The Guide to Scotland's Festivals 2015

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The Guide to

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FOOD

ART

THEATRE DRINK

FILM

OUTDOOR

COMEDY

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2015

FOREWORD INTRODUCING THE GUIDE After the bustle of sport and activity that saw the Commonwealth Games and its related events and festivals dominate Scotland’s cultural skyline last year, wouldn’t it be nice to turn your focus elsewhere and enjoy the more indulgent side of what Scotland has to offer? Luckily, 2015 is The Year of Food & Drink and if there’s one pastime at which our country excels, it’s taking advantage of our natural, and bountiful, larder.

It’s not all about the food, though.

The List, Scotland’s leading arts and entertainment guide, has rounded up the best festivals, from comedy and theatre to science and politics, covering the lowlands to the highlands. Here are a selection to help you decide where to go and what to see, our listings begin on p24.

Throughout the year, the latest updated details will be available online at list.co.uk

FOOD FESTIVALS 2015 is The Year of Food & Drink: a wise choice for Scotland, whose natural larder is always worth celebrating. And celebrate we do, with events paying homage to our incredible produce. See page 10.

HAPPYNESS A festival of laughs taking place across multiple venues in Inverness where local comics share the bill with internationally recognised acts.

See page 38. happy-ness.co.uk

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS

T IN THE PARK

Our capital has it covered when it comes to festivals.

From art and literature, film and jazz, to magic and international events, there’s something for everyone.

See page 60. edinburghfestivalcity.com

From relatively humble beginnings, T in the Park has become one of the UK’s largest events. The festival moves from its Balado home to the grounds of Strathallan Castle. See page 52. tinthepark.com

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2015 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

MANIPULATE

LUMINATE

Puppet Animation Scotland collates a collection of world-class animation, puppetry and related performing arts of all styles and techniques. See page 25. manipulatefestival.org

This one takes a look at our creative lives as we age, with a range of inspirational activities that cross generations. See page 73. uminatescotland.org

IMAGINATE

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL

Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people presents a selection of shows from Scotland and across the world.

See page 40. imaginate.org.uk

The heart of Glasgow comes alive with comedy, theatre and art events crammed into the area, while street performers add to the festival atmosphere.

See page 55. merchantcityfestival.com

ENCHANTED FOREST

FACLAN

A stunning sound and light show that transforms Pitlochry’s Faskally Wood using dazzling visuals and innovative design, all set to an original music score.

See page 74. enchantedforest.org.uk

Fed and nourished by a location in the Gaelic heartland, this northern book festival has diversified by featuring silent and archive film with live music and exhibitions. See page 78. faclan.org 5

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2015

Project Editor: Kirstyn Smith

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Production Manager: Simon Armin Designer: Lucy Munro

DATE NAME OF FESTIVAL

Contributors: Brian Donaldson, Nina Glencross, Malcolm Jack, Rowena McIntosh, Anna Millar, Rebecca Monks, David Pollock, Colin Robertson, Murray Robertson, Maud Sampson, Claire Sawers, Fiona Shepherd, Keith Smith, Kirstyn Smith Advertising: Sheri Friers, Chris Knox, Nicky Carter, Debbie Thomson

8–31 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Digital Director: Simon Dessain

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, boxoffice@eif.co.uk, eif.co.uk

Publisher: Robin Hodge

This guide was produced in conjunction with VisitScotland with funding through The Year of Food & Drink Scotland 2015.

The project manager within VisitScotland was Aimée McAvoy

Published by The List Ltd HEAD OFFICE 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050 Fax: 0131 557 8500 www.list.co.uk email festivals@list.co.uk © 2015 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 2015 Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd.

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GENRE

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, with performers drawn from around the world. While this year’s festival is curated around themes of the challenges, sacrifices and circumstances through which nations have emerged and cultures forged, it is from historical, international and contemporary perspectives and not an explicitly political one.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

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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FESTIVAL CHECKLIST 1

GLOW IN THE DARK LOO ROLL Consign groping around at night in search of the bog roll to the dark ages with this ingenious invention.

Price: £4.99 Stockist: Findmeagift.co.uk

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CASH STASH KEY CHAIN Unscrew the top, attach your money to the internal clip and put it on a key chain. Simply the handiest wallet around.

Price: £5.99 Stockist: Firebox.com

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BIG COOLER SEAT Being practical while keeping (things) chilled has never been so easy with this seat, bag and cool box in one.

Price: £14.25 Stockist: Amazon.co.uk

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BIOLITE CAMPING STOVE Roughing it just got more sophisticated. Cook, heat and even charge your phone with this biomass-fuelled stove.

Price: £149.99 Stockist: Biolitestove.com

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In trouble at T? Worried at Wickerman? Down on your luck at Up Helly Aa? Maud Sampson provides a handy guide to products that will keep you safe and sane on the festival circuit 3

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PORTABLE NOTEBOOK BBQ GRILL Unfold, fill with charcoal and light. Quite simply the best and simplest BBQ ever!

Price: £24.99 Stockist: Firebox.com

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MAGIC MIRROR This full-length mirror collapses to the size of an iPad, making it a lightweight and virtually unsmashable travel pal.

Price: £35 Stockist: Magicmirroruk.com

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ANORAK KISSING STAGS PICNIC RUG Chances are that it’s going to rain at some stage, so avoid a damp bottom with this cute waterproof-lined rug.

Price: £38 Stockist: Johnlewis.com

POLAROID CAMERA Stop the endless selfies and capture the moment with this camera that prints photos instantly.

Price: £59.99 Stockist: Amazon.co.uk

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2015

COME DINE WITH US Another big year is ahead for Scotland, this time with the focus on top ideas and opportunities for quality eating and drinking.

Claire Sawers tucks in to see what the 2015 menu offers

H

opefully, these days it’s only bad Edinburgh Fringe comedians that are making those jokes about all the food in Scotland being deepfried. Yes, Scotland still does an excellent fish and chips (particularly good when eaten next to the sea, while dodging diving seagulls), but in reality, Scotland’s cooks and food producers get up to a lot more besides deep-frying. Such as smoking haddock in Arbroath, roasting wild venison in Auchtermuchty, distilling whisky in Speyside, handcrafting chocolates in Oban, growing heritage tomatoes in the Clyde Valley, and slow roasting pork in the Borders.

A spotlight will be shone on Scotland’s edible side in 2015, with the Year of Food & Drink described as ‘a year-long celebration of Scotland’s natural larder’. The programme recognises not only the variety of delicious foods available in Scotland, but also the appetite for it: apparently one-fifth of tourist budgets is spent on food here, and VisitScotland reports that ‘eating traditional dishes and local produce’ is the second top activity for holidaymakers.

With that in mind, VisitScotland is bringing together a piled-high selection of cafés, restaurants, distilleries, hotels, producers and B&Bs who will all be showing off Scottish produce. Some are high-end, some are based outdoors, some feature Michelin-starred chefs, and others involve actors in costumes handing out samples of early-19th century food (head to the Georgian Kitchen at Falkirk’s Callendar House if you like the sound of the last one).

Those who are sweet of tooth may want to investigate the Hebridean Toffee company 10

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on the tiny island of Barra – they supply homemade tablet to the likes of Balmoral Castle – or perhaps spend a day picking your own summer berries at the family-run Rutherford Farm in Kelso. For those who’d like to learn how to make (then eat) their own desserts, Ruth Hinks, holder of the impressive title of ‘UK World Chocolate Master’, will be leading chocolate classes and pastry courses in Peebles; while the Cream o’ Galloway will be serving up luscious ice cream alongside a woodland adventure playground and Go Boing!, their new aerial netting adventure area.

Liquid options are plentiful too: the Scotch Malt Whisky Society will be hosting single malt tastings down by The Shore in Leith; the Orkney Brewery is hosting tours of their brewhouse and fermentation room, and Cairn O’Mohr winery in Perthshire will be showing off their range of fruit wines, ciders, sparkling wines, fruit punches and apple juices.

Events will be taking place across the country celebrating Scotland’s food and drink, including the Crail Food Festival, a weekend of markets, foraging and dinners around the fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. The Islay Festival of Music and Malt is an annual chance to drink whisky whilst also exploring the island’s golf courses, ceilidhs and beaches.

As well as drawing attention to regional specialities (see the Arbroath Smokie Trail, Speyside Malt Whisky Trail or West Coast of Scotland’s Seafood Trail), there will be various ways to experiment with the traditional dining experience too. The One Square restaurant LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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2015 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

in Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel will be inviting a group of six to dine at The Kitchen Table, a private room within the restaurant’s kitchen where chefs explain the meal they are eating and share cooking techniques. The Chef’s Table at Turnberry Hotel in Ayrshire offers a similar behind-the-scenes mix of learning and eating for groups of ten.

Although a lot of bakers, chocolatiers, fishmongers, Slow Food members, brewers, café owners and chefs are exceptionally hard at work every year, regardless of the 2015 campaign, the VisitScotland website features

event listings from chocolate festivals to food markets, recommendations on good pubs and tips on food trails, local suppliers and seasonal ingredients, handy for anyone visiting Scotland and for those of us already here and looking for something new to eat.

Apart from anything else, there is plenty material to provide a quality heckle next time a comedian makes that joke about Scotland and deep-fried Mars Bars.

See visitscotland.com/tastescotland for full event info.

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EAT, DRINK AND BE VERY MERRY 2015 is Scotland’s official Year of Food & Drink. Keith Smith finds celebrations of everything from tea to tatties as he takes a look at some of the country’s finest festivals

S

tick a pin in the map of Scotland, and chances are you won’t be far off finding one of the many food and drink festivals that take place across the nation. We’re rightly proud of our produce, and what better way to demonstrate that than by throwing a party?

Burns Night is a good start to the year, with events taking place throughout the country including The Big Burns Supper (Jan) and food events taking place as part of Alloway 1759 (Jan). Crail Food Festival (Jun) is

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a terrific way to delve deeper into life in this picturesque wee fishing village. As well as all the usual demonstrations, displays and markets, visitors can discover hidden delights on foraging walks and participate in the Crail Food Trail, a magical mystery-esque tour of its pubs, cafés and restaurants, with plenty of sustenance provided en route.

St Andrews Food and Drink Festival

(Nov) is a series of events featuring the very best produce, chefs and suppliers from Fife.

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Restaurants, cafés and shops stage all manner of tastings, demos and talks, and you can expect an array of specially-created dishes, menus and dinners. A more far-flung festival – like Islay Festival of Music and Malt (May) is a good excuse to venture off the mainland, and take in a friendly festival that is big on paying homage to fine whiskies.

Scotland’s national drink is no stranger to having a shindig or six held in its honour with a heap of events across the year, including Spirit of Stirling (May) and Nip Festival (Apr), formerly Inverness Whisky Festival, with lots of local venues taking part in the celebrations.

Inverness, Bogbain Farm specifically, is also home to Brew at the Bog (May), while other ale festivals to look out for include Craft Beer Rising (Sep) and The Greater Grampian Beer Festival (May), now in its 29th year.

If you’re after a festivals paying tribute to a single foodstuffs, look no further than Perth Festival of Chocolate (Nov) which usually coincides with the switch-on of Perth’s Christmas lights. There’s a number of other quirky food-inspired festivals too, none more so than the Edinburgh International Science Festival’s GastroFest (Apr), a fascinating

insight into what we put into our bodies.

New for 2015, Children’s Food Festival (Jun) allows kids (and big kids alike) to discover more about where our food comes from, how to eat healthily and to find out more about careers in the industry from a plethora of experts happy to share their knowledge.

With a history stretching back to 1822, the Royal Highland Show (Jun) is perhaps the biggest event on the food and drink calendar, a three-day celebration of food, farming and the countryside which attracts around 180,000 visitors each year to Ingliston.

Dundee

Flower

and

Food

Festival

(Sep) first branched out into food in the mid90s, and now has over 60 stalls, as well as a plethora of demonstrations, talks and interactive sessions on everything from food tech to growing your own veg.

Lastly, Foodies Festival (Aug) takes place at Inverleith Park in Edinburgh and is a weekendlong event which boasts top celebrity chefs, an impressive cooking theatre line-up and more street food stalls than you can shake a satay stick at. Tuck in.

See visitscotland.com/events 13

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BUSY BEE While the UK’s music festival scene has altered since Idlewild last played one, Roddy Woomble tells David Pollock that the band are geared up to sample some live excitement this summer

R

oddy Woomble is a man with acres of festival experience. Fronting Edinburgh indie-punk outfit Idlewild, he appeared high up the bill at some of the biggest rock festivals in Britain, from Glastonbury to T in the Park. In recent years, however, the married father-ofone has been popping into the nation’s boutique festivals, playing intimate shows on smaller stages with his more folksy solo material.

Although no dates were booked when we spoke, the expectation is that he’ll be back amidst the chaos this summer, especially now that his old group have reformed for a seventh studio album, Everything Ever Written, their first since 2009’s Post Electric Blues. Although, as he insists, ‘reform’ isn’t the word he’d use.

‘People say we’re getting back together, and I suppose from the outside it looks like we stopped then started again four or five years later. But for me it was an ongoing process.

Colin [Newton, drums] and Rod [Jones, guitar] are really close friends and we were in contact throughout. It felt really natural, there was no sense of picking up the phone and [adopts US rocker drawl] “let’s get the band back together”.

We always knew we’d make another record.’

He describes Everything Ever Written as being created almost ‘like a scrapbook’, bouncing ideas back and forward with Jones, but feeling no pressure to complete them. Parts would be recorded with new members Andrew Mitchell (bass) and Luciano Rossi (keyboards), with the results stockpiled until they had enough for a full record. Woomble says he can’t pick out any favourite tracks because he’s lived with them so long; besides, it’s the demos which please him the most, the point at which a songwriter knows

they have a good song to work with. That’s why Bob Dylan and The Band’s The Basement Tapes is his favourite record, because it captures that feeling in a bottle.

‘This one is quite different to the other records we’ve made. But I think fans of the band will get into it, because one thing we’ve constantly done is change our sound within the parameters of what we do. We started off as basically a punk rock band, moved onto U2-like anthems, then became more influenced by folk and country. So I suppose this has elements of everything that’s gone before. We’re a bit older and better at playing and putting our ideas across, so there’s a sense of accomplishment which people might not associate with us.’

Looking ahead to the music festival season, he considers how much things have changed in the few short years they’ve been away. ‘We caught the tail-end of the era when the live show was the advertisement for your record.

Now that no one buys records, the album is the advertisement for the tour. It means festivals are much more important for bands in terms of money and exposure.’

His experience of playing festivals has been good, whether it’s the ‘lovely’ ambience at folk events or taking Idlewild’s chances with the stagetime roulette of big events, where you might be playing to a handful or thousands.

‘If you get really bad weather, it can be pretty miserable for everyone. There are a lot of things that make a festival go well or not.’

Idlewild’s new album Everything Ever Written is released on Mon 9 Feb. They play ABC, Glasgow, Sat 7 & Sun 8 Mar. 15

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IT’S GREAT UP NORTH

Festivals in Scotland’s central and lower regions are usually the ones which grab the attention, but Colin Robertson finds that our northern territories have much to be proud of

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ith a veritable feast of culturally-inclined festivals throughout the year, there are plenty hotspots further up the country’s map that should not be overlooked. First up is Brew at the Bog (May), which celebrates both music and beer. Described by Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway as ‘the best new music festival in Scotland’ and taking place at a farm which won ‘Best Unusual Venue’ at 2012’s Scottish Event Awards, the two-day soirée features a host of the best new music from Scotland across three stages. Last year’s line-up featured King Creosote, Casual Sex, and Roman Nose, and as the festival is put on by craft beer crusaders BrewDog, there will also a ton of brewskis to be had.

Taking place just along the A9 is Happyness (May) (see page 38), the Highlands’ premier comedy festival. The four day laugh-fest is scattered across various venues in Inverness, and its line-up is always packed to the brim with some of the best young Scottish comics, but has also begun to attract primetime acts. Dylan Moran, Jenny Éclair, Tommy Tiernan and Alan Davies have all pitched up in recent years.

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Kicking off the summer circuit is Howlin’ Fling (Jul), from the folks at Lost Map. Described by the label boss Johnny Lynch as ‘a special lost weekend of music, fun and adventure’, the Hebridean festival did not disappoint in 2014 with stand-out performances

by Jens Lekman, Sam Amidon and Tuff Love.

Slightly later is the Highlands’ biggest music event of the year, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (Aug). Held on the epic grounds of a historic estate in Beauly, near Inverness, the Proclaimers are confirmed headliners for this year’s event, but if you want to attend the shindig you should act fast, as early bird tickets sold out in a few hours last September.

Curated by Mark Kermode and Linda Ruth Williams, Screenplay (Aug / Sep) (see page 63) is a Shetland film festival which mixes the old with the new and features an array of stellar cinema from Iceland, Sweden and Denmark, as well as looking closer to home. There’s also a solid line-up of workshops, lectures and discussions with the British film industry’s heavy hitters, which last year included Brian Cox and Joanna Hogg.

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The Touring Network (Highlands & Islands).

Company: SC214546. Charity Number: SC030983.

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SPORT | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2015 tim in 20 years, coming time to Glasgow’s Emirates Ar Arena. Attracting some of the best judoka fr from the sport, the Ch Championships are the pe perfect opportunity to w witness some top-quality ju judo performances. eu eurojudo2015.com Th The IRB 7’s 9– 9–10 May Sc Scotstoun Stadium Th The Scottish leg of the se series will welcome the w world’s best Sevens te teams and 30,000 fa fans to Glasgow for a cl closely fought twoda day tournament. The w weekend programme w will include live music, en entertainment and th themed fancy dress. sc scottishrugby.org

SCOTLAND WELCOMES SPORTING ELITE 2015 is another blockbuster year for sport in Scotland. The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games paved the way for Scotland to continue to attract some of the biggest events in the world including multiple world championship competitions. Just a couple of highlights include the IPC World Swimming Championships at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow and the World Gymnastics Championships at The SSE Hydro. Here is a snapshot of the major sports events coming up across Scotland this year.

Davis Cup 6-8 Mar Emirates Arena The highly anticipated USA vs GB tennis event featuring Andy Murray is coming to Glasgow!

This is Great Britain’s second straight year in the World Group after the team maintained their position within the world’s elite. daviscup.com

European Judo Championships 9–12 Apr Emirates Arena The European Judo Championships return to the UK for the first

U UCI Mountain Bike W World Cup 6 6–7 Jun N Nevis Range, Fort W William H Held at the Nevis Range in Fort William, this award-winning event showcases some of the best mountain biking in the world. Spectators can also enjoy the World Cup Village. fortwilliamworldcup. co.uk IPC World Swimming Championships 13–19 Jul Tollcross International Swimming Centre The IPC World Swimming Championships is the biggest event on the calendar for paraswimming outside of a Paralympic year. This year’s competition is expected to see more

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HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2015 | SPORT than 650 swimmers from over 50 countries battle it out for medal glory. swimming.org/ ipcworlds2015 World Orienteering Championships 31 Jul–7 Aug Moray & Highlands Renowned as one of the top multiday events of its kind, the World Championships will see orienteerers compete on the stunning terrain of the Highlands of Scotland. The annual Scottish 6 Days event will run in alongside this main event, bringing 5,000 competitors and spectators to the region in what promises to be a true festival of orienteering. woc2015.org Great Scottish Swim 29 Aug Loch Lomond Returning to the majestic h surroundings of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, swimmers can challenge themselves with either a half mile, 1 mile or 2 mile open water swim.

Spectators can entertain themselves with food and drink and shopping nearby. greatswim.org

Tour of Britain 8–9 Sep Various locations Returning to Scotland this year, the Tour of Britain is the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and free-to-spectate sporting event, attracting the biggest teams from world cycling to the UK each year. thetour.co.uk FEI European Eventing Championships 10–13 Sep Blair Atholl Estate, Perthshire Blair Castle will see

Europe’s best riders compete in dressage, cross-country and show jumping for their last chance to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.The event will feature the popular Bruadar Country Fair and a shopping village offering something for everyone. blair2015.com Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running 27 Sep Loch Ness, Inverness A favourite amongst marathon runners

from around the world, unique for its breathtaking location, taking in the scenery of the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness before reaching the finish line in the Highland capital. lochnessmarathon.com World Gymnastics Championships 23 Oct–1 Nov The SSE Hydro The world’s biggest gymnastics event comes to Scotland for the first time. This thrilling 10day competition, held at T The SSE Hydro, will see top gymnasts compete for p prestigious World ttitles and to secure ttheir place at the 2 2016 Rio Olympic G Games.

2 2015world g gymnastics.com G Great Winter Run & Edinburgh Cross C Country 2016 T TBC Jan 2016 H Holyrood Park, E Edinburgh S Set against the sspectacular backdrop o of Holyrood Park and b broadcast live on tthe BBC, this event is a great showcase fo for Edinburgh and S Scotland. Watch some o of the world’s best at athletes stride over the m mud and hills in this ex exhilarating race which is free of charge for sp spectators. gr greatrun.org

All event details are subject to change, please check websites for dates and locations of these events.

For full event listings and for more information please go to visitscotland.com/events

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GOLF | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2015 Ayrshire means this will be one of the biggest events on the Ladies European Tour in 2015. ladiesscottish open.com

PHOTO © R&A

RICOH Women’s British Open 30 Jul–2 Aug An incredible venue to match the quality of golf as the best players in the world descend on the Ayrshire coastline at Trump Turnberry in the shadow of the famous Ailsa Craig. ricohwomens britishopen.com

SCOTTISH GOLF GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH For any other country, following up a year of golf in 2014 that included a Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and six other top class events across the nation would be a struggle.

Not so for Scotland, the Home of Golf.

In 2015 Scotland will see no fewer than nine world-class tournaments, including two brand new events and an unprecedented run of four leading Tour events in the space of just four weeks in July.

The highlight of the calendar is undoubtedly The Open, which returns to the Old Course at St Andrews for the 29th time in its 155-year history. But from Ayrshire to Aberdeen and East Lothian to the Highlands there is plenty across the country for golf fans to get out and cheer.

Scottish Hydro Challenge, hosted by MacDonald Hotels 25–28 Jun (TBC) See the next generation of European Tour stars tackle golf in the picturesque Scottish Highlands at Spey Valley GC in Aviemore europeantour.com/ challengetour The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Pre Qualifier 4–6 Jul For the first time in history, golfers can attempt to qualify for

the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open through a unique qualifying event held at North Berwick GC. pga.info The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open 9–12 Jul The event visits a new venue at Gullane in East Lothian for a world-class test of links golf featuring one of the strongest fields of any European Tour event. aamscottishopen.com

The Open 16–19 Jul The Open at St Andrews is the pinnacle of Major Championship golf as the world’s best players try to wrestle the Claret Jug from Rory McIlroy’s grip. theopen.com The Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open 24–26 Jul A coveted new slot in the golfing calendar and a new venue at Dundonald Links in

Paul Lawrie Saltire Energy Matchplay 30 Jul–2 Aug A brand new event for the 2015 European Tour season will see top-class golf return to the north east with this matchplay event at Murcar Links europeantour.com SSE Scottish Seniors Open 14–16 Aug (TBC) The longest running event on the European Seniors Tour returns for a 23rd straight year where the legends of the game compete for the coveted title. europeantour.com/ seniortour Dunhill Links Championship 1–4 Oct Golf meets celebrity at the renowned Dunhill Links Championship, where A-list actors, sports stars and musicians play alongside European Tour stars. alfreddunhilllinks.com

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HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2015 | TURNER PRIZE

THE 2015 TURNER PRIZE COMES TO GLASGOW This autumn, Glasgow’s Tramway will play y host to arguably the UK’s most prestigiouss award for contemporary art - the Turner Prize. The event, which presents the very best of current British art, is renowned for provoking debate and a dash of controversy here and there – which makess it all the more engaging.

This will be the first time this award has been held in Scotland; and Glasgow is a fitting host with many artists associated with the city shortlisted and picking up the trophy in previous years including Douglas Gordon, Susan Philipsz, Martin Boyce and 2014 winner Duncan Campbell with his film It for Others. Who will win this much coveted prize this year?

Expect the unexpected with the Turner Prize.

Exhibition opens to the public October 2015 and runs until the beginning of January 2016 TRAMWAY.ORG

MOBO AWARDS RETURN! M T MOBO Awards are set to return to the The S SSE Hydro in Glasgow at the end of 2015!

W With past winners including the likes of S Sam Smith, Tinie Tempah (pictured left) a and Jessie J, the awards celebrate the best u urban talent in the UK and internationally.

T Ticket information to follow on mobo.com

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JANUARY 8 JANUARY–17 FEBRUARY

ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Scotland, adventurefest.co.uk

The best high-adrenaline, action-packed adventure films and documentaries, featuring topics such as free climbing, mountain biking, ultra running, canyoneering and surfing.

Showing in over 25 locations across the UK, Adventure Film Festival 2015 touches down in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Perth and St Andrews.

8–11 JANUARY & 15–17 JANUARY

NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION MUSIC King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, 272a St Vincent Street, Glasgow, kingtuts.co.uk

UP HELLY AA Firing up a storm Illuminating locations across Shetland, Up Helly Aa is a ritual fire festival which annually marks the end of the yule season. Scots are rarely short of an excuse or two to burn things on special occasions – Beltane and Stonehaven Fireballs being other notable opportunities for the blazing squad – but this event on Scotland’s northernmost island is arguably the most spectacular gathering of the lot.

Celebrating Shetland’s Viking heritage, Up Helly Aa is a relatively modern phenomenon, beginning in 1876 as a replacement for the thankfully outlawed practice of rolling burning tar barrels. Hundreds of marchers in full Viking dress are arranged into squads, led by a senior Jarl Guizer, whose costume represents a specific character from the Norse Sagas and remains a closely-guarded secret until the big day.

After dark, a giant replica of a Viking galley ship is dragged through Lerwick until a certain spot is reached, whereupon they circle the boat, sing the Up Helly Aa song, and set fire to it, chanting and singing until the doomed vessel is burned to a crisp.

After that, it’s on to parties in every available large space in town, lasting into the wee small hours ending only after every guizer squad – or whoever’s still standing from said guizer squads – has been around every major venue in town to drink and dance with the hosts.

The next day is a public holiday, and all is quiet. At least until evening, when the partying begins anew with the so-called Guizer’s Hop. (Malcolm Jack) ■ Various venues: Shetland, 27 Jan, uphellyaa.org 24

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King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution starts 2015 with a line-up of hot new acts making waves on the Scottish music scene including Bad Luck, Divides, Kill The Waves and Jakil.

15 JANUARY–1 FEBRUARY

CELTIC CONNECTIONS MUSIC Various venues: Glasgow, celticconnections.com

Glasgow’s annual folk, roots, indie, world and traditional music festival celebrating the links between Celtic music and cultures across the globe.

Confirmed artists include Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van ‘The Man’ Morrison, Karine Polwart, Kate Rusby, Declan O’Rourke and Welsh balladeer Al Lewis in his new countryfolk duo with Mississippi-born Alva Leigh. The opening night concert is a tribute to the late, great Martyn Bennett. See page 25.

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22–25 JANUARY

ALLOWAY 1759 MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Alloway, Ayrshire, alloway1759.com

A celebration of Robert Burns, taking place around Burns Night, with live music. ceilidhs and food and drink events.

information@uphellyaa.org, uphellyaa.org Shetland shows off its Viking history with a spectacular fire festival, the highlight of which is the torchlight procession of up to 1000 colourfully dressed guisers following a Viking galley through the town before setting it alight.

See page 24.

23–31 JANUARY

BIG BURNS SUPPER

30 JANUARY–7 FEBRUARY

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, hello@bigburnssupper.com, bigburnssupper.com

MANIPULATE VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Stars from across the country congregate as Dumfries celebrates the birth of the Baird with a vast selection of dance, theatre, visual arts, live art and comedy.

FILM & TV / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Scotland, info@puppetanimation.org, manipulatefestival.org

A collection of world-class animation, puppetry and related performing arts of all styles and techniques and through its master classes.

23 JANUARY–15 FEBRUARY

THE ELECTRIC GARDENS

30 JANUARY–28 FEBRUARY

ART Glasgow Botanic Gardens, 730 Great Western Road, Glasgow, glasgowbotanicgardens.com

FOOD & DRINK Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, Argyll and Bute, glencoescotland. com/whatson/februaryfest-2014

A walking tour through the Botanic Gardens for adults, children and groups, with dramatic lighting, sound effects and music.

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

25 JANUARY–6 FEBRUARY

FIFE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC MUSIC Various venues: Fife, enquiries@ffom.org.uk, ffom.org.uk

The performers at this community festival range from primary school children to adults, featuring vocal and instrumental classes, which can be both competitive and non-competitive.

27 JANUARY

UP HELLY AA HERITAGE Various venues: Shetland,

FEBRUARYFEST

FEBRUARY 3–10 FEBRUARY

PAPAY GYRO NIGHTS ART Various venues: Orkney, Orkney Islands, papaygyronights@ papawestray.org, papaygyronights.papawestray.org

A unique festival of contemporary visual and performance art taking place in one of the UK’s most remote environments during the depths of winter.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

CELTIC CONNECTIONS Large-scale music festivals aren’t just for the summer, you know. With 2100 artists appearing in over 300 events across 20 venues, Celtic Connections injects a wellneeded boost of energy into the mid-winter Scottish music scene. It may bill itself as the premier celebration of Celtic music in the UK, but there’s more to this festival than just Scottish root-style tunes. The 22nd instalment also features world music, indie, jazz, folk, soul and Americana, and the line-up is as diverse as the programme suggests.

