The Guide to Scotland's Festivals

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SUPPORTING

THE GUIDE TO

SCOTLAND’S

FESTIVALS MUSIC BOOKS

2012

ART E THEATR FILM COMEDY FAMILY FOOD DRINK R OUTDOO RE! AND MO

FREE

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ALISTAIR LINFORD

THE GUIDE TO

SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2012

10 16 18 55 60

THE TIMES THEY ARE A–CHANGIN’ Weird and wonderful innovations in the festival world

FESTIVAL TRAVEL Trains, planes and automobiles

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS Key dates for golf, Highland games and other activities

CULTURAL OLYMPIAD Info on the finale of the four-year cultural programme

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS Why August in Scotland’s capital is not to be missed

LISTINGS 22 ......... JANUARY

35 ......... MAY

68 ......... SEPTEMBER

24 ......... FEBRUARY

43 ......... JUNE

75 ......... OCTOBER

27 ......... MARCH

50 ......... JULY

81 ......... NOVEMBER

32 ......... APRIL

56 ......... AUGUST

84 ......... DECEMBER

85 INDEX Find exactly which fest you’re looking for

95 MAP Explaining Scotland’s different areas THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 3

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS | 2012

FOREWORD

Scotland is a year-round festival nation and aims to be in the world’s top ten places to visit for culture, says Creative Scotland CEO Andrew Dixon

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL The UK’s most northerly folk festival gives young local talent space to perform alongside Scottish and international acts, across the islands.

3–6 May. shetlandfolkfestival.com

F

estivals are a celebration and Scotland has much to celebrate throughout 2012 with the Year of Creative Scotland and many spectacular events in the Cultural Olympiad (see page 55).

Our appetite for festivals continues to grow and this year’s guide offers something for everybody throughout the year – with over 370 festivals taking place across the country.

It’s good to see new festivals emerging, such as the Festival of Arts and Ageing in October and Bloody Scotland in September, which brings together the best minds in international crime fiction in Stirling.

A key highlight of the year in May will be the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art – the biennial focus on local, national and international visual arts. For a country which is becoming synonymous with producing Turner Prize-winning artists, GI is a chance to see why Scotland’s talent for visual arts is so great.

Meanwhile, existing events have developed additional features to reach out to new audiences.

Stanza will mix poetry with photography and a musician in residence, while Piping Live! will bring piping to new audiences and new locations. Even the 2012 Mountain Bike World Cup will be supported by a showcase of Scottish music, art and design, while the countdown to RockNess will begin at King’s Cross with the RockNess Express showcasing live Scottish music en route to the Highlands.

In this guide, The List, working with Creative Scotland, VisitScotland and EventScotland, presents festivals that range across art, music, books, comedy, film, food and theatre. We hope you will make a note in your diary, search the online map and visit a new event in Scotland in 2012.

If you’re seeking the festival spirit, Scotland will leave you spoilt for choice as it celebrates its creative strengths and welcomes the world through its culture. creativescotland.com/festivals

4 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND AGEING Scotland’s first dedicated festival by, with and for older people will be a month-long celebration of older artists, performers and participation.

Dates tbc, Oct. creativescotland.com

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL Nominated for an award as one of Scotland’s most Creative Places in 2012, Wigtown is taken over by the book festival. Its children’s programme covers the whole of Dumfries & Galloway. 28 Sep–7 Oct. wigtownbookfestival.com

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LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF VISUAL ART

A classical music festival that brings world-class performances to intriguing locations across East Lothian. A 2011 highlight was Concorde being returned to service as a concert venue. 14–23 Sep. lammermuirfestival.co.uk

A two-week biennial combining the best in local and international contemporary visual art.

20 Apr–7 May. glasgowinternational.org

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

BLOODY SCOTLAND

One of the UK’s most significant celebrations of cinema, the Glasgow Film Festival is an umbrella for a series of mini-showcases focusing on short films, music, youth and horror. 16–26 Feb. glasgowfilm.org/festival

A new festival in Stirling celebrating crime writing, bringing together leading Scottish and international writers, including Ian Rankin, above, and encouraging new writers. 4–16 Sep. bloodyscotland.com

BLAS

JAZZ SCOTLAND

A busy and popular showcase of traditional Gaelic language and song throughout the Highlands and islands, bringing performances and participation to Scotland’s more remote corners. 7–15 Sep. blas-festival.com

Bringing exciting jazz festivals to all corners of Scotland, the calendar takes in Fife, Aberdeen, Islay, Lockerbie, Dundee and Tay. Various dates between Feb and Nov. jazzscotland.com

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Project editor: Jonny Ensall Research manager: Laura Ennor Production manager: Simon Armin Assistant editor: Mark Fisher Designer: Lucy Munro Contributors: Siân Bevan, Niki Boyle, Brian Donaldson, Miles Fielder, Lauren Mayberry, Kenny Mathieson, Nicola Meighan, Anna Millar, Julia Notar, David Pollock, Claire Sawers, Kirstyn Smith Advertising: Juliet Tweedie, Jude Moir, Lindsay Paul, Nicky Carter Digital Director: Simon Dessain Publisher: Robin Hodge This guide was produced in conjunction with Creative Scotland, EventScotland and VisitScotland.

The project manager within Creative Scotland was Bernie Regan with support from Alan Grant of EventScotland.

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 © 2012 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 2012 Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd. 6 THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012

INTRODUCING THIS GUIDE Scotland does many things very well. The country produces great art, great whisky, great bands and great inventions. Now here’s something else to add to that list – great festivals. Scotland is the festival country, with over 370 events listed in this guide.

They range from gigantic musical blow-outs to intimate celebrations of local food to high-octane adventure sports jamborees.

Over the following pages The List, Scotland’s leading arts and entertainment guide, has compiled descriptions of each festival with useful information and a flavour of what’s on offer. Use this guide well and the fun needn’t stop over a full year of festival hopping. So what are you waiting for? Listings begin on page 22.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE Festivals are listed in date order. In cases where the exact date has not been decided at the time of going to press, they are listed alphabetically at the end of each month. Each entry includes an address and box-office phone number and/or website. All dates are for 2012.

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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Jackie Kay, Christopher Reid Kathleen Jamie, Joe Dunthorne Grace Nichols, Kwame Dawes Chase Twichell, Lavinia Greenlaw

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Behind the

scenes

Want to know the secret to a great festival?

Three event organisers give us their view from the inside EMILY ROFF AKA TRACER TRAILS. GIG AND MUSIC FESTIVAL PROMOTER

Tell us about your festivals Tracer Trails’ festivals tend to be thrown together with about four months’ manic run-in. We’ll see a fifth Retreat! in 2012 (an Edinburgh all-day music event); there could also be a second instalment of Music is the Music Language (the Glasgow weekender we organised with fellow promoter Cry Parrot in 2011), but more likely is something altogether new, and hopefully even more exciting.

Why bother going?

To expose yourself to the full breadth of Scotland’s musical underground. You could see Muscles of Joy alongside Withered Hand alongside eagleowl. We believe in co-operative effort, collaboration and generosity, and are committed to cheap tickets, good food and fun times in abundance!

What’s the secret to a great festival?

A great sound engineer.

What’s the one thing to avoid?

Corporate advertising.

Music is the Music Language

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What’s your favourite festival memory?

The first Fence Collective HomeGame festival in Anstruther, 2005, had the vibe I’ve been in search of ever since. Fisticuffs in the village hall and a show-stopping performance from legendary Perthshire pop act UNPOC.

What’s your one essential festival item?

The programme.

Who would be on your ultimate line-up?

Music is the Music Language 2011 came pretty close with Richard Youngs, Alasdair Roberts and Volcano the Bear. But if time and space could be bent I would have Robert Wyatt, Lizzy Mercier Descloux and The Red Krayola please. Or Abba, Fleetwood Mac and Nirvana.

Which other festival would you most recommend?

AC projects is running (page 32) a brand new festival in April 2012 between Glasgow, London and Berlin. The glimpses I’ve seen of its line-up are pretty thrilling. tracertrails.co.uk

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ALEX GRAY GLASGOW-BASED CRIME WRITER, AND ONE OF THE ORGANISERS BEHIND LITERARY FESTIVAL BLOODY SCOTLAND Tell us about your festival In 2012 I will be helping to run Bloody Scotland, Scotland’s first crime-writing festival.

Why bother going?

Because it’s not run-of-the-mill. We will be thinking outside the box in order to entertain and to offer fresh perspectives on crime writing.

What’s the secret to a great festival?

The degree of organisation! Imagine the calmly swimming swan on the rippling surface of the lake and the frantic paddling underneath. It’s all

ALLAN HUNTER FILM WRITER AND DIRECTOR OF THE GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL What festivals are you running in 2012?

The Glasgow Film Festival, with codirector Allison Gardner, and the Italian Film Festival, with co-director Richard Mowe. Always best to have a partner in crime.

Why bother going?

Glasgow is the perfect step between winter hibernation and the start of spring. Lots of great films to warm the last of the winter nights.

Amazing guests, premieres and the kind of welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t feel snooty or elitist. We want you to have a good time.

What’s the secret to a great festival?

Pots and pots of money. Failing that, love, devotion, passion, luck and the trust of the audience.

the hard work behind the scenes that makes such an event truly great.

What’s the one thing to avoid?

Choosing a date that clashes dreadfully with another similar festival around the world.

What’s your favourite festival memory?

Being in the front row at Edinburgh International Book Festival, crossing my legs and crying with laughter as I listened to Chris Brookmyre reading from A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away. The man should come with a health and safety warning.

What’s your essential festival item?

My iPad.

What’s the one thing to avoid?

Complacency.

Who would be on your ultimate line-up?

I have so many authors I love: Alexander McCall Smith because he’s such a gentleman and has this great, infectious giggle, Val McDermid for her incisive wit and intellect and Jasper Fforde because he has such a zany take on reality.

Which other festival would you most recommend?

Edinburgh International Book Festival is and always will be for me the festival. I feel so privileged to have been invited to take part several times already and it is like a homecoming whenever I enter the press yurt to pick up my tickets and lanyard.

Stirling, 14–16 Sep. See page 71. alexgray.com

Allison Gardner and Allan Hunter

What’s your favourite festival memory?

I have lots.

Welcoming the utterly delightful James Earl Jones to Glasgow, having lunch with Sam Fuller in the good old days of Edinburgh as he outlined a heist movie getaway on ropes from Edinburgh Castle.

Sadly the film was never made.

What’s your one essential festival item?

A comfy pair of shoes.

Who would be on your ultimate line-up?

George Clooney for Allison (one of these days). Vanessa Redgrave for me. Heck, George Clooney for me

as well. I'm willing to share.

Which other festival would you most recommend?

The Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema in Bo’ness. How cool is it that Scotland now has a silent film festival? 2012 is the Hippodrome's centenary so make sure you go.

Glasgow Film Festival, 16–26 Feb. See page 26.

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Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival

Cloudhouse

Tweed Valley Forest Festival

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Sing the

praises Scotland has every sort of weird and wonderful festival experience that you can imagine. But, wonders Nicola Meighan, what would Joni Mitchell make of it all?

A

s is so often the case in life, Joni Mitchell said it best. ‘We need to get back into the garden,’ she crooned on her ode to the festival, ‘Woodstock’.

‘Maybe it’s the time of year, or maybe it’s the time of man, but you know, life is for learning,’ she sang.

While you’d thank The List not to warble this wisdom within your earshot, ‘Woodstock’s lyrics resonate across Scotland’s fertile festival landscape.

The breadth, variety, innovation and inspiration behind the nation’s great annual events – from urban carnivals to rural cook-ups – show Scotland embracing the stars, nature, art and the underground.

So, let us consider Mitchell’s prescient lyrics as we toast our wealth of inventive festivals.

‘I’m gonna join in a rock’n’roll band’ NICHE MUSIC FESTIVALS While T in the Park (page 51) offers seemingly every singer under the sun, Kirriemuir has a festival dedicated to just one. Bon Scott Fest (page 36) salutes legendary AC/DC vocalist Scott, one of Kirrie’s most famous sons, with a heavy amount of high-voltage rawk. At the other end of the spectrum, Felix Mendelssohn is the musician idolised in the concerts of the Mendelssohn on Mull Festival (though there are also performances of work by

other composers, see page 50).

If roots and vibes are more your thing, then Edinburgh’s Wee Dub Festival (page 26) should light your fire. ‘Scotland’s first and only festival committed to dub and reggae’ has already confirmed jungle-dub scientist Morphy, Mad Professor and Scotland’s own Mungo’s Hi Fi for its day-glo tribute to reggae heritage.

‘I’m gonna camp out on the land’ UNIQUE LOCATIONS AND ACCOMMODATION Scotland’s picturesque music festivals like Wickerman (page 53), RockNess (page 44) and Belladrum (page 58) now offer a glowing array of shelters in which to seek vespertine refuge. Most enticing among these promises of yurts, squrts (smaller yurts) and tipis are the Persian-inspired domed Cloudhouses, available to hire as part of boutique camping packages.

There are also many stunning festival locations throughout our bonnie land. The Torridon Winter Walking Festival (page 27) takes you over whitetopped peaks, and offers a night’s stay in a ‘snow hole’. Lagavulin’s Islay Jazz Festival (page 71) stages concerts in distilleries and the local RSPB centre.

Lastly the Fence Collective is set to take over the Isle of Eigg for its second Away Game (page 53): expect magical gigs in Scout huts, tea-rooms and caves.

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‘I’m gonna get my soul free’ CROSS-PLATFORM EVENTS Liberating themselves from artistic shackles, many of our festivals are set to thrive as cultural hybrids. Cargo Publishing’s Margins (page 27) is a truly progressive three-day literary blow-out at Glasgow’s The Arches with bands featuring alongside spoken word performances. Look out also for Books, Borders and Bikes (page 65) – the Borders-based cycling-andreading event you’ve been waiting for.

The limits of your visual imagination might be tested at Edinburgh-based DANCE:FILM (page 83) which celebrates movement on screen and off, while Dundee digital arts festival NEoN (page 82) is a boggling exploration of the sonic, cinematic and aesthetic possibilities of technology.

‘Can I walk beside you?’

HYPER-LOCAL FESTIVALS Intimate, community-spirited, hyper-local affairs have sprung up all over Scotland. Thus the Coast Festival (page 41) explores Banff & Macduff’s visual arts scene, Craignish Arts Festival (page 53) celebrates the pleasures of walking alongside music, markets and ‘amazing scarecrows’, and Cowalfest (page 76) takes art into the night with moonlight theatre strolls.

‘I have come here to lose the smog’ ECO-FRIENDLY AND ETHICAL IDEAS With its composting toilets and solar showers, The Big Tent (page 54) continues to thrive as ‘Scotland’s Greenest Festival’. The event’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is supplemented by a focus on family, community, local produce and rock’n’roll.

For films with a conscience, try the fascinating Take One Action! (page 72), a Central Belt festival with a programme of screenings, talks and workshops featuring ‘people and movies that are changing the world’.

‘I feel to be a cog in something turning’ HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES Festivals are no longer a spectator sport. From 12 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

Glasgow International’s visual art ‘encounters’ (page 34) to Edinburgh Interactive’s hands-on videogames testing (page 62), audiences are increasingly influencing, and participating in, events.

You can, for example, try axe-throwing and archery at Glamis Castle’s Scottish Countryside Festival (page 56) or compete in the Scottish Conker Championships at the Tweed Valley Forest Festival (page 78).

Bands can get a leg up at music festival and industry showcase goNORTH (page 44), which offers musicians free workshops, Q&A sessions, networking opportunities and grassroots support.

‘Everywhere there was song and celebration’ MULTI-SENSORY THRILLS You can lounge in the sun, quaff local beer, devour oysters and kick back to musical bliss at FyneFest (page 43), which takes place at a farm-cummicrobrewery in Argyll. Meanwhile, punk brewery BrewDog’s first festival, Brew at the Bog (page 37), near Inver ness, offers a similarly tempting combination of music and cold suds.

Also tickling more than one fancy, the Enchanted Forest (page 76) offers a sound and light-enhanced walk through Perthshire trees that is, as the name suggests, quite magical.

‘We are stardust; billion-year-old carbon’ FESTIVALS OF SCIENCE, HISTORY AND LANDSCAPE Some of our most inspiring festivals exist outwith pop culture: they consider the local landscape, the universe around us and the treasure in the ground.

And so it is that the Drover’s Tryst Walking Festival (page 77) allies informed historical treks with contemporary modes of charting terrain (such as geocaching). And that Orkney Science Festival (page 70) embraces the cosmos, from molecule hunts to physics and astronomy. And that the Highland Archaeology Festival (page 74) gives festival-goers a chance to dig up their past and find out what they’re made of: stardust to dust, indeed.

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DARVEL MUSIC FESTIVAL KING CREOSOTE & JON HOPKINS

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D I A MO N D M I N E CD, LP & DOWNLOAD “Extraordinary” +++++ THE SUNDAY TIMES A MERCURY PRIZE Album of the Year and an Album of the Year in MOJO, UNCUT & Q www.dominorecordco.com

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DARVEL TOWN HALL 4TH TO 6TH MAY

For ticket outlets and details of full line-up go to the website.

www.darvelmusicfestival.org THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 13

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Festival

Checklist

Make sure you don’t leave home without the following accessories

✓

THE TRANSPORT

✓

THE TENT

CRUZIN COOLER

How do you transport cold beers (and yourself) around a hot festival? A motorised cool box of course! Fill this one with up to 25 cans and 3.5kg of ice and ride on top of it at a nippy 13mph.

Around £450 from cruzincooler.com

VANGO OMEGA 250

A tent is your festival castle, so invest in something sturdy. This two-man option comes recommended by the Top Tents blog (top-tents .blogspot.com) and is an easy-to-carry 4kg.

Around £100 from amazon.co.uk

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✓

THE RAINWEAR

✓

THE GADGET

ECO-FRIENDLY PONCHO

Avoid eco-guilt while staying dry with a biodegradable version of the classic poncho. This one is dirt-cheap and will give you necessary protection from the Scottish elements. £1.50 from pixmania.co.uk

FREELOADER PICO

This eco- and social life-friendly solar charger for your phone will help you continue to text, chat, blog, tweet, facebook and generally faff about to your heart’s content at several miles’ distance from the nearest power socket. £18 from amazon.co.uk

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✓

THE ALBUM

ERRORS – HAVE SOME FAITH IN MAGIC

The Glasgow electronica band’s third album is perfect for dancing, lounging about or staring at the sunset.

Catch them at several Scottish fests this year. Out now on Rock Action records, havesomefaithinmagic.com

✓

THE APP

TENTFINDER

Liable to forget where your tent is? If so, use this app’s clever GPS system to log your location, and then home in on it later. £0.69 for iPhone or Android, tentfinderapp.com

✓

THE LABEL

✓

THE WELLIES

FOLK

Cathal McAteer is the Glasgow-raised talent behind the internationally successful Folk brand. His items of understated beauty should be in every festivalhopper’s backpack. folkclothing.com

AIGLE MALOUINE

Our favourite women’s wellies are actually made for sailing, though they’re equally at home trudging through fields of mud. For men, try the Aigle extra warm fur-lined boots. £40 from aigleboots.co.uk THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 15

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Festival

Travel There are a variety of easy ways to make your way around Scotland.

Anna Millar looks at the best options for hopping between festivals

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GLASGOW Various airlines fly to and from Glasgow Airport, located eight miles and a 30-minute drive from the city centre (glasgowairport.com); these include British Airways, bmi, Ryanair, EasyJet and KLM UK. The airport bus runs every ten minutes, stopping at the city’s train stations and bus station, for £5 single/£7 return. Prestwick Airport (glasgowprestwick.com), 32 miles away near Ayr, is home to many of the budget airlines.

Glasgow’s two main railway stations, Queen Street and Central, offer regular services to Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Dundee and Stirling, as well as the country’s more suburban locations (see scotrail.co.uk and nationalrailenquiries.co.uk). Central Station offers journeys to the south of the River Clyde, including Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Prestwick Airport. Queen Street Station offers local and longer services to the north-east of the city and up to the west coast of Scotland.

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For bus links to many of the major festivals see Scottish Citylink (citylink.co.uk). Music fans going to RockNess and T in the Park can opt for special bus services to and from the festival grounds (prices start from £26 return) from most of Scotland’s major bus stations.

Glasgow’s Buchanan Street Bus Station is close to the city centre, with buses to all the major cities around Scotland, starting at as little as £10 if you book in advance. Taxis from one side of town to the other should cost anything from £5–£10.

EDINBURGH Much like Glasgow, various airlines fly out of Edinburgh and offer many good connections to the Highlands and islands (see Western Isles, Orkney & Shetland). Edinburgh Airport is seven miles from the city centre with an airport bus service that runs every 10-15 minutes and takes just 25 minutes (£3.50 single/£6 return). The number 35 bus (£1.30) can also be caught from the city centre and Leith but is likely to take up to an hour in travel time.

A taxi from the airport to the city centre, depending on your location, is likely to cost you around £20.

Edinburgh’s Waverley and Haymarket stations carry routes with East Coast (eastcoast.co.uk), Scotrail and Virgin

(virgintrains.co.uk); train times to Scotland’s major cities vary: Stirling (40min), Glasgow (45min), Dundee (1hr, 15min), Aberdeen (2hr, 30min) and Inverness (3hr, 30min). It pays to book in advance, with some fares starting at around £10 return.

Edinburgh’s bus depot can be found just off St Andrew Square, and offers equally good daily services to all the major cities.

OTHER CITIES Connecting to or from Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and beyond (see travel times above) is simple with many buses and trains leaving daily from early in the morning until late at night. See scotrail.co.uk and citylink.co.uk for more. Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee all have airports that offer coach services into the centre. As the largest of the 11 airports in the Highlands and islands, Inverness Airport offers a range of flight routes, including direct flights to Orkney and Shetland. Each of the cities’ bus and train stations are handily located close to the centre, with just a short walk or taxi ride into the city.

Those looking to commute from the major cities to somewhere slightly off the beaten track should check out the local bus service (firstgroup.com).

WESTERN ISLES, ORKNEY & SHETLAND There are flight connections to the islands of Barra, Benbecula, Islay, Lewis, Orkney and Shetland, with many of the flights operated by FlyBe (flybe.com), British Airways (britishairways.com) or Loganair (loganair.co.uk). Prices can be steep, so those keen to save some pennies should opt for a mainland train then ferry. Community commuter airports are located on the islands of Barra (which uses its beach as an airstrip), Benbecula, Fair Isle, Islay, Tiree, Unst, Orkney (Kirkwall), Shetland (Sumburgh), Lewis (Stornoway) as well as Campbeltown and Wick on the mainland. For inter-island flights in Shetland (excluding Fair Isle), you need to book direct through Loganair.

Island festival travellers are likely to find themselves on the Caledonian MacBrayne (calmac.co.uk) ferry service from the mainland, which travels to over 24 islands. Those taking in more than one island should ask about reduced-fare Island Hopscotch tickets. Other carriers include NorthLink Ferries (northlinkferries.co.uk), which goes to Orkney and Shetland from Aberdeen, and Pentland and Orkney Ferry services.

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GOLF | Highlight Events 2012 The PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles

Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open 3–5 May ladiesscottishopen.com

Curtis Cup 8–10 June curtiscup.org

KEEPING IN THE SWING OF THINGS Where could be better than Scotland to enjoy the thrill of The Ryder Cup? This is, after all, the Home of Golf and The Ryder Cup is one of the sport’s most fiercely contended prizes.

That’s why excitement is building even now, two years ahead of the event, about being able to see Europe and the USA go head to head and club to club at Gleneagles in Perthshire (26–28 Sep, 2014). The only previous time The Ryder Cup was played in Scotland was 1973, so it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Scotland’s claim to be the Home of Golf goes back 600 years. It is in Scotland where the rules were set down and where the first 18-hole course was created. The organisation we know today as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club was established in 1754 as the Society of St Andrews Golfers and is responsible internationally (except in the USA and Mexico) as the sport’s governing body.

The country boasts over 500 courses, including Musselburgh, the oldest playing course in the world.

This 40th biennial Ryder Cup comes after the 2012 fixture at Medinah Country Club on the outskirts of Chicago and will attract thousands of 18 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

visitors. The world’s top players will be tackling The PGA Centenary Course, designed to test even the most accomplished of professionals, in the stunning surrounds of the Ochil Hills with views to the Trossachs.

Scotland’s first minister, Alex Salmond, hopes it will turn out to be ‘the best Ryder Cup in the competition’s history’, not least because of improvements being made to the course in consultation with Jack Nicklaus Golf Design. Nicklaus has described it as ‘the finest parcel of land’ he has worked with anywhere in the world. Golfers should get the benefit of the upgrade from as early as spring 2012.

Because of all this, Scotland is a magnet for players the world over. As the listings show, the country thinks nothing of hosting world-class golfing events every year. Highlights coming up include the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles (23–26 Aug), a chance to familiarise yourself with The PGA Centenary Course in advance of The Ryder Cup. Other top contests to look out for include the Curtis Cup at Nairn Golf Club (8–9 Jun) and The Senior Open Championship at Turnberry (26–29 Jul).

Scottish Hydro Challenge 21–24 June europeantour.com/ challengetour

Scottish Open 12–15 July europeantour.com

The Senior Open Championship 26–29 July europeantour.com/ seniortour

Johnnie Walker Championship 23–26 August johnniewalker championship.com

Dunhill Links Championship 4–7 October alfreddunhilllinks.com

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Highlight Events 2012 | ADVENTURE/OUTDOOR Inverness Half Marathon 11 March invernesshalfmarathon .co.uk

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William

The Mighty Deerstalker 17 March ratraceadventure.com/n otorious/dsindex.html

Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival 6–14 May cyclehighland perthshire.com

Scottish Six Day Trial 7–12 May ssdt.org

Halfords Tour Series 15 May tourseries.co.uk

Tweedlove Bike Festival 26 May–5 June tweedlove.com

London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay 8–14 & 21 June (Scottish leg) london2012.com

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 9–10 June fortwilliamworldcup .co.uk

iXS Downhill Cup Innerleithen 16–17 June ixsdownhillcup.com

Gillespie Macandrew Hopetoun International Horse Trials 28–29 July hopetoun.co.uk/ horse-trials

NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED With outdoor and adventure sport in Scotland you get a lot more than just exercise. So stunning is the scenery, whether it’s the majesty of the Highlands or the picturesque hills of the lowlands, that every competitor feels at one with their environment. The country is captivatingly beautiful and it’s a joy to be out in it.

