinburgh Horror Festival Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair Edinburgh International Book Festival Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival Falkirk Tryst Festival Festival of the Future Glasgow Comic Con Glasgow Zine Fest Granite Noir Islay Book Festival Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative

54 29 32 52 67 26 39 78 72 84 44 81 43 27 26 46 38 68 47 54 81 83 66 81 44 78 54 36 29 67 30

91

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2019

Ageing Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival Ness Book Fest On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Open the Door: Scotland’s Women Writers Festival Orkney Storytelling Festival Outwith Festival Paisley Comic Con Portobello Book Festival Rare Books Edinburgh Refugee Festival Scotland Royal National Mòd Scotland Loves Anime Shetland Wool Week Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Storytelling Centre Winter Festival Southside Fringe St Magnus International Festival StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival Tidelines Book Festival Ullapool Book Festival West End Festival Wigtown Book Festival Winter Words Festival

39 70 76 34 44 81 75 36 76 33 53 78 81 74 79 85 44 54 30 72 43 47 74 28

OUTDOOR Access All Areas: Fife’s Festival of the Great Outdoors Angus Glens Walking Festival Arran Mountain Festival Ballater Walking Festival Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running Beecraigs Festive Forest Beltane Fire Festival Big Roman Week Braemar Mountain Festival BWA Tiree Wave Classic ClydeBuilt Festival Coll Bird Festival Colonsay Festival of Spring Cowalfest Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival Dundee Flower & Food Festival Dundee Mountain Film Festival Edinburgh Festival of Cycling Edinburgh Marathon Festival Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival Fort William Mountain Festival Galashiels Walking Festival Hebridean Dark Skies Festival Highland Archaeology Festival 92

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78 47 44 46

Largs Viking Festival Midlothian Outdoors Festival Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival Muckle Toon Adventure Festival Newton Stewart Walking Festival Orkney Nature Festival Peebles Outdoor Film Festival Scapa Fest: The Yoga & Adventure Festivall Scotland’s Daffodil Festival Scottish Archaeology Month Scottish Borders Walking Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Shetland Nature Festival Stranraer Skiffieworlds Strathaven Balloon Festival The Scottish Fly Fair Tweed Valley Forest Festival Tweedlove Presents Transcend Walk Islay

75 66 53 52 43 44 27 40 36 68 69 54 57 57 67 30 79 52 36

POLITICS Audacious Women Festival Beyond Borders International Festival Document Human Rights Film Festival Dundee Women’s Festival Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair Scottish Queer International Film Festival Take One Action Film Festival

29 67 80 30 83 74 72

MUSIC 76 82 38 72 29 78 72 43 38 81 76 69 82 51 47 27 29 38 28 74

3 Harbours Arts Festival Aberdeen Afrolatin Festival Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music Festival Aberdeen Jazz Festival Aberdeen Mela An Lanntair’s Winter Festivals Angus Brewfest Arran Folk Festival Bandstand Beer and Music Festival Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Beò Music Festival Blas Festival Blazin’ in Beauly Bonfest Burns Night Burnsfest!

ButeFest C2C: Country to Country Callander Jazz and Blues Festival Cantilena Festival on Islay

54 72 51 33 61 85 81 52 40 64 44 74 78 40 27 40 61 30 76 57

Celtic Connections Ceòl Cholasa Ceòlas Christmas in Aberdeen Colonsay Festival of Spring Colours Counterflows Creetown Country Ceilidh Festival DanceLive Doc’n Roll Scotland Doune the Rabbit Hole Dunbar Traditional Music Festival Dundee WestFest: Big Sunday Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival Dunure Festival of the Sea East Neuk Festival Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival Edinburgh International Harp Festival Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Eilean Dorcha Festival Electric Fields Electric Frog + Pressure Riverside Festival Fife Brass Band Festival Fife Festival of Music FifeSing: The Fife Traditional Singing Festival Folk Film Gathering Galloway Music Festival Gig in the Goil Girvan Traditional Folk Festival Glasgow Coffee Festival Glasgow Jazz Festival Glasgow Mela Glenfarg Folk Feast Hebcelt Festival Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival Innerleithen Music Festival Inverness Music Festival Islay Festival of Music and Malt Isle of Gigha Music Festival Isle of Jura Music Festival Jocktoberfest Kelburn Garden Party Kelso Folk Festival Killin Music Festival King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival

26 70 57 85 38 28 34 40 79 36 60 74 50 58 60 54 46 34 58 32 85 61 56 47 36 27 43 38 30 44 40 40 53 56 34 60 40 66 29 47 56 74 68 57 69 52 26 52 69 46 70

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17/01/2019 12:19

2019 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Lammermuir Festival Lilias Day Festival Linlithgow Folk Festival Live @ Troon Music Festival Loch Shiel Spring Festival Loopallu Lords of the Land Festival March into Pitlochry Meadows Festival Midstock Festival Midsummer Music Festival Millport Country Music Festival Moniaive Folk Festival Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Festival NAAFC Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival Niel Gow Festival Northern Streams Oban Live Orkney Blues Festival Orkney Folk Festival Orkney Jazz Festival Party at the Palace Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Perthshire Amber Festival Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival Pitmedden Community Music Festival Portsoy Music Festival: The Tenth Haal Rewind Scotland Sagra Italianal Scotland Calling SEALL Festival of Small Halls Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Shetland Folk Festival Shetland Folk Frenzy Shuffle Down Skye Live Sound Festival Southern Fried Festival Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival St Andrew’s Day Fusion Festival St Andrews Voices