Among those appearing in 2015 are folk-pop chanteuse Eddi Reader, veteran folksters Fairport Convention and American singer-songwriter Tweedy. Other big names to look out for are King Creosote, Tony Allen, Skerryvore and the Grammy award-winning Angelique Kidjo. Thousands are expected to flock to Glasgow as the city gets ready to welcome in one of the hottest winter festivals around.

(Rebecca Monks) ■ Various venues: Glasgow, 15 Jan–1 Feb, celticconnections.com 25

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5–8 FEBRUARY

FOOD ON FILM FILM & TV / FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY Various venues: Kingussie, Highlands, info@kingussiefoodonfilm.co.uk, kingussiefoodonfilm.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL Escalating in recent years to the point at which it’s recognised as one of the UK’s major film festivals alongside London and Edinburgh, GFF has increased its duration to 12 days this year. And such is the confidence in its various strands that the Glasgow Short Film Festival (11–15 Mar) has become a spin-off event alongside the Glasgow Youth Film Festival (6–8 Feb).

Although the programme was incomplete at time of writing, many interesting new strands have been unveiled this year, including Cinema City, a history of Glasgow’s film history including many classic screenings; Nerdvana is a catch-all umbrella for the festival’s comics, gaming and cult cinema strands; a selection of new and classic Australian films entitled Strewth!; the Modern Families international family-friendly programme; the Pioneer introduction to debut and second feature directors; and a retrospective on the movies of Ingrid Bergman.

(David Pollock) ■ Various venues: Glasgow, 18 Feb–1 Mar, glasgowfilm.org/festival 26

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The culinary meets the audiovisual in this interdisciplinary festival that seeks to titillate eyes and tastebuds alike with a menu of foodie films and film-worthy food.

A welcome return for this volunteer-run biannual cultural festival, which celebrates the heritage and creativity of Iran. The programme features art exhibitions, live music

by Glasgow-based Arazoo Symphony Orchestra, fashion from contemporary Iranian designers, an Iranian film season organised in collaboration with the Filmhouse Cinema Edinburgh, workshops, a lecture series and a teahouse set up within Persian Rug Village.

6–8 FEBRUARY

GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Glasgow, paul.macgregor@glasgowfilm. org, glasgowfilm.org/festival/ gyff

Innovative weekend-long festival for young audiences featuring premieres, screenings, events and special guest speakers, with movies focusing on teenage and young adult life.

6–8 FEBRUARY

FIFE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Fife, fifejazzfestival.com

Fife Jazz Festival covers all the bases: from traditional to avantgarde, international productions to homespun community events, and the biggest names in jazz to the most exciting newcomers.

Uniquely, the festival takes place throughout the Fife from Crossford to St Michaels, from Dunbog to Burntisland, with major concerts taking place in Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and St Andrews.

6–8 FEBRUARY

EDINBURGH MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV George Square Lecture Theatre, George Square, Edinburgh, stevie@emff.co.uk, emff.co.uk

The majesty of mountains is captured on film in a series of screenings, lectures and exhibitions. Climbing, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, BASE-jumping, mountain biking, kayaking and exploration are some of the adrenaline-pumping activities.

6 FEBRUARY–21 MARCH

IN MOTION ANIMATION FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Abderdeen, animation-festivals.com/ festivals/in-motion-animationfestival

This second edition focuses on the work of Dutch artist Hisko Hulsing, creator of the multiaward winning Junkyard, with an exhibition of his sketches, storyboards and films.

8 FEBRUARY

6–16 FEBRUARY

EDINBURGH IRANIAN FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, info@ediranfest.co.uk, ediranfest.co.uk

HOLISTIC WAYS FESTIVAL FAMILY Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee, holisticwaysfestival.co.uk

Featuring psychics, complementary therapies, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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20 YEARS OF HEBCELT 15 18 JULY 2015, STORNOWAY

ISLE OF LEWIS, SCOTLAND TICKETS AND INFORMATION FROM

WWW.HEBCELTFEST.COM

St Andrews 4-8 March Unfinished Business &

An Archipelago of Poetry

60 poets

100 events

poetry · drama · music · exhibitions talks · discussions · workshops Simon Armitage Sinéad Morrissey Carolyn Forché Ian Duhig Kei Miller

www.stanzapoetry.org

Photo image Field & McGlynn

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alternative health products, crafts and more.

11–16 FEBRUARY

SNOWDROPS BY STARLIGHT FAMILY Cambo Estate, Cambo House, Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Fife, snowdropsbystarlight.com

Cambo Estate’s endless woodlands are opened up each year to reveal the magic of their many snowdrops, enhanced by a natural art installation with lighting and sound effects.

13–21 FEBRUARY

WINTER WORDS FESTIVAL LITERATURE Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Port Na Craig, Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross, pitlochry.org.uk

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL Send in the clowns Taking place in venues as diverse as The Stand to the SECC and the Kings to the Citz, the Glasgow International Comedy Festival increases in size, scope and stature every year. The 2015 event features two and a half weeks of global talents, local comics and national institutions all vying for attention, with the festival giving west-coasters access to many of the shows they might have missed last August (on account of them not living in Edinburgh) while a few more exclusive treats are also being laid on.

The Edinburgh Fringe hit shows from Stewart Lee, Christian O’Connell, Susan Calman, Michelle McManus, Richard Herring, Ellie Taylor, Josie Long and Alun Cochrane will all get a run-out here, while it will be most interesting to see how Andrew Lawrence goes down given the furore over his Facebook utterances from last year which were backed to the hilt by one Nigel Farage. Acts who are platforming all-new shows include Dylan Moran who is Off the Hook, Simon Amstell (pictured) wonders what it’s like To Be Free, while John Shuttleworth recalls A Wee Ken to Remember and Jon Ronson delivers An Evening of Public Shaming featuring tales from the frontline of social media abuse and humiliation.

If you fancy taking a punt on something a little more curious, then these shows have titles which will surely attract the adventurous among you: Watch Bad Movies with Great Comedians, The Trampled Bat’s Trampled Quiz, Rosco McSkeleton: Tales of the Sea and Chunks of the Year 2015. (Brian Donaldson) ■ Various venues: Glasgow, 12–29 March, glasgowcomedyfestival.com 28

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The eleventh Winter Words Festival focuses on journalism and the outdoors, with BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner talking about the Middle East, and broadcasters Kirsty Wark and James Naughtie discussing their recent novels.

17 FEBRUARY–5 APRIL

LENTFEST MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Glasgow, lentfest@agap.org.uk, lentfest.co.uk

An annual festival of faith and arts, incorporating theatre, film screenings, music, poetry and visual arts.

18 FEBRUARY–1 MARCH

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Glasgow, festivalpress@glasgowfilm.org, glasgowfilm.org/festival

Scotland’s fastest growing film festival has taken less than ten years to turn itself into a force to be reckoned within the film festival world. Ingrid Bergman, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Glasgow’s film history and Aussie cinema are celebrated this year.

See page 26.

18–22 FEBRUARY

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

A series of films and lectures celebrating the great outdoors and mountain culture, held in Scotland’s outdoor capital, and spread over five nights.

people of all ages and abilities to show off their skills.

MARCH 2–22 MARCH

DUNDEE WOMEN’S FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Dundee, dundeewomensfestival@ number10.org, d-v-a.org.uk

19–22 FEBRUARY

The festival includes a celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, exploring the 2015 theme of ‘Equality for women is progress for all’.

SPECTRA: ABERDEEN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

2–7 MARCH

ART / FAMILY Various venues: Aberdeen, facebook.com/spectraaberdeen

Aberdeen’s festival of light aims to dazzle occupants with a mixture of light installations, exhibitions and events including a garden planted entirely with LED flowers and a parade of technicolor visuals along the usually dim backstreets of the city.

WEE WRITE! LITERATURE / FAMILY Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow, ayewrite.com

An offshoot of the splendid Aye Write!, this week-long programme offers over 100 author events, activities and readings for children, families and school pupils of all ages.

4–21 MARCH

PERFORM IN PERTH 20-22 FEBRUARY

BANKFOOT INN WINTER BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Bankfoot Inn, Main Street, Bankfoot, Perth and Kinross, bankfootinn.co.uk

MUSIC Various venues: Perth, Perth and Kinross, perthcompfest@blueyonder. co.uk, perthshire-music-festival.org.uk

Mini winter celebration of ale, beer, heavy etc from across the land.

Competitors from all over Perthshire show off their talents in the fields of music, dance and speech at various venues in Perth.

21 FEBRUARY–4 MARCH

4–8 MARCH

INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL

STANZA: SCOTLAND’S POETRY FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues: Inverness, office@invernessmusicfestival. org, invernessmusicfestival.org

LITERATURE Various venues: St Andrews, Fife, info@stanzapoetry.org, stanzapoetry.org

Run by Inverness Festival Association, this music festival is a competitive event that allows

StAnza is a literary festival that focuses on the magic of verse.

Joining the locals for readings,

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL A shining example of Scotland’s jazz scene, the Aberdeen Jazz festival takes place over five days, across various venues such as the Carmelite Hotel, Aberdeen Music Hall and legendary jazz club The Blue Lamp. The festival features a whole range of musicians and performers flocking to the Granite City for gigs on the green, late-night shows, relaxed café sessions, impromptu jams, showcases for young emerging talent and a variety of workshops.

Past performers have included Swedish drummer Magnus Öström and his band, MOBO nominee Zara McFarlane and a one-off collaboration between Scottish jazz stars Euan Burton, Colin Steele and Graeme Stephen.

As the festival grows ever more popular, expect more of the same this year, only bigger and better. (Nina Glencross) ■ Various venues: Aberdeen, 18–23 Mar, aberdeenjazzfestival.com 29

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performances, slams and open mics, jazz, films, workshops and poetry-related art exhibitions, installations and films are a host of local and international wordsmiths. See left.

6–19 MARCH

ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL SCOTLAND FILM & TV Various venues: Scotland, italianfilmfestival.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

STANZA If you know your sonnets from your acrostics, your limericks from your love poems, or you’re simply a fan of all things versified, then the StAnza International Poetry Festival in St Andrews might be the very event for you.

This leading festival aims to bring poets and practitioners in related artforms from all over the world together, and has featured everyone from Poet Laureates to world-class writers from over 40 countries.

2015’s festival looks set to be no exception when it comes to pulling in the big names, with the likes of Simon Armitage, Sinéad Morrissey, Carolyn Forché, Bill Manhire, Alice Notley Ian Duhig, Helen Mort and Ilya Kaminsky all confirmed as headline acts.

These literary big hitters are all appearing in a year when the central themes are ‘Unfinished Business’ and ‘An Archipelago of Poetry’, so if you’d like to see these ideas done some serious poetic justice, head to St Andrews in March.

(Rebecca Monks) ■ Various venues, St Andrews, 4–8 Mar, stanzapoetry.org 30

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This film festival celebrates the best of Italian cinema, bringing it across the waters and all the way up to Scotland. A mix of classic and contemporary cinematic delights makes up the programme.

6–8 MARCH

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

Scotland’s only festival dedicated to dub and reggae music in all its forms. Lineup includes Channel One Soundsystem, Mungo’s Hi-Fi & Charlie P, MC Soom T, Earl Gateshead and more.

7 MARCH

ULLAPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Ullapool, Highland, ullapooldance@yahoo.co.uk, ullapooldancefestival.org

Dance festival with classes for all ages and abilities.

7–8 MARCH

DUNBAR SCIFEST SCIENCE Various venues: Dunbar, East Lothian, dunbarscifest.org.uk

Dunbar’s SciFest is an exciting, interesting and fun couple of days of science shows, workshops, storytelling and talks.

7–29 MARCH

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MIDDLE EASTERN SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Edinburgh, mesp2015@hotmail.com, mesp. org.uk

The Middle East Festival draws together people from a wide range of spiritual backgrounds, cultures, traditions and communities to celebrate peace and mutual understanding.

9–14 MARCH

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

Competitive music festival for amateur musicians of all ages.

11–15 MARCH

GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

7 MARCH

FILM & TV CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, shorts@glasgowfilm. org, glasgowfilm.org/festival

NAAFC ANNUAL ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL

Screenings, talks and workshops celebrating a diverse range of local and international talent.

HERITAGE / MUSIC Macdonald Inchyra Grange Hotel, Grange Road, Polmont, Falkirk, boxandfiddle.com

All-day accordion and fiddle competitions, prize-winners concert and a closing dance.

11–15 MARCH

EDINBURGH’S FESTIVAL OF IRELAND MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Edinburgh, office@edinburghsfestivalofireLIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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land.org, edinburghsfestivalofireland.org A multi-arts, family-friendly celebration of the Emerald Isle, with storytelling, music, dance, talks, comedy and food & drink events.

12–21 MARCH

YOUNG AT HEART FESTIVAL LITERATURE / MUSIC Various venues: South Lanarkshire, artsdevelopment@ southlanarkshireleisure.co.uk, slleisureandculture.co.uk/ festivals

16–19 MARCH

18–22 MARCH

SHETLAND SCHOOLS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL

HIPPODROME FESTIVAL OF SILENT CINEMA

MUSIC Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, mareel.org

Annual showcase of the skills and talents of Shetland’s young musicians.

17–21 MARCH

CAITHNESS INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

The over 50s take control of the spotlight for this informal festival of free recitals, a craft fair, exhibitions, film screenings and author visits.

SCIENCE Various venues: Sutherland, iain@kptechnology.ltd.uk

12–29 MARCH

17–20 MARCH

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

LORN DRAMA FESTIVAL

COMEDY / THEATRE / FILM Various venues: Glasgow, info@glasgowcomedyfestival. com, glasgowcomedyfestival. com

Glasgow’s comedy festival gets ever more impressive with each outing: Tommy Tiernan, Jon Ronson, Janey Godley, Richard Herring, Simon Amstell, Susan Calman, Dylan Moran, Stewart Lee, Andrew Lawrence and Josie Long are among the top acts. See page 28.

Featuring workshops, science and drama presentations.

THEATRE & DANCE Corran Halls, The Esplanade, Oban, argyllcommunities.org/ lorndramafestival

A festival of one-act plays performed by drama groups from all over Argyll.

18–23 MARCH

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Aberdeen, fiona@jazzscotland.com, aberdeenjazzfestival.com

14–15 MARCH

A host of musicians and performers descend on the Granite City. See page 29.

EDINBURGH YARN FESTIVAL

18–29 MARCH

FAMILY Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, edinyarnfest.com

A festival aimed at ‘yarnenthusiasts of all flavours’, this woolly bonanza caters for all who knit, crochet, embroider, spin, haberdash or just appreciate a darn good yarn.

LOCHWINNOCH ARTS FESTIVAL ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

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

FAMILY / FILM & TV The Hippodrome, 10 Hope Street, Bo’ness, West Lothian, arts@falkirkcommunitytrust. org, falkirkcommunitytrust. org/silentcinemafest

Scotland’s only silent film festival runs over five days with events, screenings, new commissions and workshops.

18–22 MARCH

BUZZCUT FESTIVAL ART / THEATRE & DANCE Pearce Institute, 840 Govan Road, Glasgow, glasgowbuzzcut@gmail.com, glasgowbuzzcut.wordpress. com

Cutting edge performance art festival Buzzcut is all about sharing: food, ideas and homes.

20 MARCH

NIEL GOW ANNUAL SCOTTISH FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Dunkeld & Birnam, niel-gow.co.uk

Established in 2004 to celebrate the life of Perthshire fiddle legend Niel Gow, this festival is held in his home village each year.

28 MARCH–18 APRIL

PUPPET ANIMATION FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Scotland, info@puppetanimation.org, 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.

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MARCH, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH GREEK ARTISTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, facebook.com/ EdinburghGreekArtistsFestival

Multi-arts festival organised by the Hellenic Society at University of Edinburgh featuring visual arts, photography, short films, physical theatre, dance and live music.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL Having celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, Edinburgh International Science Festival was the world’s first large-scale festival of science and technology.

The event is still among the biggest of its kind and is a success story which also involves year-round outreach and international engagement.

This year it will return with a typically broad selection of events for all ages and family groups, including workshops, lectures, interactive events and late-night concerts. This year the theme is ‘the Ideas Factory’, in celebration of innovation and inspiration across a variety of disciplines.

Strands will include GastroFest, exploring the science of food and drink, incorporating the ‘scientific farmer’s market’ SciMart at Summerhall; Brainwaves, another minifestival about the mind and consciousness, whose guests include drug specialist Professor David Nutt; and ‘Light and the Enlightenment’, about Scotland’s visionary history. (David Pollock) ■ Various venues: Edinburgh, 4–19 Apr, sciencefestival.co.uk 32

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MARCH, DATES TBC

SCOTTISH SNOWDROP FESTIVAL HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues: Scotland, scotlandsgardens.org

50 venues with notable gardens are keen to show them off.

MARCH, DATES TBC

SHETLAND COUNTY DRAMA FESTIVAL THEATRE Garrison Theatre, Market Street, Lerwick, shetlandarts.org

Drama groups from all over Shetland compete for prizes.

APRIL

festival in the Highlands, boasting more than 100 real ales from all over the world, including some brewed right here at home.

3–5 APRIL

NORTHERN NASHVILLE CAITHNESS COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Caithness Indoor Riding School, Caithness, nncmc. co.uk

The popular country music festival continues to bring together stars from the USA and Europe.

3–5 APRIL

YELLAE DEUKS FAMILY / MUSIC Dreel Halls, Anstruther, Fife, yellaedeuks.org

That’s ‘Yellow Ducks’ to nonlocals. This music and family festival held in Anstruther over Easter weekend features performances local and national stars. There’s also daytime performances, workshops and various egg-related shenanigans for kids.

3–5 APRIL

1 APRIL–16 MAY

COUNTERFLOWS

BEHAVIOUR

ART / FILM & TV / MUSIC Various venues: Glasgow, alasdair@counterflows.com, counterflows.com

THEATRE & DANCE The Arches, 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, thearches.co.uk

The Arches continues its quest to support innovative live performance with events representing arts practice from international and Scottish artists.

Counterflows marries the local to the international with artists from around the world collaborating with homegrown talent in spaces across Glasgow.

3–12 APRIL

2–12 APRIL

BANDSTAND BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Bandstand Bar and Restaurant, Braeval Hotel, 3 Crescent Road, Nairn, braevalhotel. co.uk/bandstandbeerfestival. asp

The largest indie beer and music

ON THE ROCKS STUDENT ARTS FESTIVAL COMEDY / FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues: St Andrews, Fife, ontherocksfestival.com

This student-run arts festival promises a fine selection of shows, concerts and exhibitions for all the family.

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3–6 APRIL

LOVE ACTION MUSIC The Arches, 30 Midland Street, Glasgow, thearches.co.uk

Three-day Easter weekender to celebrate clubbing and dance music in all forms.

4–5 APRIL

SPRINGFEST SCOTLAND FOOD & DRINK Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, East Dumbartonshire, lochlomondshores.com

A springtime event to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink.

As well as producers showing off their delicious wares, there are also cookery classes, demonstrations, live music and plenty more besides.

4–19 APRIL

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, info@sciencefestival.co.uk, sciencefestival.co.uk

Hands-on science for adults, children and families in venues across the capital with programme ranging from the entertaining to the controversial and, of course, the icky. See page 32.

4–19 APRIL

GASTROFEST FOOD & DRINK / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, info@sciencefestival.co.uk, sciencefestival.co.uk

Science and gastronomy converge at this foodie minifest organised by Edinburgh International Science Festival.

Nearly 100 wildlife-themed events and activities across south-west Scotland.

7–11 APRIL

NIP FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various Venues: Inverness, yvonne@northernrootsevents. com

Formerly known as the Inverness Whisky Festival, this event now celebrates gin as well as whisky.

Expect plenty of distilleries, talks, masterclasses, food, live music and demonstrations throughout the city.

10–12 APRIL

GLENFARG FOLK FEAST FAMILY / MUSIC Glenfarg Hotel, Main Street, Glenfarg, Perth and Kinross, info@glenfargfolkclub.com, glenfargfolkclub.com/folkfeast. shtml

A small and friendly stalwart of the folk festival calendar, this festival is open to many musical styles of an acoustic variety as well as some storytelling and poetry.

10–15 APRIL

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL MUSIC Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, office@harpfestival.co.uk, harpfestival.co.uk

A healthy mix of world-class harpists and up-and-coming local talents playing a range of musical styles from folk to jazz for concerts, courses, workshops, the UK’s largest harpmakers’ exhibition and late-night music sessions.

12–17 APRIL

4 APRIL–4 MAY

WALK ISLAY

WILD SPRING FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR Various venues: Isle Of Islay, walkislay.co.uk

OUTDOOR Various venues: Dumfries & Galloway, wildspringfestival.com

See the best of Scottish island

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

AYE WRITE! Now in its tenth year, Glasgow book festival Aye Write! will once again be hosted at the iconic Mitchell Library, celebrating an eclectic mix of national, international and local writers. The festival never fails in treating its audiences to big-name speakers, with past guests including Ian Rankin, Chris Brookmyre and Scotland’s makar Liz Lochhead. As well as author events, the nineday festival also packs in lectures, panel discussions and – if you fancy yourself as a bit of a writer or feel like exercising your literary muscle – there’s even the chance to get involved in some creative writing workshops.

As well as a wide range of ticketed events for adults and free community and family events, there’s also Wee Write!, a mini version of Aye Write! which was introduced last year, aimed solely at young children and families. So, teachers, make a note in your diary now.

(Nina Glencross) ■ Mitchell Library, Glasgow, 17–25 Apr, ayewrite.com 33

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landscapes with this walking festival.

16–19 APRIL

ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL ART / FILM & TV Tower Mill, Heart of Hawick, Kirkstile, Hawick, info@alchemyfilmfestival.org.uk, alchemyfilmfestival.org.uk

Annual film festival with a focus on screening work that relates to the natural world, to landscape, to mankind’s relationship with natural forces, or to alchemy itself.

17–25 APRIL

AYE WRITE! GLASGOW’S BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow, ayewrite@glasgowlife. org.uk, ayewrite.com

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL Drink up Home to the highest concentration of distilleries in Scotland – almost half of the country’s total are found in the area – Speyside is a fairly natural choice to stage a whisky festival. ‘It’s the spiritual home of Scotland’s malt whisky industry,’ explains James Campbell, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. ‘And with over 50 distilleries in one small area, the festival gives visitors a chance to meet the people responsible for producing some of the world’s finest malt whisky – the managers, the blenders and the master distillers – and be inspired by their passion for our national drink.’

Since its inception in 1999, the event has been held over the first weekend in May, and has grown into a five-day extravaganza. From the grand opening dinner, to nightly (whisky-fuelled) music sessions, there are also behind-the-scenes tours of distilleries not normally open to visitors, and the chance to try a rare dram or two to boot.

In 2014, there were more than 400 events, which drew visitors from 31 different countries, including Taiwan, USA and Australia.

Last year also featured some novel ways of getting visitors from one distillery to another. Aside from the ‘drambles’ – guided walks using old smuggler’s routes – intrepid whisky lovers could join canoe tours and use the source of some of the spirits to travel between the stills.

And with tutored tastings and nosings, masterclasses and a five-day intensive whisky school, even the drink’s novice will leave with expert knowledge. Well, at least the bits they can remember, anyway.

(Keith Smith) ■ Various venues: Speyside, 30 Apr–4 May, spiritofspeyside.com 34

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Aye Write! remains committed to celebrating Scottish and international writers and writing. Now in its tenth year, Bob McDevitt, veteran of the publishing industry, is the guest programmer. See page 33.

17–19 APRIL

ORKNEY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC The Stromness Hotel, The Pierhead Stromness, Orkney, info@stromnesshotel.com, stromnesshotel.com

A weekend of traditional jazz with players from around the UK and a sprinkling of local talent to ensure a genuine Orcadian flavour.

22–26 APRIL

PAISLEY BEER AND FOOD FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley, paisleybeerfestival.org.uk

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from around the UK and Europe, paired with delicious, locallysourced food.

collbunkhouse.com A chance to find out about the bird life on Coll, including the elusive corncrake.

22–24 APRIL

CELTIC MEDIA FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, info@celticmediafestival.co.uk, celticmediafestival. co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS Although the big museums in the heart of Scotland’s major cities are dependably busy destinations, the Festival of Museums reminds us about the wealth of historical venues spread across the entire country. Co-ordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland and running across a weekend in spring, it involves three days of profile-raising activities in museums from Dumfries to Dundee and Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides.

A full programme for the rebranded festival will be available from around the end of February, while last year’s events included a live animal display for children at Prestongrange Industrial Heritage Museum, a tea party at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, an evening of live opera at Balhousie Castle in Perth, a night of storytelling and song at St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum, and a day of science events for children at Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. (David Pollock) ■ Various venues: Scotland, 15–17 May, festivalofmuseums.com 36

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Promoting the languages and cultures of the Celtic countries and regions (from Brittany to the Isle of Man and Cornwall to Ireland), this three-day celebration of broadcasting, screen and film talent boasts talks, interviews and discussion panels.

23–26 APRIL

DEAD BY DAWN FILM & TV Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, info@deadbydawn. co.uk, deadbydawn.co.uk

The Filmhouse’s horror fest ups the gore ante for its 22nd event with a selection of blood-curdling genre premieres, classic features, short films, special guests and curios such as Punk Pass the Parcel.

24–25 APRIL

NORTHERN STREAMS MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, northernstreams.org

A celebration of Nordic and British traditional music, song and dance bringing together top and emerging artists from Scandinavia, Scotland and beyond to Edinburgh on an annual basis.

24–26 APRIL

COLL BIRD FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Coll Bunkhouse, Annagour, Isle of Coll, Argyll and Bute, info@collbunkhouse.co.uk,

25 APRIL

FIFE BRASS BAND FESTIVAL MUSIC Carnegie Hall, East Port, Dunfermline, fifebrassbanding.org.uk

Brass bands from around Scotland each present their own concert programme at this competition.

25–26 APRIL

COLONSAY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Colonsay, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll and Bute, colonsaybookfestival@hotmail.co.uk, colonsaybookfestival.org.uk

This beautiful inner Hebridean isle plays host to readings and performances with an emphasis on meeting and chatting with the writers, debate and good craic in the pub.

27 APRIL–17 MAY

ISLE OF COLONSAY: FESTIVAL OF SPRING OUTDOOR Colonsay, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll and Bute, colonsayevents.co.uk

Welcome in the budding springtime with a series of birdwatching events, walks and talks, music and poetry, foraging and sports, all designed to celebrate the most picturesque of all the seasons.

29 APRIL–10 MAY

TRADFEST HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues: Edinburgh, reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com, tracscotland.org/ festivals/tradfest

A festival inspired by the traditional arts of Scotland.

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Expect music, song, story, dance and craft to coincide with the seasonal rites of Beltane and May Day but given a truly contemporary spin.

30 APRIL

BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL HERITAGE Calton Hill, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, beltane.org

A modern interpretation of the ancient fertility festival of Beltane 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 fire.

pubs and villages throughout Speyside – home to more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries – welcome visitors with an enormous array of special tastings, food, outdoor activities, music, ceilidhs and many other events. See page 34.

FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Glasgow, Spt.co.uk/family

30 APRIL–3 MAY

MULTI-ARTS Whiteinch Community Centre, 1 Northinch Court, Glasgow, whiteinchcentre.org.uk

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Shetland, info@shetlandfolkfestival.com, shetlandfolkfestival.com

This internationally renowned festival – the most northerly folk event in the UK – continues to host eclectic line-ups of folk, blues, jazz and swing.

30 APRIL

APRIL 2016, DATES TBC

KINGDOM OF FIFE REAL ALE AND CIDER FESTIVAL

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF VISUAL ART

FOOD & DRINK Rothes Halls, Kingdom Centre, Glenrothes, Fife, facebook.com/kingdomoffifefestival

A chance to sample real ales from around the country, as well as wines, ciders, perries and continental beers.

30 APRIL–3 MAY

DUNDEAD HORROR FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, dca@dca.org.uk, dca.org.uk

ART Various venues: Glasgow, info@glasgowinternational. org, glasgowinternational.org

This biennial festival sadly isn’t with us this year, but it’s traditionally a truly unique festival of contemporary art commissioned from artists around the globe and including exhibitions in traditional gallery spaces, plus a series of exciting site-specific installations.

APRIL, DATES TBC

Dundee indulges its more bloodthirsty side with a bank holiday weekend of cinematic thrills and scares.

ORKNEY BOOK FESTIVAL

30 APRIL–4 MAY

Orkney Book Festival showcases the best of Scottish and island writing.

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

Distilleries, shops, restaurants,

LITERATURE Various venues: Orkney, gmbfellowship.org.uk

APRIL & OCTOBER, DATES TBC

SUBWAY FAMILY FUN DAY

All aboard the Glasgow Subway for a festival of free kids activities at selected stations.

APRIL, DATES TBC

WHITEINCH SPRING FESTIVAL

As a means of celebrating the coming of the new spring season, the Whiteinch Community Centre will host a Multicultural Open Day to celebrate spring festivals from all across the globe.