Such dramatic landscapes don’t just look good, they stretch athletes to their furthest limits. Whether it’s mountain biking on the Nevis Range or a marathon along Loch Ness, you can be sure of witnessing or even taking part in some serious sport.

These are the conditions that make Scotland a world-class host of international events. Take, for instance, the Scottish Six Day Trial in Lochaber (7–12 May). They don’t call it the greatest motorcycle trial in the world for nothing. With a 500-mile landscape of gullies, gorges and streams to negotiate, it is as demanding as it is unforgettable. That’s why it has continued to grow over its 100-year history and continues to attract bikers from every continent.

It’s the same story where cycling, swimming or horseback riding are concerned, whether you’re watching top windsurfers tackling the breakers in the BWA Tiree Wave Classic (8–13 Oct) or fearless adventurers switching from canoe to bike to rope as they battle the five-day, 500km Sting in Stirling TERREX adventure race (18–25 Aug).

TERREX Adventure Race Scotland

blairhorsetrials.co.uk

Marathon & Festival of Running

18–25 August adidas-ar.com/ 2012/terrex

Great Scottish Swim

30 September lochnessmarathon.com

25 August greatswim.org/Events/ British-Gas-GreatScottish-Swim

BWA Tiree Wave Classic

Blair Castle International Horse Trials 23–26 August

Baxters Loch Ness

8–13 October britishwavesailing association.com/tiree

THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 19

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COMMONWEALTH SPORT | Highlight Events 2012

Glasgow Aviva International Match 28 January uka.org.uk/ aviva-series/avivainternational-match

Melrose Sevens 14 April melrose7s.com The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow

MAKING TRACKS TOWARDS 2014 They’re the fastest, fittest athletes across 53 countries and they’re gathering in Glasgow for one of the greatest displays of sporting prowess in the world. Taking place in the summer of 2014, the XX Commonwealth Games will be the highlight of the sporting calendar in Scotland and beyond. And you can already feel the repercussions.

Come 2014, the events will transform Glasgow into a city of sport. You’ll be able to see track and field events at Hampden Park, boxing at the SECC, mountain biking at Cathkin Braes Country Park, rugby at Ibrox Stadium, triathlon at Strathclyde Country Park and, going further afield, diving at the Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh and shooting at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in northern Angus.

There are ten sports central to all Commonwealth Games and a further seven selected by the host country. In Glasgow, in addition to the core events (aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, rugby sevens, squash and weightlifting), you’ll be able to enjoy cycling, gymnastics, judo, shooting, table tennis, triathlon and wrestling.

To whet your appetite, there are several fixtures coming up in Scotland.

20 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

They include athletics at the Glasgow Aviva International Match at Kelvinhall (28 Jan); rugby in the Melrose Sevens (14 Apr); and artistic gymnastics in the Glasgow Gymnastics World Cup (8 Dec).

The effects of the Commonwealth Games are already being felt by amateur athletes here in Glasgow. In the West End, for example, the Scotstoun Leisure Centre will be the Commonwealth Games home of squash and table tennis, boasting two glasswalled show courts and 20 tables. The centre has undergone the first phase of upgrading and is lined up for more work later this year to ensure its place as a leading year-round racquet centre.

Meanwhile opposite Celtic Park in the East End, all eyes are on the National Indoor Sports Arena and the adjacent Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome Precinct which are due to open this year. These stateof-the-art centres, among the largest of their kind in Europe, will be the home of badminton and track cycling events in 2014. Crucially, with 12 badminton courts, three sports halls and a 200m indoor athletics track, they will also help train Scottish athletes for generations to come. In that way, these Commonwealth Games are making everyone a winner.

IRB Sevens 5–6 May irbsevens.com

Strathclyde Park Triathlon 23 May britishtriathlonsuper series.com

Tour of Britain 9–16 September tourofbritain.com

Glasgow Gymnastics World Cup 8 December glasgowworldcup.com

THE GLASGOW COMMONWEALTH GAMES TAKE PLACE 23 JULY–3 AUG 2014. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE glasgow2014.com

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Highlight Events 2012 | HIGHLAND This is a selection of the wide range of Highland Games taking place across Scotland each year.

GAMES

Cowal Highland Gathering

The Atholl Gathering and Highland Games 26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27 May blair-castle.co.uk

Ardrossan Highland Games 10 June ardrossanhighland games.org.uk

Cupar Highland Games 10 June cuparhighlandgames.org

Aberdeen's Highland Games 17 June aberdeencity.gov.uk /highlandgames

Forres Highland Games 7 July forreshighlandgames. fsnet.co.uk

Sekonda Stirling Highland Games 10 July stirling-highlandgames.co.uk

Inverness Highland Games 21 July invernesshighland games.com

Arisaig Highland Games and Clan Ranald Gathering 25 July arisaighighlandgames .co.uk

LET THE GAMES BEGIN It's the event with that unique combination of high-level sportsmanship and Highland hospitality. Taking place across Scotland throughout the summer months, Highland games are one of the country's most distinctive cultural expressions. As well as marvelling at the skill of the athletes, you can enjoy the grace and spectacle of traditional Highland dancers and the unmistakable sound of the bagpipes. As a bonus, you're also likely to get an eyeful of some of the country's most spectacular scenery.

Listed here is just a selection of the dozens of games that take place between May and September in communities from Mull to Montrose. One of the most famous is the Braemar Gathering (1 Sep), a favourite with the royal family. It has origins going back 900 years and has been under the same management since 1832. At the allday event, there's a hill race up nearby Morrone as well as caber tossing, hammer throwing, piping and dancing. You can see soldiers competing in a tug of war and a relay race, and even cheer on children going head to head in a sack race.

You'll find a similar programme at other Highland games. You might also see martial arts, cycling, football and wrestling, but what's important is they are gatherings where conviviality matters as much as competition and where visitors are welcomed like old friends.

northberwickhighland games.co.uk

nethybridge.com/ highlandgames

Pitlochry Highland Games

Skye Highland Games

Cowal Highland Gathering

8 September pitlochryhighland games.co.uk

8 August skye-highlandgames.co.uk

North Berwick Highland Games

Abernethy Highland Games and Clan Grant Gathering

4 August

11 August

23-25 August cowalgathering.com

The Braemar Gathering 1 September braemargathering.org

FOR DETAILS OF OTHER HIGHLAND GAMES SEE list.co.uk

THE LIST | Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festivals 2012 21

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YOURI LENQUETTE

JANUARY 19 JANUARY–5 FEBRUARY

CELTIC CONNECTIONS MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 353 8000, celticconnections.com

See panel, left.

19–22 JANUARY

ARIKA12 EPISODE 1: A FILM IS A STATEMENT MULTI-ARTS CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, and various surrounding venues, Glasgow, 0141 352 4900, arika.org.uk

See panel, page 24.

20 JANUARY–6 FEBRUARY

TAKEAWAY CHINA MULTI-ARTS / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Glasgow, takeawaychina.com

CELTIC CONNECTIONS Happy new year for music-lovers with eclectic taste At this time of year, the general consensus used to be that no one had any money left for going out, people were ‘aff it’ following too much revelling around New Year and nobody would brave the gale force winds to go and see a gig.

Yet the creation of a mammoth festival out of nowhere back in 1994 blew that theory out of the water and gave birth to the monster that now fills out a considerable slab of January with a roster of international stars and up-and-coming young talents. Despite what the weather outside may be doing, Celtic Connections dominates the Scottish music scene in January. If the festival’s roots lie in folk and Celtic music, it has been wide-ranging in interpreting that remit from the outset. Having any kind of actual ‘Celtic connection’ was quickly beside the point – being invited to the festival was credential enough.

Amongst the guests this year are African blues-rock guitar hero Vieux Farka Touré; the young Malian actress-turned-singer Fatoumata Diawara (pictured), who will be performing with Salsa Celtica; oddball singer-songwriter Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy; and the spectral-voiced Laetitia Sadier, best known as the singer in Stereolab and now performing as a solo artist. Performers from a little closer to home include the Mercury award-nominated duo of King Creosote and Jon Hopkins; the Glasgow folk-pop of Admiral Fallow; and the modern folk trio, Lau, collaborating with Jack Bruce, singer and founder of psych-prog act Cream.

This year’s programme also includes a Gerry Rafferty tribute evening featuring the Paisley songwriter’s daughter, as well as late night sessions, kids’ workshops and drop-in singing classes.

Various venues, Glasgow, 19 Jan–5 Feb, 0141 353 8000, celticconnections.com 22 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

A unique festival for Scotland, celebrating the cultural life of China with an emphasis on film and contemporary photography.

Films consider topics such as the Cultural Revolution and the new China, as well as human trafficking and the life of a drag queen. There are child-friendly workshops and storytelling sessions, photography exhibitions and an extravagant celebration of Chinese New Year in the Millennium Hotel.

27 JANUARY–5 FEBRUARY

WINTER WORDS FESTIVAL LITERATURE Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Port–na Craig, Pitlochry, Perthshire, 01796 484626, pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

Literary guests Sir Chris Bonington, Neil Oliver, Sue Lawrence, Dennis Canavan, Liz Lochhead, Mairi Hedderwick and Sue Black are confirmed for the eighth book fest in the theatre in the hills. There’s an emphasis on historical and Scottish writing, with a return of the unique Fearie Tales competition, and a dedicated lineup of kids’ events to boot.

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ac projects & oto projects presents

a music festival exploring networks across three cities

glasgow – london – berlin 6th – 15th of april 2012

michael gira/ grouper/ michael hurley/ kim doosoo/ kazuki tomokawa/ josephine foster/ sven-ake johansson/ & many more glasgow: 6 – 8 april, st andrews in the square/ the arches/ cca/ stereo london: 6 – 12 april/ cafe oto berlin: 13 – 15 april/ ausland

www.cafeoto.co.uk www.acprojects.org.uk

30 March - 8 April 2012 T: 08452 777 778 www.tartandayscotland.com

Tartan Day Scotland sponsored by

Marking the Declaration of Arbroath with over 50 events across Angus

THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 23

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27–29 JANUARY

PERTH AND KINROSS CHESS FESTIVAL FAMILY Quality Station Hotel, Leonard Street, Perth, 01738 658490, perthchessfestival.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

A weekend of chess, open to all but attracting top-level international players to the Station Hotel (once Queen Victoria’s favourite, fact fans).

A range of tournaments to suit all levels, including a Saturday Funday Open for the less professional chess fan. Checkmate.

ARIKA12

30 JANUARY–4 FEBRUARY

Mind expanding, crossart discussion festival

Having noticed the best festival discussions are to be had at the bar, Barry Esson and Bryony McIntyre have dreamt up this ‘deliberately convivial’ three-part festival, taking place over three thoughtprovoking weekends. The first is in January, and centres on film. Episodes two and three follow in February and March, and cover, first, the themes of nihilism and the self, then the boundaries between political activism, currentaffairs reporting and art.

Philosophers, musicians, art critics, filmmakers and scientists will gather for screenings, performances, workshops and impromptu chats over a pint.

Do you believe there is a link between supernatural horror films and 1970s feminist theory? Can legal transcripts from Guantanamo Bay be considered poetry? These – and hundreds more – are questions the events hope to raise.

19 Jan–25 Mar, CCA and Tramway, Glasgow. arika.org.uk

MANIPULATE VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE / FILM & TV Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, 0131 228 1404, manipulate.org

Having started life in Dundee and now flourishing in Edinburgh, this enterprising festival is in its fifth year of promoting world-class animation and puppet theatre for adults to new audiences. In a programme of puppetry, object theatre, animation and film from around the world, the 2012 event includes everything from a staging of Heiner Müller’s Hamletmachine from France to a surreal multimediia collage by Russia’s Akhe Engineering Theatre.

27-28 JANUARY

BIG BURNS SUPPER MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, 0800 689 9405, bigburnssupper.com

A brand new weekender celebrating everyone’s favourite Ploughman Poet with over 80 events in 50 venues in and around Dumfries, running the gamut from dance to comedy, live music to visual art and of course traditional Burns suppers.

30 JANUARY–12 FEBRUARY

FIFE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC MUSIC Various venues, Fife, 01592 592597, ffom.org.uk

Performers at this community festival 24 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

range from primary school children to adults, in both vocal and instrumental classes, competitive and noncompetitive. All performances receive a review by a professional adjudicator and are open to anyone to come along and watch.

31 JANUARY

UP HELLY AA HERITAGE Lerwick, Shetland, uphellyaa.org

Spectacular fire festival celebrating Shetland history, the highlight of which is the torchlight procession of up to 1000 colourfully dressed guisers following a Viking galley through the town en route to its ceremonial burning.

FEBRUARY 2–5 FEBRUARY

KINGUSSIE FOOD ON FILM FILM & TV / FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY Various venues, Kingussie, Highlands, 01540 661000, kingussiefoodonfilm.co.uk

Kingussie’s annual winter festival brings the big screen to the beautiful Highlands of Scotland in a unique way, combining it with a celebration of food. The centrepiece is the Cairngorms Food Hall, packed with produce, tastings and a special celebrity chef guest, plus there are screenings across the four days with something to eat at every one. Highlights for 2012 include a vintage tea party inspired by Toast,

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS In addition to these festivals, there are many other major events taking place in the first quarter of 2012 including: • Glasgow Aviva International Match • Inverness Half Marathon • The Mighty Deerstalker For more details of these events see pages 18–21

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SPRING 2012 World Première

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT Script by Peter Arnott 19 January â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 February 2012 (then touring) A co-production with Vox Motus

OF MICE AND MEN

By John Steinbeck 17 February â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17 March 2012

World Première

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

By Beaumarchais, adapted by D.C. Jackson 23 March â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14 April 2012

THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE

By Martin McDonagh 20 April â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 May 2012

By arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd

BOX OFFICE: 0131 248 4848 ONLINE: www.lyceum.org.uk MOBILE: m.lyceum.org.uk

CO-PRODUCER FOR SEASON 2011/12

Royal Lyceum Theatre is a Registered Company No. SC062065.

Scottish Charity Registered SC010509. Vox Motus is a Registered Company No. SC262949. Scottish Charity Registered SC039522.

Bach Collegium Japan conducted by Masaaki Suzuki

Fri 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sun 4 Mar

|

Perth Concert Hall

(YN\HIS` [OL Ă&#x201E;ULZ[ WLYPVK PUZ[Y\TLU[ LUZLTISL PU [OL ^VYSK NP]L [OLPY VUS` <2 WLYMVYTHUJLZ [OPZ ZLHZVU PU 7LY[O ,_WLJ[ [OYLL ^VUKLYM\S WYVNYHTTLZ VM T\ZPJ I` )HJO /HUKLS HUK ;LSLTHUU

ZZZZ

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Suzuki conducted it with the passion of discovery and the results were breathtakingâ&#x20AC;? The Guardian

tickets: 01738 621031 | www.horsecross.co.uk /VYZLJYVZZ (Y[Z 3[K PZ H JOHYP[` YLNPZ[LYLK PU :JV[SHUK UV :*

THE LIST | Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festivals 2012 25

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the film adaptation of cook Nigel Slater’s memoir. Kids are well catered for with a special screening of the classic 1971 film of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with free fairtrade chocolate.

6–13 FEBRUARY

PAPAY GYRO NIGHTS ART Various venues, Papa Westray, Orkney, 01857 644340, papaygyronights.papawestray.org

See panel, left.

3–5 FEBRUARY

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

PAPAY GYRO NIGHTS The art of extremity

Here’s a visual art festival to sort the men from the boys. Not only does it take place in one of the most remote corners of Scotland, but it happens in February, when the winter weather is at its most extreme. Held on the Orkney island of Papa Westray – or ‘Papay’ to the locals – it takes inspiration from the ancient island tradition of the Night of the Gyros, which used to be celebrated on the first full moon of February.

So, although it is a contemporary art festival, with an emphasis on experimental film and video art, it is rooted in the idea of ritual, folktale and place.

This second year of the festival includes land art with elements of performance, music and architecture. Wrap up warm now.

Various venues, Papa Westray, 6–13 Feb, 01857 644340, papaygyronights.papawestray. org 26 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

WEE DUB FESTIVAL

10–11 FEBRUARY

MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, weedubfestival.co.uk

KILMARNOCK EDITION FESTIVAL

A celebration of all things dub, expanding for the first time from one day to a whole weekend with with sets from Celt Islam, Morphy (live), Jammin’ J, the Borocco Tribal Belly Dancers, Zion Train Soundsystem, Radikal Guru featuring Cian Finn and more.

3–5 FEBRUARY

FIFE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Fife, 0845 111 0302, fifejazzfestival.com

A celebration of jazz and of Fife taking place in venues large and small and including trad and contemporary jazz, dances and big band. Confirmed for 2012 are Kyle Eastwood, Joe Temperley, Fife Jazz Orchestra, Maggie Bell, Dan Nimmer, a specially assembled Moondog tribute, Angie King, Havana Swing, Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra, the Scottish Swing Orchestra and Iain Hunter.

3 FEBRUARY–24 MARCH

THE MIDDLE EAST FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, 0131 331 4469, mesp.org.uk

With spiritual retreats, workshops and conferences, this festival, also known as the Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, welcomes guests from across the UK and farther afield to enrich the sense of cultural exchange. The Middle Eastern Film Festival is included under the MESP banner, with a series of events and screenings in 2012 focusing on Kurdish cinema.

MUSIC The Grand Hall, Palace Theatre, London Road, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, 01563 554900, visiteastayrshire.com

Ayrshire plays host to a selection of indie rockers, with a strong, mainly Scottish line-up headed up by The View, supported by acts such as Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers and local heroes Sonic Templars and What the Heroes Say. 15–19 FEBRUARY

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Nevis Centre, An Aird, Fort William, Highlands, 01397 705765, mountainfestival.co.uk

A five-day programme of films and lectures celebrating the great outdoors and mountain culture, held in Scotland’s outdoor capital, Fort William. But they’re not content to let you just sit and watch the excitement on the big screen – workshops are offered in highadrenalin pursuits from mountaineering to dog-sledding.

16–26 FEBRUARY

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 332 6535, glasgowfilm.org/festival

Scotland’s fastest growing film festival has taken less than ten years to turn itself into a force to be reckoned with. After last year's Ginger Rogers retrospective, it is turning its attention to Gene Kelly with a Strictly Song and Dance strand that includes favourites such as Singin' in the Rain, An American in Paris and Anchors Aweigh. By

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way of contrast, there is the schlock selection of FrightFest and the multimedia events of the Glasgow Music and Film Festival. In the days before the festival proper starts, there are two equally entertaining seasons: the Glasgow Youth Film Festival (5–15 Feb), showing everything from The Muppets to Napoleon Dynamite; and the Glasgow Short Film Festival (9–12 Feb). See feature, page 8.

Behaviour

24–26 FEBRUARY

ARIKA12 EPISODE 2: A SPECIAL FORM OF DARKNESS MULTI-ARTS Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow, 0845 330 3501, arika.org.uk

See panel, page 24.

24–26 FEBRUARY

MARGINS BOOK AND MUSIC FESTIVAL LITERATURE / MUSIC The Arches, 253 Argyle Street and various other venues, Glasgow, marginsfestival.com

The hip young nephew of the Scottish lit scene is run by cuttingedge imprint Cargo Publishing, with an emphasis on new writing talent.

Newly moved to the suitably funky Arches, it is a bookish event with a live soundtrack and some very cool attendees. Includes a production of Alasdair Gray’s Fleck at Òran Mór.

MARCH 2–4 MARCH

BACH COLLEGIUM JAPAN MUSIC Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, 01738 621031, horsecross.co.uk

The Bach Collegium Japan takes up residence in Perth Concert Hall for a weekend for its only Scottish performances in 2012. The group, accompanied by various virtuoso soloists including soprano Joanne Lunn, are performing three new programmes of baroque music programmed by Masaaki Suzuki.

2 MARCH–28 APRIL

BEHAVIOUR THEATRE & DANCE The Arches, 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, 0141 565 1000, thearches.co.uk

An intelligently cool festival of performance and theatre, built around the Arches’ sturdy reputation for pushing platform boundaries. With a mix of international and local talent, Behaviour was developed with NTS and the Traverse to push original talents into the spotlight.

3–17 MARCH

DUNDEE WOMEN’S FESTIVAL POLITICS Various venues, Dundee, d-v-a.org.uk

Built around International Women’s Day on Thu 8 Mar, the Dundee

Women’s Festival has over 80 events dedicated to thinking about the history of women’s rights and where things stand today. Events scheduled for 2012 include a screening of The Lady – the recent biopic of Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi, a talk by Edinburgh novelist Sarah Sheridan, as well as a range of workshops, discussions and activities.

3–5 MARCH

TORRIDON WINTER WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Torridon, by Kinlochewe, Highlands, 01445 791242, thetorridon.com/activities/walking -festival

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ANGUS MUIR

village of Torridon, home to some of Scotland’s most rugged and dramatic scenery. Offering a safe, guided experience of winter walking, events range from lowlevel walks to tough ice climbs and even an overnight stay in a snow hole (they promise it’s very warm), or an essential winter skills course.

Rest tired limbs in the evenings with live music and a quiz in the Torridon Inn. 3–14 MARCH

reading and writing has over 300 events, including a free children’s programme. As well as the festival’s 2012 theme of ‘100 years of Scottish Literature’ (commemorating 100 years of the city’s Mitchell Library), there will be events and debates on comedy writing, religion, politics, women’s writing, the digital revolution, media crises and the best in Scottish and international writing. There’s also a Scottish poetry slam and an extensive schools’ programme.

INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

STANZA Verse among equals

If you’re a poetry-lover in Scotland, StAnza is the festival for you. It draws together a stunning array of more than 60 poets for 90 events. Highlights include Don Paterson in a musical tribute to Philip Larkin and his love of jazz, and Robert Crawford talking about his exhibition of poetry and photography with Norman McBeath.

The 2012 event has two themes: ‘the image’ considers the place of imagery not only in poetry, psychology, religion and visual art, but also in Hitchcock's Psycho; and ‘poetry by degrees’ marks the 600th anniversary of the University of St Andrews and considers poetry in education and education in poetry.

Look out too for Joe Dunthorne (pictured), Kathleen Jamie, Jackie Kay and major names from the USA, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Macedonia, South Africa and Palestine.

Various venues, St Andrews, 14–18 Mar, 01334 475000, stanzapoetry.org

FAMILY / MUSIC Eden Court Theatre, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, 01463 716616, invernessmusicfestival.org

Music festival-cum-competition aimed mainly at school-aged children from around the country, although some adult competitions also take place. Competition categories include instrumental music, Scottish country dancing, choral and solo singing, Gaelic, speech and drama. Children’s families are of course encouraged to attend and spectate.

FIFE SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Fife, 01382 868609, fifesciencefestival.org.uk

A look at both the past and the future of science in Fife, from notable experts and advances developed in the area, to how science and technology is working to preserve Fife’s heritage, both natural and cultural. Events include family fun days, guided walks, lectures and workshops.

14–18 MARCH

5–10 MARCH

GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

STANZA: SCOTLAND’S POETRY FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues, Stranraer and Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway, gallowaymusicfestival.org.uk

LITERATURE Various venues, St Andrews, Fife, 01334 475000, stanzapoetry.org

Competitive music festival for amateur musicians, young and old.

The syllabus covers a wide range of categories including piano, brass, woodwind, recorder, strings, ensemble, vocal, choral, jazz, recital, composition, speech and verse and Scottish traditional.

Members of the public are welcome to attend all competitions and a festival concert on the final day.

14–16 MARCH

9–17 MARCH

AYE WRITE! LITERATURE / FAMILY Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow, 0141 353 8000, ayewrite.com

Glasgow’s annual celebration of 28 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

9–18 MARCH

See panel, left.

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, 0845 111 0302, aberdeenjazzfestival.com

Gigs by soloists and bands from the London and New York jazz scenes, as well as local Aberdeenshire and Scottish talent and workshops for all ages. The festival is centred on one of Scotland’s best jazz haunts, the Blue Lamp, but in 2012 expands to include a number of new venues, as well as new programme strands.

Artists in 2011 included Maceo Parker, Neil Cowley, Denys Baptiste and many more.

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Why not join one of the city’s most popular haunts for professionals, artists, musicians and students?

With two bars, two restaurants, two exclusive private dining/drinking/meeting rooms, impressive Gallery space and live music programme, we have something for everyone whether you are looking for a wild night out or a quiet night in.

You can become a member for as little as £19, there’s never been a better time to join.

With fabulous facilities for a soiree, and a top festival favourite, as a member you will have exclusive access to some of the city’s best festivals and performances.

MEET | SHARE | RELAX | CELEBRATE | ENJOY

Opening Hours Monday & Tuesday 11am – 6pm Wednesday 11am – 11pm Thursday – Saturday 11am midnight THE GLASGOW ART CLUB IS A CHARITY REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND, NO. SC039231

The Glasgow Art Club 185 Bath Street Glasgow G2 4HU Telephone: 0141 248 5210 glasgowartclub.co.uk/

Scotland’s International Horror Film Festival Filmhouse, Edinburgh 29 March - 1 April, 2012 www.deadbydawn.co.uk

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15–18 MARCH

EDINBURGH’S FESTIVAL OF IRELAND HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghsfestivalofireland.org

The Scottish capital celebrates St Paddy’s day with a brand new festival offering a generous helping of good craic. It is a community festival with events put on by local dance groups, musicians, film clubs, libraries, music and book shops and community groups throughout the city. Highlights are set to include a choir performance, displays of Irish dance, Irish storytelling, lectures on Edinburgh’s Irish connections, comedy and music sessions and Irish menus in various pubs.

special guests and, of course, showings of rare and classic films.