70 50 61 70 36 72 34 34 54 67 53 67 43 75 67 30 56 58 32 38 51 74 46 46 66 81 84 82 66 50 47 60 54 38 84 78 40 60 36 69 80 61 39 83 78

Stereofunk Festival Stonehaven Folk Festival Strathaven Folk Festival Strichen Festival Tarbert Music Festival Tectonics Glasgow Terminal V The Cumnock Tryst The Eden Festival The Gathering Moniaive Michaelmas The Northern Meeting Piping Contest The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The Scottish Elvis Festival Tiree Music Festival TMSA Keith Festival Tradfest Edinburgh / Dùn Èideann TRNSMT Festival True North Ukulele Festival of Scotland Ullapool Guitar Festival UnstFest Wee Dub Festival Wide Days Woodland Dance Project XpoNorth Youth Beatz

42 57 61 44 72 40 36 76 51 50 67 64 35 57 52 38 57 75 47 76 60 30 35 44 56 54

SCIENCE Biggar Science Festival Caithness International Science Festival Dundee Science Festival Edinburgh International Science Festival Festival of the Future Glasgow Science Festival Hebridean Dark Skies Festival Mossfest NEoN Digital Arts Festival Orkney International Science Festival Scottish Archaeology Month Scottish Learning Festival TechFest Turing Fest

72 30 76 34 78 51 28 78 82 68 68 75 69 67

THEATRE & DANCE Aberdeen Afrolatin Festival Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music Festival Aberdeen Mela Arts Across Learning Festival Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Biggar Little Festival Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts Week Burns&Beyond

72 51 61 29 64 78 64 26

Christmas in Aberdeen Creative Peebles Festival DanceLive Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dundee Women’s Festival Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Edinburgh’s Christmas Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival Falkirk Tryst Festival Festival of the Future Fringe by the Sea Garioch Theatre Festival Glasgow Festival of Burlesque Hidden Door Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival Hina Matsuri Festival Horsecross Youth Arts Festival Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival May Festival MHOR Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival National Festival of Youth Theatre Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Outwith Festival Panopticon Burns Night Perth Festival of the Arts Puppet Animation Festival Refugee Festival Scotland Royal National Mòd Samhuinn Fire Festival Shetland County Drama Festival Southside Fringe St Andrew’s Day Fusion Festival St Magnus International Festival St Monans Community Arts Festival Take Me Somewhere The Eden Festival The Spree Ullapool Dance Festival Vertex Festival West End Festival

85 68 79 47 30 58 64 47 64

30 85 32 81 44 78 64 54 82 47 40 30 54 30 39 28 46 46 70 57 58 34 75 27 44 34 53 78 81 30 44 83 54 72 50 51 78 34 75 47 93

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IN 2020, SCOTLAND CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF COASTS AND WATERS From our beautiful natural features including coasts, lochs and rivers to our industrial heritage such as our canals, mills and the creation of our national drink whisky, Scotland’s Coasts and Waters have shaped our culture, our stories and our way of life. So whether you want to navigate your way around distant isles or canals, experience Scotland’s maritime heritage at a visitor attraction, enjoy Scotland’s abundant natural larder or discover Scotland’s wildlife on a local boat trip - Scotland’s coasts and waters are perfect for get-away-from-it-all adventures. So ‘water’ you waiting for - come on in, the water’s lovely!

Join the conversation using #YCW2020 For more info visitscotland.com/ycw2020

Sea Kayaking off Seacliff Beach

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VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

17/01/2019 11:19

O c w e S a fi

bringing

inspiration and ideas to you

Calanais Visitor Centre, Outer Hebrides

Wherever you are we’re on hand to help you experience the best of Scotland.

Our friendly information experts can offer advice on what’s on, where to go and book tickets for events, activities and transport. Our Shop Local initiative promotes local artisans so we’re sure to help you find the perfect gift from Scotland.

Our happy herd of Coo Vans will be on the moo-ve throughout Scotland, with our Coo-visors delivering excellent local advice. Look out for them at events and attractions and discover our top tips to make the most of your Scottish experience.

Our accredited Information Partners are based throughout Scotland and can offer tailored advice to help you make the most of your visit. Chat with them for insider tips about the must see attractions in the local area.

Find us at visitscotland.com/iknow ns

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TAKE YOURSELF BEYOND THE RED CARPET Film festivals in Scotland come in all shapes and sizes — from small community gatherings to major international events. They’re lovingly curated by people on a mission to bring us diverse stories from across the globe. They present new voices while never forgetting those of the past.

Screen Scotland supports film festivals so they can show increasingly diverse programmes to a range of audiences.

Year-round, we’re helping bring unique films to unusual places and taking cinema into communities the length and breadth of the country.

Find your film festival inside.

There’s something for everyone.

www.screen.scot |

@screenscots

The image depicts Cromarty Film Festival and was taken by Erlend Barclay.

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