MAY 1–31 MAY

MHOR WHISKY FEST FOOD & DRINK

Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Stirling, mhor.net A boutique whisky festival across various venues that brings together distilleries and provides a selection of new eating and drinking experiences.

1–3 MAY & 12–13 JUNE

DARVEL MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / MUSIC Town Hall, 10–12 West Main Street, Darvel, darvelmusic@gmail.com, darvelmusicfestival.org

A community-led festival, Darvel has been gathering fans over the past 12 years under the stewardship of Neil and Sheila McKenna.

1–3 MAY

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Various Venues: Oban, Argyll and Bute, obanfestival.org An Oban-based festival showcasing young talent, with over 1100 participants and 125 competition classes in 11 disciplines.

rock’n’roll son, the legendary AC/ DC frontman Bon Scott.

1–3 MAY

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

GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

HAPPYNESS With uncanny timing, it was announced last May that Inverness was the happiest place to live in Scotland, nestling jovially in the number two spot for the whole of Britain (behind Harrogate, would you believe). Upon that backdrop, Happyness (aka the Inverness Comedy Festival) got underway and milked the laughter with another excellent event, set in and around Inverness, but with its main focus settling on Eden Court Theatre.

As well as previously attracting renowned funny folk such as former Perrier winners Tommy Tiernan, Sean Hughes, Jenny Éclair and Dylan Moran, organisers are always keen not only to acknowledge comedy’s Scottishness, but even to have a designated performance in Gaelic: sounds like the kind of task that Eddie Izzard would merrily undertake but the rumours we’ve literally just started here are entirely unsubstantiated. In 2014, there were also shows for kids, a pro-celebrity football match and a student comedian competition.

(Brian Donaldson) ■ Various venues, Inverness, May tbc, happy-ness.co.uk 38

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MUSIC Various venues: Girvan, South Ayrshire, info@girvanfolkfestival.co.uk, girvanfolkfestival.co.uk

1–3 MAY

TECTONICS GLASGOW MUSIC Various venues: Glasgow, tectonicsfestival.com

1–5 MAY

A weekend community folk festival featuring a range of open sessions, concerts, workshops and children’s events.

LIVIN’ THE BLUES

1–4 MAY

Scotland’s first non-profit blues dancing festival features three days of workshops and four nights of dance parties.

LOCH SHIEL SPRING FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Loch Shiel, Highlands, lochshielfestival.com

THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Inverness, capt.sprink@granitecityblues. co.uk, livintheblues.co.uk

1 MAY

From offbeat locations to local traditions, the Loch Shiel Spring festival celebrates anything and everything to do with chamber music.

GLASGOW OPEN HOUSE ART FESTIVAL

1–4 MAY

Emerging and established artists that inhabit Glasgow open the doors of the city’s domestic and disused spaces.

ISLE OF BUTE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Isle Of Bute, tim@brechins-bute.com, butejazz.com

A well-established festival that’s been running since 1988, it features a strong focus on New Orleans and traditional jazz but with a sprinkling of more modern styles.

1–3 MAY

BON SCOTT FEST MUSIC Kirriemuir Town Hall, 28/30 Reform Street, Kirriemuir, Angus, dd8music@hotmail.co.uk, dd8music.com

A celebration of Kirriemuir’s most

ART Various venues: Glasgow, glasgowopenhouse.wordpress. com

2–10 MAY

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE CYCLING FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / OUTDOOR Various venues: Perthshire, Perth and Kinross, highlandperthshirecyclingfestival.co.uk

A week-long celebration of cycling with a packed programme of guided mountain bike and road rides and evening entertainment.

2–3 MAY

GLASGOW FESTIVAL OF ARABIC DANCE THEATRE & DANCE LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Dance HQ, 411 White Studios, Templeton on the Green, Templeton Street, Glasgow, info@glasgowfad.com, glasgowfad.com A weekend of oriental and tribal belly dance workshops, followed by evening performances from some of the UK’s best and brightest belly dancers.

informs, challenges, inspires and entertains.

3 MAY

THE BIG BEACH BALL

8–14 MAY

MUSIC Beach Ballroom, The Esplanade, Aberdeen, thebigbeachball.co.uk

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL

Music and club festival for Aberdeen with a selection of DJs, bands and live sets.

2 MAY

HOME OF WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Varioues venues: Perth, Perth and Kinross, info@exelwines.co.uk, homeofwhisky.exelwines.com

Raise a glass to toast and enjoy Scotland’s water of life.

4–9 MAY

SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL OUTDOOR Various venues: Fort William, Highlands, ssdt.org

Established in 1909, the Scottish Six Day Trial entices riders from across the globe to race through the Scottish landscape.

2–3 MAY

BREW AT THE BOG

4 MAY

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Bogbain Adventure & Heritage Farm, Bogbain of Inshes, Drumossie, Inverness, Highland, info@brewatthebog. com, brewatthebog.com

REALLY WILD FEST

A day of great music and great beer with BrewDog, the coolest craft beer label on the block.

FAMILY / MUSIC WDCS Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, Fochabers, Moray, wdcs.org/scottishdolphincentre

Fun activities for the whole family, including dolphin watching, guided walks, music and food.

4–9 MAY

2–3 MAY

BURNS AN’ A’ THAT! FESTIVAL HERITAGE / LITERATURE Rozelle Park, Monument Road, Ayr, burnsfestival.com

A whole festival dedicated to our beloved bard, Robert Burns, with a weekend of music, art, talks and walks.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues: Dumfries and Galloway, dgsciencefestival.org.uk

2–9 MAY

Family-oriented science fest with schools and community programmes, drop-in displays and exhibitions and loads of sciencey fun for everyone.

UK GREEN FILM FESTIVAL

5–30 MAY

FILM & TV Various venues: Scotland, ukgreenfilmfestival.org

The film fest with an environmental conscience marks its fourth year, curating a UK-wide programme that

on what’s going on in the world and that is in response to recent events.

MAYFESTO THEATRE & DANCE Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate, Glasgow, press.office@tron. co.uk, tron.co.uk

Mayfesto celebrates theatre with an edge, theatre that focuses

OUTDOOR Various venues: Newton Stewart, newtonstewartwalkfest.co.uk

A week of guided walks exploring the wild hills, rugged coastline and rolling countryside of Galloway in charming south-west Scotland.

8–10 MAY

BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Auchinleck House, Auchinleck, Cumnock, East Ayrshire, info@ boswellbookfestival.co.uk, boswellbookfestival.co.uk

A quirky literary festival devoted to biography and the writer believed to be the first modern biographer, James Boswell.

8–10 MAY

MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Moniaive, wendy@snademill.co.uk, moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk

The Moniaive Folk Festival boasts a heated marquee and a campsite with hot showers alongside its myriad musical sessions.

8–10 MAY

ULLAPOOL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues: Ullapool, Highlands, info@ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk, ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk

Continuing the importance of literature in Highland culture, this festival brings together writers from the local area, Scotland and abroad.

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8–24 MAY

10 MAY

15–17 MAY

SOUTHSIDE FRINGE

THE SCRIBBLER’S PICNIC

FIFE TRADITIONAL SINGING FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS Southside, Glasgow, southsidefringe.org.uk

A 17-day festival incorporating music, theatre and activities for all the family.

9–24 MAY

FALKIRK TRYST FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Falkirk Town Hall, West Bridge Street, Falkirk, fdacc.org.uk

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

9 MAY

SPIRIT OF STIRLING WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Stirling Highland Hotel, Spittal Street, Stirling, spiritofstirling.com

The festival returns with even more whiskies for the nationwide Whisky Month celebration.

MUSIC Stirling County Rugby Club, Causewayhead Road, Stirling, scribblerspicnic@ live.co.uk, scribblerspicnic. co.uk

11–17 MAY

A fine celebration of traditional singing for singers and enthusiasts including concerts, singarounds, sessions, workshops and talks.

IMAGINATE FESTIVAL

15–16 MAY

A music and fun festival for all ages aimed at family entertainment.

FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Edinburgh, info@imaginate.org.uk, imaginate.org.uk

Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people will present a selection of enticing shows from storytelling to puppetry.

11–23 MAY

BOOKED!

PERTH BEER FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY / LITERATURE Various venues: West Dunbartonshire, bookedfestival.info

FOOD & DRINK North Inch Park, Perth, Perth and Kinross, info@perthbeerfestival.co.uk, perthbeerfestival.co.uk

A free, local literature festival run by West Dunbartonshire Libraries that nevertheless manages to get hold of some big name authors.

9 MAY

Combined beer festival and rugby sevens tournament so you have something to watch while drinking beer from all around the country.

10 MAY

INTERNATIONAL BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Scotland, mail@banff-uk.com, banff-uk.com

A collection of films selected as the best of their kind at this prestigious mountain festival.

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HERITAGE / MUSIC Falkland Village Hall, Back Wynd Falkland, Fife, springthyme.co.uk/fifesing

13 MAY

HEART OF SCOTLAND BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Perth Racecourse, Scone Palace Park, Perth, Perth and Kinross, perth-races.co.uk

The Heart of Scotland Beer Festival arrives on the eve of Ladies Day at the horses, featuring an evening race meeting, some beer tastings, an oompah band and Bavarian feast.

HELENSBURGH & LOMOND REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Helensburgh Sailing Club, Helensburgh, convenor@helensburghalefest.co.uk, helensburghalefestival.co.uk

A charity event run by Helenburgh’s local Round Table, this year there are over 50 of Scotland’s finest real ales on offer as well as a superb range of ciders and food, all in a lochside setting.

15–17 MAY

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS HERITAGE Various venues: Scotland, FestivalofMuseums@ museumsgalleriesscotland. org.uk, festivalofmuseums. com

A celebration of the wealth of knowledge stored in our historic institutions. See page 36.

15–17 MAY

IRVINE VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues: Irvine, ivrp.org.uk

The annual walking festival takes in some of the finer spots around the area.

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Sharon Shannon ing and Seth Lakeman “An amafzew days” le Ward Thomas indelMibARK RADCLIFFE The Dardanelles The New Rope String Band The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys Tim Edey Become a Festival Patron d Travel Dallahan for SubsidiseOf fers ial & Spec Barrule The Lowland Linties BBC RADIO

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loch fyne

Plus Many More . . .

Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland

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15–16 MAY

SUMMERHALL AND BARNEY’S BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, summerhall. co.uk

All things beery, yeasty and delicious are packed into Summerhall for one ale-filled weekend.

Making the most of the magnificent views on easy, medium and strenuous walks.

21–23 MAY 16–17 MAY

RALLY FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline, Fife, knockhill.com

15–18 MAY

A multi-discipline, multi-action rally festival to mark the 20th anniversary of Colin McRae winning the World Rally Championship in 1995.

ISLE OF ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

17–31 MAY

OUTDOOR Various venues: Arran, North Ayrshire, info@arranmountainfestival.co.uk, arranmountainfestival.co.uk

A huge variety of guided walks and scrambles throughout Arran’s stunning hills and mountains.

15–24 MAY

VOLUNTARY ARTS WEEK ART / COMMUNITY Various venues: Scotland, info@voluntaryartsweek.org, voluntaryartsweek.org

The UK-wide festival finds arts groups showcasing their work and encourages you to have a go.

16–17 MAY

LOCH FYNE FOOD FAIR FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY Clachan, Cairndow, info@lochfyne.com, lochfyne.com/events

Alongside Loch Fyne Oysters’ own seafood stands, the event features live music throughout both days, a craft tent and a dedicated children’s area.

TWEEDLOVE BIKE FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues: Peebles, Scottish Borders, info@tweedlove.com, tweedlove.com

TweedLove encompasses all things cycling – from road and mountain bike races that attract pro cyclists to family rides through Peebles town centre.

21–24 MAY

KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH FAMILY / MUSIC Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway, info@ knockengorroch.org.uk, knockengorroch.org.uk

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

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL

BALLATER WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Royal Deeside & The Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire, info@walkballater.com, walkballater.com

A firm fixture in the folk festival calendar, the festival’s combination of Orcadian talent and visiting musicians earned it the Event of the Year accolade

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ISLE OF SKYE ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Isle of Skye, info@skyemusic.co.uk, skyemusic.co.uk/festival.asp

A weekend of traditional music celebrating the twin tenets of Scottish folk music, the accordion and fiddle.

21–31 MAY

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS MULTI-ARTS Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, Perth and Kinross, perthfestival.co.uk

Music, comedy, theatre, dance and visual arts are all up for grabs at this festival. Highlights include English Touring Opera’s new production of La Boheme, world-class choir The Sixteen and Artay, the art marquee full of contemporary Scottish Art. 22–23 MAY

X MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Gypsy Brae Recreation Ground, West Shore Road, Granton, Edinburgh, hi@xmusicfestival.com, xmusicfestival.co.uk

A two-day music festival of UK artists. The debut year sees DJ Fresh, Hannah Wants and Ja Rule perform.

21–24 MAY

MUSIC Various venues: Orkney, Orkney Islands, info@orkneyfolkfestival. com, orkneyfolkfestival.com

16–22 MAY

at the 2011 Scots Trad Music Awards.

22–30 MAY

HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Old Street Lighting Depot, Kings Stable Road, Edinburgh, hiddendoor.org

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musicians, bands, artists, poets and filmmakers under one roof.

22–30 MAY

ISLAY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND MALT FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues: Isle Of Islay, enquiries@islayfestival.com, islayfestival.com

This Islay fest offers distillery tours, loads of live music, a food fair, fishing and bowling competitions and even Gaelic lessons for those who want to embrace the culture of the most famous island in the world of whisky.

22–31 MAY

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

The nine-day family-friendly multi-arts Borders-based festival boasts everything from theatre, dance and music to literature, film and art.

22–24 MAY

MONTROSE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Montrose, Angus, enquiries@montrosemusicfestival.co.uk, montrosemusicfestival.co.uk

The Montrose Music Festival is an annual event in the colourful Angus town offering band nights, ceilidhs, big names on stage and a campsite.

22–24 MAY

STRICHEN FESTIVAL MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues: Strichen, buchanheritagesociety.co.uk

Located in North East Scotland, the Strichen Festival offers participants and punters a programme of music, song,

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY A garden party like no other Don’t get the wrong idea. It might be called a garden party, but this event is not about cucumber sandwiches and a stiff, bunting-clad marquee. Instead, it’s an eclectic, boutique music festival set in the grounds of a 13th-century painted castle, and features musical acts of all stripes, from jazz, folk and world to electronica, hip hop and funk.

The history of the festival is as eccentric as its mix of musical genres. Back in 2006, a group of guerrilla street artists from Sao Paolo painted the castle (at the behest of the owners, mind) in what became known as the Graffiti Project. Once the ancient building had been suitably spraypainted, the castle quickly became an ideal place for weekend-long parties, featuring bands, DJs and groups of friends.

By 2008, the carnival-style get-togethers became an official full-scale festival, complete with four stages and a whole host of pop-up nooks (and maybe the odd cranny).

Though the line-up is about as diverse as it could be, there’s more to this festival than just the music. As if a giant graffitied castle isn’t atmospheric enough, there’s also a range of handmade decor, art and lighting to give this castle its unique edge. The little ones are kept happy, too, with a range of activities and attractions on offer. The full programme for 2015 has yet to be announced, but with 2014 offering up such names as the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Red Snapper, the Nextmen, Dolphin Boy and Bombskare, you can bet your last spraycan it’ll be wide-ranging and wonderfully wacky. (Rebecca Monks) ■ Kelburn Castle, 3–5 Jul, kelburngardenparty.com 43

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verse, drama and dance as well as competitions and a series of ceilidhs.

22–24 MAY

COASTWORD LITERATURE Various venues: Dunbar, East Lothian, hannah@appletreewriters.co.uk, coastword.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

DUNOON FILM FESTIVAL Nestled in the spectacular Cowal Peninsula, Dunoon is the seaside home of this autumnal film festival, now entering its third year. Co-directors Corinne Orton and Sean Greenhorn annually collaborate with the Cowal Cinema Club to programme a diverse selection of films with screenings taking place between the Burgh Hall and the nearby Studio Cinema. The historic Burgh Hall was Argyll’s first theatre and has recently been awarded a grant to establish it as a permanent multi-functional arts centre for the town. Last year’s programme featured an eclectic mix of classic films, new features, workshops and talks. Screenwriter Paul Laverty spoke about his work with Ken Loach, and Screen Bandita encouraged guests to bring along old 8mm films for a special screening. With a selection of films from across the world covering a range of genres, this vibrant festival has established itself an exciting future. (Murray Robertson) ■ Various venues: Dunoon, Sep dates tbc, dunoonfilmfestival.org 44

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The literary community comes together to bring a roster of bookish delights to the lovely location of Dunbar for a small but perfectly-formed weekend-long festival.

22–24 MAY

RISE DANCE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Universal Hall Arts Centre, Findhorn Foundation, The Park, Forres, Findhorn, rise@ bodysurfscotland.co.uk, bodysurfscotland.co.uk

An innovative programme of dance from Bodysurf Scotland, featuring work from a selection of choreographers and dance groups, plus talks, films and special events.

23–25 MAY

SPRING FLING MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Dumfries & Galloway, info@spring-fling.co.uk, spring-fling.co.uk

A vibrant visual art and craft open studios event covering the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway and offering the chance to see behind-the-scenes of around 80 local artists.

23–24 MAY

MHOR FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / THEATRE & DANCE Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Stirling, monachyle@mhor.net, mhor.net/ nbsp/mhor-festival-2014

A huge array of activities are on offer including baking competitions, food prepared by star Scottish chefs and activities for kids and adults alike.

23–24 MAY

SCOTLAND’S BIG NATURE FESTIVAL

BERWICK MAY FAIR

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Levenhall Links, Musselburgh, East Lothian, scottishbirdfair.org.uk

COMMUNITY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Scottish Borders, berwick900@ gmail.com, berwick900.org.uk

Bushcraft and wildlife photography classes, a farmer’s market, music and science workshops are all to be found at this celebration of wildlife.

Traditional street market, local food and entertainment over the course of four days.

23–24 MAY

22–25 MAY

23–24 MAY

SHOCK THE CITY MUSIC Classic Grand, 18 Jamaica Street, Glasgow, shockcity.co.uk

Shock The City is an indoor music festival of classic rock tribute acts featuring Toxic Twins, AC/DC UK, Motley Crew, Still Marillion, Scorpyons, Bad Name, Guerilla Radio, Straight Shooter and more.

THE WHISKY STRAMASH FOOD & DRINK Surgeon’s Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, info@thewhiskystramash.com, thewhiskystramash.com/

A chance to sample as many different whiskies as you can handle, also promising ‘mystery, music entertainment, comicality and madcap pioneering’.

Participating brands include Black Grouse, Highland Park, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Macallan, Glenrothes, Whyte & Mackay, Jura, Fettercairn, Auchantoshan, the Balvenie and Bowmore.

28 MAY–7 JUNE

HADDINGTON FESTIVAL ART / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues: Haddington, Haddington, East Lothian, haddingtoncc.org.uk

A local festival with a range of activities and musical concerts, art exhibitions, craft fairs and a daily café and sporting competitions.

29–31 MAY

THE BORDER GAITHERIN – COLDSTREAM

info@theelectricfrog.co.uk, riversidefestivalglasgow.com Outdoor music festival featuring Ricardo Villalobos, Sven Väth, Siriusmodeselektor (live), Popof, Slam and Optimo.

29–31 MAY

GARDENING SCOTLAND OUTDOOR Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, royalhighlandcentre.co.uk

Scotland’s national celebration of gardening and outdoor living, with show gardens, plant sales, food and craft fairs, environmental organisations and more.

MUSIC Various venues: Coldstream, border.gaitherin@zen.co.uk, bordergaitherin.com

29–31 MAY

The Border Gaitherin offers a chance to camp near the River Tweed in lovely Coldstream before taking in a weekend of the finest in traditional music and dance.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Aberdeen, festival@abdn.ac.uk, abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival

29–31 MAY

PORTSOY MUSIC FESTIVAL: THE SIXTH HAAL MUSIC Various venues: Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, bobphilips25@ live.co.uk, bothyfolk.com

A three-day festival which captures the varied music traditions of the north of Scotland, so there’s everything from bothy ballads to Burns as well as Celtic, folk, Americana and Irish influenced music.

29–30 MAY

ELECTRIC FROG & PRESSURE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL MUSIC Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow,

THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN MAY FESTIVAL

Aberdeen University’s May Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Granite City.

The programme features a diverse range of cultural activities, including music, film, literature and foodrelated events for the whole family.

29–31 MAY

COAST ARTS FESTIVAL ART / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues: Banff & Macduff, info@coastfestival.org.uk, coastfestival.org.uk

Set in the stunning twin harbour towns of Banff and Macduff in north Aberdeenshire, Coast is predominantly a visual arts festival, with elements of performance and community participation.

29–31 MAY

STRATHYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Strathyre, Stirling, balvaig.co.uk

The programme features mostly singer-songwriters from all over the country but also some international bands, ceilidh outfits, pipe bands and musicians playing jazz, blues, folk and country.

30 MAY–7 JUNE

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

Art, music and storytelling in Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie. There are plenty of seafood stalls for the crustaceanhungry plus kids’ events, live music and a real ale tent.

MAY & OCTOBER, DATES TBC

48 HOUR FILM PROJECT FILM & TV May: Cameo Cinema, 38 Home Street, Edinburgh; October: Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow, 48hourfilm.com

Participants here are given a character, prop and line of dialogue, and have a mere 48 hours to make a film, start to finish. All films are professionally screened, and the winning filmmaker wins a trip to Filmapalooza in the US. MAY, DATES TBC

CREATE:EAT:WHISKY FOOD & DRINK Venue tbc: Edinburgh, jellyandgin.com/cew

A multi-sensory whisky adventure that explores the whisky making process through its sights, sounds and tastes. Devised by food and art enthusiasts Jelly & Gin. 45

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MAY, DATES TBC

HAPPYNESS COMEDY Various venues: Inverness, happy-ness.co.uk

Festival of laughs taking place across multiple venues in the Highland Capital. New and local comics share the bill with internationally recognised acts and Gaelic comedy gets a look in with a dedicated show. See page 38.

org.uk The people of Patrick provide you with traditional music, song and ceilidhs.

wildlife safaris and guided sea kayaking.

JUNE

MAY, DATES TBC

RHYTHM & BREWS

1–5 JUNE

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues: Edinburgh, facebook.com/rhythmandbrewsfest

ABERDEEN AND NORTH EAST OF SCOTLAND MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVAL

Combining craft beer with music like it ain’t no thang.

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Aberdeen, aberdeenmusicfestival.com

KINTYRE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

MAY, DATES TBC

MUSIC Various venues: Campbeltown, info@kintyresongwritersfestival. co.uk, kintyresongwritersfestival.co.uk

FILM & TV Various venues: Southside, Glasgow, southsidefilmfest@gmail.com, southsidefilmfestival.net

Aberdeen’s oldest and original music, drama and dance festival features competitions in storytelling, classical music performance and choral singing.

A music festival aimed at showcasing and promoting Kintyre’s home grown talent.

A super-local festival that brings an eclectic programme of films and workshops to ‘pop up’ cinemas in various Southside venues. Film choices are often site specific or engage audiences by producing an event around the film.

MAY, DATES TBC

MAY, DATES TBC

NATURE-FEST FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues: Falkirk, Stirlingshire, nature-fest.co.uk

Nature and wildlife-related activities, events and workshops celebrating the natural heritage of the Falkirk area.

MAY, DATES TBC

OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES FESTIVAL OF THE SEA MULTI-ARTS / OUTDOOR Various venues: Oban, Argyll & Bute, obanseafestival.org

A festival of marine science taking place in and around Oban, with talks, walks, activities, exhibitions and performances.

MAY, DATES TBC

PARTICK FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Annexe Healthy Living Centre, 9a Stewartville Street, Partick, Glasgow, partickfolkclub.

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SOUTHSIDE FILM FESTIVAL

4–7 JUNE

ANGUS GLENS WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR The Angus Glens, Dundee, walkingfestival@angusahead. com, angusahead.com/ walkingfestival

Four days of walks from coastal strolls to exhilarating hikes, guided by experienced leaders.

MAY, DATES TBC

STREETLAND

4–14 JUNE

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Govanhill, Glasgow, streetlandinfo@ googlemail.com, streetland.net

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL

Community festival and street party in Glasgow’s Govanhill, currently one of those exciting areas with a burgeoning creative scene.

This festival celebrates the Year of Food and Drink, giving a chance to sample infused whiskies and scientist-curated dinner parties. Taking as its theme ‘From Creel to Meal’, the festival will explore the future of food and sustainable shores.

MAY, DATES TBC

WILD LOCHABER FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues: Lochaber, Highlands, info@wildlochaber. org, wildlochaber.org

Activities celebrating the wealth of wildlife and spectacular scenery in Lochaber including guided walks, rock safaris, boat trips, children’s nature activities,

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues: Glasgow, glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

5–28 JUNE

WEST END FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: West End, Glasgow, info@westendfestival. co.uk, westendfestival.co.uk

Taking over the West End of Glasgow each year, the festival treats the ears to a great musical LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Pittenweem ARTS FESTIVAL

the cottier chamber project

5th - 26th June 2015 Glasgow

Film

New works World Music

August 1st-9th 2015

Dance

Alison Kinnaird Tim Fitzpatrick Iain McIntosh Christopher Corr

Chamber Music

Jazz

For 33 years up to 100 artists have exhibited their art

Opera

www.cottierchamberproject.com

& craft in

homes and every possible venue in the fishing village of Pittenweem

@SouthernFriedPH

Southern Fried Festival, Perth

Thanks to our funders, sponsors and partners

tickets: 01738 621031 www.horsecross.co.uk Horsecross Arts Ltd is a charity registered in Scotland, no SC022400

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line-up, tantalises all the senses with a carnival and delves into the creative depths of local studios and exhibitions.

5–7 JUNE

The Campaign for Real Ales’ most northerly festival offers discerning drinkers the perfect opportunity to sample the finest ale that the United Kingdom has to offer.

ARRAN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Arran, North Ayrshire, info@arranevents.com, arranevents.com/index.php

The island presents a weekend of folk, with sessions, concerts and ceilidhs centred in Brodick.

5–6 JUNE

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SHETLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL The far-flung Shetland Isles might not be the first place you would consider as a hotbed of jazz, but not only do the islands have their own club, that establishment now organises an annual festival of touring national and local musicians. Heading into its fourth year, the event was last held over the weekend which crossed between May and June of 2014, although earlier events have occurred at different times. Having previously used locations including arts venue Mareel, The Bop Shop and Tingwall and Lerwick community halls, the festival generally boasts a smart programme which welcomes various styles and schools of player. So, 2014’s bill had Stan Tracey performing his Under Milk Wood suite, with Kerouac and the Beat Generation celebrated in prose, film and bebop period jazz, while Tommy Smith played work inspired by the Scots poetry of MacCaig and Morgan. (David Pollock) ■ Various venues, Shetland, 6–13 Jun, shetlandjazzclub.org 48

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CHILDREN’S FOOD FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues: North Highlands, info@north-highlands.co.uk, north-highlands. co.uk

Traders and producers with an interest in children’s health and diet come together.

5–6 JUNE

ARDROSSAN MUSIC EXPERIENCE MUSIC The Civic Centre, Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, ardrossanmusicexperience.com

6 JUNE

FOOD TOWN DAY FOOD & DRINK Various venues: Castle Douglas, cd-foodtown.org.uk

Food Town Day sees Castle Douglas burst to life with stalls, cookery demonstrations, tastings and much more, for foodies of all ages.

6 JUNE

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

A one-day food and drink festival which allows visitors to discover and sample the wide range of quality produce available in the Grampian region.

6–7 JUNE

UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP

The family-friendly festival continues its blues, rock and pop nights.

OUTDOOR Various venues: Fort William, Highlands, fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

5–26 JUNE

Mountain bike action from the planet’s top riders and, off the tracks, the World Cup Village offering all the latest mountain bike goodies, demos and entertainment.

COTTIER CHAMBER PROJECT MUSIC Various venues: Glasgow, cottierchamberproject.com

The Cottier Chamber Project is a lively, genre-hopping festival hosted by the enterprising chamber group Daniel’s Beard.

6–13 JUNE

SHETLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL

GREAT GRAMPIAN BEER FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues: Shetland, shetlandjazzclub.org

FOOD & DRINK Pittodrie Stadium, Pittodrie Road, Aberdeen, aberdeencamra.co.uk

Two linked weekends of the finest jazz across the island with a range of small gigs all the way in between. See left.

4–6 JUNE

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6–7 JUNE

MEADOWS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC The Meadows, Melville Drive, Edinburgh, meadowsfestival.3st.org.uk

Taking place in the National Trust’s Georgian Harmony Garden, the festival attracts world-class literary figures.

11–14 JUNE

Edinburgh’s festival season kicks off with the Meadows Festival, which offers a local band line-up, dance groups and workshops.

CULROSS FESTIVAL

7 JUNE

The open-air lawn and presence of catering facilities lend themselves to a summer picnic.