The vintage feel is helped by the Hippodrome venue: the oldest purpose-built picture palace in the land.

de Godoy have both visited from France. There are also workshops, so children can learn how to create their own puppet masterpieces.

26–29 MARCH

LOMOND WRITERS’ GATHERING 16–18 MARCH

NIEL GOW SCOTTISH FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Dunkeld & Birnam, Perthshire, 01350 728920, niel-gow.co.uk

LITERATURE The Kilted Skirlie, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, Loch Lomond, 2impress.org

15 MARCH–1 APRIL

Concerts, recitals, workshops and sessions, all held in celebration of Perth’s famous fiddling son. Aside from fine fiddle demonstrations and workshops, past events have included the Niel Gow Walk and a chance to learn more about the music publishing industry.

A newcomer to the literary scene, Balloch is dedicating its inaugural year to local author Agnes Owens, author of Gentlemen of the West and For the Love of Willie. As well as talks about Owens, the festival promises a Romance and Historical Fiction Day and appearances from well-known writers in a series of quizzes and workshops.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

23–25 MARCH

26–30 MARCH

ARIKA12 EPISODE 3: COPYING WITHOUT COPYING

LORN DRAMA FESTIVAL

COMEDY Various venues, Glasgow, 0844 395 4005, glasgowcomedyfestival.com

See panel, page 32.

16 MARCH–15 APRIL

MULTI-ARTS Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow, 0845 330 3501, arika.org.uk

See panel, page 24.

CEILIDH CULTURE MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, Edinburgh, 0131 228 1155, ceilidhculture.co.uk

The tenth anniversary of the grassroots festival that celebrates the thriving traditional arts in Scotland’s capital. There’s music, song, dance and storytelling as well as the annual traditional street fair on Castle Street during Easter weekend.

16–18 MARCH

HIPPODROME FESTIVAL OF SILENT CINEMA FILM & TV The Hippodrome, 10 Hope Street, Bo’ness, West Lothian, 01324 506850, falkirkcommunitytrust.org/ silentcinemafest

Scotland’s only film festival dedicated to all things silent, featuring workshops, live music accompanying performances, 30 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

24 MARCH–17 APRIL

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

This Scotland-wide puppetry and animated film festival, from the same stable as the more grown-up Manipulate, caters to the imaginations of kids. Native theatre companies such as Catherine Wheels, Clydebuilt and Visible Fictions have all taken part in the past, while the Velo Theatre company and animator Eric Vanz

Details correct at time of going to press but are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with festival organiser before travelling. Updated information will also be available at list.co.uk

THEATRE & DANCE Corran Halls, The Esplanade, Oban, Argyll & the Isles, 01631 567333, argyllcommunities.org/lorndramaf estival

A festival of one-act plays performed by drama groups from all over Argyll. The 2011 programme included productions of Ellen Dryden’s The Strawberry Tea, Alan Ayckbourn’s A Cut in the Rates and David Tristram’s Late Entry.

29 MARCH–1 APRIL

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

A series of all-night showcases, screening the finest in independent genre cinema, short films and animations, alongside some higher profile new international releases and some classics from the vaults of horror cinema. Many filmmakers attend to introduce their films, and there’s also a ‘Shit Film Amnesty’ where attendees can offload the dreck clogging up their DVD collections.

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30 MARCH–4 APRIL

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL MUSIC Merchiston Castle School, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, 0131 554 0212, harpfestival.co.uk

Presented by the Clarsach Society, the 31st annual Harp Festival will once again celebrate the various genres of music featuring this versatile instrument. Booked for 2012 are Latin-American musician Edmar Castanedain, Catriona McKay and Chris Stout with the Scottish Ensemble, and Andrew Lawrence King accompanied by guitarist/dancer Steven Player.

30 MARCH–8 APRIL

TARTAN DAY SCOTLAND FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Angus, 0845 277 7778, tartandayscotland.com

As part of Scotland’s national Tartan Day celebrations marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, Angus is planning its own series of events. With parades, haggis hunts and a re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration in Arbroath Abbey, this is among the most Scottish of celebrations.

30 MARCH–13 APRIL

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, 0131 553 0322, sciencefestival.co.uk

See panel, right.

31 MARCH–1 APRIL

HI-EX LITERATURE Eden Court Theatre, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, 01463 234234, hi-ex.co.uk

The Highlands Comics Expo brings together Scottish comic fans, with events and workshops to satisfy the most dedicated buff and inspire a new generation of writers and artists. Representatives of all genres, from manga to superheroes, will join in the unashamed geekery in Inverness.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL An experiment in success You don’t need to take our word for the quality of this venerable festival. Just ask the people of the United Arab Emirates. They launched a science festival of their own in November in Abu Dhabi and asked their colleagues in Edinburgh to collaborate. The EISF team helped with programming and development and exported 20 events of its own. Scientific proof, in other words, that it’s a worldclass event.

Taking place in the Easter holidays, the 23-year-old festival – one of the largest in Europe – falls into two broad strands. The first involves hands-on activities for children in venues including the Royal Botanic Garden, the City Art Centre and Edinburgh Zoo. Typically, these include entertaining encounters with physics, chemistry and the natural world that seem more like playtime than a science lesson. On the seven floors of the City Art Centre, children can get involved in explosive experiments and robot building, as well as unwrapping a mummy, blowing bubbles and becoming a surgeon in an operating theatre.

The second strand is more sober, but no less fascinating: a crammed programme of talks for adults by leading scientists on subjects as diverse as astronomy, evolution and advances in medicine. It routinely attracts world-renowned scientists, inventors, journalists and thinkers.

Meanwhile, look out for the Street Science team bringing the wonders of science to city shopping centres with their ‘tricycles of tricks’. They’re likely to get you up to speed on anything from the dangers of flatulent cows to the technicalities of carbon capture.

Various venues, Edinburgh, 30 Mar–15 Apr, 0131 553 0322, sciencefestival.co.uk THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 31

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APRIL

and string courses for younger competitors.

6–8 APRIL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL You have to laugh

Building up steadily over the last decade, this festival of fun has become one of the major events on the comedy calendar. Taking place in venues all over the city, it is an invigorating mix of heavy hitters from the international comedy circuit and up-and-coming names. It also includes comic theatre: as long as folk are laughing, why split hairs?

Headline acts for 2012 include Sarah Millican (pictured), Doug Stanhope, Mark Steel, Dara O’Briain, Stewart Lee and Rory Bremner. Scottish stars include Dorothy Paul, Jerry Sadowitz, Craig Hill, Daniel Sloss and Mark Nelson.

Head along to the Festival Club at the Stand for surprise major-name guests on Saturday nights.

And if that’s not laughter enough, tickets are already on sale for Jimmy Carr’s turn in 2013.

Various venues, Glasgow, 15 Mar–1 Apr, 0844 395 4005 glasgowcomedyfestival.com 32 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

NORTHERN NASHVILLE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

6–7 APRIL

MUSIC Achalone Activities, Halkirk, Caithness, Highlands, 01847 892624, nncmc.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Bogbain Adventure & Heritage Farm, Inverness, 0844 395 4000, invernesswhiskyfestival.co.uk

One of the country’s most authentic country music celebrations, this one takes place in a horse-riding school, so it’s as close to an actual barn dance as many of us will get. Acts confirmed for 2012 include Moe Bandy, Joey & Rory, Johnny Rodriguez, Jerry Kilgore, Terry White Band, Lisa McHugh, Mary B, C’est La Vie and Robbie & The Brothers.

A return to Bogbain for the Inverness Whisky Festival, featuring the finest drams from around the Highlands and Islands.

With live music and food to soak up some of that uisge beatha (that’s water of life, non-Gaelic speakers).

6–8 APRIL

AC PROJECTS & OTO PROJECTS PRESENTS MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, 07939 607934, cafeoto.co.uk

This collaboration between Glasgow’s AC Projects and London’s OTO Projects will result in a nine-day celebration and exploration of songwriting, split between Glasgow, London and Berlin. There are talks, film screenings and workshops as well as performances from carefully selected artists including Michael Gira (Swans), Grouper, Michael Hurley and Josephine Foster.

6–9 APRIL

JAN KJELLSTRÖM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ORIENTEERING OUTDOOR Various venues, Perthshire, scottish-orienteering.org/jk2012

A vibrant four-day festival based on a series of competitive orienteering events, including sprints and relays, softened by wine and whisky tasting events as a reward for all that exertion. A range of age class courses are catered for, with colour-coded difficulty levels, a paralympic class

INVERNESS WHISKY FESTIVAL

7–8 APRIL

ELECTRIC FROG MUSIC The People’s Palace & Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, theelectricfrog.co.uk

Rapidly gaining a reputation for putting on some of Scotland’s best parties, the Electric Frog crew presents another music festival mixing electronic with live music from an edgy mix of contemporary talent. Last year featured veterans Mogwai and the Fall performing alongside Glasgow’s own electronica up-and-comers Errors and US DJ gods Jeff Mills and Derrick May. 13–26 APRIL

THE ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN SCOTLAND FILM & TV Various venues across Scotland, italianfilmfestival.org.uk

Following on from a very successful 2011 edition (with sellout screenings of Paolo Virzi’s La Prima Cosa Bella and Gennaro Nunziante’s Che Bella Giornata, plus a special focus on the career of actor Toni Servillo), the 2012 festival will offer a selection of some of the best Italian films from the past year, re-discovered and restored gems from the past, and a celebration of the centenary of the birth of Italian maestro Michelangelo Antonioni.

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13–15 APRIL

NORTHERN STREAMS THEATRE & DANCE / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, 07951 918366, eltmsa.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL Here comes the sun

What started in 1988 as a word-of-mouth cult event, revelling in its subversive atmosphere and frowned upon by the authorities, has grown into a major festival that attracts 12,000 latenight revellers.

A revival of an ancient Celtic pagan tradition, Beltane ushers in the spring with teams of semi-naked drummers daubed in coloured paint, various dancing characters and the ritualistic lighting of a massive bonfire.

With so many people on the hill – many choosing to stay up all night to greet the dawn – you might not appreciate all the subtleties of the story of the May Queen who journeys with her consort the Green Man and her entourage of handmaidens and White Women to the tranceinducing rhythm of the drums.

What you will appreciate, however, is the wild carnival spirit and a heady sense of departing winter and the season of rebirth ahead.

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, 30 Apr, beltane.org

34 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

Celebrating the cultures surrounding the North Sea, this festival is a celebration of Nordic and British traditional music, song and dance – bringing top and emerging artists from Scandinavia, Scotland and beyond to Edinburgh for concerts, workshops and sessions. This year’s bill includes Norwegian traditional singer Kim Andre Rysstad, Icelandic/English duo FUNI, Danish singer Julie Hjetland and Swedish bouzouki player Jens Ulversand, among many others.

13–15 APRIL

ORKNEY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Orkney, gmbfellowship.org.uk

Showcasing the best of Scottish and island writing, this festival has a packed programme of talks, workshops and events, with appearances from local and visiting authors. This year there’s a special new poetry competition for young people and the annual George Mackay Brown Memorial Lecture.

13–15 APRIL

Stromness, Orkney, 01856 850298, stromnesshotel.com The Stromness Hotel once again plays host to jazz players from around the UK, with a sprinkling of local talent to ensure a true Orcadian flavour. The mainly traditional music sessions culminate with a service of praise at St Magnus Church, Birsay.

14–20 APRIL

WALK ISLAY OUTDOOR Isle of Islay, Argyll & the Isles, 01496 850382, walkislay.co.uk

See the best of Scottish island landscapes with this walking festival, which last year covered five islands – Islay, Texa, Colonsay, Oronsay and Jura – over 4000km of trails in total. International visitors are welcomed along with locals seeking to enjoy the islands in new company.

16–22 APRIL

ON THE ROCKS MULTI-ARTS Various venues, St Andrews, Fife, ontherocksfestival.com

A bargainous student-led festival, taking in a wide range of art forms from short films to comedy via art and theatre. Prices are kept cheap and the thinking’s original: kitsch festival goodness for all the family.

GLENFARG FOLK FEAST MUSIC / FAMILY Various venues, Glenfarg, Perthshire, 01334 831403, glenfargfolkclub.com

Jim Malcolm, The Poozies, Shona Donaldson and Paul Anderson, Lori Watson Three, Mike Silver, Margaret Bennett, Orwell Ceilidh Band and the Farg Folk have all already been confirmed for the 34th edition of this folk festival, with Bennett also returning to fulfil her popular role at the head of the children’s events strand.

13–15 APRIL

ORKNEY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC The Stromness Hotel, Pierhead,

20 APRIL–7 MAY

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF VISUAL ART ART Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowinternational.org

See panel, page 36.

21 APRIL

TARTAN DAY EAST RENFREWSHIRE HERITAGE / FAMILY Rouken Glen Park, Giffnock, Greater Glasgow, 0141 577 3000, eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

The East Renfrewshire branch of the Scotland-wide Tartan Day celebrations includes a farmers’ market and arts and crafts fair, live

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music, Highland dancing, fairground rides and more. Strongmen from across the country will compete in caber-tossing, hammer-throwing and other Highland games.

28–29 APRIL

CUMNOCK AND NEW CUMNOCK OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Cumnock, East Ayrshire, 01563 554734, deancastle.com

A mixture of guided walks and family events in New Cumnock and Cumnock taking in some of the beautiful surrounding scenery.

28 APRIL–18 MAY

ISLE OF COLONSAY FESTIVAL OF SPRING COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC / OUTDOOR Isle of Colonsay, Argyll & the Isles, 07850 230000, colonsayevents.co.uk

A hearty festival that draws on nature and the landscape of Colonsay. Events planned include foraging and cooking days, moth trapping, woodcut printmaking, Gaelic sessions and concerts.

29–30 APRIL

HADDOWFEST MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, haddowfest.com

A two-day music festival in Edinburgh, which has previously featured Razorlight and The Undertones in its indie rock-centric bills. Funky line-ups all around the city, all the live long day.

30 APRIL

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

Glasgow, 0141 552 4267, tron.co.uk See panel, page 39.

3–7 MAY

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Speyside, Highlands, spiritofspeyside.com

While the main focus of this festival is obviously going to be on Scotland’s aqua vitae, there’s a wide-ranging programme of events going on in addition.

Distilleries, shops, restaurants, pubs and villages throughout Speyside – home to more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries – welcome visitors with special tastings, food, outdoor activities, music, ceilidhs and many other entertaining events, including wildlife walks and smuggling talks, whisky and food tours, railway journeys, family fun days and exhibitions.

3–6 MAY

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE / MUSIC Various venues, Oban, obanfestival.org

From its modest beginnings in 1984, this Oban-based festival has become one of Scotland’s major showcases of young talent, with over 125 competition classes in music and dance disciplines.

Prestigious national competitions including the Scottish Area Finals for Highland Dancing, the Accordion and Fiddle Masters, and the Scottish Choreography Challenge are all part of the programme and there’s a grand festival parade through the town on the Saturday.

See panel, opposite.

3–6 MAY

MAY

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL

MAYFESTO

MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, 01595 694757, shetlandfolkfestival.com

THEATRE & DANCE Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate,

Now entering its 32nd year, this internationally renowned festival –

1–19 MAY

the most northerly folk festival in the UK – continues to host eclectic line-ups of folk, blues, jazz and swing. It’s famous for showcasing Shetland musicianship, especially the unique fiddle tradition. It was named event of the year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in 2010, and last year’s programme included The Wilders and Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three, and young Scots Breabach.

4–5 MAY

STREETLAND COMMUNITY / FOOD & DRINK / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Govan, Glasgow, streetland.net

Community festival and street party in Glasgow’s Govanhill, currently one of those exciting areas with a newly burgeoning creative scene. Last year’s festival included nearly 40 events and attracted over 600 people across the weekend. The programme for the third edition is set to feature outdoor cinema, music and street theatre, cooking challenges, exhibitions and public art installations, guerilla gardening, heritage walks and more.

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS In addition to these festivals, there are many other major events taking place in April and May including: • Melrose Sevens • Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open • IRB Sevens • Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival • Scottish Six Day Trial • Halfords Tour Series • Strathclyde Park Triathlon • Tweedlove Bike Festival For more details of these events see pages 18–21

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4–7 MAY

FLAVOUR TASTER FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, flavourfortnight.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF VISUAL ART Top artists in the frame

Followers of the Turner Prize will know Glasgow is the unofficial capital city of contemporary art. The biennial GI festival offers the best chance of finding out what all the fuss is about. Returning for a fifth season, the city-wide celebration fields international stars alongside the latest artschool graduates, with over 130 artists exhibiting in nearly 50 galleries. Most of the work is new to the UK and some is specially commissioned.

Names to look out for among the 40-odd solo exhibitions include Alex Frost (pictured), Richard Wright, Karla Black and Teresa Margolles. There'll be much discussion also around work commissioned from Nairy Baghramian and Rosalind Nashashibi. Even the National Theatre of Scotland is getting in on the act with a multimedia fusion at the Tramway.

Various venues, Glasgow, 20 Apr–7 May, 0141 276 8384, glasgowinternational.org

36 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

Acting as a springtime appetiser to the autumn’s Flavour Fortnight, this first helping of Flavour Taster serves up a bite-size version of the longer fest. Local produce markets, specially-crafted menus and musical entertainment are typical of the Fortnight’s events calendar, so expect more of the same at this new event.

4–6 MAY

ISLE OF BUTE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Bute, Argyll & the Isles, 01700 503640, butejazz.com

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Bute Jazz Festival has come a long way from its trad jazz roots. The 2012 programme includes live performances from TJ Johnson, Bobby Wishart and the Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band alongside folk open mic nights, ceilidh events and a jazz picnic at Rothesay Castle.

4–7 MAY

FEIS ROIS INBHICH MUSIC Various venues, Ullapool, Highlands, 01349 862600, feisrois.org

A three-day weekend of top-flight tuition in traditional music, song, dance, Gaelic language and culture from a stellar line-up of tutors drawn from Scotland’s folky circles (including in the past Julie Fowlis, Corrina Hewat and Karine Polwart).

The draw for most, though, will be the surrounding programme of concerts, talks, recitals and ceilidhs from participants and tutors alike throughout the weekend.

4–6 MAY

GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Girvan, South

Ayrshire, 01465 712128, girvanfolkfestival.co.uk Now in its 38th year, Girvan’s longstanding traditional music festival celebrates Scottish folk heritage with a weekend of instrumental workshops, musical pub crawls, an open stage, plus storytelling and other fun for children.

4–6 MAY

THE BIG STOOSHIE MUSIC Howe Country Centre, Giffordtown, Cupar, Fife, 0800 689 9907, bigstooshie.com

A music festival benefiting the charities SSAFA Forces Help and Help For Heroes, the Big Stooshie is a new event for 2012 boasting more than 50 acts on its line-up, including The Damned, James, The Hoosiers, The Boomtown Rats, The Dykeenies and Tommy Reilly. Both stages at the festival are covered and camping is available.

4–6 MAY

LOCH SHIEL SPRING FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Loch Shiel, Lochaber, Highlands, 01967 431615, shielfestival.com

A programme of professional classical music in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Led by musical director Charles Mutter, joint leader of the BBC Concert Orchestra, the concerts and are held at both ends of Loch Shiel in the Rough Bounds of Moidart.

4–5 MAY

BON SCOTT FEST MUSIC Kirriemuir Town Hall, Reform Street, Kirriemuir, Angus, 01575 575610, dd8music.com

Before emigrating to Australia at the age of five, AC/DC frontman Bon Scott lived in Kirriemuir, north of Dundee. Now in its sixth year, Bon Scott Fest celebrates the singer’s roots with a programme of original and tribute acts, including homegrown act Bon’s Balls and Germany’s Bon The AC/DC Show.

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All profits from the festival go back into local community music projects, including subsidised tuition, youth groups and a recording studio.

4–6 MAY

DARVEL MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Town Hall, 10–12 West Main Street, Darvel, East Ayrshire, 01560 321657, darvelmusicfestival.org

A community-led festival, Darvel has been gathering fans over the past ten years under the stewardship of Neil and Sheila McKenna. Guests include Love and Money, Big Dish, Muddy Waters Junior and Red Sky July.

6–14 MAY

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE CYCLING FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Perthshire, highlandperthshirecyclingfestival .co.uk

A week-long celebration of twowheeled transport, with a range of events catering to children and families. The highlight of the festival is the Big Day, with rides and races hosted by Graeme Obree and music from The Clan, The Airbag and more.

5 MAY

BREW AT THE BOG FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Bogbain Adventure & Heritage Farm, Inverness, 0844 395 4000, brewatthebog.com

The ever-so-cool BrewDog Beer brand heads up to the Highlands and presents a new music festival, featuring Three Blind Wolves, Endor, Kitty the Lion and Washington Irving. Just for grown-ups.

7–12 MAY

SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Lochaber, Highlands, ssdt.org

Confident in its position as ‘unarguably the greatest motorcycle

trial in the world’, the SSDT has been part of Scotland’s motorbike trial scene since 1909. Riders are challenged with up to 100 miles per day, over rough moorland, tracks and roads. Observers are treated to the sight of over 270 riders, including a closing cavalcade led by a pipe band.

7–14 MAY

BANK OF SCOTLAND IMAGINATE FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, 0131 228 1404, imaginate.org.uk

Its core market ranges from babies to teenagers, but Imaginate will appeal to anyone with a taste for world-class theatre. Bringing together the best of Scottish work for young audiences and the most ground-breaking productions from abroad, the festival believes children deserve to be entertained as expertly as the rest of us. Highlights this year include new shows by the talented Andy Cannon and Andy Manley.

11–13 MAY

KELSO COUNTRY AND WESTERN FESTIVAL MUSIC Springwood Hall, Springwood Park, Kelso, Scottish Borders, kelso.countrymusic-festival.co.uk

11–13 MAY

FIFESING MUSIC / HERITAGE Fife Animal Park, Birnie Field, Collessie, Cupar, Fife, 01337 831830, springthyme.co.uk/ fifesing

This celebration of the Scottish heritage of folk songs and ballads features evening concerts, workshops run by guest singers, singarounds, illustrated talks and archive films. It takes place in the scenic Fife Animal Park and guest singers in 2011 included Jeff Warner, Jimmy Hutchison, Sheila Stewart, Jill Pidd, Terry Conway, Geordie Murison, Phyllis Martin, Jock Duncan and Doc Rowe.

11–13 MAY

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

Literary festival with a specific focus on the art of biography and memoir, held at the home of the father of modern biography, James Boswell, biographer and friend of Samuel Johnson. Guest authors at the inaugural 2011 festival included Diana Athill, Bill Paterson, Alistair Urquhart, Kate Adie, Selina Hastings and Candia McWilliam.

Strap on your cowboy boots for this Western-themed affair, complete with dancing aplenty, a ladies’ afternoon tea and 14 live bands including The Picasso Brothers, American Roots and Texas Black.

11–13 MAY

11–17 MAY

One of the country’s most civilised festivals, the Moniaive Folk Festival boasts a heated marquee and a campsite with hot showers alongside its myriad musical sessions, children’s programme, workshops and piping competition.

Among the acts confirmed for 2012 are Andy Irvine, Outside Track, Rory McLeod Band, Bellevue Rendezvous and a special late night session with The Dangleberries.

WALKFEST OUTDOOR Various venues, Galloway, 01671 404500, newtonstewartwalkfest.co.uk

A week packed with 28 fully guided walks around the Galloway Hills, designed for all abilities, including themed routes and coastal rambles.

Social events throughout the week, including talks and a supper, help to ease aching muscles.

MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Moniaive, Dumfries & Galloway, 01387 820241, moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk

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Friday 11th to Sunday 13th May 2012

11

th Moniaive

Folk Festival

Andy Irvine Outside Track Rory Macleod Band Bellevue Rendezvous The Dangleberries Diego Laverde Rojas Children’s Entertainers: Michael Angelo, Tony Bonning and Hatrick and Friends Festival Sound by John Weatherby of www.soundsense.biz and John Dinning of Sound Travels

PLUS: Piping competitions, sessions, workshops, open stage, full programme for children, Green Tea House sessions, Late Night Extra and Singing Sunday Brunch 12th Moniaive Folk Festival 10th-12th May 2013 Moniaive, Dumfries & Galloway is 16 miles from Dumfries. With two hotels, B&B, Licensed Grocer with Post Office, Garage, Italian Resturant, Moniaive Chocolate shop, and the Green Tea House Cafe all within two minutes of each other it’s the ideal spot for a folk festival. Car park with picnic area, central campsite and festival shop.

New this year Hot showers and serviced toilets on campsite plus heated marquee.

Weekend tickets £40 (all events/camping) from www.moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk and Barnstorm Records, Dumfries. (also individual concert tickets) Contact: Wendy Stewart 01387 820241 Email : wendy@snademill.co.uk “One of the ‘coolest’ villages in Britain” The Times

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11–13 MAY

ULLAPOOL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Ullapool Village Hall, Market Street, Ullapool, Highlands, 07754 835935, ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk

The highly hospitable Ullapool has built a reputation as one of the friendliest (and prettiest) festivals on the circuit. Those who make the trip will be rewarded by the company of Scottish favourites such as John Burnside, Alan Spence and Rodge Glass, with a healthy representation from the Gaelic literary quarter.

11–13 MAY

IRVINE VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Irvine, Ayrshire, 01560 322966, east-ayrshire.gov.uk

The tenth annual walking festival takes in some of the finer spots around the Irvine Valley.

12 MAY

BANCHORY FESTIVAL OF SCOTTISH MUSIC MUSIC Various venues, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, banchoryfiddlers.co.uk

Held in the home of Scottish fiddling, this is a regular stop on the fiddling competitions circuit and rounds off with a concert celebrating the winners.

sessions and rehearsals, showcasing the best of Scottish grassroots creativity. A flagship event is held in the Central Belt, with events by individual groups around the country too.

13–18 MAY

AVIEMORE WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Aviemore, Highlands, 01479 812384, nbremner.f2s.com

A series of moderate-to-challenging guided hikes in and around the beautiful mountains of Aviemore, taking in the best of the scenery. A list of walks will be available online, to ensure participants enjoy their walk at the right level.

14–25 MAY

BOOKED! LITERATURE / COMMUNITY Various venues, West Dunbartonshire, Greater Glasgow, libraryonline.westdunbarton.gov.uk/rooms

A completely free book festival, which has attracted big literary names to Dunbartonshire. Goes beyond standard author Q&As, with talks and discussions on a range of topics. The 2012 programme celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Upper Clyde shipbuilders workin with an event of words and song.

17–27 MAY

12–20 MAY

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

VOLUNTARY ARTS WEEK

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

COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues across Scotland, 0131 225 7355, voluntaryartsweek.org

Voluntary arts organisations around Scotland are promoting their talents with exhibitions, shows, taster

Details correct at time of going to press but are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with festival organiser before travelling. Updated information will also be available at list.co.uk

A diverse festival offering music, comedy, theatre, dance and visual arts. In its 41st year it welcomes performances from high-profile touring companies such as English Touring Opera (this year bringing its version of The Barber of Seville), the Berlin Symphony Orchestra and Peter Schaufuss Ballet, as well as more intimate affairs such as John Osborne’s one-man show and 2011 Edinburgh Fringe hit John Peel’s Shed, or a night of jazz with Glaswegian native Carol Kidd.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

MAYFESTO Keeping the red flag flying

The days are long gone when the citywide Mayfest was the highlight of the Glasgow cultural calendar.

But Andy Arnold, artistic director of the Tron, has been keeping the memory alive since 2010, when he set up the similarly named Mayfesto. It’s no coincidence the name also sounds a bit like ‘manifesto’; this is a festival that seeks to put the politics back into theatre, an aim the current generation of theatremakers is only too happy to fulfil.

Don’t expect tubthumping, however.

Arnold’s lively programme engages intelligently with the modern world, making connections between the individual and the globalised economy with wit and incisiveness.

Previous seasons have included plays by major names such as David Harrower and David Greig.

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18–19 MAY

THE HELENSBURGH & LOMOND REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Helensburgh Sailing Club, Helensburgh, Argyll & the Isles, helensburghalefestival.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SKYE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL AND GLENDALE GATHERING Bard company

Neil Macleod was a pastoral bard from Glendale on the north-west corner of the Isle of Skye who died in 1913. His father Domnhail nan Oran (or Donald of the Songs) also had a reputation as a poet, as did his brother Iain Dhu (Black John), known also for his supposed magical powers.

As the Skye Storytelling Festival comes of age – this is its 21st year – it is taking the opportunity to celebrate three of the island’s greatest poets, songwriters and storytellers. Their work features in ceilidhs and mods to this day and it will be fascinating to hear it in context. The programme will look at the family’s birthplace, their school and places they visited, introducing audiences to their life and times.

Various venues, Isle of Skye, 25–27 May, 01470 511340, skye-storytelling-centre.co.uk

40 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

Operated by local community group the Helensburgh Round Table, this real ale festival celebrates the best locally produced beers and ciders the country has to offer. There’s a smattering of live music acts and some clowning around by the festival’s mascots, Hops and Barley, but the real emphasis is where it should be: on tasting some quality beverages.

18–20 MAY

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS HERITAGE Various venues across Scotland, festivalofmuseums.com

Staging events in over 70 museums and galleries across Scotland, the Festival of Museums is a celebration of the wealth of knowledge stored in our historic institutions. Events in 2011 included breakdancing and military fitness sessions, behind-thescenes tours, a Gothic Food Fair, a Renaissance fashion show, smooth jazz, a ‘Fishtastic Festival’, battle reenactments and more.

18–21 MAY

ISLE OF ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Isle of Arran, Ayrshire, arranmountainfestival.co.uk

Hiking and walking festival exploring the landscape of this accessible isle off the Ayrshire coast. Wildlife tours, challenging scrambles and hikes for all abilities during the day, followed by talks, ceilidhs and other opportunities to socialise with likeminded types in the evenings.

In its second year, this grassroots film festival screens a range of local and international films all across Glasgow’s Southside in some pretty novel places, such as clubs, boat sheds and a disused swimming pool. As well as screenings there are workshops and seminars on filmmaking and activities for children.

19–26 MAY

ARDROSSAN MUSIC EXPERIENCE MUSIC Various venues, Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, 01294 468904, ardrossanmusicexperience.com

The first stab at what it is hoped will become an annual event, this North Ayrshire music fest has so far signed up Oli Brown (reputedly one of John Mayall’s favourite guitarists), blues rockers Larry Miller and the River Devils, Inspiral Carpets founder member Tom Hingley and his band, and ex-Silencers maestro JJ Gilmour. Peripheral events include a photography exhibition, guitar construction workshop and free activities for kids in the daytime.

19–20 MAY

LOCH FYNE FOOD FAIR FOOD & DRINK Loch Fyne Oysters, Clachan, Cairndow, Argyll & the Isles, 01499 600487, lochfyne.com

In operation since 1990, the Loch Fyne Food Fair celebrates the best local produce Scotland has to offer.

Alongside Loch Fyne Oysters’ own seafood stands, stalls include Winston Churchill Venison, Barbreck Farms and Bumble Puddings. Bars come well stocked courtesy of Fyne Ales and the wine specialists of the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. 19–25 MAY

BALLATER WALKING FESTIVAL 18–20 MAY

SOUTHSIDE FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Southside, Glasgow, southsidefilmfestival.net

OUTDOOR Various venues, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, 01339 755467, walkballater.com

Taking place in the 30 miles

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surrounding the Aberdeenshire town of Ballater (and incorporating the Cairngorm mountain range), this walking festival features strolls, hikes and perambulations for everyone from Munro-baggers to casual wanderers. In the evenings, walkers who haven’t exhausted their legs can partake of a ceilidh.

24–26 MAY

Grassroots music festival that aims to promote free live music of all styles and genres. As well as a plethora of local acts (and a dedicated session for youth acts from across the country), the festival has a history of roping in big-name headliners to round off proceedings, including Deacon Blue, Ocean Colour Scene, The Proclaimers and Average White Band.

ISLE OF SKYE ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL

25–27 MAY

MUSIC Various venues, Portree, Isle Of Skye, Highlands, 01478 612153, skyemusic.co.uk/festival.asp

PORTSOY MUSIC FESTIVAL

A wee spring festival, celebrating traditional music with a series of gigs and ceilidhs on Skye.

Anticipated artists for 2012 include Craig McFadyen Scottish Dance Band, Matthew MacLennan and Nicola Morrison.

A three-day festival that 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. There is also a range of sessions, workshops and storytelling from local performers and musicians.

24 MAY–3 JUNE

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

Haddington Festival has built up its programming to include a wide selection of music, arts and theatre for all ages. Last year included a spooky panto, concert and sporting competitions.

25–27 MAY

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

Film festival celebrating the best of new Scottish cinema, with a strong programme of short films bolstered by a mix of independent featurelength films and classic screenings, this year including Whisky Galore.

25–27 MAY

MUSIC Various venues, Banff, Aberdeenshire, bothyfolk.com

25 MAY–2 JUNE

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / FAMILY Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, 01387 260447, dgartsfestival.org.uk

To say the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival ticks a few boxes would be an understatement.

Established in 1979 with a view to bringing world-class artists to a mainly rural area, it has grown in confidence and sales each year.

The nine-day, family-friendly event boasts everything from theatre, dance and music to literature, film and art. Acts appearing last year included Opera Wow, Dick Gaughan and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The jamboree culminated in Streets of Dumfries, an outdoor arts carnival featuring Skerryvore and Orkestra Del Sol.

MONTROSE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Montrose, Angus, 01674 675514, montrosemusicfestival.co.uk

25–27 MAY

SKYE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL LITERATURE / HERITAGE Various venues, Isle of Skye,

Highlands, skye-storytellingcentre.co.uk See panel, opposite.

26–27 MAY

COAST FESTIVAL ART Various venues, Banff & Macduff, Aberdeenshire, 01261 812276, coastfestival.org.uk

A series of exhibitions and events held in the neighbouring Aberdeenshire towns of Banff and Macduff. Works by professional and community artists are on display, while musical performances, fairs and markets take place over the weekend. The festival is ideal for families: there are a number of hands-on activities, plus a sandcastle competition and rubber duck race.

26–27 MAY

TRAQUAIR SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Traquair House, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders, 01896 830323, traquair.co.uk

A weekend to fling yourself back to times of yore, with archery, jousting, jesters and, of course, a dose of theatre, just as Shakespeare would have wanted.

Falcons and quills at the ready everyone, the Elizabethans are back.

26 MAY–5 JUNE

TWEEDLOVE BIKE WEEK OUTDOOR / MUSIC / FAMILY Various venues, Peebles, Scottish Borders, tweedlove.com

A friendly bike festival for all levels, with emphasis on enjoyment on and off the wheels. Routes around the cycle-friendly Tweed valley including ascending and descending tracks, flatter races and a family ride through Peebles High Street. Music and entertainment are on offer for recovery time. Last year’s festival featured a triumphant set from local Selkirk lads and international successes, Frightened Rabbit.

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30 MAY–3 JUNE

BURNS AN’ A’ THAT LITERATURE / HERITAGE Various venues, Ayrshire, 01292 616265, burnsfestival.com

31 MAY–3 JUNE

The Campaign for Real Ale’s most northerly festival features a range of real cider, perry and bottled continental beers alongside its massive selection of 100 real ales from around the UK. Among the events planned for the 2012 edition is the Olympic-themed ‘Thirst Among Equals’ session.

ANGUS GLENS WALKING FESTIVAL

TBC MAY

Multi-arts festival celebrating the life and times of national poet Robert Burns. Literary events, music, talks and films are joined by more unusual happenings such as wine tasting – all in some way linked to ‘Oor Rabbie’.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH World on your doorstep

A world of music in the hills, the Knockengorroch World Ceilidh features highprofile and up-and-coming artists amid the beautiful scenery of the Southern Uplands. It gives emphasis to world, folk and traditional music, but also includes experimental, urban and electronic music.

This year’s typically diverse line-up includes Red Snapper, Utah Saints and Baka Beyond.

There’s plenty going on away from the main Bo Airigh stage (a name taken from the sacred cattle once worshipped in the area).

Other attractions include a dance tent, a Celtic longhouse with its own roots programme, cabaret workshops, storytelling, healing area, global shopping, a fire show, kids’ area and real ale stalls.

Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway, 31 May–3 Jun, 01644 460662, knockengorroch.org.uk

42 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

FOOD & DRINK Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, 01224 575940, aberdeencamra.co.uk

OUTDOOR / FAMILY Various venues, Angus Glens, 01575 550233, angusahead.com/walkingfestival

CRAFT FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

A four-day festival for ramblers large and small – take your pick from a list of walks ranging from ‘easy’ to ‘extremely strenuous’. You get views of the Angus Glens during the day and buffet suppers, live music and ceilidhs in the evenings. 2011’s festival featured a quiz night and Taste of Angus foodie evening.

31 MAY–3 JUNE

A range of events and workshops across the country dedicated to showcasing Scotland’s finest crafters and designers. As well as artist-specific exhibitions and degree and fashion shows highlighting the latest crop of young designers, there’s also a huge variety of workshops taking place so you can learn how to create your own pieces of art.

KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH

TBC MAY

MUSIC / FAMILY Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway, 01644 460662, knockengorroch.org.uk

See panel, left.

31 MAY–3 JUNE

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

Slipping into its 30th year, the Orkney Folk Festival continues to delight locals and tourists with a mix of concerts, ceilidhs, informal sessions, workshops and talks. This year’s programme features Eddi Reader, The Battlefield Band and Le Vent du Nord.

31 MAY–2 JUNE

CAMRA ABERDEEN GRAMPIAN AND NORTHERN ISLES BEER FESTIVAL

ART Various venues across Scotland, dundee.ac.uk/djcad/

YOUNG AT HEART FESTIVAL LITERATURE / MUSIC Various venues, South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, 01698 452299, visitlanarkshire.com/events

A relaxed festival aimed at the over 50s, with free recitals, craft fair, exhibitions, film screenings and author visits, along with the chance to unwind and meet like-minded souls.

TBC MAY

SCOTTISH SPEEDFAIR AND CLASSIC CAR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline, Fife, knockhill.com

Classic races, a rally and endurance events in a festival atmosphere at Knockhill, with a chance for petrolheads and vintage lovers to admire a vast selection of shiny classic cars.

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JUNE

and the carnivalesque Festival Sunday are especially noteworthy.

1–3 JUNE

CULROSS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

1–4 JUNE

MULTI-ARTS / FAMILY Various venues, Culross, Fife, culrossfestival.com

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Fyne Ales, Achadunan, Cairndow, Argyll & the Isles, 01499 600120, fynefest.com

A varied, classy festival set in the grounds of a historic family home – a fact that seeps into the cosy, family feel of the programming, which crosses from opera to blues with a sidestep at theatre and even a medieval fair.

1–3 JUNE

KINTYRE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL MUSIC White Hart Hotel, Castlehill, Campbeltown, Argyll & the Isles, kintyresongwritersfestival.co.uk

A music festival aimed at showcasing and promoting Kintyre’s home-grown musical talent, along with appearances by a selection of higher profile guests. In 2011, the programme featured Ivan Drever, Dave Arcari, Robin Adams, Adriana Spina, Amber Wilson and EmilyRose Conlon.

1–17 JUNE

ANNUALE ART Various venues, Edinburgh, annuale.org

A celebration of all things grassroots and arty in Auld Reekie with a focus on the city’s artist-led projects supported by the Embassy gallery.

1–24 JUNE

WEST END FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, West End of Glasgow, 0141 341 0844, westendfestival.co.uk

One of the widest-ranging multi-arts festivals in the country, the West End Festival seems to swallow the West End’s entire cultural output for the three weeks of its duration. The sterling music line-up (which in 2011 featured The Horrors, Alasdair Roberts and the Fence Collective)

FYNEFEST

Located on a working farm an hour outside Glasgow, FyneFest is strongly focused on the local side of food, drink and music. Food comes from the likes of Winston Churchill Venison and Loch Fyne Oysters, with plans for a hog roast in 2012.

Beer comes from both the farm’s own brewery (Fyne Ales) and microbreweries around the UK. 1–3 JUNE

BORDER GAITHERIN MUSIC Various venues, Coldstream, Scottish Borders, 01573 224920, bordergaitherin.com

The Border Gaitherin offers a chance to camp near the River Tweed in Coldstream before taking in a weekend of traditional music and dance. Local talent will be showcased in an open stage competition, plus there are workshops and ceilidhs for those who want to join in the fun.

1–3 JUNE

NORTHERN ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Bogbain Adventure & Heritage Farm, near Inverness, 0844 395 4000, northernrootsfestival.co.uk

A return for Scottish music stalwart Bruce MacGregor’s affectionately curated music festival, covering folk, acoustic and country. The fourth year’s line-up includes Bruce’s own Blazin’ Fiddles, Le Vent du Nord, Kathleen Macinnes and Edwina Hayes.

meadowsfestival.3st.org.uk Taking place on the wide green expanse of Edinburgh’s Meadows, this festival is dominated by a vast selection of stalls selling everything from sweeties to sculpture. There are also tents set up for live music performance and workshops, and a family-friendly fun fair. Samba bands, fire performers, a dog show and more add to the community-based vibe.

2–5 JUNE

SPRING FLING ART Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, 01387 262084, springfling.co.uk

Huge arts and crafts open studios event involving professional artists and craft makers from across Dumfries and Galloway. The weekend is all about visiting studios, meeting artists and makers and seeing them at work, but most artists will also have work for sale. For the first time in 2012 Spring Fling will be a fourday event with approximately 80 artists opening their doors.

2–10 JUNE

3 HARBOURS ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, East Lothian, 07739 021111, 3harbours.co.uk

Ten days of art, music and storytelling in Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie. There are plenty of seafood stalls for the crustacean-hungry (not to mention plenty of non-seafood food stalls for those of that persuasion), plus kids’ events, live music and a real ale tent.

2 JUNE

COLOURSFEST

MEADOWS FESTIVAL

MUSIC Braehead Arena, Kings Inch Road, Glasgow, 0141 886 8300, colours.co.uk

COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC The Meadows, Melville Drive, Edinburgh,

Coloursfest is Scotland’s longest running dance music event and each year brings together 10,000

2–3 JUNE

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clubbers and a roster of superstar DJs. The tenth anniversary fest in 2011 featured Eddie Halliwell, Ferry Corsten, Martin Solveig, Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Headhunterz among the DJs lifting the roof off five separate arenas.

5–17 JUNE

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 330 5370, glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

Two weeks of activities exploring the outer reaches of scientific discovery, including robotics, space, biology, chemistry and more. The festival is extremely family-friendly, with activities including science shows, arts and crafts stations, workshops, film screenings, exhibits and ‘meet the researcher’ sessions for all ages.

option of non-competitive singing games for the more casual songster.

6–7 JUNE

GONORTH

See panel, opposite.

MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, gonorth.biz

9–10 JUNE

goNORTH is a two-sided festival: one half dedicated to a series of discussions, workshops and conference events tackling the latest issues in Scotland’s creative industries; the other showcasing some of the talent being developed within those industries.

The music programme is especially exciting, with 2011 featuring gigs from Bwani Junction, Second Hand Marching Band, Kid Canaveral and Aerials Up.

PERTHSHIRE MUSIC FESTIVAL

HORSECROSS YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues, Perth, perthshire-music-festival.org.uk

FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Perth Theatre, 185 High Street, Perth, horsecross.co.uk

An annual festival exploring the finest new talent in Scotland, with competitions and awards covering traditional music and dance.

Professional adjudicators mean skill development for those taking their music seriously, with the

Dominated by showcases of youth theatre talent, this festival also recalls past performances by Perth’s youth theatre group in a visual art exhibition, Artful Youth.

All ages are invited to get involved with the family weekend, packed with workshops and performances aimed at the under-12s and their grown-ups.

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS In addition to these festivals, there are many other major events taking place in June including: • Curtis Cup • London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay • UCI Mountain Bike World Cup • iXS Downhill Cup Innerleithen • Scottish Hydro Challlenge For more details of these events see pages 18–21

44 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

ROCKNESS MUSIC Dores, Loch Ness, Highlands, rockness.co.uk

6–30 JUNE 5–17 JUNE

8–10 JUNE

8–12 JUNE

LOANHEAD MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Loanhead, Midlothian, loanheadfest.webeden.co.uk

Now in its 12th year, this local folk festival emphasises pub sessions and fun. There are open mic sessions, a craft fair and competitions for songwriting and the best recycled instrument.

Workshops in the miners’ club include accordion, songwriting, slide guitar, banjo, finger-style guitar and fiddle.

UCI FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP OUTDOOR / MUSIC Fort William, Highlands, fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

So much more than just a mountain biking competition, this event is in its 11th year and has a fine record of attracting the world’s fastest, most extreme riders in the world to compete in Downhill, 4X and trials categories. But as well as that there’s a packed cultural programme that includes live music, street theatre, DJs, an expo arena and food for the thousands of spectators in the spectacular setting of Aonach Mor. 9 JUNE

LEITH FESTIVAL GALA DAY COMMUNITY / FAMILY Leith Links, Edinburgh, leithfestival.com

Leith Festival Gala Day has become an institution in Edinburgh, with crowds gathering every year to see the parade packed with puppets, bands and dancers. Gather on the Links afterwards, whatever the weather, to munch burgers and listen to some funky tunes.

9–26 JUNE

ORKNEY FINE WINE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Orkney, 01856 888792, thelongship.co.uk/winefestival.php

A boutique collection of tastings and wine events, with bottles from vineyards around the world. The festival includes a fair, giving wine buffs the chance to mingle with makers and merchants and get top advice for your cellar.

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10–18 JUNE

DUNDEE WESTFEST COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, West End of Dundee, dundeewestfest.co.uk

Growing culture and community festival, kicking off with Big Sunday on Magdalen Green: a free gala day featuring top local bands and DJs, a beer garden, food stalls, bouncy castles, children’s entertainment, stalls, a car show from Dundee Museum of Transport and hands-on science with Dundee Science Centre. The week of events includes local history walks, talks and tours, literary events, music, dance, art, film and theatre.

14–17 JUNE

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

The 15th annual Jazz Festival for the area builds on former years, with a packed programme of gigs covering traditional New Orleans, dixieland and swing. Previous performers include TJ Johnson and his band and the Millennium Eagle Jazz Band.

All that rhythm is, of course, framed by this very pretty part of Dumfries and Galloway.

14–17 JUNE

ARRAN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Arran, Ayrshire, arranevents.com

The island known for being Scotland in miniature presents a weekend of folk, with sessions, concerts and ceilidhs scattered over its villages.

14–17 JUNE

BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Harmony Garden, St Mary’s Road, Melrose, Scottish Borders, bordersbookfestival.org

Taking place in the National Trust’s Georgian Harmony Garden, the Borders Book Festival attracts worldclass literary figures, last year including Michael Parkinson, Sarah

ROCKNESS It’s got to be loch’n’roll music Celebrating its seventh year in 2012, RockNess has grown quickly to become Scotland’s second largest music festival. Hosting a range of big international headliners across an outdoor main stage, two large tents and a couple of smaller spaces, it’s blessed with some of the finest scenery you’re likely to find at any festival in the world. The main stage lies at the bottom of a sloping natural amphitheatre and in front of a view stretching along the length of Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist spots.

Yet people don’t just come to look at the countryside. Last year, the festival fielded Kasabian, The Chemical Brothers, Paolo Nutini, Two Door Cinema Club, Mark Ronson, Example, The Cribs, Frightened Rabbit and Glasvegas. That was just for starters: with eight stages, there were many more where they came from. Not for nothing has it been named best small festival by NME and picked up the Line-up of the Year Award at the UK Festival Awards.

In addition to great bands and a beautiful location, RockNess proudly plays up its green credentials with a ‘Respect the Ness’ campaign, offering tickets that include coach travel from all major cities in the UK. Student tickets and cheap early-bird tickets are also available, although the latter have all gone for this year.

Dores, near Inverness, 8–10 Jun, rockness.co.uk THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 45

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Brown, Michael Frayn, Tom Conti and Alexander McCall Smith, and hosts the Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction. Family events include sessions based on popular books, as well as book printing, writing competitions, and storytime and rhymetime events.

15–17 JUNE

THE EDEN FESTIVAL MUSIC / FAMILY Raehills Meadows, St Anns, Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway, edenfestival.co.uk

A classy wee boutique festival, which has brought names such as Gomez, Finley Quaye and the late, great Gill Scott-Heron to Dumfries and Galloway. The music is supported by family-friendly activities, exhibitions and cabaret and comedy tents.

15–17 JUNE

CRAIL FOOD FESTIVAL EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The world’s longest-running film fest Making its debut way back in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) can proudly boast to be the world’s longest continually running film festival. It started out with a dedicated documentary programme – and it has retained a strong strand of docs ever since – but over its six decades the EIFF has grown into an international showcase of all kinds of cinema – arthouse, blockbuster, cult, classic – with large, 100-film programmes, plus spin-off events, which have given the big guns of the festival circuit, such as Cannes, a run for their money. Not for nothing did the late, great film director John Huston once declare, ‘Edinburgh’s the only film festival that’s worth a damn’.

Last year, the EIFF took a new direction. Using ideas from advisers Tilda Swinton, Mark Cousins and Lynda Myles, and under the stewardship of director James Mullighan, the Festival eschewed the red carpet glamour of previous years and the ‘Festival of Discovery’ mandate that had been established by Hannah McGill, Mullighan’s predecessor, who had also moved the Festival from August to its present position in June. Many felt that the event’s identity had become confused, and that the resulting programme was weak.

This year, however, the EIFF returns for its 66th edition with a new artistic director, film writer and academic Chris Fujiwara, at its helm.

Fujiwara has announced the reinstatement of the coveted Michael Powell Award for Best New British Feature (controversially abandoned last year) as well as his intention to concentrate on strong retrospectives and international cinema for the 2012 programme. It’s a solid approach that will restore many cinephiles’ faith in an important and much-loved event.

Various venues, Edinburgh, 20 Jun–1 Jul, edfilmfest.org.uk

46 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Crail, Fife, 01333 450935, crailfoodfest.co.uk

A celebration of food from Fife, including local produce markets, food sampling, cookery demonstrations and workshops. The thing that raises this above other food fests of its ilk, though, is the top-notch musical entertainment that takes place in the evening – 2011 featured local lad and Mercury Prize nominee King Creosote.

15–17 JUNE

THE INSIDER FESTIVAL MUSIC / FAMILY Inshriach House, Aviemore, Highlands, insiderfestival.com

The affectionately curated Insider Festival celebrates its environment, with small, idiosyncratically named stages hidden around the woods of the Inshriach Estate. With limited audience numbers and lots of musicians, this cosy celebration of music, food and performance is perfect for those afraid of festival crowds. This year’s theme is a tribute to the Olympics of yesteryear, with a special Junior edition of the games.

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15–16 JUNE

CUMNOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Cumnock, East Ayrshire, 07731 051681, createcumnockarts.webeden .co.uk

A family-friendly weekend offering music in the evenings and a carnival on Saturday. Friday features The Tremeloes and The Fortunes, while Saturday offers The Troggs, Ballroom Blitz and an old-school music night. Choral evenings with local artists are held earlier in the week leading up to Friday’s kick-off.

16 JUNE

crowning of the Beltane Queen and her splendid court which really top off this heritage festival.

17–24 JUNE

FORFAR GALA WEEK COMMUNITY / HERITAGE Various venues, Forfar, Angus, 01307 464698

Nestled in the heart of the Forfar community, this festival aims to entertain all ages with activities ranging from kid-friendly football competitions to a bowling match, via a continental market and falconry display. Music, theatre and workshops are also part of the action.

ST MONANS SEA QUEEN DAY COMMUNITY / FAMILY St Monans, Fife, 01333 739131, stmonans.org.uk

In this traditional village festival, a girl from the St Monans community is nominated as the Sea Queen, a tribute to the area’s fishing heritage.