BIG SUNDAY DUNDEE WESTFEST MULTI-ARTS Magdalen Green, Magdalen Yard Road, Dundee, info@dundeewestfest.co.uk, westfest.webuda.com

Magdalen Green is filled with stalls, children’s rides, art activities, live music, sport tasters, a beer garden and food vendors.

MULTI-ARTS Abbey House, Kirk Street, Culross, Fife, ahm276@aol. com, culrossfestival.com

11–14 JUNE

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

The local folk festival emphasises pub sessions and fun. There are also open mic sessions, a craft fair and competitions for songwriting and the best recycled instrument.

12–14 JUNE

POTFEST SCOTLAND ART Scone Palace, Scone, Perth, Perth and Kinross, potfest@gmail.com, potfest.co.uk

The festival features over 100 ceramic artists selling their work, with workshops, demonstrations and classes.

12–14 JUNE

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL

The festival places the emphasis squarely on traditional jazz, from ragtime to swing.

MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues: Isle of Skye, keithfestival@gmail.com, keithfestival.co.uk

9–19 JUNE

11–14 JUNE

EMPORIUM OF DANGEROUS IDEAS

THE EDEN FESTIVAL

Traditional music, song, poetry and dance across a platform of competitions and spectator events in this year’s TMSA Keith Festival.

POLITICS / SCIENCE Various venues: Scotland, collegedevelopmentnetwork. ac.uk/fodi/festival-ofdangerous-ideas

FAMILY / MUSIC Raehills Meadows, St Anns, Moffat, enquiries@edenfestival. co.uk, edenfestival.co.uk

A unique education festival aimed at challenging, provoking and generating ideas.

A small and well-thought-out music fest with a varied line-up supported by family-friendly activities, exhibitions and cabaret and comedy tents.

10–11 JUNE

11–21 JUNE

XPONORTH

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF CYCLING

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

A two-day cross genre festival devoted to crafts, publishing, screen and broadcast as well as music.

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues: Edinburgh, edfoc.org.uk

11–14 JUNE

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.

BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL

12–14 JUNE

LITERATURE Harmony Garden, St Mary’s Road, Melrose, Scottish Borders, info@bordersbookfestival.org, bordersbookfestival. org

LOANHEAD MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Clerk Street, Loanhead, info@loanheadfest. co.uk, loanheadfest.co.uk

12–13 JUNE

PITMEDDEN COMMUNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Pitmedden Garden, Pitmedden, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, pitmeddenmusicfestival.com

This Pitmedden music event is a not for profit community music festival with folk and Celtic sessions, classical, jazz, blues and rock.

12–13 JUNE

SCOTTISH JUNIPER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, summerhall.co.uk

Two nights of delicious drink and top fashion to celebrate World Gin Day. 49

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12–14 JUNE

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

For the foodies there’s the Taste of Fife with a producers’ market, cookery demonstrations and evening supper, while music fans can expect some top Scottish names.

12–14 JUNE

ROCK&ROAD BIKE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues: Tomintoul, Moray, sayhello@rockandroad.co.uk, rockandroad.co.uk

Pedal on down to the bike festival where there is something for all ages.

28 FEBRUARY / 13 JUNE

HINA MATSURI JAPANESE SPRING FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Wellington Church, 77 Southpark Avenue, Glasgow, matsuriglasgow@gmail.com, japanese-matsuri-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.

13–14 JUNE

CRAIL FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues: Crail, admin@ crailfestival.co.uk, crailfestival.co.uk

As well as musical entertainment, there’s also art, drama, theatre and outdoor activities.

13–14 JUNE

GLASGOW MELA MUSIC / DANCE Kelvingrove Park, 50

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Otago Street, Glasgow, mela@glasgowlife.org.uk, glasgowmela.com Huge outdoor festival celebrating the traditions of Glasgow’s many and varied immigrant communities with a mix of international music, dance, activities and stalls.

13–20 JUNE

CUMNOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues: Cumnock, East Ayrshire, createartsandmusic.co.uk/ music-festival

Local festival mixing music, art, comedy, poetry and a popular carnival.

13–21 JUNE

LEITH FESTIVAL HERITAGE Various venues: Leith, Edinburgh, office@leithfestival. com, leithfestival.com

The vibrant community of Leith shows off its festival skills with a fun-packed programme of events.

15 JUNE

ST MONANS SEA QUEEN DAY COMMUNITY / FAMILY Various venues: St Monans, Anstruther, Fife, stmonans.org

A fun-filled family day, the highlight is the arrival of the Sea Queen Party onboard a restored antique sail-boat, while dockside there are stalls, a mini fairground and live music.

15–21 JUNE

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

A festival by children and young people, for children and young people featuring performances

by Horsecross Arts.

17–18 JUNE

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Edinburgh, info@ edfilmfest.org.uk, edfilmfest.org.uk

The oldest continually running film festival in the world draws on its prestige to consistently present abundant programmes of new features, documentaries, retrospectives and shorts.

18–21 JUNE

ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE / MUSIC Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, ShowDept@rhass.org. uk, royalhighlandshow.org

Part agricultural show, part food festival, part family day out, with everything from motor, equine and craft programmes to food and drink and children’s activities.

18–22 JUNE

MORAY WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues: Moray, moraywalkingfestival.co.uk

A series of walks in the 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.

19–21 JUNE

SKYE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL AND GLENDALE GATHERING LITERATURE Various venues: Highlands & Islands, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

Do more than listen to the stories of the bards – go on a meandering, story-filled journey of your own. The festival starts from Edinburgh by bus and makes its way to Highlands landmarks before alighting on Skye.

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19–24 JUNE

ST MAGNUS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Orkney, info@ stmagnusfestival.com, stmagnusfestival.com

A prestigious music festival that brings international orchestras, recitalists, theatre and literature to the Orkney Islands.

19–21 JUNE

FRECKFEST MUSIC Eglinton Country Park & Visitor Centre, Irvine, North Ayrshire, freckfest.co.uk

A music festival paying tribute to Willie Freckleton, a renowned music promoter in Irvine, who spent his career ensuring all the best bands stopped off there.

19–21 JUNE

SOLAS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS The Bield, Blackruthven, Tibbermore, Perth and Kinross, info@solasfestival.co.uk, solasfestival.co.uk

An age-free arts festival with music, literature and spoken word, visual art and crafts, film and theatre as well as a programme of talks and debates.

20 JUNE

LAIRG MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Lairg Community Centre, Main Street, Lairg, lairgcommunitycentre.com

A day packed with competitions for all ages in fiddle, accordion, piano and bands.

A quirky wee one-dayer where all you budding Bake Off-ers can create a map of Edinburgh made entirely out of cake. A tasty festival for sure.

20 JUNE–5 JULY

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

Staging a mix of professional and youth theatre shows alongside community events and exhibitions.

24 JUNE–4 JULY

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

One of the biggest events in the Scottish jazz calendar presents some major concerts, a late night jazz club, film screenings and talks.

25–27 JUNE

THE GLASGOW REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate, Glasgow, enquiries@ glasgowrealalefestival.co.uk, glasgowrealalefestival.co.uk

Real ale festival featuring more than 100 British beers, plus real cider and beer from deepest Bavaria.

26 JUNE–4 JULY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL

CAKEFEST EDINBURGH

THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Edinburgh, info@magicfest.co.uk, magicfest.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Royal Botanic Garden, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, cakefest.org.uk

MagicFest pulls another rabbit out of the hat with a programme of close-up conundrums, mindboggling

21 JUNE

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

WICKERMAN The Wickerman festival is quite probably the world’s only family-friendly music event inspired by a cult horror film about human sacrifice.

Located in the prime Wicker Man territory of Dundrennan in Dumfries & Galloway, the festival’s unique selling point is its annual climactic burning of a bespoke wicker man (sans a screaming Edward Woodward).

Other forms of entertainment are available.

Wickerman styles itself as ‘Scotland’s alternative music festival’ with a generous representation of punk, reggae and ska, plus a dedicated line-up of new Scottish bands in the Solus Tent which was headlined last year by Scottish Album of the Year Award and Mercury Music Prize winners Young Fathers. Meanwhile, on the main Summerisle Stage, expect eclectic programming with contrasting headliners – Dizzee Rascal and Del Amitri rubbed shoulders in 2014 – before the Saturday night star turn by the big straw man.

(Fiona Shepherd) ■ Dundrennan Abbey, 24–25 Jul, thewickermanfestival.co.uk 51

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illusions, comic cabaret and other feats of the impossible.

26–28 JUNE

LES-FEST WILDFIRE MUSIC Wiston Lodge, Wiston, Biggar, South Lanarkshire, info@les-fest.co.uk, les-fest.co.uk

Scotland throws up the devil horns for its only awardwinning rock and metal festival.

27 JUNE–5 JULY

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / MUSIC / ART Various venues: East Neuk, Fife, ian@eastneukfestival.com, eastneukfestival.com

World-class music, art and literature converge on this corner of Fife.

JUNE, DATES TBC

ADAM SMITH FOOD FESTIVAL T IN THE PARK New home, same success story The scenes, they are a-changing at T in the Park, the daddy of Scotland’s music festival scene. After 18 happy and contented years of partying at Balado Airfield near Kinross, the festival will relocate in 2015 to Strathallan Castle, some 18 miles to the northwest of its old home. Organisers felt obliged to find a new venue for the three-day extravaganza, which consistently attracts the biggest names in pop, rock, hip hop and dance music, when the health and safety demands concerning a pesky pipeline which ran under the airfield became increasingly restrictive.

Wishing to remain in the geographical heart of Scotland, they found a new and glamorous home in the grounds of Strathallan Castle, situated in 1000 acres of woodland in the vale of Strathearn, close to Gleneagles and Auchterarder. Nice pile: we’ll take it. The estate is roughly equidistant from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and a similar size to the Balado site, allowing T to hold capacity at 85,000 (with the potential to increase) as well as maintain the usual T features, but now the look is all verdant woodland with a mile-long avenue of trees and a fancy early 19th century castle at the end of the driveway.

The T team are no strangers to such a picturesque location, running the boutique Connect Festival for two years at Inverary Castle. T in the Park, however, is unapologetically louder, bigger and with a hulking great funfair somewhere on site. (Fiona Shepherd) ■ Strathallan Castle, 10–12 Jul, titp.co.uk 52

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FOOD & DRINK Various venues: Kirkcaldy, onfife.com

Get excited about local food and drink at this celebration of Kirkcaldy eats, with demonstrations, talks and tastings.

JUNE, DATES TBC

ANNUALE ART Various venues: Edinburgh, annuale@embassygallery.org, annuale.org

A chance for Edinburgh artistled projects to show off their talents, supported by The Embassy.

JUNE, DATES TBC

COLOURSFEST MUSIC Braehead Arena, Kings Inch Road, Glasgow, info@colours. co.uk, colours.co.uk LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Scotland’s longest running dance festival brings together 10,000 clubbers with superstar DJs. JUNE, DATES TBC

FYNEFEST FOOD & DRINK Fyne Ales, Achadunan, Cairndow, fyneales.com

Beer is the star, with over 100 different types from the UK’s best breweries available over the weekend, accompanied by a music programme and food from a range of local producers.

JUNE, DATES TBC

HIDDEN LANE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS The Hidden Lane, 8 Argyle Court, Glasgow, hiddenlane.co.uk

All-dayer of live bands, open studios, fashion shows and art installations is a sure way to attract attention.

JUNE, DATES TBC

JULY

OCHILS FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Ochil Hills, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, info@ ochils.org.uk, ochils.org.uk

The festival celebrates the cultural, environmental and built heritage of the Hillfoots of the Ochil Hills.

JUNE, DATES TBC

ORKNEY FINE WINE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues: Orkney, Orkney Islands, longship@ olagorie.com, thelongship. co.uk/wine-festival.php

A boutique collection of tastings and wine events, with bottles from vineyards around the world.

JUNE, DATES TBC

PEEBLES BELTANE FESTIVAL

3 JULY–30 AUGUST

FEIS AN EILEIN: SKYE FESTIVAL MUSIC / HERITAGE SEALL at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Sleat, Isle Of Skye, skyefestival.com

Summer arts festival celebrating traditional Scottish music interspersed with history and archaeology walks, charity cafes, whisky tasting, open galleries and artist events.

3–5 JULY

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Rothes Halls, Kingdom Centre, Glenrothes, Fife, info@ytas.org.uk, ytas.org.uk/events/nfyt

A colourful programme of performances and special events showcasing the creative work of youth theatre groups.

JUNE, DATES TBC

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues: Peebles, Scottish Borders, peeblesbeltanefestival.co.uk

KILMARNOCK OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

Local legend, history and tradition combine for this annual festival celebrating summer.

3–5 JULY

OUTDOOR Various venues: Kilmarnock, deancastle.com

JUNE, DATES TBC

A mixture of guided walks and family events in and around Kilmarnock, including events with a historical slant and outdoor roving photography masterclasses..

OUTDOOR Various venues: Perthshire, outdooreducation@pkc.gov.uk, pkc.gov.uk/adventurefestival

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Newcastleton, ntmfsecretary@gmail.com, newcastleton.com

PERTHSHIRE ADVENTURE FESTIVAL

NEWCASTLETON TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

A festival educating you about all the adventurous things you can do in and around Perthshire.

Family-focused festival of traditional music, with workshops, ceilidhs, concerts and adult and children’s competitions.

MULTI-ART Various venues: Leith, Edinburgh, leithlate@gmail.com, leithlate.co.uk

JUNE, DATES TBC

3–5 JULY

ROCKNESS

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

LeithLate is one huge art opening, with multiple free events – from music, to film, to poetry – taking place simultaneously.

Although it was cancelled last year, we’re still holding out hope that our favourite lochside music fest returns in 2015.

Fingers crossed . . .

JUNE, DATES TBC

LEITHLATE MUSIC Loch Ness, Dorres, Highlands, rockness.co.uk

FAMILY / MUSIC Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, Fairlie, Largs, kelburngardenparty. com

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programme – an eclectic mix of Scottish talent from the avant garde and experimental to the accessible. See page 43.

3–5 JULY

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, contact@stbfportsoy.com, stbfportsoy.com

As traditional boats congregate in the historic harbour, the seaside town of Portsoy celebrates with a festival of music, dance and traditional arts and craft.

4 JULY

Focusing on collaboration, education and creativity, the festival encourages participants to push boundaries.

From relatively humble beginnings, T in the Park has become the acknowledged behemoth of the Scottish festival scene and one of the United Kingdom’s largest events. In 2015 the festival moves from its longstanding Balado location to the exciting new grounds of Strathallan Castle in Perthshire.

See page 52.

5–10 JULY

10–11 JULY

CEOLAS

NEWTON STEWART TRADITIONAL & ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL

5–10 JULY

CANTILENA FESTIVAL ON ISLAY MUSIC Various venues: Isle Of Islay, info@cantilena.co.uk, cantilenafestival.co.uk

MUSIC Various venues: South Uist, Western Isles, info@ceolas.co.uk, ceolas. co.uk

Annual summer school focusing on the connections between Scottish traditional music, Gaelic song and dance.

CASTRUM BEERFEST FOOD & DRINK Coldstream Community Centre, High Street, Coldstream, tenwickettait@ gmail.com, Coldstream.Co

Fill your belly at Castrum Beerfest, this one-day beer, cider and food extravaganza.

4–10 JULY

SHETLAND NATURE FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues: Shetland, snf@shetlandamenity.org, shetlandnaturefestival.co.uk

A series of guided walks, family days out and evening talks to show off Shetland’s cornucopia of wildlife.

4 JULY

GLASGOW COMIC CON ART / FILM & TV / LITERATURE Various venues: Glasgow, info@bhpcomics. com, glasgowcomiccon.com

Indulge your love of all things graphic at this fiesta of films, comics and fandoms.

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9–12 JULY

STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Stonehaven Town Hall, Allardice Street, Stonehaven, enquiries@ stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk, stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

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

10–19 JULY

UNSTFEST MUSIC Various venues: Unst, Shetland Islands, info@unstfest.org, unstfest.org

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

MUSIC Various venues: Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, festival@tradmusic. com, tradmusic.com

One of the newest festivals on the traditional music scene, the 2015 event features a strong weekend of concerts, workshops and open song sessions.

15–18 JULY

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Isles of Lewis and Harris, Hebrides, office@hebceltfest.com, hebceltfest.com

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 Gaelic culture.

16–18 JULY

PENTLANDS WALKING FESTIVAL

T IN THE PARK

OUTDOOR Pentland Hills, pentlandhills.org

MUSIC Strathallan Castle, Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross, tinthepark.com

A weekend of summer walks and activities for all ages from the teddy bear walk to climbing the ridge.

10–12 JULY

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17–25 JULY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FASHION FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, edinburghinternationalfashionfestival.com

A festival incorporating runway shows and glam afterparties, plus more intellectual talks on fashionlinked topics.

17–26 JULY

MUSIC AT PAXTON MUSIC Paxton House and Country Park, Paxton, Berwick upon Tweed, Scottish Borders, info@ musicatpaxton.co.uk, musicatpaxton.co.uk

Top quality international chamber music in the beautiful surroundings of Paxton House, an 18th century Palladian Country House near Berwick.

nicknamed ‘Hawaii of the North’, plays host to a weekend of genre-spanning sounds as well as family activities and fringe events.

18–26 JULY

DUNEDIN INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Scotland, dunedindancers.org.uk/public/ festival.php

Held bi-annually, this event brings together dance groups from Belgium, Switzerland and France with those from Scotland to participate in folk dance styles.

SALTCOATS QUEEN OF THE SEA FESTIVAL COMMUNITY Town Centre, Saltcoats, facebook.com/SaltcoatsSeaQueen

The town partakes in a grand old knees up.

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

24–26 JULY

Scotland’s biggest jazz festival presents over 140 concerts in ten days all over the capital, in parks, churches, clubs and concert halls.

UGIE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Aden Country Park, Station Road, Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, press_officer@ugiefolk.co.uk, ugiefolk.co.uk

A small, intimate and friendly celebration of folk with concerts, pub folk nights and sessions.

17–19 JULY

24–25 JULY

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL

THE WICKERMAN FESTIVAL

FAMILY / MUSIC An Talla, Isle of Tiree, office@ tireemusicfestival.co.uk, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

MUSIC Dundrennan Abbey, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright, info@thewickermanfestival. co.uk, thewickermanfestival. co.uk

The tiny Hebridean island,

For up to date information on the latest details of festivals across Scotland check out list.co.uk

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL

18–19 JULY

17–26 JULY

MUSIC Various venues: Edinburgh, fiona@adjazz.co.uk, edinburghjazzfestival.com

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

One of Scotland’s best loved independent festivals, the centrepiece of which is the burning of a 40-foot Wickerman statue on the Saturday night after the headlining act on the main stage.

See page 51.

Now in its 14th year, the Merchant City Festival returns for an annual takeover of Glasgow’s cultural quarter.

Normally serene boulevards and swanky bars are transformed into bustling markets with stalls selling artworks, handmade crafts and vintage clothing as well as stands dedicated to foodie delights. The summer festival has a carnival atmosphere and takes advantage of the weather to showcase a variety of outdoor performances.

These include premieres and specially commissioned pieces ranging from dance and acrobatics to children’s theatre and interactive installations.

The packed live programme also features music, fashion events, exhibitions and family entertainment. 2014’s event coincided with the Commonwealth Games and despite drawing increasing interest from international artists, the festival ensures that it remains true to its roots.

(Rowena McIntosh) ■ Various venues: Glasgow, Jul dates tbc, merchantcityfestival. com 55

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24–26 JULY

Various venues, Edinburgh, info@edinburghartfestival. com, edinburghartfestival. com Scotland’s largest 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.

See page 67.

REWIND SCOTLAND: THE 80S FESTIVAL

31 JULY–9 AUGUST

TFEST

ABERDOUR FESTIVAL

COMEDY / MUSIC Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, info@tfest.co.uk, tfest.co.uk

24–26 JULY

BRAEMAR JACOBITE FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues: Braemar, braemarcastle.co.uk

A festival that remembers Braemar’s Jacobite heritage and Bobbin Jock, sixth Earl of Mar’s 1715 uprising.

MUSIC Scone Palace, Scone, Perth and Kinross, scotland@rewindfestival.com, rewindfestival.com

Rewind goes large on nostalgia with the biggest line-up of 80s artists to perform together in Scotland.

24 JULY–1 AUGUST

ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Aberdeen, info@aiyf.org, aiyf.org

Classical and chamber music, contemporary and traditional dance, jazz and theatre are on offer from a cast of rising international and local stars.

26 JULY

SCOTLAND’S HUNGAMA FESTIVAL AT M&D’S FOOD & DRINK M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, hungamafestivals.info

A diverse festival with Indian music, dance and song and stalls selling food, drink, fashion, jewellery and mehndi.

30 JULY–30 AUGUST

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31 JULY–2 AUGUST

SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Perth, Perth and Kinross, info@ horsecross.co.uk, southernfriedfestival.co.uk

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

31 JULY–2 AUGUST

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues: Aberdour, Fife, organisers@aberdourfestival.org, aberdourfestival. org.uk

There’s something for all ages and all tastes, from a beach day with a sandcastle competition for children and a fun run for adults, to a food market and picnic day, as well as some sports, magic shows, children’s activities and live music.

31 JULY–2 AUGUST

ALIVE AND KICKING FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Auchinleck, East Ayrshire, auchinleckfestival.co.uk

Live music throughout the day, stalls, children’s entertainment and fun for all the family.

31 JULY–2 AUGUST

SPEYFEST MUSIC Various venues: Fochabers, info@speyfest.com, speyfest.com

Well-established as one of the finest Celtic and Scottish music festivals in the country, it features a varied programme of seated concerts, ceilidhs and stomps, all across three stirring days and nights.

New three-day tribute music festival featuring over 130 acts across seven stages.

JULY, DATES TBC

ABOYNE AND DEESIDE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Aboyne & Deeside, info@aboyneanddeesidefestival.org.uk, aboyneanddeesidefestival.org. uk

A small yet diverse festival offering an eclectic selection of classical, folk and contemporary music, politics, thought, art, drama, literature and film.

JULY, DATES TBC

DUNFERMLINE BRUCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues: Dunfermline, Fife, brucefestival.co.uk

Dunfermline hosts a series of of historical activities and re-enactments with a strong family feel.

JULY, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH CANAL FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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10th-16th August 2015 Glasgow City

After Worlds Shindig

Lunchtime Recitals

Pipe Bands

Come and Try

Family Day

Pipe Idol 2015

Find out more at

www.pipinglive.co.uk

Or download the Piping Live! App

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Edinburgh Quay, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, edinburghcanalfestival.org.uk/ All the usual festivities including stalls, games, music, arts and a very competitive home-made raft race to celebrate the city’s waterways.

JULY, DATES TBC

HIGHLAND & MORAY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Eden Court Theatre & Cinema, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, Highland, eden-court.co.uk

Producers exhibiting their wares, chefs giving demonstrations and plenty to try and buy.

JULY, DATES TBC

HOWLIN’ FLING MUSIC Various venues: Isle of Eigg, lostmap.com

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL A global extravaganza The Edinburgh International Festival was set up with the very noble aim of providing ‘a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’ two years after the end of WWII. Every year since, it has attracted top acts from across the world of music, theatre, opera and dance to the capital for three weeks in August.

As well as showcasing international acts to a Scottish audience, it’s the chance for local talent to have a global outreach: Rona Munro’s James Plays were among the highlights of last year’s event, alongside St Petersburg-based Mariinsky Opera’s production of Les Troyens and Australian theatre group Back to Back’s Ganesh Versus the Third Reich.

The festival’s 68th year looks set to be as exciting as ever, with former director of the Sydney Festival, Fergus Linehan, taking over as EIF boss, bringing with him a new selection criteria that focuses less on acts that fit within a general theme, and more on the quality and merit of the performance.

The start date of the festival has been pushed back to coincide with the Tattoo, Book Festival, Fringe and Art Festival to ensure the city will be unrivalled as the hub of the arts world in August, with organisers hinting at the possibility of joint events between these festivals. So far, Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche has been confirmed to appear in a stage adaptation of Antigone, with the rest of the programme to be released in the coming months.

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Lost Map’s debut festival last year featured The Phantom Band, Meursault, Kid Canaveral and more.

JULY, DATES TBC

KING TUT’S SUMMER NIGHTS MUSIC King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, 22a St Vincent Street, Glasgow, kingtuts.co.uk

A host of acts take to the stage across seven nights exhibiting the country’s freshest musical talent.

JULY, DATES TBC

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Glasgow, merchantcityfestival.com

Glasgow’s swanky part of town brings together culture in its diverse festivalc cramming comedy, theatre and art events into the area’s fashionable buildings. See page 55.

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JULY, DATES TBC

SCOTTISH REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, organiser@ sraf.org.uk, sraf.org.uk

Celebrate the fizzy world of brews with the festival’s selection of over 150 Scottish real ales.

JULY, DATES TBC

SKYE BOOK FESTIVAL

Scotland’s largest truck festival with entertainment for the family.

Song by Toad handpick a selection of the best Scottish indie acts.

1–9 AUGUST

2–9 AUGUST

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL

SHETLAND FIDDLE FRENZY

ART Various venues: Pittenweem, info@pittenweemartsfestival. co.uk, pittenweemartsfestival. co.uk

MUSIC Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, info@shetlandarts.org, shetlandarts.org/events/ fiddle-frenzy

A variety of events including storytelling, antiquated book fair and leading novelists, poets, historians and children’s authors.

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.

JULY, DATES TBC

1 AUGUST

SURGE

CLAYMORE

FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Glasgow, ruthsiller@conflux.co.uk, conflux.co.uk

HERITAGE Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh, admin@seswc.co.uk, seswc.co.uk

LITERATURE Various venues: Isle Of Skye, facebook.com/skyebookfest

A festival dedicated to physical performance, incorporating outdoor, site-specific events for all ages and indoor showcases of performance art.

AUGUST

War games, science games, fantasy fiction games, participation games. Honestly, what more could you gamers want?

1 AUGUST

1–2 AUGUST

PROJECT A FRAME

TRAQUAIR FAIR

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Project A Frame, Barony Road, Auchinleck, East Ayrshire, lowendevents@ gmail.com, projectaframe.co.uk

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Traquair House, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders, enquiries@ traquair.co.uk, traquair.co.uk/ content/traquair-fair

The annual family fair promises a full range of music, dance, crafts, theatre and non-stop entertainment for all.

Two geodesic domes host a selection of DJs for 12 hours of music. There’s also live art, craft stalls, the samedia outrider and a selection of food and drink outlets.

1–2 AUGUST

1–29 AUGUST

TRUCKFEST SCOTLAND

PALE IMITATION FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, truckfest.co.uk

MUSIC Henry’s Cellar Bar, 8–16 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, henryscellarbar.com

A week-long summer school and festival celebrating Shetland’s music and musicians.

6–9 AUGUST

AFRICAN DRUM VILLAGE FAMILY / MUSIC Scottish Outdoor Education Centre, Belmont Centre, Meigle, Perth and Kinross, steve.haden@hotmail.com, africandrumvillage.com

Scotland’s only festival dedicated to drumming, with African beats echoing around Glenisla.

6–15 AUGUST

MAGNERS’ SUMMER NIGHTS MUSIC Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre, Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, glasgowlife. org.uk/communities/ kelvingrove-bandstand-andamphitheatre/Pages/default. aspx

Two weekends of music in Glasgow’s open-air venue.

6–8 AUGUST

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Belladrum, Inverness, info@ tartanheartfestival.co.uk, tartanheartfestival.co.uk

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CAPITAL GAINS Edinburgh is firmly established as a world-renowned cultural hotspot. From cutting-edge dance and breath-taking arias to rib-tickling stand-up and spinetingling theatre, the city sure knows how to put on a show come festival time.

Anna Millar helps guide you through the maze

A

ugust is the month Scotland’s capital really comes to life. And it doesn’t get any bigger – and better – than the mighty Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Brilliant and bonkers in equal part, the world’s largest arts festival welcomes acts from all over the world. In 2014, there were a whopping 49,497 performances of 3193 shows in 299 venues, making it a major challenge to navigate the titanic tome that is the official programme.

The nightly closing fireworks from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are a much-loved institution all of their own. A hot ticket year on year (and an annual sell-out to boot), Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade has welcomed more than 13m people to the mighty Tattoo over the years.

From its historic venue to music, dance and precision displays, this is a rare opportunity to see performances by the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and International military bands in one of the city’s most picturesque settings and dramatic backdrops.

Just down from the castle sits the Edinburgh International Festival HQ, though its creative tentacles extend to six of the city’s major theatres and concert halls, as well as a handful of smaller venues. Widely recognised as the Fringe’s more erudite sibling, the EIF showcase some of the best music, theatre, opera and dance from around the globe. Founded in 1947, the festival began with the aim of providing ‘a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’, and to this day offers a stage for some of the world’s finest artists and companies.

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Elsewhere, the roundly excellent Edinburgh Art Festival showcases top-notch public art commissions and houses contemporary work in some of the country’s finest galleries, museums and artist-run spaces. Hosting over 45 exhibitions across the city in 2014, the EAF has become the UK’s largest annual celebration of visual art. Beyond the exhibitions, don’t miss the performances, screenings, artist talks and guided tours that make up the programme.