The day’s festivities include a gala, a fun fair, live jazz music, plus a fair selling handicrafts, pictures, knitwear and locally made foodstuffs.

16–24 JUNE

KILMARNOCK OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, 01563 554734, deancastle.com

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

18–24 JUNE

REFUGEE WEEK SCOTLAND MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 248 9799, refugeeweekscotland.com

A broad range of events and activities celebrating the diverse culture of the refugee community in Glasgow and Scotland as a whole.

Includes theatre productions, film screenings, gala days, art workshops, photography exhibitions, live music, food tastings and more.

20–27 JUNE

WILD ABOUT GAIRLOCH OUTDOOR Various venues, Gairloch, Highlands, wildaboutgairloch.com

Week-long festival with a variety of activities looking at the diverse natural world around Gairloch.

20 JUNE–1 JULY

17–23 JUNE

PEEBLES BELTANE FESTIVAL MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, Peebles, Scottish Borders, peeblesbeltanefestival.co.uk

Hail the return of summer with a festival steeped in legend and tradition. Although the horse cavalcade, brass and pipe bands and float-filled processions are visitworthy in themselves, it’s the

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

The biggest event in the agricultural calendar with oodles of tempting Scottish produce to buy and scoff, endless shopping opportunities, children’s activities, music, ferreting, BMX stunts and your chance to check out some prizewinning turnips.

22–27 JUNE

ST MAGNUS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Orkney, 01856 871445, stmagnusfestival.com

Orkney’s magical midsummer festival of classical and chamber music, with drama, dance, literature and even visual arts on the side.

The 2012 festival is spiced up by a Spanish and Latin American theme, and includes appearances from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Trondheim Soloists, the Cardinall’s Musick, Coro Arakaendar de Bolivia (performing on board a ferry!) and the Aronowitz Ensemble.

22–24 JUNE

SOLAS FESTIVAL LITERATURE / FAMILY / MUSIC Wiston Lodge, Wiston, Biggar, South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, 0141 416 1650, solasfestival.co.uk

Music, books and discussion events form the backbone of the Solas programme, but the main thrust of the festival is providing an atmosphere that’s relaxed and accessible to all. The food on offer is reasonably priced, the talks and discussions are wide-ranging (covering art, politics, religion, music and more), and there’s a good variety of activities and events for kids and families. Artists confirmed for 2012 include Adam Stearns, Stewart Henderson, John Bell and slam poetry champion Harry Baker.

See panel, opposite.

22–24 JUNE 21–24 JUNE

DUNDONALD MUSIC FESTIVAL

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW

MUSIC Various venues, Dundonald, Ayrshire, 01563 851957, dundonaldmusicfest.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, royalhighlandshow.org

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Seemingly a small event in a small town, the festival’s major standing in the folk world is thanks to its historic setting near Dundonald Castle and the folk heavyweights it has drawn in the past, including Dick Gaughan, Phil Cunningham, and Aly Bain.

Also expect music workshops for kids and camping, with a bonfire where festival goers enjoy themselves into the night.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL Getting the summer off to a swing

Conjured up from nothing in typical Glasgow style as a major international event in 1987, the festival has weathered more than a few storms, but has also hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, including Miles Davis and Sarah Vaughan. The Old Fruitmarket has become its core venue, featuring a mix of international stars and ambitious home-grown projects from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and the Ryan Quigley Big Band.

Speaking of home-grown, the second weekend features a festival-within-afestival of that name – Homegrown – a showcase for both established and emerging names on the Scottish jazz scene. It is a reminder that developing local talent has long been a part of its mission, just as much as bringing major names to the city in the 500-artist line-up.

Various venues, Glasgow, 27 Jun–1 Jul, 0141 353 8000, jazzfest.co.uk

48 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

23–24 JUNE

programme, with musicians both local and international attending to play pieces by Bach, Brahms and Beethoven. Visual art exhibitions take place concurrently; the sandart project on the beach is a particular highlight.

27 JUNE–1 JULY

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 353 8000, jazzfest.co.uk

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL

See panel, left.

FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY / HERITAGE The Salmon Bothy, Links Road, Portsoy, Banff, Aberdeenshire, 01261 842951, scottishtraditionalboatfestival .org.uk

28–30 JUNE

Besides opportunities to admire the visiting vessels, traditional crafts, restoration and music from local folk clubs all add to the atmosphere at this family-led affair.

24 JUNE

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

If this particular cobbled Glasgow thoroughfare wants to stay hidden, it’s going the wrong way about it – this all-dayer of live bands, open studios, fashion shows, BBQ-ing, market and food stalls and art installations is a sure way to attract attention. Last year’s music bill featured a line-up of Glaswegian music acts, and was followed by not one but two after parties at the city’s hippest dives.

27 JUNE–1 JULY

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL MUSIC / ART Various venues, East Neuk, Fife, 0131 669 1750, eastneukfestival.com

An appreciation of classical music and visual art, held in the scenic East Neuk of Fife. The musical strand forms the lion’s share of the

SCOTTISH REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Corn Exchange, 11 New Market Road, Edinburgh, 0131 477 3500, sraf.org.uk

A selection of over 150 Scottish real ales makes this the largest collection of native brews in the world, and this year is its tenth anniversary, if extra cause for celebration were needed. Nonbeer drinkers can sample an exclusive Edinburgh-made cider, and those looking for something extra can enjoy traditional music from around the world – the 2011 festival featured music from sixpiece German oompah band Kolonel Schnapps. CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Scotland prize is also judged and announced at the event.

29 JUNE–1 JULY

ISLE OF GIGHA MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Gigha, Argyll & the Isles, gigha.org.uk

A cheery and chilled music festival, hosted by one of Scotland’s weeest isles. Includes a ceilidh led by Heuch!, a kid-friendly gala day, and an evening turn from The Blazing Fiddles in the Village Hall. Ease a sore heid with a Piper’s Breakfast on the beach and a Survivor’s Night at the Boathouse Bistro for those who make it through the whole weekend.

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The Olympic Flame is coming to Scotland!

Glasgow – 8 June Inverness – 9 June Orkney – 10 June Shetland – 10 June Isle of Lewis – 11 June Aberdeen – 11 June Dundee – 12 June Edinburgh – 13 June Welcome the Flame at these and over 100 other Scottish communities.

See the full list at london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay

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29 JUNE–1 JULY

THE DUNDEE BLUES BONANZA MUSIC Various venues, Dundee, dundeebluesbonanza.co.uk

Over 130 local and international blues artists play – and watching is completely free of charge. 2011’s highlights included Vigilantes, Three Card Trick, Street Dog Andersen, Doc Brown & The Groovecats, Baby Isaac, Al Hughes and the Black Cat Jook Band. There’s also a dedicated junior workshops strand.

29 JUNE–1 JULY

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

Family-focused festival of traditional music, with workshops, ceilidhs, concerts and adult and children’s competitions.Hands-on music making is encouraged.

29 JUNE–6 JULY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE / FAMILY Various venues, Edinburgh, magicfest.co.uk

This magical new player on the Edinburgh festival scene returns for a third year in 2012 and is sure to have an even bigger array of performances, live illusions, close-up magic, films and children’s shows.

The festival is a not-for-profit venture also incorporating a grand trick-off contest, a gala show and speakers from the world of magical entertainment. Last year’s event included an appearance from The Real Hustle’s R Paul Wilson, plus the ‘War of the Wizards’, a sleight of

Details correct at time of going to press but are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with festival organiser before travelling. Updated information will also be available at list.co.uk 50 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

hand competition with categories for kids and adults.

JULY 1–6 JULY

30 JUNE–1 JULY

CANTILENA FESTIVAL ON ISLAY

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, Argyll & the Isles, 01273 510352, cantilenafestival.co.uk

MUSIC / FAMILY Kelburn Castle, Largs, Ayrshire, 01475 568685, kelburngardenparty.com

A broad-minded boutique festival set in the scenic landscape surrounding Kelburn Castle. Scottish musical acts from all genres play across numerous stages, tents and secret locations, while theatre and art performances share elbow room with workshops and children’s events, all against the psychedelic backdrop of the graffitied Castle wall.

TBC JUNE

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

The Buchan Heritage Society presents a wholesome weekend of music, song and verse, with competitions in music, storytelling and Doric verse and a prizewinners’ concert.

A celebration of classical music that has been going for over 30 years, this week of concerts aims to bring together audiences and artists of diverse backgrounds in a grand Hebridean setting to enjoy works by traditional composers.

1–6 JULY

CEOLAS MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, 01878 700154, ceolas.co.uk

Run in tandem with a summer school offering tuition in Scottish music and dance, the Ceolas concerts showcase the finest in Gaelic performing arts, with ceilidhs, dances and music from tutors and guest artists. Among the highlights in 2011 were piping quartet Seudan and singers Rona Lightfoot, Mairead Stewart and Kathleen MacInnes.

TBC JUNE

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL

2–7 JULY

MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, Keith, Aberdeenshire, tmsakeithfestival.blogspot.com

MENDELSSOHN ON MULL

A traditional festival with folk music, ceilidhs and competitions in areas such as music and Scots poetry.

Don’t be fooled by the name – the Inner Hebridean chamber music festival is neither restricted to the works of a certain Felix, or even to the island of Mull. Instead, events in the programme by artistic director Levon Chilingirian take place across Mull and Iona, including Iona Abbey, and pay homage to Mendelssohn and other great composers – and it’s all completely free.

TBC JUNE–SEPTEMBER

HARRIS ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, 01859 520746, harrisartsfestival.moonfruit.com

Centring on the village of Tarbert, the Harris Arts Festival celebrates the culture of the island with a collection of cross-platform work. With singers, storytellers, touring theatre productions and workshops to entertain locals and visitors to this beautiful Scottish spot.

MUSIC Various venues, Mull & Iona, Argyll & the Isles, mullfest.org.uk

5–8 JULY

STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

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This warm and welcoming folk festival is not afraid to show the fun side of folk music, with events such as an open air Aqua Ceilidh (where you can dance the ‘Splashing White Sergeant’, naturally) and the World Paper’n’Comb Championships standing out among the programme of concerts, open stages and sessions, workshops, family and youth events and more.

6–8 JULY

TASTE OF EDINBURGH FOOD & DRINK The Meadows, Melville Drive, Edinburgh, tasteofedinburgh.co.uk

An annual event celebrating the best gourmet experiences the capital has to offer, with stands representing everything from local organic farm produce to Michelinstarred restaurants. Last year’s event featured 15 restaurants, including Cucina, Ondine and the Michelin-starred Restaurant Martin Wishart and Plumed Horse.

6–8 JULY

T IN THE PARK MUSIC Balado Park, Kinross, Perthshire tinthepark.com

See panel, right.

7–15 JULY

SHETLAND NATURE FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Shetland, 01595 694688, shetlandnaturefestival.co.uk

See panel, page 52.

11–14 JULY

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Outer Hebrides, 01851 621234, hebceltfest.com

This family-friendly festival featuring concerts, workshops and free events for all ages takes place on the picturesque Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris. The landscape and main venue in the grounds of Lews Castle, Stornoway, provides a suitable backdrop for a showcase

T IN THE PARK Massive and much-loved music festival It’s the big one. T in the Park is Scotland’s behemoth music festival – a showcase for dozens of bands you’ve heard of, and many more that you haven’t. The extensive line-up (to put it mildly) stretches from the biggest bands in the world to local Scottish acts getting their big break. For example, at last year’s event Coldplay, Beyoncé and Foo Fighters headlined on the main stage, while in the T Break tent Edinburgh bands FOUND and Discopolis established themselves as true local heroes.

The Tennent’s-sponsored event is housed on a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross, where roughly 90,000 revellers congregate each year, having snapped up all the available tickets within a matter of hours of them going on sale. The secret of T’s success is its ‘something for everyone’ ethos. There are few other festivals where you can choose to bop either to the songs of pop megastar Bruno Mars or to the twisted electro-funk of British indie up-and-comers Metronomy, as you could at T 2011. Many head to the festival simply for its epic dance arena, the Slam Tent, named after the Glasgow DJ duo that curate it.

Healthy T is just one of the initiatives that have brought T in the Park up to speed with its boutique festival rivals. You can now eat wholesome, organic, ethically produced and absolutely delicious snacks in between bands. Glamping (that’s glam camping in case you didn’t know) options are also available.

Anticipation for the 2012 event is high after the reformed Stone Roses were announced as one of the headliners. Ian Brown and chums are playing their first gigs in 16 years, with T set to be one of their major dates of 2012.

Balado, near Kinross, 6–8 Jul, tinthepark.com THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 51

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of Celtic, traditional, contemporary traditional music with a strong focus on Gaelic culture. Seth Lakeman, Rachel Sermanni and KT Tunstall were among the highlights of 2011.

13–29 JULY

ABOYNE AND DEESIDE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Deeside CEC Theatre, Aboyne Academy, Bridgeview Road, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, aboyneanddeesidefestival.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SHETLAND NATURE FESTIVAL Naturally spectacular

When you’ve got such startling natural beauty on your doorstep, it makes sense to shout about it. For five years the Shetland Nature Festival has been doing just that, drawing the attention of visitors to one of the UK’s best destinations for observing wildlife.

Shetlanders think nothing of spotting puffins, seabird colonies and killer whales off their coast, and few places in the world allow you to get so close to so many seabirds, especially in such a dramatic landscape. They’re also proud to offer a home to some of the country’s rarest flowers.

The family-friendly festival capitalises on this with a programme of guided walks, days out and evening talks with wildlife experts and local naturalists, allowing you to put this natural treasure trove into context.

Various venues, Shetland, 7–15 Jul, 01595 694688, shetlandnaturefestival.co.uk 52 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

A diverse programme from the wee festival, which has covered theatre, comedy – last year featuring Hardeep Singh Kholi – with exhibitions, workshops, music and film all included. Planned acts include the Bingham Quartet and an appearance from children’s author Mairi ‘Katie Morag’ Hedderwick.

Quartet from Germany as well as Scottish-based Simon Thacker and the Scottish Ensemble.

13–14 JULY

DUMFRIES FOLK‘N’ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, 01387 267647, dumfriescamra.org.uk

Bringing together two of Scotland’s finest exports, the cheekily named Folk’n’Ale festival infuses the erstwhile CAMRA Beer Festival with music and song from around the country. As well as over 50 cask ales being sold in bars around Dumfries, there’ll be a street concert, a busking competition and several music sessions in the pubs themselves.

16–29 JULY

SURGE 13–16 JULY

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, Fife, 01592 611101, promoteyt.co.uk

FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Merchant City, Glasgow, 0141 559 4928, conflux.co.uk

A colourful programme of performances and special events showcasing the creative work of youth theatre groups from across Scotland and farther afield, plus a programme of over 40 workshops covering such skills as acting, dance, puppetry, physical theatre, magic, beatboxing and playwriting.

A festival dedicated to physical performance, incorporating outdoor, site-specific events for all ages and indoor shows covering live musical work, performance art and intimate showcases.

Workshops and masterclasses will also be provided for those wanting to develop their talents. In collaboration with Merchant City Festival and Roofless.

13–22 JULY

18–28 JULY

MUSIC AT PAXTON

CRAIL FESTIVAL

MUSIC Paxton House and Country Park, Berwick upon Tweed, Scottish Borders, 0131 473 2000, musicatpaxton.co.uk

COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Crail, Fife, crailfestival.co.uk

Chamber music performed by local and international artists in the intimate setting of the Picture Gallery at Paxton House, on the banks of the river Tweed near Berwick. This year’s programme features Alina Ibragimova, the Doric Quartet, Cedric Tiberghien, the Atos Trio and Henschel

A series of events around the fishing village of Crail, which in past years has attracted big names, such as Eddi Reader and Dougie MacLean, to its final concert. This year promises an abundance of activities for children, a full workshop programme, a jammed concert series and a bit of open-air Gilbert and Sullivan.

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20 JULY

20–22 JULY

LOSSIEMOUTH FOLK CLUB FESTIVAL

REWIND FESTIVAL

MUSIC Beach Bar, Commerce Street, Lossiemouth, Aberdeenshire, 01343 813164, lossiefolkclub.co.uk

The epitome of chilled festivals, this local folk club fest encourages performers to come and play ‘for the craic’ in the spirit of celebrating traditional music and tales. The entertainment’s free, as performers are rewarded with a great atmosphere and some sea air.

20–21 JULY

WICKERMAN FESTIVAL MUSIC East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, thewickermanfestival.co.uk

Deep in the heart of Galloway, Wickerman has a rep for chilled times with eclectic entertainment.

Gracing the main stage last year were James, Feeder, The Coral, Echo & the Bunnymen and the Noisettes, while the Acoustic Village played host to the likes of Andi Neate and Augustalia, the Reggae Tent to Dr Huxtable and Bushrocker Hi-Fi, and not one but two tents devoted to new Scottish talent introduced festival goers to the likes of French Wives, PAWS and Miaoux Miaoux.

20–22 JULY

MUSIC Scone Palace, Scone, Perth, rewindfestival.com

West, Monogram and Goldrush.

Space for camping – including a family area – is available.

20–29 JULY

Leg warmers, shoulder pads and bad hairdos out for the northern leg of this 80s nostalgia-fest, which features the biggest line-up of acts from the decade taste forgot ever to play together in Scotland. Headliners for 2012 haven’t been announced yet, but last year’s offerings included Rick Astley, Bananarama, T’Pau and the Human League. The more discerning festival goer will be pleased to hear that there’s a dedicated ‘posh nosh’ area, plus ‘glamping’ options including ready-pitched tents and Persiandesign cloudhouse yurts.

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

20–29 JULY

21 JULY–5 AUGUST

ABERDOUR FESTIVAL

CRAIGNISH ARTS FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTIARTS Various venues, Aberdour, Fife, aberdourfestival.org

COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTIARTS Various venues, Craignish, Argyll & the Isles, 01852 500689, craignishartsfestival.org.uk

The picturesque seaside town plays host to an action-packed family-friendly festival. There’s something for all ages and all tastes, from a beach day with a sandcastle competition for children and raft race for adults, to food and wine tastings with twinned towns in Italy and France, as well as sports, magic shows, children’s activities and live music.

FENCE RECORDS’ AWAY GAME MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Eigg, Argyll & the Isles, fencerecords.com

20–23 JULY

Boutique Fife label Fence Records goes on its second jaunt to the Isle of Eigg, taking a few hundred lucky music fans with it. The first Away Game in 2010 was roundly accepted as being a magical event, with performances from Slow Club, Cate Le Bon, Francois & the Atlas Mountains, King Creosote, Pictish Trail and Withered Hand – expect more of the same second time around.

MUSIC Various venues, Guildtown, Perthshire, 01968 670038, scottishbluegrass.com

GUILDTOWN BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Celebrating the connections between traditional Celtic music and the bluegrass genre, the festival at Guildtown presents four days of workshops, sessions and concerts, featuring Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa, the Hungry Hash House Ramblers, Lilly of the

MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, 0131 467 5200, edinburghjazzfestival.com

Scotland’s biggest jazz festival presents over 100 concerts in ten days all over the capital, in parks, churches, clubs and concert halls. The 2012 festival will take an Italian focus, with a programme featuring all jazz styles from early jazz to the avant garde, and several world premieres, new bands, and new collaborations.

Primarily a visual arts festival in the West Highland community of Craignish, the festival also encompasses a variety of live music nights, storytelling sessions, markets, sporting competitions, guided walks and family events, in particular a range of arts workshops and the ever-popular Pirate Parade.

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS In addition to these festivals, there are many other major events taking place in July including: • Scottish Open • The Senior Open Championship • Gillespie Macandrew Hopetoun International Horse Trials For more details of these events see pages 18–21 THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 53

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27–29 JULY

Big Tent

SPEYFEST MUSIC Playing Fields, Fochabers, Highlands, speyfest.com

Set in the Moray town of Fochabers on the banks of the River Spey, this music fest celebrates the best in contemporary and traditional Scottish music. Acts to have graced the stage in previous years include Aberfeldy, Capercaillie, Eddi Reader, Hayseed Dixie, Peatbog Faeries, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and The Vatersay Boys. In addition to the live music, there are also late night sessions, a festival club, workshops, a craft fair and an allday closing ceilidh.

27–29 JULY

UGIE FOLK FESTIVAL

21–22 JULY

BALLOCHMYLE OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, East Ayrshire, 01563 554734, deancastle.com

Get outdoors and explore the scenery, nature and heritage of East Ayrshire with this series of guided walks and family events.

21–22 JULY

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Tiree, Argyll & the Isles, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

Cosy musical entertainment, coupled with family-friendly events including workshops, an annual show and association sports day: all celebrating Scottish music and culture. Past visitors to the ‘Hawaii of the North’ include Wolfstone, The Macdonald Brothers and Pearl and the Puppets.

21–22 JULY

BIG TENT MUSIC / FAMILY Big Tent, Falkland, Fife, 01337 54 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

858838, bigtentfestival.co.uk Three-day event mixing entertainment with environmentally minded education. With creative workshops, puppet shows and storytelling for children, exhibitions, displays and debates for adults, and a festive ambience provided by world music artists, the festival provides serious fun for all ages.

Previous year’s line-ups included King Creosote, The Second Hand Marching Band and Roseanne Cash.

27–29 JULY

SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Perth, 01738 621031, southernfriedfestival.co.uk

A weekend dedicated to the finest in all genres of Americana, including blues, bluegrass, swing, soul, country, Cajun and gospel. As well as a line-up of live performances from artists such as Iris Dement and Justin Townes Earle (both on the bill in 2011), there are talks, workshops and authentic Southern food.

MUSIC Stuartfield Village, by Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, 01771 613352, ugiefolk.co.uk

Ugie Folk Club hosts a weekend of concerts, pub folk nights and sessions. These events star club members and welcome new performers. There’s even an original songwriting competition, the trophy for which embodies a common misnomer attributed to the organisers – that of the ‘ugly’ folk club.

27–29 JULY

INSIDE OUT STREET THEATRE & OUTDOOR PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Town Centre, St Andrews, Fife, 01334 475000, insideoutfestival.com

A celebration of all varieties of physical entertainment. The 2011 line-up featured demonstrations of circus skills, parkour, drama, dance, free running, aerial acrobatics, BMX stunts and live music, by companies such as Mischief La Bas, All or Nothing, ByreRhythm and Motion House.

There are also workshops if you fancy taking part in the action.

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Light work

& sound ideas Every corner of Scotland will enjoy a spectacular piece of the Cultural Olympiad as it reaches its finale

F

rom bell ringers to hill runners; from a youth orchestra to a long-distance swimmer; from homemade movies to island-hopping stories: all this and more makes up Scotland’s contribution to the London 2012 Festival, a UK-wide celebration held to mark the arrival of the Olympic Games and the end of the fouryear Cultural Olympiad. Whether you’re in Shetland, Stirling or Selkirk, you'll be able to enjoy some of the most exuberant ideas artists have ever come up with.

During the games themselves you’ll be able to see elite athletes going for gold, but only on Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat will you see them running uphill wearing high-tech illuminated suits powered by their own kinetic energy. Created by Glasgow’s NVA, Speed of Light promises to be an extraordinary tribute to the endurance runner. Hundreds of volunteers will crisscross the paths beneath Salisbury Crags in a scintillating piece of night-time choreography for the Edinburgh International Festival. ‘It far outstrips how you would imagine it,’ says director Angus Farquhar after a rehearsal with 100 runners. ‘What I saw on the hill did not look like anything I'd seen before.’

That delight for the eyes will follow a feast for the ears when, at 8am on 27 July, Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed will ask the people of Scotland to ring all the bells in the country as quickly as possible for three minutes. A wake-up call like no other, it will

provide a rousing welcome to the Olympic athletes on the first day of the games.

A month earlier, the London 2012 Festival will kick off in the shadow of Stirling Castle, where the internationally acclaimed Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela will join the children of the local Big Noise Orchestra for The Big Concert. With Gustavo Dudamel conducting, the outdoor performance will be a triumphant celebration of the ‘el sistema’ music teaching programme.

These events typify the bold and accessible nature of the 11-week festival, a key part of the four-year Cultural Olympiad. Also picking up on the sporting theme is artist Craig Coulthard, whose Forest Pitch is a full-size football pitch created in the midst of a forest in the Borders, where matches will be played on 21 July by people who have recently become British citizens.

Look out also for: The Swimmer, a film by Lynne Ramsay about a lone swimmer in the wild waterways of the UK; the Kronos Quartet playing in Glasgow to a film of deep space from NASA’s archives; two plays for children touring after the Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival; short films made by the public for Shetland’s Screenplay festival; and a ‘digital relay’ of traditional stories from the islands of Scotland.

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27–29 JULY

ROLLING HILLS MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Corn Exchange, Market Square, Melrose, Scottish Borders, 01896 822463, rollinghillsfolkclub.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL Race to the streets

With a decade worth of events under its belt, this city-centre summer festival adds an extra shot of colour to the vibrant streets in the area around the City Halls and the Tron Theatre.

It capitalises on the programmes of those and other venues in the area and makes a very visible splash with a lively line-up of street-theatre performances.

This year, it is being timed to make the most of the Olympic Games in London and the Olympic football in Hampden, while looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Don’t be surprised, therefore, to find a sporting theme emerging from the 130-or-so events. These include comedy, film, dance, theatre, music, walks, exhibitions and family activities. Markets, bars and restaurants also join in the fun, setting a festive tone for shoppers and culture vultures alike.

Various venues, Glasgow, tbc July, merchantcityfestival.com

56 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

Melrose plays host to this folky festival, kicked off with a ceilidh led

by The Clarty Cloot Ceilidh Band.

Other guests include The Tannahill Weavers, Phil Hare and Alison McMorland, while The Merlin Music Academy will be offering workshops in guitar, fiddle and accordion for those wanting to make their own noise.

28–29 JULY

SCOTLAND’S COUNTRYSIDE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / OUTDOOR Glamis Castle, Glamis, Angus, 01250 875712, scotlandscountrysidefestival.co.uk

A weekend of country pursuits in the grounds of Glamis Castle including horse riding, terrier racing, ferrets, axe-throwing and paintballing. The Food Hall is one of the main draws, featuring notable producers from around the country, and a bar well-stocked with tasty real ales and ciders.

28 JULY–5 AUGUST

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL ART Various venues, Pittenween, Fife, 01333 313903, pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

As part of the art festival’s 30th year, work by over 100 artists from around Britain will be dotted around the village of Pittenweem.

Workshops for all ages will cover various artistic skills, while appearances from John Byrne and David Mackay, and Jake Harvey’s stone sculptures, which will be presented on the pier, promise to form some of the highlights.

31 JULY–4 AUGUST

AFRICAN DRUM VILLAGE FAMILY / MUSIC Glenisla, Perthshire, africandrumvillage.com

Scotland’s only festival dedicated to drumming is in fact a week-long camp, with African beats echoing around the landscape of Glenisla.

With the emphasis on friendly, relaxed fun, workshops are provided for all the family to learn how to sing, play and dance in various African styles.

TBC JULY

AUCHINLECK’S ALIVE AND KICKING FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Auchinleck, East Ayrshire, auchinleckfestival.co.uk

Concerts by mainstream folk and rock and pop covers bands and a dinner dance in the evenings are complemented at this local festival by a daytime programme of art exhibitions, craft fairs, a football tournament and a funfair.

TBC JULY

EARLY YEARS FESTIVAL FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock, Greater Glasgow, 0141 577 3710, eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk

Dedicated to babies and toddlers, this two-year-old, week-long festival takes a diverse approach to engaging the wee ones with visual art, theatre, movement, sport, film, and more. Last year featured workshops with Starcatchers and the show Fun in the Sun by the acclaimed Clare McGarry.

TBC JULY

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / COMMUNITY Various venues, Merchant City, Glasgow, merchantcityfestival.com

See panel, left.

AUGUST 1–4 AUGUST

INVERNESS BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Eden Court Theatre, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, invernessbookfestival.co.uk

Local and nationally recognised authors return to Inverness for

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see www.southernfriedfestival.co.uk for more information

tickets + festival passes

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another scenic literary week. Last year, authors covered genres including history, cookery, the environment, biography and fiction.

There are also writing workshops and whisky tasting, all overlooking the River Ness and its islands.

Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. Naturally, there’s also a dedicated strand of children’s events, including hands-on workshops in music, percussion, dance and theatre.

3–4 AUGUST

1–11 AUGUST

ARBROATH SEA FEST

ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Arbroath Harbour, Arbroath, Angus, arbroathseafest.co.uk

MULTI-ARTS / FAMILY Various venues, Aberdeen, 01224 213800, aiyf.org

Festival celebrating theatre, music and dance, as performed by youth groups from Scotland, the UK and abroad. Among the 2011 highlights were performances of new productions based on Shakespeare, Burns and Dumas, as well as the city centre Festival Parade and live music from the

Annual festival of maritime heritage, with events including a lifeboat launch, kids’ sandcastle competition, and the star of the show, the Smokie Trail – around 70 stalls packed with fresh seafood along Arbroath harbour, including the eponymous smoked fish delicacy, plus craft stalls offering everything from jewellery to confectionery.

3–28 AUGUST

FESTIVAL OF SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, festivalofspirituality.org,uk

Based in St John’s Church on Princes Street and having emerged from the Fringe six years ago as a festival in its own right, this multi-faith series of events marries creativity and peacemaking in a three-week programme of talks, discussions, performances, film screenings, food events, exhibitions and family activities.

3–5 AUGUST

MEARNS CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL LITERATURE / MUSIC The Grassic Gibbon Centre, Arbuthnott, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, 01561 631668, mearnsconnections.com

A civilised celebration of Grassic Gibbon, Eardley and Burns, with a performances, concerts and dinners with entertainment.

3–4 AUGUST

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Belladrum, Inverness, 01463 741366, tartanheartfestival.co.uk

See panel, page 63.

3–27 AUGUST

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, 0131 260 0026, edfringe.com

Arbroath Sea Fest

58 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

The big daddy of arts festivals, the Fringe has it all. The facts and figures speak for themselves: nearly 1.9 million tickets sold in 2011 for 41,689 performances of 2,542 shows in 258 venues. It’s the biggest celebration of theatre, comedy, cabaret, children’s shows, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, exhibitions and music in all its forms in the world. See Edinburgh festivals feature, page 60.

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3–25 AUGUST

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO MUSIC / HERITAGE Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, 0131 225 1188, edintattoo.co.uk

Conceived as an accompaniment to the Edinburgh festivals, the Royal Military Tattoo has taken on a significance of its own, becoming a major attraction for visitors from around the world. As well as the spectacular Massed Pipes and Drums of the Scottish regiments, each year features international performers from around the world.

3–5 AUGUST

WHISKY FRINGE FOOD & DRINK Mansfield Traquair, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, 0131 524 9380, royalmilewhiskies.com

Held in the magnificent Mansfield Traquair, this is the muchanticipated annual event from Royal Mile Whiskies, a celebration of the traditional tipple featuring around 26 exhibitor stands and over 200 whiskies to sample each day.

Sláinte!

ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk The Ballater community has been hosting Victoria Week since 1987, making this year a silver jubilee to go with the Queen’s diamond celebrations. In honour of all those years of royalty, the programme of events includes a film night, book fair, exhibitions, safari and children’s disco.

5–12 AUGUST

FIDDLE FRENZY MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, 01595 745555, shetlandarts.org/events/fiddlefrenzy

Fiddle Frenzy celebrates Shetland’s fiddle-playing heritage with a two-part festival composed of workshops and tuition in the mornings and concerts and ceilidhs in the evening. All abilities are welcomed to the workshop sessions, led by some of the island’s finest tutors and musicians, while the concerts feature performers from home (including Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham in 2011) and abroad (Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag and Kollifirboli).

3 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL

6–12 AUGUST

ART Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghartfestival.com

PIPING LIVE!

A celebration of visual art across the capital, with exhibitions, artist talks, special events, tours and live music. EAF encompasses the full spectrum of the visual arts world, from repurposed warehouses to the National Galleries and historic masterpieces to the best cuttingedge work. Its programme of commissions shows the best of contemporary Scottish art in unexpected places. See Edinburgh festivals feature, page 60.

MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 353 0220, pipinglive.co.uk

Week-long celebration of international bagpiping culture, with over 170 events including free pipe band displays in George Square, a family fun day, street café, Pipe Idol, competition, ‘come and try’ sessions for all ages and evening concerts, as well as the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green.

6–12 AUGUST

FRINGE BY THE SEA 4–12 AUGUST

BALLATER VICTORIA WEEK COMMUNITY / FAMILY Various venues, Ballater, Aberdeenshire,

MULTI-ARTS / FAMILY Various venues, North Berwick, East Lothian, 07510 695996, fringebythesea.com

North Berwick’s multi-arts festival

is intended as a less intense arm of Edinburgh’s August extravaganza. Those who take the short journey out of the city can enjoy musical performances, book readings, kids’ events, theatre shows and more, all against the backdrop of beautiful coastline and sea air, and without encountering the frenzied flyering maelstrom of the Royal Mile. Musical highlights in 2011 included Rachel Sermanni, Eddi Reader and Jake Cogan.

7–12 AUGUST

INKY FINGERS MINIFEST LITERATURE Various venues, Edinburgh, inkyfingersedinburgh .wordpress.com

A grassroots minifest, born from the Edinburgh literary scene, which celebrates the best of spoken word and experimental practices.

With word slams, storytelling, workshops and competitions, this is a quirky, wordy and altogether worthwhile addition to the Edinburgh festivals programme.

8–22 AUGUST

EDINBURGH BOOK FRINGE LITERATURE / POLITICS Word Power Bookshop, 43 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, 0131 662 9112, word-power.co.uk

Hosted by local institution Word Power Books, this small but perfectly formed festival gives a platform to publishers and writers, whether polemicists or comedians, during the capital’s festival month. The Word Power bookshop is an intimate venue where authors can really engage with their audience, and punters can happily browse the titles in between performances.

Details correct at time of going to press but are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with festival organiser before travelling. Updated information will also be available at list.co.uk THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 59

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The greatest show on Earth Edinburgh is the UK’s festival city, and in August it’s alive with theatre, comedy, music, art and much, much more

T

here’s nothing else on planet Earth quite like the Edinburgh Festival. A vast cultural celebration, encapsulating every sort of artistic expression you can imagine (and some more you probably can’t), it causes the population of Scotland’s capital to double in size for a month each year.

Yes, there is groundbreaking work on show, but the abiding spirit is one of fun. Quite simply, there is no greater place to be in August than Edinburgh.

Even the idea of an Edinburgh ‘Festival’ doesn’t quite contain the full thrill of the myriad events occurring across the city. The largest

60 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

and most popular of several August festivals is the Fringe, which shifted an incredible 1.9m tickets in 2011, for performances covering comedy, theatre, music and dance, staged at 258 venues around the city. The beauty of the Fringe is its open policy: effectively, anyone can put on a show, meaning you’ll find arenafilling TV comedians performing minutes away from experimental Eastern European theatre companies. While you could use your funds sensibly by seeing a surefire hit, there is more pleasure to be had in taking a chance and perhaps stumbling upon the next big thing. After all, the Fringe has helped

boost the profiles of everyone from Slava Polunin to Steve Coogan.

Shows range in cost from £5 to £30 per ticket, though you can also explore a number of free Fringe shows, for which you’re only required to chuck a donation into a bucket at the end. And if you fancy your entertainment en plein air, there are plenty of jugglers, fire-eaters and unicyclists to encounter on and around the Royal Mile.

A spirit of enterprise and energy may be at the core of the Fringe, but it’s integral to all the Edinburgh Festivals. The illustrious Edinburgh International Festival platforms world-class orchestras, opera,

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drama and dance in the city’s major concert halls and theatres. As part of EIF’s 2012 programme Shakespeare will be re-interpreted by acclaimed Polish and Russian companies, while in Holyrood Park the crags of extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat will be used by renowned art collective NVA to stage a groundbreaking participatory project (read more on page 55).

We can expect further bold and bright things from the Edinburgh International Book Festival in Charlotte Square Gardens, which has innovated with its edgier Elsewhere and Unbound strands, incorporating live music and avant

garde talent, while still inviting bestselling and award-winning writers from across the globe to be part of its main programme. Also growing stronger, the Edinburgh Art Festival will continue to showcase old masters and bright young things across the city. Up at the Castle, the sell-out Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a military display that is steeped in tradition and needs no one to blow its trumpet. Lastly, the Leith-based Edinburgh Mela seeks to bring communities together with a vibrant cocktail of diverse attractions.

There are still more festivals besides the major ones listed here,

with many pop-up shops, cafés and bars also appearing to help fill any downtime. During the Festival period you can’t turn a corner in the city without stumbling into a beer garden, bumping into a famous face or becoming part of a spontaneous artistic ‘happening’. The trick is to just go with it: expect the unexpected, keep your ear to the ground for good recommendations, and don’t get too down when it’s all over.

Remember, Edinburgh is a cultural hub year-round, and there’s plenty going on to keep you entertained until the next year.

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9–11 AUGUST

10–12 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERACTIVE

AUCHTERMUCHTY FESTIVAL

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Edinburgh, edinburghinteractive.co.uk

MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, Auchtermuchty, Fife, 01337 860482, auchtermuchty-festival.org.uk

An annual conference for those in the interactive entertainment and media sectors has given rise to an accompanying public programme which features screenings of brand new video game excerpts, gameplay sessions, workshops and industry talks and advice.

A selection of formal and informal traditional music events, including ceilidhs, competitions, concerts and workshops set around the historic village of Auchtermuchty. Events include a pageant featuring local children and a Grand Open Air Dance to end the festival.

9 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

11 AUGUST

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, 0131 473 2000, eif.co.uk

MUSIC Riverside, Wick, Highlands, 01955 603911, bfest-wick.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. Already announced for 2012 are two innovative adaptations of Shakespeare: TR Warszawa’s 2008: Macbeth and Dmitry Krymov’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (As You Like It). And in Britain’s Olympic summer Edinburgh’s iconic hill, Arthur’s Seat, is to be transformed by NVA’s Speed of Light, a groundbreaking participatory art and running project. See Edinburgh festivals feature, page 60.

Boasting its status as the northernmost mainstream music festival in the UK, Bfest topped its line-up in 2011 with GUN and the Dykeenies. For 2012, it is planning more facilities for families, including fairground rides and a family viewing area, as well as a little comedy and the usual outdoor and indoor music stages.

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS In addition to these festivals, there are many other major events taking place in August including: • TERREX Adventure Race Scotland • Blair Castle International Horse Trials • Johnnie Walker Championship • Great Scottish Swim For more details of these events see pages 18–21

62 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

BFEST

the world to discuss, debate and review the world in which we live.

With readings, debates, workshops every day, visitors can engage with world renowned authors and debut novelists, Nobel prize winners and children's illustrators. See Edinburgh festivals feature, page 60.

11–18 AUGUST

DEEP FRIED FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / FAMILY Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, Greater Glasgow, deepfriedfilm.org.uk

Now in its sixth year, the festival is going international for the first time, with simultaneous events taking place in Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway and the USA. Promoting stronger relationships between filmmakers and production organisations, the festival aims to make filmmaking more accessible to local communities. There are also dedicated industry insight events for kids.

15–16 AUGUST

BEST OF THE WEST FESTIVAL 11 AUGUST

CRIEFF BERRY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK James Square, Crieff, Perthshire, crieffandstrathearn.co.uk

A festival to taste the bounty of berries at the height of Perthshire’s soft fruit season. Last year’s events included appearances by Struan the giant walking strawberry, seasonal berry creations by local restaurants and a berry-centric family fun day at the market.

FOOD & DRINK Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, Argyll & the Isles, 01499 302203, inveraray-castle.com

Held in the grounds of supposedly haunted Inveraray Castle, this festival offers food from Argyll to sample (Loch Fyne Oysters are a sponsor), whisky and real ale to try, live music, crafts and kids’ entertainment.

16–27 AUGUST

MARYMASS FESTIVAL 11–27 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, 0131 718 5666, edbookfest.co.uk

One of the world’s biggest and most prestigious book festivals, the EIBF annually welcomes over 750 writers, poets, artists, politicians, journalists and thinkers from around

FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Irvine, North Ayrshire, north-ayrshire.gov.uk

A classic traditional festival, with a history going back over 1000 years. Entertainment ranges from a horse-drawn parade of epic proportions, races to a fair, fireworks, over 100 community events and the famous Greasy Pole, which competitors shin up to reach a large ham.

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16–19 AUGUST

MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Campbeltown, Argyll & the Isles, 01586 552056, mokfest.com

A four-day celebration of Scottish music, from trad folk to contemporary rock and pop. A programme of musical workshops, ceilidhs and heritage tours accompanies a schedule of live performances that has previously included Deacon Blue, Idlewild, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Peatbog Faeries, Dougie MacLean and the Campbeltown Brass Band.

17–19 AUGUST

INNERLEITHEN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders, 01721 729949, innerleithenmusicfestival.org

Celtic and traditional music festival with a healthy mix of both well-established acts and up-andcoming local talent. Highlights from 2011 included Barbara Dickson with Nick Holland, The Fisher Lassies, Heidi Talbot with John McCusker and Boo Hewerdine, Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller and Ewan McLennan. 2012 promises expanded genre horizons, with blues and Americana artists complementing the bill.

17–19 AUGUST

DOON VALLEY OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Doon Valley, Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, 01563 554741, deancastle.com

Taking in the beautiful countryside around the Doon valley, this walking festival features a mixture of guided walks and family events, including a Bat Walk and the Rhinns O’Kells Challenge – a seven-hour trek over the Nine Tops range.

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART Expect the unexpected Another festival that takes an all-star cast to a remote Scottish location and combines it with a lot of local colour, the Belladrum Tartan Heart festival has grown in size and reputation since it was first held in 2004.

Last year’s five-stage bill gives an indication of what to expect: alongside the headliners Texas and Deacon Blue, classic artists Echo and the Bunnymen and Roddy Woomble appeared next to loads of new bands and DJs, as well as distinctively folk, roots and Celtic artists. The odd surprise also emerges, for example KT Tunstall performing a small acoustic set at 2010’s event.

There’s plenty going on besides the music, too. From Thursday night’s massive ceilidh onwards, Belladrum fosters a family-friendly atmosphere, with all children under 12 admitted free of charge, and dressing up positively encouraged. Recurring themed areas also include the Co-Operative Verb Garden (a spoken-word area featuring debate, discussion, interviews, comedy and entertainment), street theatre and other curios in the arena and dance classes in various styles at Madame Fifi’s Dance Parlour.

There will also be author readings in the Writer’s Cramp zone, as well as various music, craft and puppetry classes, workshops, theatre performances and storytelling sessions over various spaces.

With around 13,000 fans attending at the small Belladrum Estate in Kiltarlity, near Beauly, a combination of the event’s relatively compact size and the diversity of these fringe events lend it a quirky and homely air.

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GET OOT & ABOOYT SAR ABERDEEN’S 10TH ANNIVER AL 50+FESTIV 7-16 SEPT 2012

Fun packed activities for the young at heart and older residents of Aberdeen including arts, sailing, music, dance, interactive theatre and much more! w aberdeencity.gov.uk/50plus

Pittenweem Arts Festival

G L A S G OW I N T E R N AT I O N A L P I P I N G F E S T I VA L

30th year 2012

July 28th-August 5th

6th – 12th AUGUST 2012 John Byrne Jake Harvey and 100 artists with workshops talks events www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

64 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

Go to www.pipinglive.co.uk for all the latest news and sign up for email updates!

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17–19 AUGUST

SAIL AND OAR FESTIVAL ON CUMBRAE OUTDOOR / COMMUNITY Various venues, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Ayrshire, facebook.com/ sailandoaroncumbrae

A three-day celebration of traditional and modern watersports, with chances to give them a go. Based on previous years’ offerings, you might also encounter live music, storytelling sessions, a craft fair and activities for all the family.

17–18 & 24–25 AUGUST

THE FESTIVAL OF POLITICS POLITICS The Scottish Parliament, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, 0800 092 7500, scottish.parliament.uk

The only festival of its kind to be hosted in a UK parliament, the Festival of Politics features famous names from politics, media and the arts in debates and cultural events.

Most are free apart from a reservation fee, and all events are themed on a politically-inspired topic – last year’s was the suitably zeitgeisty ‘Renewing Politics in the age of New Media’.

18 AUGUST

STRANRAER RNLI PARK FEST FAMILY / MUSIC / COMMUNITY Agnew Park, Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway, 01387 253862, lifeboatparkfest.co.uk

A fundraising family fun day in aid of the RNLI’s inshore lifeboats, with live bands, a fair, craft stalls, the marine lake and other pleasant ways to spend a summer’s day.

18–19 AUGUST

AUCHMITHIE ARTS FESTIVAL ART Various venues, Auchmithie, Angus, 01241 431511

Held in the home of the Arbroath Smokie, the Heritage Arts Auchmithie Residents (HAAR) have put together their second annual weekend featuring pottery, paintings, photography, jewellery,

and prints from local artists and craft workers. There will also be a tearoom serving up home-baked treats.

18–26 AUGUST

HAWICK SUMMER FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Hawick, Scottish Borders, 07890 281880, hawicksummerfestival.com

A week of family fun, including guided walks, food events, quiz shows and much more, is packed in between the opening event, a fun Hootenanny, and the final hurrah, Party on the Pitch, estimated to attract over 4000 revellers.

18–19 AUGUST

BOOKS, BORDERS AND BIKES LITERATURE / FAMILY / OUTDOOR Traquair House, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders, 01896 830323, beyondbordersscotland.com

A festival of literature and thought, with a healthy twist. As well as intelligent events which look at important political and cultural themes through literature and other art forms, visitors can also join woodland walks and storytelling cycle rides around the grounds.

Past guests include Mark Thomas, Sir Menzies Campbell and David Starkey.

23–25 AUGUST

TURING FESTIVAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Various venues, Edinburgh, turingfestival.com

A festival with plenty to offer both the hardcore technology geek and the average Joe seeking a scientific break from the jazz hands and theatricals of the Fringe. As this year is the centenary of its namesake, mathematician and computer science pioneer Alan Turing, the festival is linking up with events taking place globally in his honour, and will offer a more accessible public programme of drop-in talks and activities for the

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE How to be a happy bunny

For those with a taste for the magical, maverick and musical, Doune the Rabbit Hole is a welcome addition to the summer festival circuit. Set next to the beautiful Doune Castle in the stunning Perthshire countryside, it is predominantly a music event focusing on Scottish acts, but makes additional forays into theatre, comedy and spoken word performances. There are also lectures and workshops for adults and kids.

Highlights from 2011 included The Vaselines, BMX Bandits, Remember Remember, James Yorkston (pictured) and Conquering Animal Sound.

Your ticket gives you free entry to Doune Castle and, seeing as it is run by a Community Interest Company, any proceeds from the event go towards providing free arts education workshops for young and disadvantaged people in the area.

Doune Castle, Castle Road, Doune, Stirling, 24–26 Aug, dounetherabbithole.co.uk THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 65

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public as well as hack events and workshops for developers and techies.

24–26 AUGUST

BRUCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, Fife, 01383 732226, visitdunfermline.com/brucefestival

Dunfermline, home to the story of Robert the Bruce as well as the legendary king’s grave, hosts a weekend of historical activities and re-enactments with a strong family feel. The centrepiece is Bruce Live in the Glen, a medieval village teeming with craftsmen, jesters, soldiers and knights, with storytelling, battle demos and plenty of hands-on activities to get involved with (sticking wounded soldiers back together at the medieval hospital being just one rather gruesome example).

24–26 AUGUST

Dumfries and Galloway and beyond. Popular events from 2011 included a wild food forage around an art gallery in The Art of Fungi, a ‘My Big Fat Greek Mezze’ feast made with local produce, the collaborative Lochinch Castle Food Festival, a jazz jamming session in a jam producers’ cafe called Jam & Jazz and a gourmet quiz dining event titled Proof is in the Palate. A mouth-watering selection.

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

LANARK MUSIC CONNECTIONS MUSIC Various venues, Lanark, Greater Glasgow, 01555 661661.

A range of folk, Celtic roots, acoustic and traditional music to warm up the onset of autumn.

Previous years have included Patsy Matheson and Ted Christopher.

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

31 AUGUST–1 SEPTEMBER

LIVE@TROON

WIZARD FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Troon, South Ayrshire, liveattroon.com

FAMILY / MUSIC New Deer Showground, New Deer, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, wizardfestival.com

This very jolly family-friendly music festival returns, with its reputation for interesting line-ups and stressfree revelling ever-growing. Last year featured acts from The Magic Numbers to The Stranglers, with an appearance from Ade Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds.

With the noble aim of providing music to suit all tastes, Live@Troon has featured acts such as The Saw Doctors and specific jazz and folk areas. The festival is run by volunteers and includes free music-related seminars, while funds raised by tickets sales go to schemes supporting local musicians.

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

DUNDEE FLOWER AND FOOD FESTIVAL

MILLPORT COUNTRY & WESTERN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY Camperdown Country Park, Dundee, 01382 433815, dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com

MUSIC Various venues, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Ayrshire, millportcountryandwestern.org .uk

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE MUSIC Doune Castle, Castle Road, Doune, Stirling, dounetherabbithole.co.uk

See panel, page 65.

25 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

PEEBLES ARTS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTIARTS Various venues, Peebles, Scottish Borders, peeblesartsfestival.org

A highly polished, volunteer-run, cross-platform community affair, brimming with quality workshops, tours, gigs, talks and theatre. The sheer variety of events, combined with more unexpected offerings – such as tours round some unusual historical sites – make Peebles stand out from the festival crowd.

25 AUGUST–9 SEPTEMBER

FLAVOUR FORTNIGHT FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, flavourfortnight.co.uk

A foodie festival celebrating the best locally produced edibles from 66 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

A delicious staple in the Dundee calendar, with food and drink tastings, chef demonstrations, live music and competitions including the World Jampionships. Once they’ve had enough to eat, the kids can be entertained by shows and face-painting.

A rootin’ tootin’ weekend of free country and western gigs across several venues on the Isle of Cumbrae. Past acts on the bill have included Lazy Dog and Carson City.

31 AUGUST–9 SEPTEMBER

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

SCREENPLAY

EDINBURGH MELA

FILM & TV Various venues, Shetland, 01595 743843, shetlandarts.org/events/ screenplay

COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS / FOOD & DRINK Leith Links, Edinburgh, 0131 332 2888, edinburgh-mela.co.uk

A celebration of international diversity, this year themed around Asian and world dance. Now in its 17th year, the Mela has become an integral part of Edinburgh’s summer festivals programme, and a bit of colourful sunshine on Leith.

See panel, opposite.

31 AUGUST–9 SEPTEMBER

WORDPLAY LITERATURE / FAMILY Various venues, Shetland, shetlandarts.org/events/wordplay

Shetland’s book festival has been

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running for more than a decade and welcomes local, national and international writers for readings, workshops, theatre and storytelling. The 2011 edition of the UK’s most northerly literary festival included appearances from Liz Lochhead, James Naughtie, Andrew Greig, Mark Kermode and Simon Armitage.

31 AUGUST–10 SEPTEMBER

MCLELLAN ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Isle of Arran, Ayrshire, 01770 302670, mclellanartsfestival.co.uk

Inspired by Scottish playwright Robert McLellan, this festival celebrates up-and-coming Scottish writing talent across all genres. As well as performances of some of McLellan’s own pieces, there will be performances of original works of theatre, poetry, music and filmmaking, as well as the country’s only competition for play-writing in a living Scottish dialect.

TBC AUGUST

AOS DANA BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Skye, Highlands, 01471 855260.

Set in the beautiful ‘garden of Skye’, this summer mini-festival focuses on local talent.

Showcasing poetry and prose writers from the Isle of Skye, it presents Gaelic and Englishlanguage readings celebrating Highland culture, as well as various low-key music and art events across Sleat.