Bookworms can feel equally euphoric thanks to the multi-faceted charms of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Setting its stall(s) in the city’s pretty Charlotte Square Gardens, the EIBF has become a literary melting pot for some of the world’s best writers, poets, politicians and thinkers, contributing to over 750 events. The Book Festival’s children’s programme is equally robust, featuring amazing events for the little ones.

On a somewhat smaller scale but still growing in scope and ambition is the Festival of Politics which bases itself, rather fittingly, within the Scottish Parliament.

Just sneaking in at the end of August, is the ever vibrant Edinburgh Mela, Scotland’s biggest celebration of world music and dance. Set over three days, last year’s line-up welcomed Ghanian drummers and Chinese punk / folk experimentors, as well as a World Dance Feste and Global Food Village.

Beyond August, there’s much to excite, starting in April when the Edinburgh International Science Festival takes centre stage, providing LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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fun for all ages. From its popular lunchtime lectures to investigations into the science of sleep, 2014’s line-up excelled, with an interactive exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.

Hot on its heels in May is the delightful Imaginate Festival. An international festival of performing arts for children and young people, its ambitious annual programme presents the finest selection of shows from Scotland and across the world.

Film fans can rejoice come June, when the Edinburgh International Film Festival rolls into town. On the scene since 1947, it continues

to marry the popular with the obscure.

The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival shimmies into town in July with music to suit any mood; expect everything from bop and boogie-woogie to blues-rock, samba, soul and swing.

Come October, be sure you’re sitting comfortably for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival , which features performances, workshops and talks from tellers across the globe, while the calendar rounds off in fabulous style with the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations: a torchlit parade, live music and, of course, the fireworks.

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family-friendly atmosphere, theatre and spoken word events, ceilidhs, arts and crafts workshops and fancy dress.

Eardley, with performances, concerts and dinners.

7–31 AUGUST

7–10 AUGUST

COMEDY / THEATRE & DANCE / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues: Edinburgh, admin@edfringe.com, edfringe.com

7–29 AUGUST

MIDLOTHIAN WALKING FESTIVAL

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

FAMILY Various venues: Midlothian, midlothian.gov.uk

MUSIC / HERITAGE Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, tickets@edintattoo.co.uk, edintattoo.co.uk

A range of activities take place over this festival, including a chance to try a guided walk, Nordic walking or canicross.

This unique event draws crowds (and performers) from all over the world with massed pipes and drums, massed military bands, display teams, dancers and the haunting lament of the Lone Piper.

7–9 AUGUST

7–9 AUGUST

Michelin starred and awardwinning chefs cook up a storm at this year’s festival dedicated to epicureans, as well as offerings from local producers and workshops for food lovers young and old.

MUGSTOCK FESTIVAL MUSIC Mugdock Country Park, Craigallion Road, Milngavie, Glasgow, mugstock.org

A new boutique festival, organised on a not-for-profit basis, featuring music, food & drink and some ‘extraordinary occurrences’.

7–9 AUGUST

WHISKY FRINGE FOOD & DRINK Mansfield Traquair, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, info@royalmilewhiskies.com, royalmilewhiskies.com

Much-anticipated annual event from Royal Mile Whiskies, promising a huge range of whiskies and rums.

FOODIES FESTIVAL EDINBURGH FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Inverleith Park, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, admin@foodiesfestival.com, foodiesfestival.com

MEARNS CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL LITERATURE / MUSIC The Grassic Gibbon Centre, Arbuthnott, Laurencekirk, grassicgibbon.com

A celebration of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Robert Burns and Joan 62

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Every year thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every taste.

From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events.

7–9 AUGUST

CRAFT BEER RISING FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Drygate Brewing Co., 85 Drygate, Glasgow, craftbeerrising.co.uk

Sample 200 beers from over 45 breweries as Craft Beer Rising comes to Scotland.

7–31 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

8–9 AUGUST

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, boxoffice@eif.co.uk, eif.co.uk

MUSIC Linlithgow Palace, Kirkgate, Linlithgow, West Lothian, info@partyatthepalace.co.uk, partyatthepalace.co.uk

Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, with performers drawn from around the world. See page 58.

PARTY AT THE PALACE

Scottish music royalty performs against the backdrop of Linlithgow Palace.

8–18 AUGUST

7–31 AUGUST

JUST FESTIVAL 7–9 AUGUST

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

ART / POLITICS Various venues: Edinburgh, info@justjust.co.uk, justjust.org

Just Festival offers a programme to help people explore their spirituality by engaging with others and promoting peace with live music, talks, dance shows and exhibitions.

BALLATER VICTORIA WEEK COMMUNITY / FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues: Ballater, info@ ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk, ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk

Ballater’s Victoria Week brings together sections of the community for fun and games to fund local causes and community initiatives.

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10–16 AUGUST

PIPING LIVE! MUSIC Various venues: Glasgow, contact@pipinglive.co.uk, pipinglive.co.uk

Week-long celebration of piping, including contemporary and traditional.

Taking place in radical bookshop Word Power, the Edinburgh Book Fringe brings together writers and activists from around the world for a host of daily readings and discussions, all of which are free.

15–16 AUGUST

10–16 AUGUST

FRINGE BY THE SEA MULTI-ARTS Various venues: North Berwick, info@fringebythesea.com, 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 a respite from the madness of Edinburgh in festival season.

13–24 AUGUST

GALLOWAY COUNTRY FAIR COMMUNITY / HERITAGE Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, 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.

MARYMASS FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues: Irvine, marymass.com

15 AUGUST

Traditional and contemporary events including the Crowning of the Marymass Queen and the ever-popular Marymass Folk Festival.

HERITAGE / MUSIC Glasgow Green, Greendyke Street, Glasgow, theworlds.co.uk

14–23 AUGUST

HAWICK SUMMER FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY Various venues: Hawick, Scottish Borders, hawicksummerfestival.com

Wide range of events for all the family, from writers’ workshops and a gala day with pipers and a fair to storytelling events and a quiz night.

14–28 AUGUST

EDINBURGH BOOK FRINGE LITERATURE Word Power Bookshop, 43 West Nicolson Street, books@word-power.co.uk, word-power.co.uk

WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

The best pipe bands from all over the world, featuring 8000 pipers and drummers, compete for the most prestigious prizes and the coveted World Champion crown.

15–31 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Charlotte Square Gardens, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, admin@edbookfest.co.uk, edbookfest.co.uk

As well as leading Scottish and international authors, the varied programme always manages to cover poets, politicians, historians, journalists and children’s authors.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SCREENPLAY Curated by Kathy Hubbard, Linda Ruth Williams and her husband Mark Kermode, Shetland’s annual Screenplay is the most northerly film festival in the UK. Located 100 miles off Scotland’s mainland, the beautiful host town of Lerwick is home to just 7000 residents, and Screenplay keenly ensures that local talent features strongly in its remit.

Its proximity to Scandinavia also guarantees a great deal of interest in films from Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Last year’s programme featured a total of 95 events, including 26 films and special guests including the legendary Brian Cox. Its family friendly approach led to last year’s inaugural Young Film Quiz, which now sits alongside a plethora of workshops, lectures, gigs and costumed screenings.

Established in 2007, this remote film festival has a manifesto to entertain, inspire and inform.

(Murray Robertson) ■ Mareel, Lerwick, 28 Aug–6 Sep, shetlandarts.org/screenplay 63

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19–23 AUGUST

MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Mull of Kintyre, mokfest@ hotmail.co.uk, mokfest.com

The festival offers a mix of concerts, ceilidhs, music sessions, workshops, children’s entertainment, parades, cultural and heritage tours that make the most of the location.

21–23 AUGUST

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

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

21–23 AUGUST

INNERLEITHEN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Innerleithen Memorial Hall, Leithen Road, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders, imfpublicity@ aol.com, innerleithenmusicfestival.org

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

21–22 AUGUST

STRANRAER RNLI PARK FEST COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Agnew Park, Stranraer, lifeboatparkfest@tiscali.co.uk, lifeboatparkfest.co.uk

Stranraer Inshore Lifeboats adopt their land legs for a fundraising festival featuring local artists.

Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, julia@frasermedia. co.uk, northhop.co.uk Inverness’ craft beer festival, with live music and street food to supplement the hops.

FAMILY / LITERATURE Traquair House, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders, enquiries@ traquair.co.uk, beyondbordersscotland.com

FILM & TV Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, info@shetlandarts.org, shetlandarts.org/screenplay

Using the natural environment and the inspirational effects of the outdoors to stimulate debate, events include literary and woodland walks and storytelling cycle rides.

Shetland’s annual film festival curated features screenings, lectures and panel discussions involving national and international film industry professionals. See page 63.

24 AUGUST

28–29 AUGUST

KIRKINTILLOCH CANAL FESTIVAL

LANARK MUSIC CONNECTIONS

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Forth & Clyde Canal, Kirkintilloch, East Dumbartonshire, kirkintillochcanalfestival.org

MUSIC Various venues: Lanark, info@ lanarkmusicconnections.com, lanarkmusicconnections.com

BEYOND BORDERS

A day of fun at Scotland’s canal capital, with boat trips, arts and crafts and live music.

GUARDIAN EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION FESTIVAL

28–31 AUGUST

FILM & TV Various venues: Edinburgh, mgeitf@mgeitf.co.uk, mgeitf.co.uk

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Peebles, Scottish Borders, peeblesartsfestival@googlemail.com, peeblesartsfestival.org

An essential fixture for everyone in the television industry wanting inspiration, networking, learning and fun.

28–30 AUGUST

STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

An international hot air ballooning

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Folk, blues and rock rub shoulders at this mix of local talent and more well-known artists that includes jam sessions, open mic events and workshops.

26–28 AUGUST

NORTH HOP 64

28 AUGUST–6 SEPTEMBER

SCREENPLAY 22–23 AUGUST

FAMILY John Hastie Park, Lethame Road, Strathaven, strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk

21–22 AUGUST

extravaganza, combining the stunning sight of hot air balloons launching and flying with a fun fair, stalls, classic vehicles and other evening events.

PEEBLES ARTS FESTIVAL

The arts on offer include music by local performers, visual art, author readings, newly-commissioned theatre performances, film, a crafts fair and tours with historical, humorous, musical, landscape and literary themes.

28–29 AUGUST

STOWED OUT FESTIVAL MUSIC Stow Quoiting Green, Station Road, Scottish Borders, info@ LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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‘The sort of festival people get possessive about’ – The Guardian

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL 25TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER 2015

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Festivals 2015 2 – 9 August Week-long Fiddle School & celebration of traditional Shetland musical culture.

SCREEN

28 August – 6 September Shetland’s annual film festival curated by Linda Ruth Williams & Mark Kermode.

13 – 16 November :OL[SHUK»Z Ä YZ[ JYPTL ^YP[PUN MLZ[P]HS PU HZZVJPH[PVU ^P[O 0JLSHUK 5VPY More information: www.shetlandarts.org/whats-on

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soundout.org.uk, soundout.org. uk/stowed-out-2014 This festival features an eclectic mix of local and established musical acts, craft stalls and storytellers on the banks of the Gala Water.

28–30 AUGUST

ENVIRONMENTAL ART FESTIVAL SCOTLAND ART / FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues: Dumfries & Galloway, info@environmentalartfestivalscotland.com, environmentalartfestivalscotland.com

living history village.

29–30 AUGUST

EDINBURGH MELA COMMUNITY / THEATRE & DANCE Leith Links, Edinburgh, info@edinburgh-mela.co.uk, edinburgh-mela.co.uk

World music, dance, fashion, food and fun spread over the Main Music Stage, the Mela World Dance Feste), the Mela Mix stage and the Mela Kidzone.

29 AUGUST

Traditional music and folk are the focusses of this festival, which offers ceilidhs, concerts, dances, competitions and workshops.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

BANKFOOT INN SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Bankfoot Inn, Main Street, Bankfoot, Perth & Kinross, bankfootinn.co.uk

Kegs from across the country in the summer edition of Bankfoot Inn’s celebration of beer.

ELECTRIC FIELDS

The festival explores our relationship with the landscape and environment through a series of environmental art commissions, performances and discussions.

MUSIC Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, electricfieldsfestival.com

AUGUST, DATES TBC

28–30 AUGUST

One-day music festival set in the Dumfriesshire hills, with a focus on Scottish talent.

Blue Skies is Dundee’s festival of kite flying, stargazing and rainbow chasing.

MUSIC Various venues: Brechin, brechinmusicfest.org

31 AUGUST–6 SEPTEMBER

AUGUST, DATES TBC

SCOTTISH BORDERS WALKING FESTIVAL

CINE FRINGE

Brechin Music Festival brings together bands from around the country with the best local talent.

OUTDOOR Various venues: Galashiels, info@borderswalking.com, borderswalking.com

29 AUGUST

The oldest established walking festival in Scotland has a reputation for being one of the friendliest walking festivals of the year.

BRECHIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

THE HAAR FESTIVAL HERITAGE Various venues: Auchmithie, Arbroath, rikkicraig@hotmail.com

A celebration of life in Auchmithie at the end of the 19th century with re-enactments, a flower festival, children’s games and a tea room with home baking.

29 AUGUST–6 SEPTEMBER

LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL HERITAGE Various venues: Largs, lindaandray@hotmail.co.uk, largsvikingfestival.com

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AUGUST. DATES TBC

ARBROATH SEA FEST FOOD & DRINK Arbroath Harbour, Arbroath, Dundee, arbroathseafest.co.uk

Annual festival of maritime heritage, including the star of the show, the Smokie Trail: around 70 stalls packed with fresh seafood along Arbroath harbour.

BLUE SKIES FESTIVAL FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Dundee, dundeeblueskies.co.uk/

FILM & TV Sweet Grassmarket, Apex City Hotel, 61 The Grassmarket, Edinburgh, cinefringe.com

The Fringe’s independent film festival.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

DARE PROTOPLAY MULTI-ARTS Sweet Grassmarket, Apex City Caird Hall, Dundee, daretobedigital.com

Dundee capitalises on its digitallycapable status with Scotland’s biggest free video gaming education and consumer festival with games, talks, conferences and workshops.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

FESTIVAL OF POLITICS AUGUST, DATES TBC

AUCHTERMUCHTY FESTIVAL

POLITICS Various venues: Edinburgh, festivalofpolitics.org.uk

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues: Auchtermuchty, auchtermuchty-festival.org.uk

A ground-breaking and innovative festival that combines the worlds of politics, media and the arts.

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AUGUST, DATES TBC

AUGUST, DATES TBC

FOREST FRINGE

SAIL AND OAR FEST ON CUMBRAE

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, forestfringe.co.uk

This artist-led community offers a diverse range of performances, experiences, interactive happenings, walks and installations.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

GRANITE CITY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Dyce, facebook.com/granitecitycmf

Hey y’all – it’s a country music festival, so time to dig out your best stetson and flannel shirt and enjoy the music.

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Town centre: Cumbrae, Ayrshire, millport.org

Not just for budding sailors, the Sail and Oar Festival offers a number of participatory water activities, Millport’s skiff racing championship plus music, crafts and children’s events.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

TT16 FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV cafébarge, The Harbour, Tarbert, Argyll & Bute, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

A festival of 16mm film projected inside an old Dutch barge.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

AUGUST, DATES TBC

TURING FESTIVAL

INVERNESS BOOK FESTIVAL

SCIENCE Various venues: Edinburgh, events@turingfestival.com, turingfestival.com

LITERATURE Various venues: Inverness, marketing@eden-court.co.uk, invernessbookfestival.co.uk

A scenic week of literary events covering genres ranging across history, cookery, the environment, biography and fiction.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

The festival focuses on technology and can be relied upon for some appearances by big names from the digital community.

SEPTEMBER

NO MEAN CITY MUSIC Various venues: Glasgow, nomeancity.co.uk

1–13 SEPTEMBER

Celebrating Glasgow’s strong links to American roots music, the festival returns to bring the best of folk, blues, and Americana.

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Aberdeen, aberdeencity.gov.uk/50plus

AUGUST, DATES TBC

RATTRAY ART FESTIVAL ART Rattray Community Hall, Balmoral Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, rattrayartfestival@yahoo.co.uk, rattrayartfestival.co.uk/

Artists in a variety of media contribute to the art festival.

ABERDEEN’S 50+ FESTIVAL

A widely-varied programme of events aimed at people over 50, with an equal emphasis on fun entertainment and important education.

3–6 SEPTEMBER

BATHGATE MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / MUSIC Various venues: Bathgate, West Lothian, info@bathgatemusicfestival.com, bathgatemu-

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL As if Edinburgh isn’t already luxuriating in an embarrassment of riches in August, it also hosts the UK’s largest annual visual arts bonanza, involving galleries large and small, national and private, permanent and temporary, all across the city. The multi-disciplinary Edinburgh Art Festival is now in its 12th year and celebrates the work of contemporary Scottish artists – including permanent public art commissions by the likes of Turner Prize winners Martin Creed and Richard Wright – alongside thoughtful and wide-ranging exhibitions exploring historical art movements or the depiction of particular themes, some of which run on beyond festival season and into the autumn.

In addition to the exhibitions and commissions, there are other opportunities to engage via the EAF’s selection of artists talks, tours and related film screenings, while the Art Late series, programmed with The List, combines free afterhours tours of the galleries with pop-up music performances.

(Fiona Shepherd) ■ Various venues: Edinburgh, 30 Jul–30 Aug, edinburghartfestival.com 67

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sicfestival.com A community-led music festival, including the Party in the Park, where a funfair accompanies the music.

3–9 SEPTEMBER

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

A series of innovative talks and events with guest speakers covering all aspects of science.

4–6 SEPTEMBER

DUNDEE FLOWER AND FOOD FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Camperdown Country Park, Coupar Angus Road, Dundee, flowerandfood.festival@ dundee.gov.uk. dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL Turning over a new leaf If ever there was a place to indulge your inner bibliophile, it’s Wigtown. Not only was it named Scotland’s National Book Town in the late 1990s, it is also home to the country’s biggest second-hand bookshop, and for the last 16 years has played host to one of the most important literary festivals that Scotland has to offer. A pretty good spot to get your book on, eh?

Since being established in 1999, the ten-day literary knees-up known as the Wigtown Book Festival has established itself as an important event for book lovers far and wide. Thousands of reading revellers attended 2014’s festival, which packed in more than 200 activities and featured appearances from the likes of Kirsty Wark, Clare Balding, Allan Massie and Stuart Kelly. Other speakers who have appeared in the past include Alasdair Gray, Sally Magnusson, Phyllida Law, Jeremy Bowen and Melissa Benn.

Though there’s bound to be another solid line-up of well-known literary types to look forward to this year, it’s not all about the big ticket author events, y’know. The festival also features creative workshops, food tastings, live music, theatre, visual arts, discussions and plenty of activities to keep wee readers occupied. There’s even a ceilidh packed in there, just for good measure. Whether you’re throwing yourself round the dance floor as you contemplate that ever expanding autumn reading pile, or listening to a world-class wordsmith talk about their work, Wigtown is the place to get booking from September. (Rebecca Monks) ■ Various venues: Wigtown, 25 Sep–4 Oct, wigtownbookfestival.com 68

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A delicious staple in the Dundee calendar, with food and drink tastings, chef demonstrations, live music and competitions including the World Potato Championships and World Jampionships. See page 71.

4–6 SEPTEMBER

PORTPATRICK FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Portpatrick, portpatrickfolkfestival.org

A weekend festival in a picturesque seaside village, with concerts at the village hall and sessions at harbourside pubs.

4–6 SEPTEMBER

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

Weekend music festival with strong headliners, as well as its share of choirs and folk artists.

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5–6 SEPTEMBER

LOCH LOMOND FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, info@ lochlomondshores.com, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Tasty tipples and appetising nibbles on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond.

5 SEPTEMBER

BRAEMAR GATHERING OUTDOOR Braemar Castle, Braemar, braemargathering.org

Traditional highland games events such as Highland dancing, pipe bands and heavy events.

5–6 SEPTEMBER

HUNTLY HAIRST – FOOD AND FARMING FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues: Huntly, Aberdeenshire, 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.

5–13 SEPTEMBER

PENFEST MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Penicuik, pdaf@penicuikarts.org, penicuikarts.org

A community festival, with poetry, music and visual art at the forefront.

5–13 SEPTEMBER

GREAT OUTDOORS FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues: Central Belt, rangers@mugdock.org, gov.uk/ outdoorsfestival

Making the most of Central

Scotland’s natural settings, the festival offers walks, rides and paddles with experienced leaders.

9–13 SEPTEMBER

LINLITHGOW FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues: Linlithgow, West Lothian, mail@linlithgowfolk.com, linlithgowfolk.com

Born from Linlithgow’s highly active folk scene, the town’s Folk Festival covers the whole spectrum of folk tastes.

11–13 SEPTEMBER

ST MONANS COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: St Monans, Anstruther, Fife, stmonans.org.uk

With a strong local community focus, this festival offers a range of spectator and participatory events, with a programme of concerts, workshops, visual arts displays and literary events.

11–13 SEPTEMBER

LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Isle Of Islay, fiona@jazzscotland.com, islayjazzfestival.co.uk

A high quality artistic programme that brings Scottish and international musicians together in the unique location of Islay.

11–20 SEPTEMBER

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

The Lammermuir Festival presents great music in the picturesque surroundings of East Lothian.

11–13 SEPTEMBER

BLOODY SCOTLAND LITERATURE Various venues: Stirling, info@bloodyscotland.com, bloodyscotland.com

An innovative festival drawing on Scotland’s love of the literary macabre and celebrating crime writing by bringing together leading Scottish and international writers.

12 SEPTEMBER–2 OCTOBER

TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues: Aberdeen, techfestsetpoint@abdn. ac.uk, techfestsetpoint.org. uk/tis

TechFest continues to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics fun and accessible to children and young people.

12 SEPTEMBER

BOOTSTOCK MUSIC Resolis Memorial Hall, Resolis, Balblair, Dingwall, bootstock.org

Annual music festival to help fund educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in the poorest and most remote regions of Nepal.

12–13 SEPTEMBER

BEST OF THE WEST FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, Argyll and Bute, info@bowfest.co.uk, bowfest.co.uk

Set in the stunning venue of the grounds of Inveraray Castle, this family-friendly festival highlights the best in food, drink, craft, music and entertainments from the West of Scotland.

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12–13 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL ART Battleby Centre, Redgorton, Perth, emma@wildmedia.org, scottishnaturephotography.com

A weekend festival for nature photography enthusiasts with speakers, workshops, trade stands and exhibitions.

that ‘cinematic experiences can inspire lasting change’.

18–20 SEPTEMBER

KIRKCALDY FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Adam Smith Theatre, Bennochy Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife, onfife. com/node/5345

LITERATURE Elgin Library, Cooper Park, Elgin, Moray, elgin.library@ moray.gov.uk, moray.gov.uk

A celebration of writing, illustration and publishing in Scotland at this local festival that attracts renowned Scottish authors.

17–20 SEPTEMBER

Four-day folky fest on the Island of Colonsay.

18–20 SEPTEMBER

THE DOUGLASDALE GAITHERIN MUSIC St Brides Centre, Braehead, Douglas, Highland, carrickmusic@btinternet.com, douglasdalefolkfestival.info

Small, friendly and affordable festival with something to suit every folky’s taste in a programme of concerts, workshops and pub sessions.

18 SEPTEMBER–3 OCTOBER

TAKE ONE ACTION FILM FESTIVAL

18–26 SEPTEMBER

For ten days, Scotland’s National Book Town buzzes with events as well as theatre, music and arts, site-specific events and a ceilidh. See page 68.

STIRLING FRINGE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Stirling, stirlingfringe.com

Boutique arts festival dedicated to putting on home-grown and international talents in the fields of music, comedy, theatre, spoken word, art and many more.

LOOPALLU MUSIC Broomfield Holiday Park, West Lane, Ullapool, loopallu.co.uk

23–25 SEPTEMBER

ICKLE FILM FEST

25–27 SEPTEMBER

ART / FILM & TV Various venues: Dundee, Icklefilmfest@gmail.com, icklefilmfest.co.uk

Over the course of a packed weekend, Dundee hosts a celebration of short films.

25–26 SEPTEMBER

MONIAIVE MICHAELMAS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL MUSIC Moniaive Institute, Chapel Street, Moniaive, moniaivebluegrass.co.uk

Bluegrass, old time, Americana and gospel music in Moniaive, the beautiful music village of southwest Scotland.

25–27 SEPTEMBER

A film festival with a political slant, founded on the belief

MUSIC Craighouse, Isle of Jura, Argyll

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25–26 SEPTEMBER

This music fest rewards festivalgoers for making the trek 60 miles from the nearest town.

FILM & TV / POLITICS Various venues: Glasgow, takeoneaction.org.uk

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WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / FAMILY Various venues: Wigtown, mail@wigtownbookfestival. com, wigtownbookfestival.com

CEOL CHOLASA MUSIC Various venues: Colonsay, Isle of Colonsay, ceolkeith@yahoo. co.uk, ceolcholasa.co.uk/

25 SEPTEMBER–4 OCTOBER

Three days of classic movies, current releases, special events and workshops.

14–19 SEPTEMBER

SPIRIT OF MORAY BOOK FESTIVAL

and Bute, juramusicfestival. com Island festival of traditional music, which encourages local talent with concerts, workshops and sessions.

ISLE OF JURA MUSIC FESTIVAL

DUNBAR TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues: Dunbar, East Lothian, dunbarmusicfestival@ googlemail.com, dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk

The DTMF has a back catalogue filled with some of Scotland’s best loved music names, including Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain, Sandy Legget and Ian Davidson.

26–27 SEPTEMBER

LOCKERBIE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Lockerbie, derek@jazzscotland.com, lockerbiejazz.com

Big band music, contemporary jazz and some very hot jazz and blues featuring a host of leading Scottish and international musicians.

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PHOTO © VISITSCOTLAND

26 SEPTEMBER–4 OCTOBER

SHETLAND WOOL WEEK COMMUNITY / HERITAGE Various venues: Shetland, shetlandwoolweek.com

Shetland’s textile industry celebrates the sheep that catapulted it to fame with seven days of masterclasses, workshops and events.

26 SEPTEMBER

HORDES OF BELIAL MUSIC Beat Generator Live, 70 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, beatgenerator.co.uk

One-day festival of underground metal and hard rock.

27 SEPTEMBER

BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON AND FESTIVAL OF RUNNING FAMILY Various venues: Loch Ness, info@lochnessmarathon.com, lochnessmarathon.com

A family-friendly day based around all things running, with a choice of lengths for the fitness minded.

30 SEPTEMBER–11 OCTOBER

BALERNO MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Balerno, Edinburgh, balernomusicfestival.org.uk

This community-run festival returns with folk and classical concerts and workshops.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

ACTIVE ABOYNE FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues: Aboyne & Deeside, admin@mid-deeside. org.uk, activeaboyne.co.uk

From hill walking, kayaking, sub aqua and gliding to learning about geology and local history.

DUNDEE FOOD & FLOWER FESTIVAL Blooming marvellous In the 1990s, having built up an international reputation as a flower festival with over 1000 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors, the Dundee Flower and Food Festival organisers decided to branch out to include local food and drink. And despite starting with just a handful of stalls in that first year, the three-day event now boasts more than 60 producers and suppliers as well as a range of related events including cookery demonstrations, masterclasses with top local chefs such as Michelinstarred Geoffrey Smeddle from the Peat Inn, and appearances from celebrity chefs including Nick Nairn and Paul Rankin.

Held annually in September at the city’s Camperdown Country Park, it’s also home to not one, but two, ‘world’s best’ contests: the World Potato Championships and the World Jampionships, both of which are a nod to the area’s proud food heritage and attract entries from right across the globe.

2014 also featured the addition of the ‘Food Discovery’ marquee, a free interactive programme held in collaboration with the Dundee Science Centre. Featuring contributions from Abertay University, the Scottish Food and Drink Skills Academy and the James Hutton Institute, plus others, the line-up consisted of everything from ‘meet the producer’ events to in-depth insights into the science of potatogrowing and spirit-making, as well as the weird and wonderful too, including a look at edible bugs. There’s also a commitment to encouraging and showcasing budding young chefs, with a Masterchefstyle culinary contest featuring kids from local secondary schools.

(Keith Smith) ■ Camperdown Country Park, Dundee, 4–6 Sep, dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com 71

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SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

DUNOON FILM FESTIVAL FILM Various venues: Dunoon, dunoonfilmfestival.org

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

See page 44.

FOOD & DRINK Duck’s at Kilspindie House / Donald’s Bistro, Main Street, Aberlady, East Lothian, info@ ducks.co.uk, ducks.co.uk

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

ARCHES LIVE MULTI-ARTS The Arches, 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, info@thearches.co.uk, thearches.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

A selection of the boldest performance art being created across the country.

In Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, beer festivals return stronger than ever. Like many of the young and vibrant brews the country produces, these often go hand in hand with a musical element; for example, Black Isle’s Jocktoberfest (jocktoberfest.com), Brew at the Bog (brewatthebog.com) and FyneFest (fynefest.com) all mix beer, food and music.

Non-musical events with a contemporary vibe include Barney’s Beer Festival in Edinburgh (summerhall.co.uk), Craft Beer Rising at Glasgow’s Drygate (craftbeerrising. co.uk) and North Hop in Inverness (northhop.co.uk).