TBC AUGUST

THE EDGE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, 0844 499 9990, theedgefestival.com

Coinciding with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edge Festival (formerly T on the Fringe) has an eclectic spirit, bringing together current chart-toppers, established favourites, leftfield acts and Scottish ones-to-watch. Highlights

in 2011 included The National, The Vaccines, Example, Warpaint, Kristin Hersh, Best Coast, Joan As Policewoman, James Blake, Morcheeba and Guillemots.

TBC AUGUST

GLENSHEE HEATHER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Glenshee, Perthshire, 01250 882200, glenofthefairies.co.uk

A traditional festival, with a market, arts and crafts, and a twist of more contemporary pastimes such as 4x4 safaris and geocaching. Last year featured a Real Ale Festival and local produce to bolster up anyone intending to sweat it out at the Heather Hop Dance.

TBC AUGUST

RETREAT! MUSIC Venue tbc, Edinburgh, tracertrails.co.uk

Edinburgh’s independent music scene gathers for a fifth year of festival fun – giving the locals a chance to shine amid all the festival madness. On offer are film screenings, food, a BYOB policy, a general lovable lo-fi feel and a band line-up drawn from Edinburgh and Glasgow’s healthy indie and folk scene. Last year included sets from Broken Records, Meursault, Rob St John, ballboy and FOUND. TBC AUGUST

TT 16MM FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Cafe Barge, Tarbert Harbour, Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Argyll & the Isles, cafebarge.co.uk

A series of projections of classic and rare films from 16mm prints, with a specially commissioned live musical accompaniment to a silent film. Depending on the weather, film buffs will either be cosied in the saloon of a vintage barge or on deck, taking in the fresh air and a taste of historical cinema.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SCREENPLAY The UK’s most northerly film fest

This relatively new addition to the calendar of film festivals is located on the remote Shetland Isles, where it has premiered a diverse range of film from all genres. Curated by film critic Mark Kermode and film historian Linda Ruth Williams, the newcomer has also been notable for off-the-wall events such as screenings in bus shelters, films for dogs and their owners and a midnight singalong to Hans Christian Andersen.

This year, Screenplay celebrates the London Olympics with a marathon screening of short films drawn from all over the UK, while elsewhere in the programme there will be a focus on the film and television of Scandinavia plus more of the annual educational events, workshops and guest filmmakers.

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SEPTEMBER 1–2 SEPTEMBER

HUNTLY HAIRST FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Various venues, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, 01466 720247, huntlyhairst.co.uk

The organisers of Huntly Hairst are rightly proud of this Aberdeenshire town’s farming heritage and the cultural and culinary spoils it brings with it. The festival encourages creativity and use of local produce in a series of cooking competitions open to all enthusiastic cooks, with a healthy programme of accompanying events that has in the past included sculpture workshops, film screenings, pony rides, a pigeon-plucking contest, sheep-shearing demos, guided walks and more.

1–9 SEPTEMBER

LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL HERITAGE Various venues, Largs, North Ayrshire, 01475 676182, largsvikingfestival.com

This annual festival marks the Battle of Largs in 1263 – the last skirmish between the Scots and the Norse.

The week of events includes a continental and farmers’ market with craft fair and kids’ events including Owl Magic and Kirsty’s Critters. It closes with the ‘Party at the Pencil’: a re-enactment of the Battle of Largs and a fireworks display by the town’s distinctive landmark.

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS In addition to these festivals, there are many other major events taking place in September including: • Tour of Britain • Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running For more details of these events see pages 18–21

68 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

1–16 SEPTEMBER

1–2 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH FOOD & DRINK FORTNIGHT

ANNICK VALLEY OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK Various venues across Scotland, scottishfoodanddrinkfortnight .co.uk

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, East Ayrshire, 01563 554734, deancastle.com

An annual national celebration of Scotland’s food and drink culture.

More than 200 events took place across the country in 2011, with participants including independent delicatessens and farm shops, food festivals, farmers’ markets, food groups and restaurants. Activities range from in-store tastings to festivals, special events and menus.

1–30 SEPTEMBER

DOORS OPEN DAYS HERITAGE Various venues across Scotland, 0141 221 1466, doorsopendays.org.uk

A chance to look inside over 900 of the most interesting and significant pieces of architecture around Scotland, completely free of charge, as different regions across the country open their doors on each weekend in September. Previous highlights have included Hampden Park, a Red Road community flat (now demolished), many stunning private residences and Lanarkshire’s ever-popular Irn Bru factory.

Annual walking festival throughout the beautiful Annick Valley countryside with a mix of guided walks and family events. The event ties in with the region’s Doors Open Day, giving visitors and locals alike the opportunity explore Kilmaurs, Stewarton and Dunlop inside and out.

2–8 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH BORDERS WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Eyemouth, Scottish Borders, borderswalking.com

This year the Scottish Borders Walking Festival, the longest established in Scotland, heads to the east, taking in the fishing town of Eyemouth and its surrounding area.

4–9 SEPTEMBER

BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Aberdeen, britishsciencefestival.org

The touring science fest alights in Aberdeen for a week of exhibitions, workshops, talks, activities, film screenings and more, all on a science theme and with something for adults, families and schools alike.

1 SEPTEMBER

4–12 SEPTEMBER

BRAEMAR GATHERING

NAIRN BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, 01339 741098, braemargathering.org

MULTI-ARTS / FAMILY Various venues, Nairn, Highlands, nairnfestival.co.uk

A high-profile highland games event – it is often attended by members of the royal family as well as spectators from around the world – the Braemar Gathering features caber tossing, highland dancing, running on the track and the hill, tug of war and both solo and ensemble piping.

In the pretty town of Nairn, overlooking the Moray Firth, is a wee festival that, in only its ninth year, is punching well above its weight. The programme typically includes talks from writers of fiction and nonfiction, plus events for kids (2011 featured the creator of Bob the Builder), concerts, drama and exhibitions, as well as a commitment to Gaelic arts.

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Delicious Dumfries & Galloway

CHARCOAL STEAKS, BURGERS, CHICKEN BURGERS & HOMEMADE NUT BURGERS

Licensed Open Sundays Booking Advisable Sun-Fri, 6.00 - 10.30 Sat, 12.00 - 10.30

40 years old and still hot!

7 St Stephen St, Edinburgh 0131 225 8116

Sat 1st – Sun 16th September 2012

Flavour Taster e sized

4-7 May. Brand new bit with bank holiday food festival, nts more than 50 tasty eve

Flavour Fortnight

nd’s most 25 Aug – 9 Sep. Scotla + foodie 0 0 1 , l a v i t s e f d o exciting fo ays events over 16 delicious d

A celebration of Scottish Food & Drink, promoting the benefits of fresh, seasonal produce For more information about the Fortnight and events in your area please visit www.scottishfoodanddrinkfortnight.co.uk

Riaghaltas na h-Alba

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4–8 SEPTEMBER

MILNGAVIE BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / FAMILY Various venues, Milngavie, Greater Glasgow, 0141 956 4752, milngaviefestival.org.uk

This charming wee book and arts festival is home to the Fish, Chips and Champagne Crime night, which last year featured Christopher Brookmyre and Mark Billingham.

Aside from the literary events – featuring many a Scottish author – the programme includes music, workshops and art exhibitions

as well as a number of literary workshops.

7–14 SEPTEMBER

GLASGOW BEER WEEK FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowbeerweek.com

Zythophiles unite at Glasgow’s second beer week, which promises dinners, tastings, demonstrations and pub crawls, all aimed at providing a mix of education and enjoyment. Over the course of a week there are events at breweries, pubs and restaurants as well as some surprises.

5–9 SEPTEMBER

LINLITHGOW FOLK FESTIVAL

7–9 SEPTEMBER

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Linlithgow, West Lothian, linlithgowfolk.com

KIRRIEMUIR FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND SONG

aberdeencity.gov.uk/50plus A widely varied programme of events aimed at people over 50, with equal emphasis on entertainment and education.

Workshops, cookery demonstrations, art classes and keep fit sessions are complemented by live music performances, walks, exhibitions and plays, both in public venues around Aberdeen and on site in residential homes.

8–9 SEPTEMBER

ISLAY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / FAMILY Port Ellen Primary School, Isle of Islay, Argyll & the Isles, 01496 302350, islaybookfestival.com

A celebration of music in all its forms, with competitions and events around the cosy town most famous for producing JM Barrie. Past years have included talent from BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year and other pedigree samples of Scottish musicality.

A broad-ranging book festival with a talent for booking famous authors, it has already announced Liz Lochhead as a main guest in 2012.

Line-ups from previous years have included Ruth Rendell, Iain Banks, Julia Donaldson and Alastair Moffat, while topics covered have ranged from the Broons, politics and Jimmy Shand to pirates, gardening and Scotland’s DNA. The festival is also noted for its delicious, locallysourced food and drink.

ORKNEY INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

7–15 SEPTEMBER

8–15 SEPTEMBER

BLAS FESTIVAL

OFF THE PAGE

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Orkney, oisf.org

MUSIC Various venues, Highlands, blasfestival.com

LITERATURE / FAMILY Various venues, Stirling, 01786 432383, stirling.gov.uk/offthepage

Attracting thousands of festival goers with its authenticity, the Blas festival celebrates the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands of Scotland, with international, national and local performers in venues across the region. The festival, which includes a school and community programme, delivers up to 80 events, while also giving opportunities for young musicians and communities in remote areas to experience live music.

The libraries of Stirling are riddled with events and gushing adoration as the seventh Off the Page festival presents a Love Your Library Day, along with workshops and talks for younger readers. A full programme of author visits, including events at the Tolbooth and MacRobert Arts Centre, build on its growing place in the Scottish literary scene.

Born of Linlithgow’s highly active folk scene, the town’s Folk Festival has featured big names such Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, along with music covering the whole spectrum of folk tastes. With musical workshops and family-oriented events, this is, as they claim, ‘friendly folk in Linlithgow’.

MUSIC Various venues, Kirriemuir, Angus, kirriefestival.org

6–12 SEPTEMBER

A series of innovative talks and inspiring events with guest speakers covering all aspects of science. The festival includes social events in the evenings for continuation of the discussions.

7–9 SEPTEMBER

BLACK ISLE WORDS LITERATURE The Old Brewery, Burnside Place, Cromarty, Highlands, blackislewords.co.uk

In the cosy setting of the Old Brewery, this festival places an emphasis on local writers and an informal environment. Events include a ceilidh without dance, where authors are encouraged to freely improvise and collaborate together, 70 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

7–16 SEPTEMBER

ABERDEEN’S 50+ FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Aberdeen, 01224 523913,

13–16 SEPTEMBER

CEOL CHOLASA MUSIC Colonsay, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll & the Isles, 01951 200336, ceolcholasa.com

With a population of only 120, the island of Colonsay is one of the

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most secluded areas in Scotland, so it makes sense that it should be the setting for an extremely intimate folk festival. Artists who have performed here in the past include Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, Karine Polwart, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Roddy Woomble and Heidi Talbot.

northerly blues festival in the UK includes a variety of concerts from local and visiting artists and bands spread all across the islands. Last year’s festival featured Gerry Jablonski, Earl Grey and the Loose Leaves, Sleepy Eyes Nelson and many more.

14–23 SEPTEMBER

14–16 SEPTEMBER

LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL

BLOODY SCOTLAND

MUSIC Various venues, East Lothian, 01620 826685, lammermuirfestival.co.uk

LITERATURE Various venues, Stirling, bloodyscotland.com

See panel, right.

14–16 SEPTEMBER

ST MONANS COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MULTIARTS St Monans, Anstruther, Fife, 01333 730741, stmonans.org.uk

Community-led festival exploring the arts with relation to the cultural background of the village St Monans. Children and families are welcome to take part in theatre productions and workshops, while private houses are opened up as venues for art exhibitions. There are choral, jazz, chamber and folk music events.

14–16 SEPTEMBER

DOUGLASDALE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, spanglefish.com/ douglasdalefolkfestival

Small-scale festival celebrating all varieties of acoustic music, with a competition for up-and-coming artists (winners get a guaranteed slot on the main stage in 2013).

There are also workshops in various instruments and more intimate pub sessions.

Running with the tagline ‘beautiful music in beautiful places’, the Lammermuir Festival places as much emphasis on its historic venues as it does on the excellent programme of classic music it offers. Performers including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Dunedin Consort and rising Scottish virtuoso guitarist Sean Shibe play in locations such as Lennoxlove House, Winton House and the medieval church of St Mary in Haddington.

14–16 SEPTEMBER

LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, Argyll & the Isles, 0845 111 0302, islayjazzfestival.co.uk

Jazz festival set on the beautiful island of Islay. Highlights in 2011 included Viktoria Tolstoy, Otis Grand with the Sandy Tweedale Trio, Brass Jaw, Boteco Trio, Subie Coleman Band, Konrad Wiszniewski Quartet, Brian Palmer Trio, Mario Caribe Jazz Crusaders Timemachine and Graeme Stephen and Fraser Fifield.

15–24 SEPTEMBER

ACTIVE ABOYNE 14–16 SEPTEMBER

SHETLAND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, 01595 745555, shetlandblues.info

Now in its ninth year, the most

OUTDOOR Various venues, Aboyne & Deeside, Aberdeenshire, 01339 885222, activeaboyne.co.uk

A week of events based on the natural and cultural heritage of

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

BLOODY SCOTLAND Clues to the perfect crime novel

Literature is one of Scotland's most impressive cultural calling cards, particularly when it comes to crime fiction. There’s been so much of it in recent years it even has its own subgenre: tartan noir is a term that was first applied to Ian Rankin and is now embraced by a whole generation of writers.

Every subgenre deserves its own festival, so it was surely only time before we welcomed the arrival of Bloody Scotland, which is bringing together 40 writers for a weekend of crimerelated discussion and workshops.

This feels like the perfect year to start, being the 125th anniversary of the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes story, the 35th anniversary of William McIlvanney’s Laidlaw, and the 25th anniversary of the first publication of Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels.

Rankin will be part of the international line-up. See feature, page 8.

Various venues, Stirling, 14–16 Sep, bloodyscotland.com

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Deeside. Daytimes are spent in the great outdoors with mushroom walks, horse riding, hill walks, gliding, kayaking and more, while evenings offer indoor inspiration in the form of a series of talks, this year themed on the International Year of Sustainability and the 125th anniversary of mountaineering society the Cairngorm Club.

17–29 SEPTEMBER

ARCHES LIVE THEATRE & DANCE / ART The Arches, 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, 0141 565 1000, thearches.co.uk

A vibrant programme of new and experimental dance, visual art and theatre events that takes over the myriad nooks and crannies of the Arches. 2011 featured Stef Smith’s Jamais Vu, Ross MacKay’s The Medium and a collaboration between Cara Berger and the Flatrate Theatre Company based around the book of Genesis.

19–22 SEPTEMBER

SPIRIT OF MORAY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Elgin Library, Cooper Park, Elgin, Highlands, 01343 562600

Aimed squarely at promoting the joy of reading, the Spirit of Moray festival encourages a book-lovers to come together and mingle in a community of like minds. There are a number of events dedicated to children, too.

toddlers right through to teens, and it’s not all talks and readings either – in 2010 kids took part in a Revolting Recipes-themed cookery session.

21–23 SEPTEMBER

20–30 SEPTEMBER

The 21st annual line dance festival on Bute, offering the chance to dance to country, blues, Irish and Latin tunes from bands like Calico and Magill. The weekend is open to all dancers, no matter what level of expertise.

TAKE ONE ACTION FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / POLITICS Filmhouse, Edinburgh & Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, 0131 553 6335, takeoneaction.org.uk

A politically charged film festival, founded on the belief that ‘cinematic experiences can inspire lasting change’. Expect a series of talks and programmes showing how films can be used to empower communities on an international stage.

21–22 SEPTEMBER

LOOPALLU MUSIC Broomfield Holiday Park, Ullapool, Highlands, loopallu.co.uk

Despite being located on the seemingly remote northwest coast of Scotland, Loopallu manages to sell out every year. This is down to the fact that the festival organisers manage to put together a cracking line-up of tipped artists every time, and many of these bands – Mumford & Sons, Frightened Rabbit and Paolo Nutini, to name a few past guests – have subsequently gone on to great things. Definitely a festival to attend if you want to catch the next big thing.

20–22 SEPTEMBER

THE THREE LOCHS BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL

21–23 SEPTEMBER

LITERATURE / FILM & TV / MUSIC The Sunart Centre, Strontian, Highlands, 01967 402235, threelochs.co.uk

MUSIC Various venues, Orkney, orkneyblues.co.uk

Go west (to mainland Britain’s most westerly peninsula, in fact) for this beautifully located fledgling festival of film, photography, art and literature. There’s a busy programme for youngsters from 72 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

ORKNEY BLUES FESTIVAL

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. Previous acts include Chantel McGregor, The Paddy McGuire Band and Rhythm Zoo.

BUTE LINEDANCE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE / MUSIC Isle of Bute, Argyll & the Isles, 01700 503018, butelinedance.co.uk

22–24 SEPTEMBER

ISLE OF JURA MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Craighouse, Isle of Jura, Argyll & the Isles, juramusicfestival.com

Festival celebrating the best in Scottish traditional music, from musicians living on Jura and neighbouring Islay, to worldwide touring acts. 2011 featured a return of Jura Music Festival legends Deaf Shepherd, along with Dougie MacLean, Mary Ann Kennedy, The Paddy Callaghan Trio and the Fergie MacDonald ceilidh band.

28–30 SEPTEMBER

MONIAIVE MICHAELMAS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL MUSIC Moniaive Institute, Moniaive, Dumfries & Galloway, moniaivebluegrass.co.uk

Specifically dedicated to old-time, driving bluegrass, the Moniaive Festival attracts a great line-up of performers from the US and closer to home. In 2011, the bill included Johnny Butten and Telegraph Road, Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham, Longway, Appalachian Mist and High Speed Grass.

Details correct at time of going to press but are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with festival organiser before travelling. Updated information will also be available at list.co.uk

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28–30 SEPTEMBER

DUNDEE ROTARY OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK Discovery Quay, Dundee, 01382 201245, dundeerotaryoktoberfest.co.uk

Throughout the long weekend a host of live bands provide a soundtrack to the main event: 30 real ales and ten continental beers, which are served in the atmospheric surrounds of Dundee’s Discovery Quay.

28 SEPTEMBER–7 OCTOBER

GLASGOW POETRY WEEK LITERATURE Various venues, Glasgow, wordfactory.org.uk

A celebration of the spoken and written word, with events dotted around Glasgow’s poetical corners.

Launches and happenings will cover most tastes with the city’s finest literary organisations encouraging everyone from hardcore stanza fans to the versecautious to have a dabble.

28–30 SEPTEMBER

DUNBAR TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Dunbar, East Lothian, dtmf.dunbar.org.uk

As it approaches its silver anniversary, 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. A range of trad music to suit most tastes, with a family concert on Sunday afternoon and workshops for all ages.

28–30 SEPTEMBER

CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Callander, Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, 01877 339399, callanderjazz.com

Scotland’s largest rural jazz and blues festival features more than 50 live performances, from open

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL Right time, write place To say Wigtown is a mecca for book fans is a gross understatement.

The Dumfries and Galloway town, with a population around the 1000 mark, stocks something in the region of 250,000 tomes in bookshops with excellent names such as At the Sign of the Dragon (SF and fantasy books and mags), ReadingLasses Bookshop (specialising in women’s studies) and the Box of Frogs (secondhand books for kids). If you dream of getting lost in a literary landscape, this is the town for you.

And of course, it hosts one of the finest book bashes in the country, even being dubbed by The Telegraph as one of the ‘best autumn festivals in the world’.

It’s early days regarding this year’s bill, but one quick glance across the names who attended last year, when there were nearly 200 events, will give you a taste of the diversity and quality you can expect to see in 2012: Julian Baggini, Martin Bell, Alan Bissett, Christopher Brookmyre, Alan Davies, Janice Galloway, Misha Glenny, Sarah Hall, Celia Imrie, Fergal Keane, Allan Little, Sally Magnusson, Elaine C Smith, Lewis Wolpert, Toby Young and Julie Myerson (pictured).

An extra element to the festival is the Wigtown Poetry Competition, which launched at the 2010 event and has a deadline for entries in early May. The winning poem will bag its creator the tidy sum of £2500, while the runner-up gets £500.

This year’s event will be the 14th book festival in Scotland’s national book town and the programme will be announced at the end of July.

Various venues, Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, 28 Sep–7 Oct, 01988 402036, wigtownbookfestival.com THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 73

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mic sessions to headline sessions in the Theatre Yurt and the afternoon Jazz Cruise on Loch Katrine. Highlights from 2011 included Russia’s Pervoe Solnce, America’s Kent Duchaine and Scotland’s own Sound of Seventeen Big Band.

28–30 SEPTEMBER

LOCKERBIE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway, 0845 111 0302, lockerbiejazz.com

A weekend celebration of jazz featuring all styles from international, world-class visitors to local youth jazz orchestras. The central event of the festival is Take 6, which features over 100 performers on four stages, and showcases musicians playing in the concerts during the festival as well as local youth bands, local musicians, workshops, market stalls and more. Musicians who visited the festival in 2011 include Houston Person, Janet Seidel, Alan Barnes and Acker Bilk.

29 SEPTEMBER–14 OCTOBER

HIGHLAND ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL OUTDOOR / HERITAGE Various venues, Highlands, highland.gov.uk/archaeology

A fortnight of investigations into Scotland’s ancient past, including walks, practical demonstrations, family events, self-guided trails, insights into recent research, historical talks, a weekend conference for experts and enthusiasts and plenty of chances for visitors to get their hands dirty.

TBC SEPTEMBER

BATHGATE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Bathgate, West Lothian, 07500 608651, bathgatemusicfestival.com

A community-led music festival, including the Party in the Park, where a funfair accompanies the music. Live@lunch gigs cheer up the middle of the day if you simply can’t wait for the evening’s fun.

28 SEPTEMBER–7 OCTOBER

TBC SEPTEMBER

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL

EAST RENFREWSHIRE FOOD FESTIVAL

LITERATURE / FAMILY Various venues, Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, 01988 403222, wigtownbookfestival.com

See panel, page 73.

28 SEPTEMBER–14 OCTOBER

THE DORIC FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS / HERITAGE Various venues around Laurencekirk, Banff, Collieston & Braemar, Aberdeenshire, 01771 653320, thedoricfestival.com

Community-organised festival held in the north-east of Scotland, celebrating the area’s Doric traditions and heritage. Storytelling, song, drama and musical concerts and recitals form the backbone of the events programme, with the sustenance of the Doric language supported through prose, poetry and drama-writing competitions.

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FOOD & DRINK Various venues, East Renfrewshire, 0141 577 4970, facebook.com/ eastrenfrewshirefoodfestival

As well as all the usual events you might expect from a food festival – cookery demonstrations, farmers markets, whisky tastings and the like – the East Renfrewshire Food Festival also has an interesting range of extra events such as storytelling, poetry readings and live music.

TBC SEPTEMBER

EDINDOCS FILM & TV /POLITICS Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, 0131 668 4171, edindocs.com

A tribute to the art of independent documentary-

making which, along with screenings, offers prizes for best short and best feature. The festival is sponsored by the National Library of Scotland, which will preserve the winning docs as part of its Scottish Screen Archive.

TBC SEPTEMBER

EH1 LIVE MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, eh1live.com

Multi-venue one-dayer usually taking over the captial with over 50 live music acts drawn from across the indie rock spectrum.

Last year’s line-up included The Dykeenies, Aaron Wright, Emelle and many more.

TBC SEPTEMBER

THE GREAT OUTDOORS FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Mugdock Country Park, Milngavie, Glasgow, 0141 956 6586, mugdock-countrypark.org.uk

Explore the beautiful countryside of East and West Dunbartonshire and Stirling with a smorgasboard of guided and introductory activities to suit everyone’s fancy, including walking (hill and low level), mountain biking, CaniX, canoeing, and more. Events are graded, and there are suitable offerings for all levels of fitness, including children.

TBC SEPTEMBER

PENICUIK AND DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / COMMUNITY Various venues, Penicuik & District, Midlothian, penicuikarts.org

A community arts festival, with poetry, music and art at the forefront. Events include the Penicuik Turner Prize Exhibition and craft sessions for all ages, with enough music and storytelling to keep all young visitors happy.

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TBC SEPTEMBER

PORTPATRICK FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway, portpatrickfolkfestival.org

A weekend festival in a picturesque seaside village with concerts at the village hall and sessions at harbourside pubs on the Friday and Saturday. Last year’s festival featured Rua McMillan and Elena Piras, as well as a water-powered, kinetic performance art platform called ‘The Tide Machine’ and a brisk, hangover-banishing morning swim in the harbour on the Sunday.

TBC SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBAYR FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Ayr, Ayrshire, septembayr.com

The Ayr Festival, which takes in music, theatre and other arts, opens with a Street Day on the High Street to involve the whole community.

TBC SEPTEMBER

TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER

TBC SEPTEMBER

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / FAMILY Various venues, Aberdeen, techfest.org.uk

TRAD ON THE TYNE MUSIC Various venues, Haddington, East Lothian, tradonthetyne.com

1–24 OCTOBER

A festival promoting science, engineering, maths and technology through a series of schools’ programmes and workshops, public lectures and family activities.

A Borders-based celebration of traditional music, organised by the Haddington Pipe Band. Previous guests include The Fred Morrison Trio, Coreen Scott and The Sandy Brechin Band.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues across Scotland, 0141 572 0125, mhfestival.com

TBC SEPTEMBER

THORSAA FILM FESTIVAL

TBC SEPTEMBER.

FILM & TV Various venues, Thurso, Caithness, Highlands, thebiggig.eu

STRATHAVEN ARTS FESTIVAL

The most northerly film festival in mainland Britain features a mix of screenings including no-budget indies, archived classics and internationally produced shorts. The region is also fiercely proud of its Viking (as opposed to Gaelic) heritage, so don’t be surprised if a certain element of ancient Scandinavian culture is detectable.