Trad booze-only events include Torridon Real Ale Festival (thetorridon.com/inn/ ale-festival), Ayrshire Beer Festival (ayrshirebeerfestival. co.uk), and Dundee Rotary Oktoberfest (dundeerotaryoktoberfest. co.uk). Oktoberfest is also celebrated in Edinburgh (edinburgh-oktoberfest. co.uk) and Glasgow (glasgowoktoberfest.co.uk).

(David Pollock)

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DUCK’S BEER FESTIVAL

A real good real ale festival featuring entertainment, food promotions and an award ceremony for the top sellers of the best beer.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

BEER FESTIVALS

their doors for you to explore, all for one weekend in September.

BLAS FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Highlands & Islands, blas-festival.com

A massive celebration of the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands.

HEBRIDES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Western Isles, hebfilmfestival.org

This festival features a line-up of international and features, documentaries and shorts.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

CITY OF ELGIN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues: Elgin, elginbid.co.uk

Live cookery demonstrations, children’s entertainment and hands-on activities.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Venue tbc: Edinburgh, oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

A selection of documentaries celebrating the beauty and power of the world’s oceans.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

DEEP FRIED FILM FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

FILM & TV Various venues: Lanarkshire, admin@deepfriedfilm.org.uk, deepfriedfilm.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK Black Isle Brewery, Old Allangrange, Munlochy, Highland, jocktoberfest.com

Lanarkshire’s own film fest has a programmes of locally submitted shorts, UK and international features.

Follow their creed of ‘Save the Planet, Drink Organic’, and feel more smug about reduced drink miles by drinking their beer yards from where it’s brewed.

JOCKTOBERFEST

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

DOORS OPEN DAYS

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

COMMUNITY / HERITAGE Various venues: Scotland, doorsopendays.org.uk

KIRRIEMUIR FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND SONG

Hundreds of venues normally shut to the public throw open

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues: Kirriemuir, info@kirriefestival.org, kirLIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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riefestival.org A celebration of music in all its forms, with competitions and events around the cosy town.

Various venues: Prestwick, worldfestivalofflight.com A celebration of aviation in word, music, performance and film.

SEPTEMBER,DATES TBC

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

Traditional music takes over the pubs and hotels of Tarbert with a series of concerts, workshops and demonstrations.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

NAIRN BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Nairn, tickets@ nairnfestival.co.uk, nairnfestival.co.uk

A range of musical, literary and artistic events with a fringe drawing on the local community.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

NEW WORDS LITERATURE Various venues: Aberdeen, info@newwords.co.uk, newwords.co.uk

North-east Scotland’s innovative festival exploring the spoken and written word in performance with an emphasis on events that combine literature with other art forms.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

ROOT N TOOT FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Civic Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, facebook.com/ rootntootek

A major celebration of local food, drink, arts, crafts, politics, music, literature and culture.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

SCOTTISH BRAVES HARVEST CHILLI FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Scone Palace, Scone, Perth & Kinross, chillifest.net

A celebration of all things chilli, including food and drink and a ‘Clash of the Titans’ chilli eating contest.

OFF THE PAGE LITERATURE Various venues: Stirling, liboffice@stirling.gov.uk, stirling.gov.uk/offthepage

This local festival offers a wide range of authors and speakers for adults and children of all ages.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

ORKNEY BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Orkney, info@ orkneyblues.co.uk, orkneyblues. co.uk

Characterised as the ‘smallest, friendliest Blues Festival in the UK’, this is a place to hear good tunes and meet others who share a passion for the blues.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

PRESTWICK WORLD FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT MULTI-ARTS

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

STOCKFEST COMMUNITY / FAMILY Various venues: Stockbridge, Edinburgh, stockfestedinburgh.com

Week-long festival, including ceilidhs, food & drink markets, poetry readings, workshops, demos and one big closing party.

TARBERT MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Tarbert, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

OCTOBER 1–3 OCTOBER

AYRSHIRE BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Troon Concert Hall, South Beach, Ayr Street, Troon, South Ayrshire, ayrshirebf@aol.com, ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Sample some of the many real ales, ciders and wines produced by local brewers and enjoy live music each evening.

1–31 OCTOBER

LUMINATE: SCOTLAND’S CREATIVE AGEING FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Midlothian, luminate@agescotland.org.uk, luminatescotland.org

Luminate celebrates our creative lives as we age by offering a wide range of inspirational arts activities with and for older people.

1 OCTOBER–30 NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

TRAD ON THE TYNE MUSIC The Haugh, Westfield Farm, Haddington, East Lothian, info@tradonthetyne.com, tradonthetyne.com

A Borders-based celebration of traditional music, organised by the Haddington Pipe Band. Concerts, open stage, workshops, storytelling, family entertainment and more.

PLAY POLAND FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Edinburgh & Glasgow, playpoland.org.uk

The biggest Polish film festival in the United Kingdom offers a selection of the best recent Polish features and short films, film poster exhibitions and appearances from Polish film producers.

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1 OCTOBER

HUNTLY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Brander Library, The Square, Huntly, Aberdeenshire. library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

A one-day festival on National Poetry Day with a focus on authors who hail from the North East of Scotland.

1–4 OCTOBER

THE CUMNOCK TRYST MUSIC Various venues: Cumnock, East Ayrshire, thecumnocktryst.com

The Cumnock Tryst is a music festival launched in 2013 by eminent composer and local boy James MacMillan, with the great Nicola Benedetti as patron.

2–25 OCTOBER

THE ENCHANTED FOREST ART / FAMILY / HERITAGE Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, info@enchantedforest.org.uk, 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.

2–18 OCTOBER

HIGHLAND ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL HERITAGE Various venues: Highlands, archaeology@highland.gov.uk, highland.gov.uk/archaeology

A fortnight of investigations into Scotland’s ancient past, including walks, practical demonstrations and self-guided trails.

cowalfest.org Walking festival that takes place amid the natural splendour of the Cowal peninsula with walks focussing on heritage, wildlife or just a good work-out.

presents a lovely line-up of laugh merchants including Billy Kirkwood, Mark Dolan, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Roy Walker and many more.

2–11 OCTOBER

2–4 OCTOBER

ULLAPOOL GUITAR FESTIVAL MUSIC The Macphail Centre, Mill Street, Ullapool, ullapoolguitarfestival.com

One for all lovers and players of the six-string with a combination of workshops, concerts, late night sessions and a trade fair.

2–4 OCTOBER

CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Callander, Stirling, info@callanderjazz.com, callanderjazz.com

The emphasis is very much on good-time music and there are also music and dance workshops, open mic and jam sessions.

2–3 OCTOBER

BOOKMARK BLAIRGOWRIE, RATTRAY AND THE GLENS BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / FAMILY The Royal Hotel, 53 Allan Street, Blairgowrie, Perth And Kinross, bookmarkblair.com

A weekend book festival for Blairgowrie and Rattray with guest authors and a range of events including an interactive children’s programme.

EDINBURGH WORLD JUSTICE FESTIVAL POLITICS Various venues: Edinburgh, info@ewjf.org.uk, ewjf.org.uk

The festival aims to raise the profile of international justice and development issues with a series of talks and events.

3 OCTOBER

DUNFERMLINE LIVE MUSIC Various venues: Dunfermline, live.connectingwithyou.co.uk

Showcasing the best in Scottish music (and guests) with performances across some of town’s best music venues.

3–4 OCTOBER

ISLAY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Port Ellen Primary School, Isle of Islay, info@islaybookfestival. com, islaybookfestival.com

An intimate and friendly festival that caters to Scotland’s love of crime thrillers as well as introducing challenging books.

3–18 OCTOBER

MIDLOTHIAN SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues: Midlothian, info@midlothiansciencefestival. com, midlothiansciencefestival. com

A calendar of science-themed events for adults, children and families across Midlothian.

2–10 OCTOBER 2–11 OCTOBER

HA-HA HAMILTON

7–11 OCTOBER

COWALFEST

COMEDY Various venues: Hamilton, haha-hamilton.com

GLASGOW AMERICANA

MULTI-ARTS Cowal Peninsula, Cowal, Argyll and Bute, 74

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Hamilton’s comedy festival

MUSIC Various venues: Glasgow, info@fallenangelsclub.com, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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www.thespree.co.uk

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glasgowamericana.com Blues, country and folk fest following in the footsteps of the fondly remembered Big Big Country festival.

8–12 OCTOBER

SHETLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues: Shetland, info@ shetlandaccordionandfiddle. com, shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGAY! Twenty-two years after it burst onto the scene, Glasgay! continues to test the limits of LGBT arts. Taking place across a variety of Glasgow venues each autumn, this performing and visual arts festival presents work that includes LGBTQI artists and engages with social issues as well as questions of identity, sexuality and gender.

The diverse programme encompasses theatre, standup comedy, performance art, talks and exhibitions as well as a series of film screenings at Glasgow Film Theatre.

The festival always attracts some star names with Sir Ian McKellen, John Waters and Annie Sprinkle having featured in recent years, but the focus remains on new writing and experimental performance from aspiring artists. Under the direction of producer Steven Thomson, Glasgay! has grown from a niche event to a monthlong celebration engaging an extensive audience. The latest innovation for the 2015 festival is the introduction of a dedicated film and video channel to complement the live programme. (Rowena McIntosh) ■ Various venues: Glasgow, Oct dates tbc, glasgay.co.uk 76

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Visiting and local acts join together in a Shetland knees-up to warm up the October evenings with fine trad music.

8–10 MAY / 9–11 OCTOBER

KELSO COUNTRY AND WESTERN FESTIVAL

9 OCTOBER

BEARSCOTFEST MUSIC Various venues: Edinburgh, bearscots.org.uk

The festival includes multiple parties and club nights, brunches and the crowning of Mr BearScot.

9–11 OCTOBER

TORRIDON REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Torridon, Annat, Achnasheen, Highland, info@ thetorridon.com, thetorridon. com/inn/ale-festival.asp

Showcasing over 20 ales, a vote for Ale of the Festival, and some out of the ordinary flavours.

9–17 OCTOBER

MUSIC Springwood Hall, Springwood Park, Kelso, broncosfestival. co.uk

THE SPREE

A Western-themed affair, complete with line dancing tuition, a fast-draw competition, a ladies’ afternoon tea (Western attire compulsary) and a plethora of live music.

Paisley’s national arts festival is a mix of music, comedy and arts showcasing the area’s talent.

9–18 OCTOBER

SCOTLAND LOVES ANIME FILM & TV Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, info@scotlandlovesanimation.org.uk, lovesanimation.com

The festival showcases the latest Japanese animation with experts on hand to provide behind-thescenes information.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Paisley, thespree.co.uk

10–17 OCTOBER

CRIEFF & STRATHEARN DROVERS’ TRYST HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues: Strathearn, Perth and Kinross, enquiries@droverstryst.com, droverstryst.com

Annual celebration of the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the cattledroving crossroads of 1700s Scotland.

10–17 OCTOBER

9–17 OCTOBER

MAGIPUP FESTIVAL

ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD

FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Ballcarres Avenue. Kelvindale, Glasgow, scottishmaskandpuppetcentre. co.uk

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Oban, Argyll & Bute, acgmod.org/nationalmod

A Scottish classic, raising a toast to Gaelic language and culture in all its forms.

Eight days of magic and puppets.

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10 OCTOBER

CAPITAL COMIC CON LITERATURE Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, info@bhpcomics.com, capitalcomiccon.com

A chance to indulge in the world of comics, superheroes and graphic novels with stalls offering back issues, books and merchandise as well as a number of special guests.

11–25 OCTOBER

CONNECT WITH COLONSAY COMMUNITY / FOOD & DRINK Colonsay, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll and Bute, colonsay.org.uk

With activities for all the family, enjoy two weeks of nature, food, drink and crafts on the Island of Colonsay.

16–18 OCTOBER

ORKNEY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

DOCUMENT FILM FESTIVAL

An experiment in success

FILM & TV / POLITICS CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, press@documentfilmfestival. org, documentfilmfestival.org

Run by the Orcadian Story Trust, whose stated aim is to ‘preserve, promote and develop the traditional culture of the Orkney islands through stories and storytellers’, the Orkney Storytelling Festival is now entering its sixth year. During that time it’s covered the Orkneys which stories, visiting smaller and larger islands each time and mixing the local and the international in the storytelling field.

Held over four days in autumn, the festival takes storytelling by local and visiting tellers to various locations across the islands – the more interesting or atmospheric, the better, says the festival’s Fran Flett Hollinrake, a storyteller and tour guide herself. She says this year will see the re-use of Betty’s Reading Room once again: ‘it’s an old stone croft, fitted out with huge bookshelves, a wood-burning stove, old comfy sofas, and a donations box,’ she says. ‘You can take books, leave books or just sit and read, and it’s a terrific location for storytelling.’ An old stone bothy, the Reading Room is set by the pier in Tingwall.

As well as a presence in Kirkwall and Stromness, the event – which features family-friendly shows and workshops – also goes to at least one of the smaller islands. ‘We think it’s important to take the festival ‘out there’,’ says Hollinrake. ‘This year we went to Graemsay, with a population of 26, and it was a fabulous day.’ There’s generally also one event to fit in with the (as yet unconfirmed) theme of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, while this year’s visiting storytellers will be Perthshire’s Jess Smith and Aberdeenshire’s Grace Banks.

(David Pollock) ■ Various venues, Orkney, Thu 22–Sun 25 Oct. orkneystorytellingfestival. co.uk

Documentary film festival using international film to raise the profile of human rights and social issues that are not exposed in the mainstream media.

17–19 OCTOBER

TORRIDON WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Torridon Mountains, Kinlochewe, activities@ thetorridon.com, thetorridon. com/activities/walkingfestival

High level mountain walks, low level walks, nature guides, photography walks and other activities like a pub quiz, kayaking and live music.

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21–25 OCTOBER

23 OCTOBER–1 NOVEMBER

30 OCTOBER–1 NOVEMBER

BRAEMAR CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

TWEED VALLEY FOREST FESTIVAL

DUNFERMLINE FOLK WEEKEND

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Braemar, Aberdeenshire, braemarartsfestival@gmail.com, braemarcreativearts.co.uk

Arts festival in Braemar featuring a large number of workshops covering everything from music, dance visual art and creative writing.

FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Tweed Valley Forest Park, Glentress, Scottish Borders, forest-festival.com

A celebration of the rich woodland culture and ancient Hallowe’en rites of the Scottish Borders.

21–25 OCTOBER

24 OCTOBER–8 NOVEMBER

GRAPHIC DESIGN FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL

ART The Whisky Bond, 2 Dawson Road, Glasgow, graphicdesignfestivalscotland. com

The Graphic Design Festival Scotland aims to inspire young designers through active engagement, all while promoting creativity, collaboration, friendly competition and fun.

22–25 OCTOBER

ST ANDREWS VOICES MUSIC Various venues: St Andrews, Fife, standrewsvoices@gmail.com, standrewsvoices.com

It’s all about the voice, in this eclectic festival of music drawn from opera, Lieder, folk, jazz, early music and contemporary genres.

FAMILY / FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk

Scotland’s international film festival for young audiences (3+) combines the best youth cinema from around the world with a series of workshops and events.

28–31 OCTOBER

FACLAN: THE HEBRIDEAN BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / THEATRE & DANCE An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema, Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, info@ lanntair.com, faclan.org

Since moving beyond the equinox to the cusp of winter and focusing on themes such as Second Sight, the Supernatural, Blood, Belief and Pilgrimage this festival at An Lanntair has attracted major names.

MUSIC Various venues: Dunfermline, Fife, dunfermlinefolkclub.co.uk

A selection of workshops, sessions, open stage, family events and concerts, run by a folk club that’s been in existence for over 50 years.

30 OCTOBER–8 NOVEMBER

PERTHSHIRE AMBER FESTIVAL MUSIC Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Atholl Street, Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross, perthshireamber.com

The festival presents a series of afternoon and evening concerts, open mic, workshops and community events.

31 OCTOBER

SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL HERITAGE Various venues: Edinburgh, scribe@beltane.org, 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.

31 OCTOBER

HALLOWE’EN IN HUNTLY COMMUNITY / HERITAGE Various venues: Huntly, Aberdeenshire, info@deveronarts.com, deveron-arts.com

SOUND

30–31 OCTOBER

The tradition-rich town of Huntly turns spooky with its Hallowe’en celebrations.

MUSIC Various venues: Aberdeenshire, info@sound-scotland.co.uk, sound-scotland.co.uk

PAISLEY HALLOWE’EN FESTIVAL

31 OCTOBER

FAMILY / HERITAGE Town centre, Paisley, Renfrewshire, paisley.org.uk

PERTH ALL SCOTLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL

An illuminated parade down the High Street, a fire garden with sculptures made from flames, street entertainment, scary storytelling and more.

MUSIC Salutation Hotel, South Street, Perth, Perth and Kinross, perthaccordionfestival.co.uk

22 OCTOBER–9 NOVEMBER

The festival brings together a wide range of different musical styles in a variety of concerts, workshops, installations and talks.

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event takes in competitions and championships.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

AFRICA IN MOTION FILM Various venues: Scotland, info@ africa-in-motion.org.uk, africain-motion.org.uk

Dedicated to showing the diversity of African cinema, AiM has screenings of animated films, shorts and documentaries.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

BIGGAR LITTLE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Biggar, info@ biggar-little-festival.com, biggar-little-festival.com

The festival covers comedy, theatre, exhibitions, walks, dance and music of all kinds.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

BREWDOG COLLABFEST FOOD & DRINK Various Brewdogs: Scotland, brewdog.com

A craft beer festival from BrewDog, unveiling 16 unique collaboration brews made with a selection of UK craft beer breweries.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

CHOCOLATE WEEK FOOD & DRINK Four Seasons Hotel, St Fillans, Perth & Kinross, info@ thefourseasonshotel.co.uk, thefourseasonshotel.co.uk

A chocolate-themed menu to savour and enjoy the UK’s biggest and most indulgent chocolate celebration.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

COCKENZIE HOUSE BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Cockenzie House & Gardens, 22 Edinburgh Road, Cockenzie, East Lothian, info@cocken-

ziehouseandgardens.com, cockenziehouseandgardens. com/ Book festival featuring international and East Lothian authors from a variety of genres and styles.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

Readings and discussions, plus bookstalls with an emphasis on small and independent presses.

CREATIVE MACKINTOSH FESTIVAL HERITAGE / ART Various venues: Glasgow, glasgowmackintosh.com

This festival celebrates the creative genius of Mr Charles Rennie Mackintosh by allowing everyone to unleash their own creativity through workshops and activities.

EDINBURGH INDEPENDENT RADICAL BOOK FAIR LITERATURE Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 30–36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh, word-power.co.uk

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Edinburgh, info. esff@ed.ac.uk, edinburghspanishfilmfestival.com

Film festival for anyone interested in cinema and Spanish and Latin American culture.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

DANCELIVE

GIOFEST

THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Aberdeen, dancelive.org.uk

MUSIC CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, glasgowimprovisersorchestra.com

Festival celebrating contemporary dance, drawing high-quality companies to the north-east of Scotland.

Scotland’s only dedicated festival of free improvisation, featuring international guests in a packed programme of concerts, films, workshops and discussions.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

DUMFRIES MUSIC CONFERENCE

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

MUSIC Various venues: Dumfries, dumfriesmusic.co.uk

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Glasgow, info@ glasgay.com, glasgay.com

A varied programme of talks about music.

A massive celebration of queer culture boasting an impressive programme of theatre, comedy, music, clubs and visual art events. See page 76.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

DUNDEE ROTARY OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK Discovery Quay, Dundee, dundeerotaryoktoberfest.co.uk

A host of live bands provide a soundtrack to the main event: real ale, micro breweries and craft ciders, stouts and lagers.

GLASGAY!

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

GREEK FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Edinburgh, info@edinburghgreekfestival. com

Cutting-edge Greek filmmaking with screenings and Q&A sessions from a series of visiting directors.

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HADDO ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Haddo House, Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, haddoartsfestival.org.uk

Music, theatre, visual arts and workshops in the beautiful surroundings of Haddo House, a magnificent 18th century stately home with a Victorian interior.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

HISPANIC FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, hispanic.arts.scotland@ hotmail.co.uk, hispanicfestival. co.uk

story sessions and workshops with storytellers from Scotland and beyond. See page 77.

of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL HERITAGE / LITERATURE Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43–45 High Street, Edinburgh, reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

Festival honouring storytelling as a contemporary artform that is a rich part of Scotland’s cultural heritage.

WEST END BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues: Edinburgh, facebook.com/ WestEndBeerFest

The craft and cask ales flow at this sort-of pub crawl, with several establishments in the West End joining forces to celebrate craft and cask ales.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

WILD AUTUMN FESTIVAL

Events showcasing Spanish and Latin American culture, curated by people who are authentically Spanish and Latin American.

SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS AND FILM FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR Various venues: Dumfries & Galloway, wildseasons.co.uk

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Scotland, mhfestival.com

A celebration of the flora and fauna of Dumfries & Galloway with hands-on family activities.

IMAGINARIUM FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre, Peebles, Scottish Borders, eastgatearts.com

There’s something for all young arts lovers, including dance, theatre, storytelling and comedy.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

LINLITHGOW BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues: Linlithgow, admin@linlithgowbookfestival. org, linlithgowbookfestival.org

Small, volunteer-run literary festival that manages to pull in an impressive roster of guests.

Through a series of events, workshops and screenings around Scotland, the festival probes deep questions while maintaining an exciting line-up.

1–7 NOVEMBER

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

TO ABSENT FRIENDS

SELKIRK SESSIONS MUSIC Various venues: Selkirk, selkirksessions.com

A lively festival packed with sessions around the town, which also encourages listeners who fancy a bit of folk, contemporary or bluegrass.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL

ORKNEY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

THEATRE Various venues: Scotland, ssf. uk.com

LITERATURE Various venues: Orkney, orkneystorytellingfestival.co.uk

Shakespeare Schools Festival is a unique arts-education initiative enabling young people to perform abridged productions

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LITERATURE Various venues: Scotland, info@goodlifedeathgrief.org.uk, toabsentfriends.org.uk

A festival of remembrance and storytelling, which aims to rekindle old traditions and kick start some new ones.

5 NOVEMBER–3 DECEMBER

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Scotland, info@frenchfilmfestival.co.uk, frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

The UK-wide festival dedicated to francophone cinema, with a programme that features guest filmmakers and actors in meetthe-public sessions.

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6–8 NOVEMBER

BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SCOTLAND FOOD & DRINK SECC, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, bbcgoodfoodshows@riverstreetevents. co.uk, glasgow.bbcgoodfoodshow.com

The food and drink extravaganza heads north of the border again for another serving of celebrity chefs and star culinary attractions.

6–8 NOVEMBER

SHETLAND GUITAR FESTIVAL MUSIC Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, shetland-music.com

Festival of guitar music including concerts and workshops, held in honour of one of Shetland’s greatest musicians, ‘Peerie’ Willie Johnson, who died in 2007.

6–8 NOVEMBER

DENHOLM FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues: Denholm, info@denholmfolkfest.co.uk, denholmfolkfest.co.uk

A wee folk festival for a wee village. The weekend’s programme includes evening concerts, workshops and an open stage competition.

6–8 NOVEMBER

FEIS NA MARA MUSIC Mallaig and Morar Community Centre, West Bay, Mallaig, info@feis-namara.com, feis-na-mara.com

This predominantly traditional music festival features a roster of live bands, most of which have a local connection.

ST ANDREW’S DAY EVENTS Celebrating our nation in style Even though the summer festival season is over, there’s still plenty to get excited about over Scotland’s winter months. Celebrations of St Andrew’s Day have developed over the past few years and there are now events up and down the country to mark our national day.

Also the patron saint of Greece, Barbados and Russia, St Andrew’s life is as well-celebrated in the town which bears his name as any other. St Andrews plays host to the traditional ‘Beating the Retreat’ pipe band parade which marks the start of festivities, as well as music, historical, religious and family shows. The St Andrews Food and Drink Festival will also be in full swing. In the capital city, meanwhile, the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile has customarily held an extended programme of Scots-focused story and music happenings on and around the day itself.

Elsewhere across the nation, occurrences timed to coincide with St Andrew’s Day include The Saltire in East Lothian (the ‘home of the flag’), featuring food, music, country, kids and fireworks events, and the beginning of Oban Winter Festival. The larger cities also tend to hold dedicated events, an example being the Perth St Andrew’s Day Festival, the inauguration of which was held in 2014 and, of course, some lively cultural events in our capital city. (David Pollock) ■ All events will take place on and around Mon 30 Nov. 81

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6–7 NOVEMBER

13–15 NOVEMBER

ABERFELDY FESTIVAL

ABERFELDY FILM FESTIVAL

MULT-ARTS Various venues: Aberfeldy, festival@aberfeldyfestival. co.uk, aberfeldyfestival. co.uk

FILM & TV Various venues: Aberfeldy

Community festival with film screenings, street entertainment, storytelling, workshops and fireworks alongside a bumper line-up of bands.

7 NOVEMBER

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SONICA Billing itself as a festival concerned with ‘sonic art for the visually minded’, Sonica is a tantalising blend of visual art, technology and theatre. Up and coming British talents are showcased alongside international artists in a November long weekend of multimedia delights.

Created in 2012 at Glasgow’s Tramway, the festival has taken root all over Scotland – and beyond – priding itself on hosting Scottish, European and world premieres.

While 2015’s line-up is not yet confirmed, 2014’s events included the CCA-hosted Walk With Me: Sounds in Your Pocket by Rob van Rijswijk and Jeroen Strijbos, a sonic walk experience portraying Glasgow in a different light, while the Woodend Barn in Banchory showed Kathy Hinde’s Tipping Point, a mesmerising combination of nature and technology. Expect more of the same boundary-pushing events for 2015.

(Kirstyn Smith) ■ Various venues: Scotland, Nov dates tbc, sonic-a.co.uk 82

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BRIDGE OF ALLAN CONTEMPORARY ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Bridge of Allan, Stirling, bofa-artsfestival.co.uk

The BoA Contemporary Arts Festival takes over various venues across the town to exhibit a fantastic selection of talented Scottish artists, designers and makers.

8–14 NOVEMBER

NEON DIGITAL ARTS ART / FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues: Dundee, info@northeastofnorth.com, northeastofnorth.com

Scotland’s only international digital arts festival, features moving image, performance, music and technology-driven arts.

Aberfeldy’s film festival promises great films in a variety of unusual places including Castle Menzies, Birks Cinema and Dewar’s World of Whisky.

13–16 NOVEMBER

SHETLAND NOIR LITERATURE Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, mareel.org

A brand-new crimewriting festival for Shetland, created in association with Iceland Noir, Iceland’s own festival of the same.

13–22 NOVEMBER

EDINBURGH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues: Edinburgh, edinburghshorts@gmail.com, edinburghshortfilmfestival.com

Events over two weekends, showcase a selection of the best shorts by filmmakers across the globe.

20–29 NOVEMBER

OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues: Oban, Argyll & Bute, obanwinterfestival.com

The coastal town gets frosty with a series of activities, films and light shows to celebrate winter.

12–15 NOVEMBER

THOMAS FRASER MEMORIAL FESTIVAL MUSIC Burra Public Hall, Hamnavoe, Burra, info@ thomasfraser.com, thomasfraser.com

An eclectic mix of musicians pay tribute to Burra crofter, fisherman and country blues legend Thomas Fraser.

21-22 NOV

PERTH FESTIVAL OF CHOCOLATE FOOD & DRINK King Edward Street, Perth, perthfestivalofchocolate.com, perthfestivalofchocolate@hotmail. com

An outdoor chocolate festival celebrating the cocoa bean in all its facets.

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27–28 NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

DUNDEE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

DUNDEE JAZZ FESTIVAL

OKTOBERFEST

FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Bonar Hall, The University of Dundee Park Place, Dundee, mail@dundeemountainfilm.org.uk, dundeemountainfilm.org.uk

MUSIC Various venues: Dundee, fiona@ jazzscotland.com, jazzdundee. co.uk

Mountain film festival showcasing an international programme of films by local film makers, presentations and book signings.

International jazz names rub shoulders with Dundonian talent in a programme that covers all styles of jazz.

DRAMBUSTERS WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Easterbrook Hall, Crichton Royal Campus, Bank End Road, Dumfries, drambusters.com

A festival celebrating the water of life. Meet the makers and celebrities of the whisky world and have a wee dram of a range of malts and other spirits.

28–29 NOVEMBER

TARBERT BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues: Tarbert

A two-day celebration of the literary, with book signings and talks from local authors.

DUNDEE SCIENCE FESTIVAL SCIENCE Various venues: Dundee, dundeesciencefestival@ dundeesciencefestival.org.uk, dundeesciencecentre.org.uk

A range of exciting and stimulating events, talks, shows and hands-on exhibits.

PERTH WINTER FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Perth, Perth and Kinross, pkc.gov.uk

A whole range of days out, activities, theatre and music events to brighten up the cold winter months.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

THE SALTIRE NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY / HERITAGE City centre: Edinburgh, edinburghschristmas.com

A winter wonderland in Edinburgh, with Princes Street transformed by a fairground, a host of colourful lights and the fabled German Christmas market.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

ABERDEEN WINTER FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Aberdeen, aberdeencity.gov.uk

MUSIC Various venues: Trossachs, enquiries@scottishmusicfestival. co.uk, scottishmusicfestival.co.uk

Aberdeen City hosts a range of festive events and activities to get your bells a-jingling this winter.

Drink the beer, eat the bratwurst and party the night away, stein in hand.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC 28 NOVEMBER

FOOD & DRINK Various venues: Edinburgh & Glasgow, edinburgh-oktoberfest. co.uk & glasgow-oktoberfest. co.uk

HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: East Lothian, visiteastlothian.org

East Lothian is the birthplace of the Scottish Flag and The Saltire celebrates this fact, alongside St Andrew’s Day, with a festival of music. culture and heritage.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

PREVIOUSLY . . .

SCOTLAND’S HISTORY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Central Belt, info@historyfest.co.uk, historyfest.co.uk

Previously brings Scotland’s history to life in a programme of talks, tours, exhibitions, theatre, comedy, art and more.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

Traditional Scottish music with various artists performing in an intimate and historic setting in the Trossachs.

BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL

LITERATURE Various venues: Scotland, bookweekscotland@scottishbooktrust.com, bookweekscotland.com

ISLAY SESSIONS

MUSIC Various venues: Edinburgh, info@ scotsfiddlefestival.com, scotsfiddlefestival.com

A packed programme of starstudded author events and kids’ activities.

A small and cosy traditional music festival set to brighten up November.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

MUSIC Various venues: Islay, info@ islaysessions.co.uk, islaysessions. co.uk

This exciting, fiddle-fuelled weekend includes concerts, workshops, talks, stalls, sessions, festival clubs, and ceilidhs.

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audience and guests.

SONICA ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues: Glasgow, info@ sonic-a.co.uk, sonic-a.co.uk

PHOTO © CHRIS WATT

Cutting edge performance by established international artists blurring the boundaries of music, theatre, visual and electronic art.

See page 82.

30 DECEMBER–1 JANUARY

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY MUSIC Various venues: Edinburgh, info@edinburghshogmanay.com, edinburgshogmanay.com

Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebration ushers the new year in with a bang. See left.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

ST ANDREWS FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

FOOD & DRINK Various venues: St Andrews, foodfest.visitstandrews.com

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY

A celebration of Fife’s produce with demonstrations, tastings and special events across town.

New Year is such a big deal in Scotland we even have our own name for it: that’s Hogmanay, for anyone not familiar with the local parlance.

For proof of just how sacred a ritual sending off the old and welcoming in the new is here, look no further than Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, which from ad hoc roots a couple of decades back, has grown into a party of dizzying scale and organisation, attended by around 100,000 people.

Official celebrations fan out across three days, traditionally beginning with a Torchlight Procession and culminating in New Year’s Day events such as the Loony Dook swim.

The main gathering centres on Concert in the Gardens, a pop extravaganza beneath Edinburgh Castle, headlined previously by Lily Allen, Pet Shop Boys and Blondie. Up on Princes Street, there’s more live music and entertainment, bars and food stalls, all catering to a mass mingle of revellers from all over the world. (Malcolm Jack) ■ Various venues: Edinburgh, 30 Dec–1 Jan, edinburghshogmanay.org 84

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NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

THE ENCHANTED CASTLE FAMILY Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, theenchantedcastle.info

Experience an evening adventure as Scotland’s leading sound and light artists take you on a night time journey.

31 DECEMBER

GLASGOW LOVES HOGMANAY FAMILY / MUSIC George Square: Glasgow, glasgowloveschristmas.com/ glasgow-loves-hogmany/Pages/ default.aspx

A programme of family activities for the daytime and early evening of Hogmanay, as well as the celebrations at night.

DECEMBER, DATES TBC

GLASGOW LOVES CHRISTMAS FAMILY / HERITAGE George Square, Glasgow, glasgowloveschristmas.com

Six weeks of festive celebrations in Glasgow city centre.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

WORDPLAY

DECEMBER, DATES TBC

FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues: Shetland, info@ shetlandarts.org, shetlandarts. org/wordplay

SLOWFEST

A chance to visit the beautiful Shetland Isles and soak up some literature.

Stripped back, intimate gigs by some of the best Scottish acts.

MUSIC Bloc+, 117 Bath Street, Glasgow, info@bloc.ru, bloc.ru

DECEMBER 4–6 DECEMBER

CROMARTY FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Cromarty, Black Isle, boxoffice@ cromartyfilmfestival.org, cromartyfilmfestival.org

A film festival that fosters an intimate relationship between

The Guide to Scotland’s Festivals 2016 is due out at the end of January next year. Keep an eye out for festivals that grace the beginning of the year including Celtic Connections and Burns Night events.

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INDEX There are three indexes: the first lists festivals alphabetically, the second by genre and the third by location.

ALPHABETICAL 3 Harbours Arts Festival 45 48 Hour Film Project 45 Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music and Drama Festival 46 Aberdeen Int Youth Festival 56 Aberdeen Jazz Festival 29, 31 Aberdeen Winter Festival 83 Aberdeen’s 50+ Festival 67 Aberdour Festival 56 Aberfeldy Festival 82 Aberfeldy Film Festival 82 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 56 Active Aboyne 71 Adam Smith Food Festival 52 Adventure Film Festival 24 Africa in Motion 79 African Drum Village 59 Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 34 Alive and Kicking Festival 56 Alloway 1759 12, 25 Angus Glens Walking Festival 46 Annuale 52 Arbroath Sea Fest 66 Arches Live 72 Ardrossan Music Experience 48 Arran Folk Festival 48 Auchtermuchty Festival 66 Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival 33, 34 Ayrshire Beer Festival 72, 73 Balerno Music Festival 71 Ballater Victoria Week 62 Ballater Walking Festival 42 Bandstand Beer and Music Festival 32 Bankfoot Inn Summer Beer Festival 66 Bankfoot Inn Winter Beer Festival 29 Bathgate Music Festival 67 Baxters Festival of Running 71 BBC Good Food Show Scotland 81 BearScotFest 76 Behaviour 32 Bella drum Tartan Heart Festival 16, 59 Beltane Fire Festival 37 Berwick May Fair 44 Best of the West Festival 69 Beyond Borders 64 The Big Beach Ball 39

Big Burns Supper 12, 25 Big Sunday Dundee WestFest 49 Biggar Little Festival 79 Blas Festival 72 Bloody Scotland 69 Blue Skies Festival 66 The Border Gaitherin – Coldstream 45 Bon Scott Fest 38 Book Week Scotland 83 Booked!

40 Bookmark 74 Bootstock 69 Borders Book Festival 49 Boswell Book Festival 39 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 78 Braemar Gathering 69 Braemar Jacobite Festival 56 Brechin Music Festival 66 Brew at the Bog 13, 16, 39, 72 Brewdog Collabfest 79 Bridge of Allan Cont. Arts Festival 82 Burns an’ a’ That! Festival 39 Buzzcut Festival 31 Caithness Int Science Festival 31 Cakefest Edinburgh 51 Callander Jazz and Blues Festival 74 Cantilena Festival on Islay 54 Capital Comic Con 77 Castrum BeerFest 54 Celtic Connections 24, 25 Celtic Media Festival 36 Ceol Cholasa 70 Ceolas 54 Children’s Food Festival 13, 48 Chocolate Week 79 Cine Fringe 66 City of Elgin Food & Drink Festival 72 Claymore 59 Coast Arts Festival 45 Coastword 44 Cockenzie House Book Festival 79 Coll Bird Festival 36 Colonsay Book Festival 36 Coloursfest 52 Connect with Colonsay 77 Cottier Chamber Project 48 Counterflows 32 Cowalfest 74 Craft Beer Rising 13, 62, 72 Crail Festival 50 Crail Food Festival 10, 12, 50 Create:Eat:Whisky 45 Creative Mackintosh Festival 79 Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst 76 Cromarty Film Festival 84 Culross Festival 49

Cumnock Music Festival 50 The Cumnock Tryst 74 DanceLive 79 Dare Protoplay 66 Darvel Music Festival 37 Dead by Dawn 36 Deep Fried Film Festival 72 Denholm Folk Festival 81 Discovery Film Festival 78 Document Film Festival 77 Doors Open Days 72 The Douglasdale Gaitherin 70 Doune the Rabbit Hole 64 Drambusters Whisky Festival 83 Duck’s Beer Festival 72 Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival 39 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival 43 Dumfries Music Conference 79 Dunbar SciFest 30 Dunbar Traditional Music Festival 70 Dundead Horror Film Festival 37 Dundee Flower and Food Festival 13, 68, 71 Dundee Jazz Festival 83 Dundee Mountain Film Festival 83 Dundee Rotary Oktoberfest 72, 79 Dundee Science Festival 83 Dundee Women’s Festival 29 Dunedin Int Folk Dance Festival 55 Dunfermline Bruce Festival 56 Dunfermline Folk Weekend 78 Dunfermline Live 74 Dunoon Film Festival 44, 72 East Neuk Festival 52 The Eden Festival 49 Edinburgh Art Festival 56, 60, 67 Edinburgh Book Fringe 63 Edinburgh Canal Festival 56 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 60, 62 Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 49 Edinburgh Greek Artists Festival 32 Edinburgh Radical Book Fair 79 Edinburgh Int Book Festival 60, 63 Edinburgh Int Fashion Festival 55 Edinburgh International Festival 58, 60, 62 Edinburgh Int Festival of MESP 30 Edinburgh Int Film Festival 50, 61 Edinburgh Int Harp Festival 33 Edinburgh Int Magic Festival 51 Edinburgh Int Science Festival 32, 33, 61 Edinburgh Iranian Festival 26 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 55, 61 Edinburgh Mela 60, 66 Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival 26 Edinburgh Short Film Festival 82 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 79 85

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Edinburgh World Justice Festival 74 Edinburgh Yarn Festival 31 Edinburgh’s Christmas 83 Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 30 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 61, 84 Electric Fields 66 Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival 45 The Electric Gardens 25 Emporium of Dangerous Ideas 49 The Enchanted Castle 84 The Enchanted Forest 5, 74 Environmental Art Festival Scotland 66 Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival 5, 78 Falkirk Tryst Festival 40 FebruaryFest 25 Feis an Eilein: Skye Festival 53 Feis na Mara 81 Festival of Museums 36, 40 Festival of Politics 60, 66 Fife Brass Band Festival 36 Fife Festival Of Music 25 Fife Jazz Festival 26 Fife Real Ale, Cider & Perry Festival 37 Fife Traditional Singing Festival 40 Food on Film 25, 26 Food Town Day 48 Foodies Festival Edinburgh 13, 62 Forest Fringe 67 Fort William Mountain Festival 29 Freckfest 51 French Film Festival 80 Fringe by the Sea 63 FyneFest 53, 72 Galloway Country Fair 63 Galloway Music Festival 30 Gardening Scotland 45 Garioch Theatre Festival 51 GastroFest 13, 33 GIOfest 79 Girvan Traditional Folk Festival 38 Glasgay!

76, 79 Glasgow Americana 74 Glasgow Comic Con 54 Glasgow Festival of Arabic Dance 38 Glasgow Film Festival 26, 28 Glasgow Int Comedy Festival 28, 31 Glasgow Int Festival Of Visual Art 37 Glasgow Int Jazz Festival 51 Glasgow Loves Christmas 84 Glasgow Loves Hogmanay 84 Glasgow Mela 50 Glasgow Open House Art Festival 38 The Glasgow Real Ale Festival 51 Glasgow Science Festival 46 Glasgow Short Film Festival 30 86

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Glasgow Youth Film Festival 26 Glenfarg Folk Feast 33 Granite City Country Music Festival 67 Graphic Design Festival Scotland 78 Great Grampian Beer Festival 13, 48 Great Outdoors Festival 69 Greek Film Festival 79 Guardian Edinburgh Television Festival 64 The Haar Festival 66 Ha-Ha Hamilton 74 Haddington Festival 45 Haddo Arts Festival 80 Hallowe’en in Huntly 78 Happyness 4, 16, 38, 46 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Heart of Scotland Beer Festival 40 Hebridean Celtic Festival 54 Hebrides Int Film Festival 72 Helensburgh & Lomond Ale Festival 40 Hidden Door 42 Hidden Lane Festival 53 Highland & Moray Food & Drink Festival 58 Highland Archaeology Festival 74 Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival 38 Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Fest37 Hina Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival 50 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 31 Hispanic Festival 80 Holistic Ways Festival 26 Home of Whisky Festival 39 Hordes of Belial 71 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 50 House Folk Festival 83 The Howlin’ Fling 16, 58 Huntly Book Festival 74 Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival 69 Ickle Film Festival 70 Imaginarium Festival 80 Imaginate Festival 5, 40, 61 In Motion Animation Festival 26 Innerleithen Music Festival 64 Int Banff Mountain Film Festival 40 Int Ocean Film Festival 72 Inverness Book Festival 67 Inverness Music Festival 29 Irvine Valley Walking Festival 40 Islay Book Festival 74 Islay Festival of Music and Malt 10, 13, 43 Islay Sessions 83 Isle of Arran Mountain Festival 42 Isle of Bute Jazz Festival 38 Isle of Colonsay: Festival of Spring 36 Isle of Jura Music Festival 70 Isle of Skye Accordion & Fiddle Festival 42 Italian Film Festival Scotland 30 Jocktoberfest 72

Just Festival 62 Kelburn Garden Party 43, 53 Kelso Country and Western Festival 76 Kilmarnock Outdoor Festival 53 King Tut’s Summer Nights 58 Kintyre Songwriters Festival 46 Kirkcaldy Film Festival 70 Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival 49 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival 64 Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song 72 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh 42 Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 69 Lairg Music Festival 51 Lammermuir Festival 69 Lanark Music Connections 64 Largs Viking Festival 66 Leith Festival 50 LeithLate 53 Lentfest 28 Les-Fest 52 Linlithgow Book Festival 80 Linlithgow Folk Festival 69 Live @ Troon Music Festival 68 Livin’ the Blues 38 Loanhead Music Festival 49 Loch Fyne Food Fair 42 Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival 69 Loch Shiel Spring Festival 38 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 31 Lockerbie Jazz Festival 70 Loopallu 70 Lorn Drama Festival 31 Love Action 33 Luminate 73 Magipup Festival 76 Magners’ Summer Nights 59 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 5, 25 Marymass Festival 63 Mayfesto 39 Meadows Festival 49 Mearns Connections Festival 62 Merchant City Festival 5, 55, 58 Mhor Festival 44 Mhor Whisky Fest 37 Midlothian Science Festival 74 Midlothian Walking Festival 62 Moniaive Folk Festival 39 Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Fest 70 Montrose Music Festival 43 Moray Walking Festival 50 Mugstock Festival 62 Mull of Kintyre Music Festival 64 Music at Paxton 55 NAAFC Accordion & Fiddle Festival 30 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 73 National Festival of Youth Theatre 53 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Nature-Fest 46 Neon Digital Arts Festival 82 New Words 73 New Year’s Revolution 24 Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 53 Newton Stewart Traditional Music Fest 54 Newton Stewart Walking Festival 39 Niel Gow Annual Scottish Fiddle Festival 31 Nip Festival 33 No Mean City 67 North Hop 64, 72 Northern Nashville Country Music Festival 32 Northern Streams 36 Oban Winter Festival 81, 82 Oban, Lorn & the Isles Fest of the Sea 46 Ochils Festival 53 Off the Page 73 Oktoberfest 72, 83 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Orkney Blues Festival 73 Orkney Book Festival 37 Orkney Fine Wine Festival 53 Orkney Folk Festival 42 Orkney Int Science Festival 68 Orkney Jazz Festival 34 Orkney Storytelling Festival 77, 80 Paisley Beer and Food Festival 34 Paisley Hallowe’en Festival 78 Pale Imitation Festival 59 Papay Gyro Nights 25 Partick Folk Festival 46 Party at the Palace 62 Peebles Arts Festival 64 Peebles Beltane Festival 53 Penfest 69 Pentlands Walking Festival 54 Perform in Perth 29 Perth Accordion and Fiddle Festival 78 Perth Beer Festival 40 Perth Festival of Chocolate 13, 82 Perth Festival of the Arts 42 Perth Winter Festival 83 Perthshire Adventure Festival 53 Perthshire Amber Festival 78 Piping Live!

63 Pitmedden Community Music Festival 49 Pittenweem Arts Festival 59 Play Poland 73 Portpatrick Folk Festival 68 Portsoy Music Festival: The Sixth Haal 45 Potfest Scotland 49 Prestwick World Festival of Flight 73 Previously . . . Scotland’s History

Festival 83 Project A Frame 59 Puppet Animation Festival 31 Rally Festival 42 Rattray Art Festival 67 Really Wild Fest 39 Rewind Scotland: The 80s Festival 56 Rhythm & Brews 46 Rise Dance Festival 44 Rock&Road Bike Festival 50 Rockness 53 Root N Toot Festival 73 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 60, 62 The Royal Highland Show 13, 50 Royal National Mòd 76 Sail and Oar Festival on Cumbrae 67 Saltcoats Queen of the Sea Festival 55 The Saltire 81, 83 Samhuinn Fire Festival 78 Scotland Loves Anime 76 Scotland’s Big Nature Festival 44 Scotland’s Hungama Festival at M&D’s 56 Scots Fiddle Festival 83 Scottish Borders Walking Festival 66 Scottish Braves Harvest Chilli Festival 73 Scottish Int Storytelling Festival 61, 80 Scottish Juniper Festival 49 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Fest 80 Scottish Nature Photography Festival 70 Scottish Real Ale Festival 59 Scottish Six Days Trial 39 Scottish Snowdrop Festival 32 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 54 Screenplay 16, 63, 64 The Scribbler’s Picnic 40 Selkirk Sessions 80 Shakespeare Schools Festival 80 Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival 76 Shetland County Drama Festival 32 Shetland Fiddle Frenzy 59 Shetland Folk Festival 37 Shetland Guitar Festival 81 Shetland Jazz Festival 48 Shetland Nature Festival 54 Shetland Noir 82 Shetland Schools’ Music Festival 31 Shetland Wool Week 71 Shock the City 44 Skye Book Festival 59 Skye Storytelling Festival 50 Slowfest 84 Snowdrops by Starlight 28 Solas Festival 51 Sonica 82, 84 Sound 78 Southern Fried Festival 56

Southside Film Festival 46 Southside Fringe 40 Spectra: Aberdeen Festival of Light 29 Speyfest 56 Spirit of Moray Book Festival 70 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 13, 34, 37 Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 13, 40 The Spree 76 Spring Fling 44 Springfest Scotland 33 St Andrews Food & Drink Festival 12, 81, 84 St Andrews Voices 78 St Magnus International Festival 51 St Monans Community Arts Festival 69 St Monans Sea Queen Day 50 StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival 29, 30 Stirling Fringe Festival 70 Stockfest 73 Stonehaven Folk Festival 54 Stowed Out Festival 64 Stranraer RNLI Park Fest 64 Strathaven Balloon Festival 64 Strathyre Music Festival 45 Streetland 46 Strichen Festival 43 Subway Family Fun Day 37 Summerhall & Barney’s Beer Fest 42, 72 Surge 59 T in the Park 4, 52, 54 Take One Action Film Festival 70 Tarbert Book Festival 83 Tarbert Music Festival 73 Taste of Grampian 48 Techfest in September 69 Tectonics Glasgow 38 Tfest 56 Thomas Fraser Memorial Festival 82 Tiree Music Festival 55 TMSA Keith Festival 49 To Absent Friends 80 Torridon Real Ale Festival 72, 76 Torridon Walking Festival 77 Trad on the Tyne 73 Tradfest 36 Traquair Fair 59 Truckfest Scotland 59 TT16 Film Festival 67 Turing Festival 67 Tweed Valley Forest Festival 78 TweedLove Bike Festival 42 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 48 Ugie Folk Festival 55 UK Green Film Festival 39 Ullapool Book Festival 39 87

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Ullapool Dance Festival 30 Ullapool Guitar Festival 74 University of Aberdeen May Festival 45 UnstFest 54 Up Helly Aa 24, 25 Voluntary Arts Week 42 Walk Islay 33 Wee Dub Festival 30 Wee Write!

29 West End Beer Festival 80 West End Festival 46 Whisky Fringe 62 The Whisky Stramash 44 Whiteinch Spring Festival 37 The Wickerman Festival 51, 55 Wigtown Book Festival 68, 70 Wild Autumn Festival 80 Wild Lochaber Festival 46 Wild Spring Festival 33 Winter Words Festival 28 Wordplay 84 World Pipe Band Championships 63 X Music Festival 42 XpoNorth 49 Yellae Deuks 32 Young at Heart Festival 31

GENRE ART Aberdeen Winter Festival 83 Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 34 Annuale 52 Arches Live 71 Buzzcut Festival 31 Coast Arts Festival 45 Counterflows 32 Creative Mackintosh Festival 79 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival 44 East Neuk Festival 52 Edinburgh Art Festival 56, 60, 67 Edinburgh Int Festival of MESP 30, 31 Environmental Art Festival Scotland 66 Falkirk Tryst Festival 40 Glasgow Comic Con 54 Glasgow Int Festival Of Visual Art 37 Glasgow Open House Art Festival 38 Graphic Design Festival Scotland 78 Haddington Festival 45 Ickle Film Festival 70 Just Festival 62 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 31 Neon Digital Arts Festival 82 Papay Gyro Nights 25 Pittenweem Arts Festival 59 88

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Potfest Scotland 49 Rattray Art Festival 67 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Fest 80 Scottish Nature Photography Festival 70 Sonica 82, 84 Spectra: Aberdeen Festival of Light 29 St Magnus International Festival 51 The Electric Gardens 25 The Enchanted Forest 5, 74 Voluntary Arts Week 42

COMEDY Glasgow Int Comedy Festival 28, 31 Ha-Ha Hamilton 74 Happyness 4, 16, 38, 46 Imaginarium Festival 80 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Previously . . . Scotland’s History Festival 83 Tfest 56 The Spree 76

COMMUNITY Ballater Victoria Week Bathgate Music Festival Berwick May Fair Booked!

Braemar Jacobite Festival Connect with Colonsay Crail Festival Darvel Music Festival Doors Open Days Galloway Country Fair Hallowe’en in Huntly Hawick Summer Festival Meadows Festival Saltcoats Queen of the Sea Festival Shetland Wool Week St Monans Sea Queen Day Stockfest Stranraer RNLI Park Fest Voluntary Arts Week

62 67 44 40 56 77 50 37 72 63 78 63 49 55 71 50 73 64 42

FAMILY Aberdeen International Youth Festival 56 Aberdour Festival 56 Active Aboyne 71 African Drum Village 59 Ballater Victoria Week 62 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 16, 59 Blue Skies Festival 66 Bookmark 74 Braemar Jacobite Festival 56 Children’s Food Festival 13, 48 Coast Arts Festival 45 Crail Festival 50

Dare Protoplay 66 Discovery Film Festival 78 Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival 39 Dunfermline Bruce Festival 56 Edinburgh Canal Festival 56 Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 49 Edinburgh Int Science Festival 32, 33, 61 Edinburgh Yarn Festival 31 Environmental Art Festival Scotland 66 Food on Film 25, 26 Foodies Festival Edinburgh 13, 62 Garioch Theatre Festival 51 Glasgow Loves Christmas 84 Glasgow Loves Hogmanay 84 Glasgow Science Festival 46 Glenfarg Folk Feast 33 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival 38 Hina Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival 50 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 31 Holistic Ways Festival 26 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 50 Imaginarium Festival 80 Imaginate Festival 5, 40, 61 Kelburn Garden Party 43, 53 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival 64 Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song 72 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh 42 Linlithgow Folk Festival 69 Loch Fyne Food Fair 42 Magipup Festival 76 Marymass Festival 63 Meadows Festival 49 Midlothian Science Festival 74 Midlothian Walking Festival 62 Mhor Festival 44 National Festival of Youth Theatre 53 Nature-Fest 46 Neon Digital Arts Festival 82 Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 53 Oban Winter Festival 81, 82 Ochils Festival 53 Off the Page 73 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Orkney Int Science Festival 68 Paisley Hallowe’en Festival 78 Puppet Animation Festival 31 Really Wild Fest 39 Rock&Road Bike Festival 50 Scotland’s Big Nature Festival 44 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Fest 80 Snowdrops by Starlight 28 Spectra: Aberdeen Festival of Light 29 St Monans Sea Queen Day 50 Stockfest 73 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Stranraer RNLI Park Fest Strathaven Balloon Festival Subway Family Fun Day Surge Techfest in September The Enchanted Castle The Enchanted Forest Tiree Music Festival Traquair Fair Truckfest Scotland Tweed Valley Forest Festival TweedLove Bike Festival Wee Write!

Wild Autumn Festival Wild Spring Festival Yellae Deuks

64 64 37 59 69 84 5, 74 55 59 59 78 42 29 80 33 32

FILM & TV 48 Hour Film Project 45 Aberfeldy Film Festival 82 Adventure Film Festival 24 Africa in Motion 79 Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 34 Cine Fringe 66 Counterflows 32 Cromarty Film Festival 84 Dead by Dawn 36 Deep Fried Film Festival 72 Discovery Film Festival 78 Document Film Festival 77 Dundead Horror Film Festival 37 Dundee Mountain Film Festival 83 Dunoon Film Festival 44, 72 Edinburgh Int Film Festival 50, 61 Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival 26 Edinburgh Short Film Festival 82 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 79 Environmental Art Festival Scotland 66 Food on Film 26 Fort William Mountain Festival 29 French Film Festival 80 Glasgow Comic Con 54 Glasgow Film Festival 26, 28 Glasgow Short Film Festival 31 Glasgow Youth Film Festival 26 Greek Film Festival 79 Guardian Edinburgh Television Festival 64 Ickle Film Festival 70 In Motion Animation Festival 26 Int Banff Mountain Film Festival 40 Int Ocean Film Festival 72 Italian Film Festival Scotland 30 Kirkcaldy Film Festival 70 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 5, 25 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32

Play Poland 73 Scotland Loves Anime 76 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Fest 80 Screenplay 16, 63, 64 Southside Film Festival 46 Take One Action Film Festival 70 TT16 Film Festival 67 UK Green Film Festival 39 XpoNorth 49

FOOD & DRINK Aberdour Festival 56 Adam Smith Food Festival 52 Arbroath Sea Fest 66 Ayrshire Beer Festival 72, 73 Bandstand Beer and Music Festival 32 Bankfoot Inn Summer Beer Festival 66 Bankfoot Inn Winter Beer Festival 29 Baxters Festival of Running 71 BBC Good Food Show Scotland 81 Best of the West Festival 69 Brew at the Bog 13, 16, 39, 72 Brewdog Collabfest 79 Cakefest Edinburgh 51 Castrum BeerFest 54 Children’s Food Festival 13, 48 City of Elgin Food & Drink Festival 72 Perth Festival of Chocolate 13, 82 Chocolate Week 79 Connect with Colonsay 77 Craft Beer Rising 13, 62, 72 Crail Food Festival 10, 12, 50 Create:Eat:Whisky 45 Drambusters Whisky Festival 83 Duck’s Beer Festival 72 Dundee Rotary Oktoberfest 72, 79 FebruaryFest 25 Fife Real Ale, Cider & Perry Festival 37 Food on Film 26 Food Town Day 48 Foodies Festival Edinburgh 13, 62 FyneFest 53, 72 GastroFest 13, 33 Great Grampian Beer Festival 13, 48 Heart of Scotland Beer Festival 40 Hebrides International Film Festival 72 Helensburgh & Lomond Ale Festival 40 Highland & Moray Food & Drink Festival 58 Home of Whisky Festival 39 Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival 69 Inverness Whisky Festival 13 Islay Festival of Music and Malt 10, 13, 43 Jocktoberfest 72 Loch Fyne Food Fair 42 Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival 69 Mhor Festival 44

Mhor Whisky Fest 37 Nip Festival 33 North Hop 64, 72 Oktoberfest 72, 83 Orkney Fine Wine Festival 53 Paisley Beer and Food Festival 36 Perth Beer Festival 40 Project A Frame 59 Rhythm & Brews 46 Scotland’s Hungama Festival at M&D’s 56 Scottish Braves Harvest Chilli Festival 73 Scottish Juniper Festival 49 Scottish Real Ale Festival 58 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 13, 34, 37 Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 13, 40 Springfest Scotland 33 St Andrews Food & Drink Festival 12, 81, 84 Summerhall & Barney’s Beer Fest 42, 72 Taste of Grampian 48 The Glasgow Real Ale Festival 51 The Royal Highland Show 13, 50 The Whisky Stramash 44 Torridon Real Ale Festival 72, 76 Traquair Fair 59 West End Beer Festival 80 Whisky Fringe 62

HERITAGE Auchtermuchty Festival 66 Ballater Victoria Week 62 Beltane Fire Festival 37 Berwick May Fair 44 Braemar Jacobite Festival 56 Claymore 59 Creative Mackintosh Festival 79 Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst 76 Doors Open Days 72 Dunfermline Bruce Festival 56 Edinburgh’s Christmas 83 Feis an Eilein: Skye Festival 53 Festival of Museums 36, 40 Fife Traditional Singing Festival 40 Galloway Country Fair 63 Glasgow Loves Christmas 84 Haddington Festival 45 Hallowe’en in Huntly 78 Highland Archaeology Festival 74 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 31 Largs Viking Festival 66 Leith Festival 50 Marymass Festival 63 NAAFC Accordion & Fiddle Festival 30 Paisley Hallowe’en Festival 78 Peebles Beltane Festival 53 89

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Sail and Oar Festival on Cumbrae 67 Samhuinn Fire Festival 78 Scottish Int Storytelling Festival 61, 80 Scottish Snowdrop Festival 32 Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival 76 Shetland Wool Week 71 Strichen Festival 43 The Enchanted Forest 5, 74 The Haar Festival 66 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 60, 62 The Royal Highland Show 13, 50 The Saltire 81, 83 TMSA Keith Festival 49 Tradfest 36 Traquair Fair 59 Tweed Valley Forest Festival 78 Up Helly Aa 24, 25 World Pipe Band Championships 63

LITERATURE Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival 33, 34 Bloody Scotland 69 Book Week Scotland 83 Booked!

40 Bookmark 74 Borders Book Festival 49 Boswell Book Festival 39 Capital Comic Con 77 Coastword 44 Cockenzie House Book Festival 79 Colonsay Book Festival 36 East Neuk Festival 52 Edinburgh Book Fringe 63 Edinburgh Radical Book Fair 79 Edinburgh Int Book Festival 60, 63 Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival 5, 78 Glasgow Comic Con 54 Huntly Book Festival 74 Inverness Book Festival 67 Islay Book Festival 74 Linlithgow Book Festival 80 Mearns Connections Festival 62 New Words 73 Off the Page 73 Orkney Book Festival 37 Orkney Storytelling Festival 77, 80 Scottish Int Storytelling Festival 61, 80 Shetland Noir 82 Skye Book Festival 59 Skye Storytelling Festival 50 Spirit of Moray Book Festival 70 StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival 29 Tarbert Book Festival 83 To Absent Friends 80 Ullapool Book Festival 39 90

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Wigtown Book Festival Winter Words Festival Wordplay XpoNorth Young at Heart Festival

29 68, 70 28 84 49 31

MULTI-ARTS 3 Harbours Arts Festival 45 Aberfeldy Festival 82 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 56 Alive and Kicking Festival 56 Alloway 1759 12, 25 Arches Live 72 Beyond Borders 64 Big Burns Supper 12, 25 Big Sunday Dundee WestFest 49 Biggar Little Festival 79 Blue Skies Festival 66 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 78 Bridge of Allan Cont. Arts Festival 82 Burns an’ a’ That! Festival 39 Celtic Media Festival 36 Cowalfest 74 Culross Festival 49 Dundee Flower and Food Festival 13, 68, 71 Dundee Women’s Festival 29 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 43 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 60, 62 Edinburgh Greek Artists Festival 32 Edinburgh Int Fashion Festival 55 Edinburgh International Festival 58, 60, 62 Edinburgh Iranian Festival 26 Edinburgh Mela 60, 66 Forest Fringe 67 Fringe by the Sea 63 Glasgay!

76, 79 Haddo Arts Festival 80 Hidden Door 42 Hidden Lane Festival 53 Hispanic Festival 80 LeithLate 53 Luminate 73 Merchant City Festival 5, 55, 58 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 73 Oban, Lorn & the Isles Fest of the Sea 46 Peebles Arts Festival 64 Penfest 69 Perth Festival of the Arts 42 Prestwick World Festival of Flight 73 Root N Toot Festival 73 Royal National Mòd 76 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 54 Solas Festival 51 Southside Fringe 40

Spring Fling St Monans Community Arts Festival Stirling Fringe Festival Streetland Subway Family Fun Day The Eden Festival University of Aberdeen May Festival West End Festival Whiteinch Spring Festival

44 69 70 46 37 49 45 46 37

MUSIC Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music and Drama Festival 46 Aberdeen International Youth Festival 56 Aberdeen Jazz Festival 29, 31 Aberdeen Winter Festival 83 Aberdour Festival 56 African Drum Village 59 Arches Live 71 Ardrossan Music Experience 48 Arran Folk Festival 48 Auchtermuchty Festival 66 Balerno Music Festival 71 Bandstand Beer and Music Festival 32 Bathgate Music Festival 67 BearScotFest 76 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 16, 59 Berwick May Fair 44 Best of the West Festival 69 Blas Festival 72 Bon Scott Fest 38 Bootstock 69 Brechin Music Festival 66 Brew at the Bog 13, 16, 39, 72 Callander Jazz and Blues Festival 74 Cantilena Festival on Islay 54 Celtic Connections 24, 25 Ceol Cholasa 70 Ceolas 54 Coast Arts Festival 45 Coloursfest 52 Cottier Chamber Project 48 Counterflows 32 Craft Beer Rising 13, 62, 72 Crail Festival 50 Cumnock Music Festival 50 Darvel Music Festival 37 Denholm Folk Festival 81 Doune the Rabbit Hole 64 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival 44 Dumfries Music Conference 79 Dunbar Traditional Music Festival 70 Dundee Jazz Festival 83 Dunfermline Folk Weekend 78 Dunfermline Live 74 East Neuk Festival 52 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Edinburgh Festival of MESP 30, 31 Edinburgh Int Harp Festival 33 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 55, 61 Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 31 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 61, 84 Electric Fields 66 Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival 45 Feis an Eilein: Skye Festival 53 Feis na Mara 81 Fife Brass Band Festival 36 Fife Festival Of Music 25 Fife Jazz Festival 26 Fife Traditional Singing Festival 40 Foodies Festival Edinburgh 13, 62 Freckfest 51 Galloway Music Festival 31 GIOfest 79 Girvan Traditional Folk Festival 38 Glasgow Americana 74 Glasgow Int Jazz Festival 51 Glasgow Loves Hogmanay 84 Glasgow Mela 50 Glenfarg Folk Feast 33 Granite City Country Music Festival 67 Haddington Festival 45 Hebridean Celtic Festival 54 Helensburgh & Lomond Ale Festival 40 Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival 38 Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Fest37 Hina Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival 50 Hordes of Belial 71 House Folk Festival 83 Howlin’ Fling 16, 58 Innerleithen Music Festival 64 Inverness Music Festival 29 Inverness Whisky Festival 13 Islay Festival of Music and Malt 10, 13, 43 Islay Sessions 83 Isle of Bute Jazz Festival 38 Isle of Jura Music Festival 70 Isle of Skye Accordion & Fiddle Festival 42 Kelburn Garden Party 43, 53 Kelso Country and Western Festival 76 King Tut’s Summer Nights 58 Kintyre Songwriters Festival 46 Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival 49 Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song 72 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh 42 Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 69 Lairg Music Festival 51 Lammermuir Festival 69 Lanark Music Connections 64 Lentfest 28 Les-Fest 52 Linlithgow Folk Festival 69

Live @ Troon Music Festival 68 Loanhead Music Festival 49 Loch Shiel Spring Festival 38 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 31 Lockerbie Jazz Festival 70 Loopallu 70 Love Action 33 Magners’ Summer Nights 59 Meadows Festival 49 Mearns Connections Festival 62 Moniaive Folk Festival 39 Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Fest 70 Montrose Music Festival 43 Mugstock Festival 62 Mull of Kintyre Music Festival 64 Music at Paxton 55 NAAFC Accordion & Fiddle Festival 30 New Year’s Revolution 24 Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 53 Newton Stewart Traditional Music Festival 54 Niel Gow Annual Scottish Fiddle Festival 31 Nip Festival 33 No Mean City 67 Northern Nashville Country Music Festival 32 Northern Streams 36 Oktoberfest 72 Orkney Blues Festival 73 Orkney Folk Festival 42 Orkney Jazz Festival 36 Pale Imitation Festival 59 Partick Folk Festival 46 Party at the Palace 62 Peebles Beltane Festival 53 Perform in Perth 29 Perth Accordion and Fiddle Festival 78 Perth Winter Festival 83 Perthshire Amber Festival 78 Piping Live!

63 Pitmedden Community Music Festival 49 Portpatrick Folk Festival 68 Portsoy Music Festival: The Sixth Haal 45 Project A Frame 59 Really Wild Fest 39 Rewind Scotland: The 80s Festival 56 Rhythm & Brews 46 Rockness 53 Scots Fiddle Festival 83 Selkirk Sessions 80 Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival 76 Shetland Fiddle Frenzy 59 Shetland Folk Festival 37 Shetland Guitar Festival 81

Shetland Jazz Festival 48 Shetland Schools’ Music Festival 31 Shock the City 44 Slowfest 84 Sonica 82, 84 Sound 78 Southern Fried Festival 56 Speyfest 56 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 13, 34, 37 St Andrews Voices 78 St Magnus International Festival 51 Stonehaven Folk Festival 54 Stowed Out Festival 64 Stranraer RNLI Park Fest 64 Strathyre Music Festival 45 Strichen Festival 43 T in the Park 4, 52, 54 Tarbert Music Festival 73 Tectonics Glasgow 38 Tfest 56 The Big Beach Ball 39 The Border Gaitherin – Coldstream 45 The Cumnock Tryst 74 The Douglasdale Gaitherin 70 The Glasgow Int Jazz Festival 51 The Howlin’ Fling 16 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 60, 62 The Royal Highland Show 13, 50 The Saltire 81, 83 The Scribbler’s Picnic 40 The Spree 76 The Wickerman Festival 51, 55 Thomas Fraser Memorial Festival 82 Tiree Music Festival 55 TMSA Keith Festival 49 Trad on the Tyne 73 Tradfest 36 Ugie Folk Festival 55 Ullapool Guitar Festival 74 UnstFest 54 Wee Dub Festival 30 World Pipe Band Championships 63 X Music Festival 42 XpoNorth 49 Yellae Deuks 32

OUTDOOR Active Aboyne Angus Glens Walking Festival Ballater Walking Festival Braemar Gathering Coll Bird Festival Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Edinburgh Canal Festival Edinburgh Festival of Cycling

71 46 42 69 36 76 56 49 91

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Fort William Mountain Festival Gardening Scotland Great Outdoors Festival Highland Archaeology Festival Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival Irvine Valley Walking Festival Isle of Arran Mountain Festival Isle of Colonsay: Festival of Spring Kilmarnock Outdoor Festival Kirkintilloch Canal Festival Midlothian Walking Festival Moray Walking Festival Nature-Fest Newton Stewart Walking Festival Oban, Lorn & the Isles Fest of the Sea Ochils Festival Pentlands Walking Festival Perthshire Adventure Festival Rally Festival Rock&Road Bike Festival Scotland’s Big Nature Festival Scottish Borders Walking Festival Scottish Six Days Trial Scottish Snowdrop Festival Shetland Nature Festival Snowdrops by Starlight Torridon Walking Festival Tweed Valley Forest Festival UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Walk Islay Wild Autumn Festival Wild Lochaber Festival Wild Spring Festival

29 45 69 74 38 40 42 36 53 64 62 50 46 39 46 53 54 53 42 50 44 66 39 32 54 28 77 78 48 33 80 46 33

POLITICS Document Film Festival Edinburgh World Justice Festival Emporium of Dangerous Ideas Festival of Politics Just Festival Take One Action Film Festival

77 74 49 60, 66 62 70

SCIENCE Caithness Int Science Festival 31 Dare Protoplay 66 Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival 39 Dunbar SciFest 30 Dundee Science Festival 83 Edinburgh Int Science Festival 32, 33, 61 Emporium of Dangerous Ideas 49 Festival of Museums 36, 42 GastroFest 13, 33 Glasgow Science Festival 46 Midlothian Science Festival 74 Neon Digital Arts Festival 82 Orkney International Science Festival 68 92

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Techfest in September Turing Festival

69 67

THEATRE & DANCE Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music and Drama Festival 46 Aberdeen International Youth Festival 56 Aberdeen Winter Festival 83 Arches Live 71 Behaviour 32 Buzzcut Festival 31 DanceLive 79 Dunedin Int Folk Dance Festival 55 Edinburgh Festival of MESP 30, 31 Edinburgh Int Magic Festival 51 Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 31 Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival 5, 78 Falkirk Tryst Festival 40 Garioch Theatre Festival 51 Glasgow Festival of Arabic Dance 38 Glasgow Int Comedy Festival 28, 31 Glasgow Mela 50 Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Fest37 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 50 Imaginarium Festival 80 Imaginate Festival 5, 40, 61 Lentfest 28 Livin’ the Blues 38 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 31 Lorn Drama Festival 31 Magipup Festival 76 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 5, 25 Mayfesto 39 Mhor Festival 44 National Festival of Youth Theatre 53 Northern Streams 36 Oktoberfest 72 Perth Winter Festival 83 Previously . . . Scotland’s History Festival 83 Puppet Animation Festival 31 Rise Dance Festival 44 Shakespeare Schools Festival 80 Shetland County Drama Festival 32 Sonica 82, 84 St Magnus International Festival 51 Surge 59 The Border Gaitherin – Coldstream 45 Ullapool Dance Festival 30

LOCATION ABERDEEN & GRAMPIAN Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music and Drama Festival Aberdeen International Youth Festival

46 56

Aberdeen Jazz Festival 29, 31 Aberdeen Winter Festival 83 Aberdeen’s 50+ Festival 67 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 56 Ballater Victoria Week 62 Ballater Walking Festival 42 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 78 Braemar Gathering 69 Braemar Jacobite Festival 56 Coast Arts Festival 45 DanceLive 79 Garioch Theatre Festival 51 Granite City Country Music Festival 67 Great Grampian Beer Festival 13, 48 Haddo Arts Festival 80 Hallowe’en in Huntly 78 Huntly Book Festival 74 Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival 69 In Motion Animation Festival 26 Int Banff Mountain Film Festival 40 Mearns Connections Festival 62 New Words 73 Pitmedden Community Music Festival 49 Portsoy Music Festival: The Sixth Haal 45 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 54 Sound 78 Spectra: Aberdeen Festival of Light 29 Stonehaven Folk Festival 54 Strichen Festival 43 Taste of Grampian 48 Techfest in September 69 The Big Beach Ball 39 The Enchanted Castle 84 Ugie Folk Festival 55 University of Aberdeen May Festival 45

ARGYLL & THE ISLES Best of the West Festival 69 Cantilena Festival on Islay 54 Ceol Cholasa 70 Coll Bird Festival 36 Colonsay Book Festival 36 Connect with Colonsay 77 Cowalfest 74 Dunoon Film Festival 44, 72 FebruaryFest 25 FyneFest 53, 72 Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Fest37 Islay Festival of Music and Malt 10, 13, 43 Islay Sessions 83 Isle of Bute Jazz Festival 38 Isle of Colonsay: Festival of Spring 36 Kintyre Songwriters Festival 46 Loch Fyne Food Fair 42 Lorn Drama Festival 31 Mull of Kintyre Music Festival 64 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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Oban Winter Festival 81, 82 Oban, Lorn & the Isles Fest of the Sea 46 Royal National Mòd 76 Sail and Oar Festival on Cumbrae 67 Tarbert Book Festival 83 Tarbert Music Festival 73 TT16 Film Festival 67 Walk Islay 33

AYRSHIRE Alive and Kicking Festival 56 Ardrossan Music Experience 48 Arran Folk Festival 48 Ayrshire Beer Festival 72, 73 Boswell Book Festival 39 Burns an’ a’ That! Festival 39 Cumnock Music Festival 50 Darvel Music Festival 37 Freckfest 51 Girvan Traditional Folk Festival 38 Irvine Valley Walking Festival 40 Isle of Arran Mountain Festival 42 Kelburn Garden Party 43, 53 Kilmarnock Outdoor Festival 53 Largs Viking Festival 66 Live @ Troon Music Festival 68 Marymass Festival 63 Prestwick World Festival of Flight 73 Project A Frame 59 Saltcoats Queen of the Sea Festival 55 The Cumnock Tryst 74

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Alloway 1759 12, 25 Big Burns Supper 12, 25 Drambusters Whisky Festival 83 Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival 39 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival 43 Dumfries Music Conference 79 Electric Fields 66 Environmental Art Festival Scotland 66 Food Town Day 48 Galloway Country Fair 63 Galloway Music Festival 30 Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival 49 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh 42 Lockerbie Jazz Festival 70 Moniaive Folk Festival 39 Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Fest 70 Newton Stewart Traditional Music Festival 54 Newton Stewart Walking Festival 39 Portpatrick Folk Festival 68 Spring Fling 44 Stranraer RNLI Park Fest 64 The Eden Festival 49

The Wickerman Festival Wigtown Book Festival Wild Autumn Festival Wild Spring Festival

51, 55 68, 70 80 33

EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS 3 Harbours Arts Festival 45 Annuale 52 Balerno Music Festival 71 Bathgate Music Festival 67 BearScotFest 76 Beltane Fire Festival 37 Cakefest Edinburgh 51 Capital Comic Con 77 Cine Fringe 66 Claymore 59 Coastword 44 Cockenzie House Book Festival 79 Create:Eat:Whisky 45 Dead by Dawn 36 Duck’s Beer Festival 72 Dunbar SciFest 30 Dunbar Traditional Music Festival 70 Edinburgh Art Festival 56, 60, 67 Edinburgh Book Fringe 63 Edinburgh Canal Festival 56 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 60, 62 Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 49 Edinburgh Greek Artists Festival 32 Edinburgh Radical Book Fair 79 Edinburgh Int Book Festival 60, 63 Edinburgh Int Fashion Festival 55 Edinburgh International Festival 58, 60, 62 Edinburgh Festival of MESP 30 Edinburgh Int Film Festival 50, 61 Edinburgh Int Harp Festival 33 Edinburgh Int Magic Festival 51 Edinburgh Int Science Festival 32, 33, 61 Edinburgh Iranian Festival 26 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 55, 61 Edinburgh Mela 60, 66 Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival 26 Edinburgh Short Film Festival 82 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 79 Edinburgh World Justice Festival 74 Edinburgh Yarn Festival 31 Edinburgh’s Christmas 83 Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 30 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 61, 84 Festival of Politics 60, 66 Foodies Festival Edinburgh 13, 62 Forest Fringe 67 Fringe by the Sea 63 Gardening Scotland 45 GastroFest 13, 33 Greek Film Festival 79

Guardian Edinburgh Television Festival 64 Haddington Festival 45 Hidden Door 42 Hispanic Festival 80 Imaginate Festival 5, 40, 61 International Ocean Film Festival 72 Just Festival 62 Lammermuir Festival 69 Leith Festival 50 LeithLate 53 Linlithgow Book Festival 80 Linlithgow Folk Festival 69 Loanhead Music Festival 49 Meadows Festival 49 Midlothian Science Festival 74 Midlothian Walking Festival 62 Northern Streams 36 Pale Imitation Festival 59 Party at the Palace 62 Penfest 69 Pentlands Walking Festival 54 Rhythm & Brews 46 Samhuinn Fire Festival 78 Scotland’s Big Nature Festival 44 Scots Fiddle Festival 83 Scottish Int Storytelling Festival 61, 80 Scottish Juniper Festival 49 Scottish Real Ale Festival 59 Stockfest 73 Summerhall & Barney’s Beer Fest 42, 72 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 60, 62 The Royal Highland Show 13, 50 The Saltire 81, 83 The Whisky Stramash 44 Trad on the Tyne 73 Tradfest 36 Truckfest Scotland 59 Turing Festival 67 Wee Dub Festival 30 West End Beer Festival 80 Whisky Fringe 62 X Music Festival 42

FIFE Aberdour Festival Adam Smith Food Festival Auchtermuchty Festival Crail Festival Crail Food Festival Culross Festival Dunfermline Bruce Festival Dunfermline Folk Weekend Dunfermline Live East Neuk Festival Fife Brass Band Festival Fife Festival Of Music

56 52 66 50 10, 12, 50 49 56 78 74 52 36 25 93

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Fife Jazz Festival 26 Fife Real Ale, Cider & Perry Festival 37 Fife Traditional Singing Festival 40 Kirkcaldy Film Festival 70 National Festival of Youth Theatre 53 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Pittenweem Arts Festival 59 Rally Festival 42 Snowdrops by Starlight 28 St Andrews Food & Drink Festival 12, 81, 84 St Andrews Voices 78 St Monans Community Arts Festival 69 St Monans Sea Queen Day 50 StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival 29, 30 Yellae Deuks 32

GREATER GLASGOW Arches Live 72 Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival 33, 34 BBC Good Food Show Scotland 81 Behaviour 32 Biggar Little Festival 79 Booked!

40 Buzzcut Festival 31 Celtic Connections 24, 25 Coloursfest 52 Cottier Chamber Project 48 Counterflows 32 Craft Beer Rising 13, 62, 72 Creative Mackintosh Festival 79 Deep Fried Film Festival 72 Document Film Festival 77 Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival 45 GIOfest 79 Glasgay!

76, 79 Glasgow Americana 74 Glasgow Comic Con 54 Glasgow Festival of Arabic Dance 38 Glasgow Film Festival 26, 28 Glasgow Int Comedy Festival 28, 31 Glasgow Festival Of Visual Art 37 Glasgow Int Jazz Festival 51 Glasgow Loves Christmas 84 Glasgow Loves Hogmanay 84 Glasgow Mela 50 Glasgow Open House Art Festival 38 Glasgow Science Festival 46 Glasgow Short Film Festival 30 Glasgow Youth Film Festival 26 Graphic Design Festival Scotland 78 Ha-Ha Hamilton 74 Hidden Lane Festival 53 Hina Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival 50 King Tut’s Summer Nights 58 94

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Kirkintilloch Canal Festival 64 Lanark Music Connections 64 Lentfest 28 Les-Fest 52 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 31 Love Action 33 Magipup Festival 76 Magners’ Summer Nights 59 Mayfesto 39 Merchant City Festival 5, 55, 58 Mugstock Festival 62 New Year’s Revolution 24 No Mean City 67 Oktoberfest 72, 83 Paisley Beer and Food Festival 34 Paisley Hallowe’en Festival 78 Partick Folk Festival 46 Piping Live!

63 Root N Toot Festival 73 Scotland Loves Anime 76 Scotland’s Hungama Festival at M&D’s 56 Shock the City 44 Slowfest 84 Sonica 82, 84 Southside Film Festival 46 Southside Fringe 40 Strathaven Balloon Festival 64 Streetland 46 Subway Family Fun Day 37 Surge 59 Take One Action Film Festival 70 Tectonics Glasgow 38 Tfest 56 The Electric Gardens 25 The Glasgow Int Jazz Festival 51 The Glasgow Real Ale Festival 51 The Spree 76 Wee Write!

29 West End Festival 46 Whiteinch Spring Festival 37 World Pipe Band Championships 63 Young at Heart Festival 31

HIGHLANDS Active Aboyne 71 Bandstand Beer and Music Festival 32 Baxters Festival of Running 71 Bella drum Tartan Heart Festival 16, 59 Blas Festival 72 Bootstock 69 Brew at the Bog 13, 16, 39, 72 Caithness Int Science Festival 31 Celtic Media Festival 36 Children’s Food Festival 13, 48 City of Elgin Food & Drink Festival 72 Cromarty Film Festival 84

Feis an Eilein: Skye Festival 53 Feis na Mara 81 Food on Film 25, 26 Fort William Mountain Festival 29 Happyness 4, 16, 38, 46 Highland & Moray Food & Drink Festival 58 Highland Archaeology Festival 74 Inverness Book Festival 67 Inverness Music Festival 29 Inverness Whisky Festival 13 Islay Book Festival 74 Isle of Jura Music Festival 70 Isle of Skye Accordion & Fiddle Festival 42 Jocktoberfest 72 Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 69 Lairg Music Festival 51 Livin’ the Blues 38 Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival 69 Loch Shiel Spring Festival 38 Loopallu 70 Moray Walking Festival 50 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 73 Nip Festival 33 North Hop 64, 72 Northern Nashville Country Music Festival 32 Really Wild Fest 39 Rise Dance Festival 44 Rock&Road Bike Festival 50 Rockness 53 Scottish Six Days Trial 39 Skye Book Festival 59 Skye Storytelling Festival 50 Speyfest 56 Spirit of Moray Book Festival 70 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 13, 34, 37 Springfest Scotland 33 The Douglasdale Gaitherin 70 The Howlin’ Fling 16, 58 Tiree Music Festival 55 TMSA Keith Festival 49 Torridon Real Ale Festival 72, 76 Torridon Walking Festival 77 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 48 Ullapool Book Festival 39 Ullapool Dance Festival 30 Ullapool Guitar Festival 74 Wild Lochaber Festival 46 XpoNorth 49

ORKNEY Orkney Blues Festival Orkney Book Festival Orkney Fine Wine Festival Orkney Folk Festival

73 37 53 42

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2015 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Orkney Int Science Festival Orkney Jazz Festival Orkney Storytelling Festival Papay Gyro Nights St Magnus International Festival

68 34 77, 80 25 51

OUTER HEBRIDES Ceolas 54 Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival 5, 78 Hebridean Celtic Festival 54 Hebrides International Film Festival 72

PERTHSHIRE, ANGUS & DUNDEE Aberfeldy Festival 82 Aberfeldy Film Festival 82 African Drum Village 59 Angus Glens Walking Festival 46 Arbroath Sea Fest 66 Bankfoot Inn Summer Beer Festival 66 Bankfoot Inn Winter Beer Festival 29 Big Sunday Dundee WestFest 49 Blue Skies Festival 66 Bon Scott Fest 38 Bookmark 74 Brechin Music Festival 66 Chocolate Week 79 Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst 76 Dare Protoplay 66 Discovery Film Festival 78 Dundead Horror Film Festival 37 Dundee Flower and Food Festival 13, 68, 71 Dundee Jazz Festival 83 Dundee Mountain Film Festival 83 Dundee Rotary Oktoberfest 72, 79 Dundee Science Festival 83 Dundee Women’s Festival 29 Glenfarg Folk Feast 33 Heart of Scotland Beer Festival 40 Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival 38 Holistic Ways Festival 26 Home of Whisky Festival 39 Hordes of Belial 71 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 50 Ickle Film Festival 70 Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song 72 Montrose Music Festival 43 Neon Digital Arts Festival 82 Niel Gow Annual Scottish Fiddle Festival 31 Perform in Perth 29 Perth Accordion and Fiddle Festival 78 Perth Beer Festival 40 Perth Festival of Chocolate 13, 82 Perth Festival of the Arts 42

Perth Winter Festival 83 Perthshire Adventure Festival 53 Perthshire Amber Festival 78 Potfest Scotland 49 Rattray Art Festival 67 Rewind Scotland: The 80s Festival 56 Scottish Braves Harvest Chilli Festival 73 Scottish Nature Photography Festival 70 Solas Festival 51 Southern Fried Festival 56 T in the Park 4, 52, 54 The Enchanted Forest 5, 74 The Haar Festival 66 Winter Words Festival 28

SCOTLAND-WIDE 48 Hour Film Project 45 Adventure Film Festival 24 Africa in Motion 79 Book Week Scotland 83 Brewdog Collabfest 79 Doors Open Days 72 Dunedin Int Folk Dance Festival 55 Emporium of Dangerous Ideas 49 Festival of Museums 36, 40 French Film Festival 80 Italian Film Festival Scotland 30 Luminate 73 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 5, 25 Play Poland 73 Previously . . . Scotland’s History Festival 83 Puppet Animation Festival 31 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Fest 80 Scottish Snowdrop Festival 32 Shakespeare Schools Festival 80 To Absent Friends 80 UK Green Film Festival 39 Voluntary Arts Week 42

SCOTTISH BORDERS Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 34 Berwick May Fair 44 Beyond Borders 64 Borders Book Festival 49 Castrum BeerFest 54 Denholm Folk Festival 81 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Imaginarium Festival 80 Innerleithen Music Festival 64 Kelso Country and Western Festival 76 Music at Paxton 55 Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 53 Peebles Arts Festival 64 Peebles Beltane Festival 53

Scottish Borders Walking Festival Selkirk Sessions Stowed Out Festival The Border Gaitherin – Coldstream Traquair Fair Tweed Valley Forest Festival TweedLove Bike Festival

66 80 64 45 59 78 42

SHETLAND Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 34 Berwick May Fair 44 Beyond Borders 64 Borders Book Festival 49 Castrum BeerFest 54 Denholm Folk Festival 81 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Imaginarium Festival 80 Innerleithen Music Festival 64 Kelso Country and Western Festival 76 Music at Paxton 55 Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 53 Peebles Arts Festival 64 Peebles Beltane Festival 53 Scottish Borders Walking Festival 66 Selkirk Sessions 80 Stowed Out Festival 64 The Border Gaitherin – Coldstream 45 Traquair Fair 59 Tweed Valley Forest Festival 78 TweedLove Bike Festival 42

STIRLING, LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS Bloody Scotland 69 Bridge of Allan Cont. Arts Festival 82 Callander Jazz and Blues Festival 74 Doune the Rabbit Hole 64 Falkirk Tryst Festival 40 Great Outdoors Festival 69 Helensburgh & Lomond Ale Festival 40 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 31 House Folk Festival 83 Mhor Festival 44 Mhor Whisky Fest 37 NAAFC Accordion & Fiddle Festival 30 Nature-Fest 46 Ochils Festival 53 Off the Page 73 Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 13, 40 Stirling Fringe Festival 70 Strathyre Music Festival 45 The Scribbler’s Picnic 40

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