FAMILY / MUSIC / ART Various venues, Strathaven, South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, 07815 868085, thetownmill.org

Started in 2011, Strathaven Arts Festival is a three-day, family-friendly local festival. There are special print classes and storytelling workshops for children, as well as craft sales, music performances at the Town Mill Arts Centre and exhibitions from local artists at the Flour Store Gallery and Open Studios.

OCTOBER SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS AND FILM FESTIVAL

An arts and film festival that combines high-level programming with a worthy aim: to challenge and change attitudes towards mental health. Through a series of events, workshops and screenings around Scotland, the programme probes deeper questions while maintaining an exciting and varied line-up.

1–31 OCTOBER

WORDS: NORTH LANARKSHIRE FESTIVAL OF BOOKS AND WRITING LITERATURE / FAMILY Various venues, North Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, northlanarkshire.gov.uk

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festival promises a mixture of well-known and up-and-coming authors (past programmes have introduced the likes of James Kelman, Will Self, Janice Galloway and Mark Millar to the region’s libraries). There are a range of special children’s events, the return of south-east Asian poetry evening ‘Mushaira’ and once again visitors can expect to find poetry in unusual places (last year it was a train on the Airdrie to Bathgate line . . . ).

previous years have included The Wailin’ Jennys, The Hotclub of Cowtown, The Handsome Family and 2011 headliner Alejandro Escovedo, while the Glasgow Americana Fringe highlights the best homegrown talent.

2 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER

Perthshire’s Enchanted Forest attracts over 20,000 visitors annually. Essentially an outdoor sound and light show, it uses the natural surroundings of the Explorer’s Garden to take all ages on a journey in which the autumn forest landscape is reimagined as a magical, trippy wonderland.

DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / FAMILY Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, 01382 909900, discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk

Scotland’s international film festival for children and young people features a whole range of international treats, including films from as far afield as Japan, Russia and Africa. There’s also the chance to get involved in workshops, industry masterclasses and lots of fun film events.

3–7 OCTOBER

GLASGOW AMERICANA MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowamericana.com

Blues, country and folk fest following in the footsteps of the fondly remembered Big Big Country festival. Line-ups in

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS In addition to these festivals, there are many other major events taking place in the last quarter of 2012 including: • Dunhill Links Championship • Glasgow Gymnastics World Cup For more details of these events see pages 18–21

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5–27 OCTOBER

ENCHANTED FOREST FAMILY / OUTDOOR Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, Perthshire, enchantedforest.org.uk

5–7 OCTOBER

SELKIRK SESSIONS MUSIC Various venues, Selkirk, Scottish Borders, selkirksessions.com

Musicians are welcomed at this lively festival, packed with sessions around the town, which also encourages listeners who fancy a bit of folk, contemporary or bluegrass. Included in the programme are workshops and competitions, with winners invited to a Mammoth Session at the close of events.

5–7 OCTOBER

PORTOBELLO BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Portobello, Edinburgh, portobellobookfestival.co.uk

A chirpy wee seaside lit fest, which has in the past comprised author appearances and talks on relevant topics, such as how to get children reading and paths into epublishing. Past guests include Janice Galloway, Ed Hollis and Doug Johnstone.

5–7 OCTOBER

ULLAPOOL GUITAR FESTIVAL MUSIC The Macphail Centre, Mill Street, Ullapool, Highlands, 01854 613336, ullapoolguitarfestival.com

A combination of workshops, concerts, late night sessions and a trade fair with several top manufacturers of bespoke guitars.

Among the musical acts confirmed for 2012 are Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo, Nigel Clark, Clive Carroll, John Goldie, Hugh Burns, Wingin It and Pete Price.

5–14 OCTOBER

SCOTLAND LOVES ANIMATION FILM & TV / FAMILY Various venues around Scotland, lovesanimation.com

Promoting worldwide animation with a programme of events in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s arthouse cinemas, this festival includes film screenings, exhibitions, workshops and international guests. There is a Japanese strand with its own packed programme – Scotland Loves Anime – which last year featured many UK premieres including those of Letter to Momo and Colorful.

5–14 OCTOBER

COWALFEST MUSIC Cowal, Cowal Peninsula, Argyll & the Isles, 01369 703785, cowalfest.org

Walking festival that takes place amid the natural splendour of the Cowal peninsula. As well as an extensive range of guided walks for all ages and abilities, there are live music performances, bike and horse rides and art exhibitions and workshops.

Details correct at time of going to press but are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with festival organiser before travelling. Updated information will also be available at list.co.uk

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6–13 OCTOBER

CRIEFF & STRATHEARN DROVERS’ TRYST OUTDOOR / HERITAGE / MULTIARTS Strathearn, Perthshire, 01764 652578, droverstryst.com

Held annually during Michaelmas week, the Tryst is celebrated in memory of the labourers and farmhands who made Crieff their cattledriving crossroads in the 1700s.

While much of the festival consists of walks in the Strathearn countryside surrounding the town, there are also pipe band displays, a country market, mountain bike races and a variety of music, drama, film and dancing events.

11–15 OCTOBER

SHETLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, 01595 6963162, shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

Visiting and local acts join together in a Shetland knees-up to warm up the October evenings, revelling with fine trad music. Past visiting acts include the Alan Gardiner Trio, Neil Galloway, The Reel Thing, the Pentland Ceilidh Band, Graeme Mackay and 2011 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Kristan Harvey.

12–19 OCTOBER

ROYAL NATIONAL MOD MULTI-ARTS / HERITAGE Various venues, Dunoon, Argyll & the Isles, 01463 709705, acgmod.org/nationalmod

A Scottish classic, running since 1891 and raising a toast to Gaelic language, culture and heritage in all its forms in a different Scottish location each year. The bilingual programme consists of concerts, shinty, and hundreds of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature. Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the event is hosted this year by Dunoon.

GLASGAY! Loud and proud You’d imagine a festival dedicated to ‘queer culture’ would be a minority event, tucked away out of mainstream view. One of the great things about Glasgay!, however, is it’s so loud and proud that everyone – whatever their sexual persuasion – feels comfortable joining in.

Cleverly, it does this without watering down the LGBT experience.

What it does instead is to take a broad view of sexuality in a way that excludes no-one. Certainly, within this multi-arts festival you will find work that is polemical and that challenges conventional views about behaviour and morality, but you will also find plenty of work that has no overt sexual agenda at all and just happens to have been created by gay artists.

It is a brilliant strategy that means the festival merges seamlessly into the programmes of all kinds of theatres, clubs, cinemas and galleries, subtly getting the message across that otherness is normal. From its foundation in 1993, Glasgay! has grown to such an extent that it now involves 20 venues and attracts audiences of over 35,000. It is defiantly mainstream.

Directed by Steven Thomson, the festival is a mixture of established and specially commissioned comedy, music, film, theatre and visual art. There are also literature events, club nights and community arts projects.

The 2011 event included Edwin Morgan’s Dreams – and Other Nightmares, an acclaimed world premiere by playwright Liz Lochhead in tribute to her predecessor as Scotland’s makar. The film programme looked at body image and AIDS, while the comedy line-up included outrageous US stand-up Margaret Cho and high camp from Jonny Woo (pictured). It’s this mix of the joyful and the provocative that makes Glasgay! such a broadly engaging festival.

Various venues, Glasgow, 13 Oct–3 Nov, 0141 552 7575, glasgay.co.uk THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 77

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GARETH WEEKS

13 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER

GLASGAY! MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 552 7575, glasgay.com

See panel, page 77.

15–19 OCTOBER

BLAZIN’ IN BEAULY MUSIC Beauly, Inverness, Highlands, 01463 724224, blazininbeauly.com

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

ST ANDREWS VOICES New lieder of the pack

Dr Michael Downes is director of music at the University of St Andrews and musical director of the St Andrews Chorus, and has an interest in everything from 19th century French music to musical theatre. In tandem with Sonia Stevenson, a publicist for Faber Music, he is launching this festival dedicated to the human voice.

What’s exciting is the breadth of musical genres they aim to embrace. The inaugural programme will include opera, cabaret, lieder, jazz, early music, folk and more. As long as it’s voice-led, they’re up for it.

The work will be performed by top musicians from the UK and beyond, in collaboration with the brightest young talent from Scotland. With tenor Ian Bostridge and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen behind the festival as patrons, it promises to be a welcome addition to the calendar.

Various venues, St Andrews, 18–21 Oct, standrewsvoices.com

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varied arts events put on by different community groups and local businesses, plus a couple of big name touring artists booked by the festival committee. Covering comedy, theatre, exhibitions, walks, dance and music of all kinds, the festival offers affordable local access to the arts for all.

19–28 OCTOBER

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

The brainchild of Blazin’ Fiddles, designed to immerse visitors in the music of the Highlands and islands through concerts, sessions, talks and workshops.

LITERATURE / HERITAGE Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh, 0131 556 9579, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

15–28 OCTOBER

20–23 OCTOBER

DANCELIVE

DOCUMENT 10 FILM FESTIVAL

THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, 01224 611486, dancelive.org.uk

FILM & TV / POLITICS CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, 0141 352 4900, documentfilmfestival.org

Contemporary dance festival based in Aberdeen, including performances, film screenings, masterclasses and educational workshops. The 2012 festival will open with a world premiere choreographed by artistic director Andy Howitt, and will feature new choreography and commissions from Scottish-based artists, as well as leading dance companies including Scottish Dance Theatre, Rosie Kay Dance Company and Company Chameleon.

18–21 OCTOBER

See panel, opposite.

This documentary film festival uses international film to raise the profile of human rights and social issues left underexposed by mainstream media. This year is the festival’s tenth anniversary, so there are a number of special events including a retrospective of the best films from the last decade as well as the usual wide range of films from reportage to cinematic essays, investigative journalism to left-field experiments, plus an accompanying programme of art, live music and talks.

ST ANDREWS VOICES MUSIC Various venues, St Andrews, Fife, standrewsvoices.com

20–28 OCTOBER

See panel, left.

FAMILY / OUTDOOR / HERITAGE Various venues, Scottish Borders, 07801 308991, forest-festival.com

18–28 OCTOBER

BIGGAR LITTLE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / COMMUNITY Various venues, Biggar, South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, 01899 220980, biggar-littlefestival.com

The name is something of a red herring as this small Lanarkshire is really punching above its weight with a programme of around 70

TWEED VALLEY FOREST FESTIVAL

A celebration of the rich woodland culture and ancient Hallowe’en rites of the Borders in a variety of locations around the beautiful Tweed Valley. Includes puppet shows, a wood market, chainsaw carving demos, heritage tree trails, assorted woodland fun and, most excitingly of all, the sixth annual Scottish Conker Championships.

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25–28 OCTOBER

EDINBURGH MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, emff.co.uk

Now in its tenth year, the EMFF continues to celebrate the best aspects of mountain culture and the high-quality filmmaking that goes along with it. The principle focus throughout the programme is adventure, whether it be skiing, snowboarding, base jumping, mountain biking, kayaking or exploration.

25–28 OCTOBER

ORKNEY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL LITERATURE / HERITAGE / FAMILY Various venues, Orkney, orkneystorytellingfestival.co.uk

A collection of storytelling gems from the Orcadian Story Trust, with treasures from local legend and international guests. An atmospheric island treat to tie in with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

26–27 OCTOBER

PERTH ALL-SCOTLAND ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL

existence for over 50 years and attracting dozens of ceilidh bands, fiddle groups and solo artists from all over Scotland, this festival appeals to a mixture of club regulars and families. As well as sessions, ceilidhs, concerts and songwriting workshops, there are family stories and songs often with a Hallowe’en theme.

26–28 OCTOBER

HALLOWEEN IN HUNTLY COMMUNITY / MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, 01466 794494, deveron-arts.com

The tradition-rich town of Huntly turns spooky with its Hallowe’en celebrations, organised by innovative local arts agency Deveron Arts. Events include a masked pipe band leading a parade from the castle to the square, accompanied by lanterns, with a Creepy Ceilidh for all the family.

26–28 OCTOBER

THE PEERIE WILLIE GUITAR FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, 01595 745555, shetlandarts.org/events/ guitar-festival

Previously known as the Bill Wilkie Music Festival, the PASAFF stays true to the great accordionist’s spirit, with an opening night ceilidh, informal musical sessions and competitions across the weekend to discover the cream of Scotland’s traditional folk musicians.

Dedicated to the memory of Shetland jazz guitarist William Johnson, the Peerie Willie Guitar Festival celebrates traditional guitar music in all its forms, with a particular emphasis on the jazz guitar accompaniment style that Johnson pioneered. Genres such as Bollywood and classical guitar were explored in 2011, with performances from Simon Thacker and Svara-Kanti.

26–28 OCTOBER

26–28 OCTOBER

DUNFERMLINE FOLK WEEKEND

ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL

MUSIC Salutation Hotel and surrounding venues, Perth, perthaccordionfestival.co.uk

MUSIC Various venues, Dunfermline, Fife, 01383 725872, dunfermlinefolkclub.art .officelive.com

Run by a folk club that’s been in

FILM & TV Tower Mill, Kirkstile, Hawick, Scottish Borders, 01450 360688, alchemyfilmfestival.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Tale spin

It was in 1812 that Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the book we now know as Grimms’ Fairy Tales, an anthology of folk stories they had gathered during their researches in Germany. Their popularisation of tales such as Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella still has repercussions today.

So 200 years later, it makes sense for the annual Scottish International Storytelling Festival to pay tribute to their work.

This year’s event will consider the art of folktales from across Europe, exploring the differences between the Scottish oral tradition and those of other countries. As ever, the festival has some events for children, but it is founded on the belief that storytelling is a grown-up artform and pitches its lineup of performances and workshops accordingly.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, 19–28 Oct, 0131 556 9579, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

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on work relating to the natural world and our relationship with it.

Set against the backdrop of the traditional border town of Hawick, this year’s programme promises a range of short and full-length films,

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

AFRICA IN MOTION Best of African cinema

Now in its sixth year, this continent-specific showcase brings the best of contemporary and classic African cinema to audiences in Scotland and, on tour, around the UK. The annual programme includes dramas, documentaries, animations and short feature-films that are often not to be seen anywhere else in the country.

With a programme filled with guest filmmaker talks, post-screening discussions and workshops (plus parties, films and food), AiM aims to engage its audiences with issues facing the African nations as well as provide them with cinematic entertainment.

Exemplifying that ethos, last year’s event focused both on the experience of children and youth in Africa and premiered awardwinning films from the panAfrican film festival FESPACO. Various venues, Edinburgh, tbc Oct, africa-in-motion.org.uk 80 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

with children’s workshops, Q&A sessions and special screenings.

26 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER

PERTHSHIRE AMBER

29 OCTOBER–9 NOVEMBER

INSPIRATION FESTIVAL FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, 0141 287 5810, glasgowlife.org.uk/arts

The Dougie MacLean Festival takes in the best of Scotland and beyond, as a range of local and international musicians join the Scottish folk legend on stages around his native county. With workshops, walks, talks and open mics set against the backdrop of Perthshire.

Glasgow’s Big and Wee Inspiration Festivals provide a wide programme of events and activities for kids (Big for ages 5-12, Wee for ages 0-5).

Theatre, visual art and dance productions take the lion’s share of the programme, with 2011 featuring shows from balletLORENT and Oliver Searle, plus a range of interactive, hands-on workshops and events.

26 OCTOBER–18 NOVEMBER

31 OCTOBER

SOUND

SAMHUINN

MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeenshire, 01224 641122, soundscotland.co.uk

HERITAGE Royal Mile, Edinburgh, beltane.org

MUSIC Various venues, Perthshire, 01350 724261, perthshireamber.com

Innovative festival celebrating boundary-pushing new music of all kinds, from contemporary classical via jazz, electronic and experimental to indie. The 2011 festival included the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Mercurynominated folk singer King Creosote, playful multi-genre chamber group Mr McFall’s Chamber and DJ/multiinstrumentalist Frog Pocket – and that’s just the Scottish contingent: artists came from around the world to join the spirit of experimentation.

Marking the Celtic world’s farewell to summer, the Samhuinn parade is the counterbalance to spring’s Beltane celebrations. After a colourful parade down the Royal Mile, the performers enact the victory of the Horned God and the Winter Court with enough fire and extravagant costumes to ease the shortening of the days.

TBC OCTOBER

AFRICA IN MOTION FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, africain-motion.org.uk

See panel, left.

27 OCTOBER–11 NOVEMBER

DUNDEE SCIENCE FESTIVAL

TBC OCTOBER

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dundee, 01382 868609, dundeesciencefestival

CARSE OF GOWRIE ORCHARD FESTIVAL

Family-friendly science fest with a diverse programme, featuring hands-on workshops, science shows, lectures, debates, talent contests, exhibitions, school programmes and events that fuse science with comedy, dance, art or history. The events also cover a broad range of scientific disciplines, including robotics, biodiversity, space, digital arts and the more technical sides of cookery and filmmaking.

FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Carse of Gowrie, Perthshire, carseofgowrieorchards.org.uk

Based around all things orchard, this sweet treat includes guided walks, fresh apple juicing and applethemed events for the whole family.

TBC OCTOBER

DUNDEE LITERARY FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Dundee, 01382

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384413, literarydundee.co.uk A book festival which attracts many local and international writers covering genres and styles for all readers. Aside from author readings and discussions, writing workshops and literary salons are on hand for aspiring scribes, with children’s events and the presentation of the Dundee International Book Prize.

TBC OCTOBER

EDINBURGH INDEPENDENT & RADICAL BOOK FAIR LITERATURE / POLITICS Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 30–38 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, 0131 662 9112, word-power.co.uk

The Independent and Radical Book Fair hosts another plethora (over 70 publishers were present at the last festival) of left-field stalls, as well as exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, creative writing events and author talks.

TBC OCTOBER

FESTIVAL OF ARTS & AGEING MULTI-ARTS Various venues across Scotland, creativescotland.com

A new festival created by a partnership of Creative Scotland, the Baring Foundation and Age Scotland, promising an ambitious programme of arts for, by and about older people, across the country and in a variety of art forms.

Keep your eyes on the Creative Scotland website for more news.

TBC OCTOBER

HISPANIC FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, hispanicfestival.co.uk

Organised by the Latin communities living in Scotland, this festival celebrates the connections between the two cultures, with specific reference to music, dance and poetry. There are numerous flamenco workshops and performances, plus an opportunity to discuss more serious matters such as Spain’s political history and future.

TBC OCTOBER

PAISLEY FRINGE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Paisley, Greater Glasgow, activeevents.org.uk

A brand new festival aiming to make Paisley proud as it looks ahead to the town’s hosting of the Royal National Mod in 2013 and the nearby Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Existing venues and a visiting Spiegeltent will play host to a range of events, with a particular focus on promoting Gaelic and Celtic music and culture.

TBC OCTOBER

PEEBLES FOOD FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre, Peebles, Scottish Borders, peeblesfoodfestival.com

All things delicious is the theme for Peebles’ food festival, with cooking demonstrations, competitions and a farmers’ market. Younger chefs are catered for too, with a series of yummy special events.

TBC OCTOBER

WILD CONNECTIONS OUTDOOR Various venues, Perthshire, wildconnections.org.uk

A wildlife festival taking place right at the heart of Perthshire’s ‘big tree country’. A sociable and soulrestoring outdoors experience, it features a series of events exploring natural habitats of Highland wildlife.

Events already planned include the Crann-apple Cider Festival and a session themed on fire and fungi.

its eighth year, it has moved to the cusp of winter, and this time dwells on ideas of belief, exploring the stories, legends, premonitions and beliefs shared and traded round the hearths of generations of Gaels.

2–4 NOVEMBER

DENHOLM FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Denholm, Scottish Borders, denholmfolkfest.co.uk

A wee folk festival for a wee village.

The weekend’s programme includes evening concerts, workshops and an open stage competition. The main events come in addition to ongoing sessions for uninterrupted foot-tapping.

2–4 NOVEMBER

LENNOXLOVE BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / FAMILY Lennoxlove House, Haddington, East Lothian, 0844 357 7611, lennoxlovebookfestival.com

The 2011 edition of this country manor-set book fest featured author appearances from Alistair Darling, James Naughtie, Sarah Brown, Isla Blair and Tom Devine, while the much-loved family book festival strand lets children meet not only the authors of their favourite tales (including Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo and Vivian French in recent years), but their creations as well – the Gruffalo and Flat Stanley have been at the heart of some very special events.

2–4 NOVEMBER

LINLITHGOW BOOK FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER

LITERATURE Masonic Hall, Linlithgow, West Lothian, linlithgowbookfestival.org

1–3 NOVEMBER

Small, volunteer-run literary festival

FACLAN: THE HEBRIDEAN BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Outer Hebrides, 01851 703307, faclan.org

This book fest on Britain’s western edge is lucky enough to call An Lanntair (Gaelic for ‘the lantern’) arts centre in Stornoway home. Now in

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that manages to pull in an impressive roster of guests – 2011 featured Christopher Brookmyre, Janice Galloway, James Robertson and Tam Dalyell. There’s a general lean towards history and crime fiction, but this sits comfortably alongside poetry, open mic, discussion and family events.

2–11 NOVEMBER

SHETLAND FOOD FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Shetland, 01595 744944, shetlandfoodfestival.co.uk

A welcome return for the islands’ Food Festival, celebrating some of its exceptional cuisine from lamb and beef to Shetland Black potatoes and scrummy fudge. The festivities last year featured demonstrations from guest chefs, a producers’ market and workshops for those hoping to improve their kitchen skills.

2–3 NOVEMBER

ABERFELDY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS / COMMUNITY / FAMILY Various venues, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, 01887 822997, aberfeldyfestival.co.uk

A bigger and better version of previous years, with plans to expand the literary strand of this community affair. Saturday boasts family fun day status and a traders’ market, while the rest of the week is curated by a special guest. Last year it was Ian Rankin.

4–10 NOVEMBER

NEON DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL SCIENCE / ART / FAMILY Various venues, Dundee, northeastofnorth.com

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Digital arts festival transforming Dundee into an electric playground for seven days with a programme of moving image, performance, music and technologically-driven art events with view to creating and developing new and original digital works. Last year’s event included everything from a geocaching treasure hunt to a chance to join an interactive workshop and be part of the ‘Dirty Electronics Ensemble’.

8–10 NOVEMBER

THE HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Kinlochard, Aberfoyle, Stirling, 01877 387754, scottishmusicfestival.co.uk

This festival celebrates the best of Scottish folk and traditional music in cosy venues around Kinlochard.

The weekend ends up in the village hall, with a night to warm your way into winter.

9–29 NOVEMBER

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL UK 7–11 NOVEMBER

INVERNESS FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Eden Court Theatre, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, invernessfilmfestival.co.uk

A broad programme of film screenings including world and Scottish premieres, career retrospectives, rare showings of classic films and new releases.

There’s also a smattering of events – 2011 featured a live score accompaniment to FW Murnau’s Sunrise and a talk with cult actor, producer and director Ara Paiaya.

FILM & TV Various venues across Scotland, frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

Twentieth anniversary of the UKwide festival dedicated to francophone cinema. The programme will feature guest filmmakers and actors in meet-thepublic sessions (which in 2011 included Daniel Auteuil and Christophe Honoré), UK premieres, retrospectives, a learning programme for pupils and their teachers, documentaries, animation and shorts.

9–11 NOVEMBER

8–18 NOVEMBER

ISLAY SESSIONS

SONIC-A

MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, Argyll & the Isles, islaysessions.co.uk

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

See panel, opposite.

8–11 NOVEMBER

THOMAS FRASER MEMORIAL FESTIVAL MUSIC Hamnavoe Public Hall, Burra, Shetland, thomasfraser.com

A family-run festival to commemorate Burra crofter, fisherman and country blues legend Thomas Fraser, whose posthumously-released cassettes became such a sensation in the blues world that his family couldn't keep up with demand for them.

An eclectic mix of musicians travel from across the globe to play and pay tribute to a man remarkably ahead of his time.

Scottish traditional and folk music festival set against the beautiful backdrop of Islay. Gigs and pub sessions are complemented by workshops for both adults and children in fiddle, whistle, guitar and song, among others. The 2012 lineup is still to be confirmed but with Anarkali, Maverick Angels and Lori Watson amongst 2011’s highlights it promises to be very good.

12–17 NOVEMBER

IMPRINT LITERATURE / FAMILY Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, 01563 554300, imprintfestival.co.uk

A literary festival with a community feel. With local authors William McIlvanney and Zoe Strachan as

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patrons, Imprint attracts a range of writers and performers, while workshops and The Imprint Writing Award allow up-and-comers to test their talents.

22 NOVEMBER–2 JANUARY

DanceBase & Filmhouse, Edinburgh, dancefilm.co.uk In the land where dance and film meet, this festival celebrates the best of both art forms with screenings, workshops, installations and dance events.

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghschristmas.com

Six weeks of winter wonderland in Edinburgh, as Princes Street is transformed by a fairground, ice rink, a host of colourful lights and the fabled German Christmas market with dozens of stalls selling traditional crafts as well as delicious Teutonic treats and the all-important warming mugs of glühwein.

TBC NOVEMBER

DUMFRIES FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / FAMILY Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, 01387 264808, rbcft.co.uk

A week of films, quizzes and events, with a unique youth strand running throughout which not only features films aimed at younger viewers, but holds up a tribute to young programmers, characters and production companies.

23–24 NOVEMBER

DUNDEE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

TBC NOVEMBER

FILM & TV Bonar Hall, Park Place, Dundee, 01382 730699, dundeemountainfilm.org.uk

MUSIC Gardyne Theatre, Gardyne Road, Dundee, jazzdundee.co.uk

Leading a small but popular corner of the market, the Dundee Mountain Film Festival is the UK’s longest running mountain film fest, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012. The programme consists of films by local filmmakers, presentations and book signings by world renowned mountaineers, adventurers and expedition leaders, and art and photography exhibitions.

30 NOVEMBER–2 DECEMBER

ST ANDREWS FESTIVAL MUSIC / HERITAGE Various venues, St Andrews, Fife, 01334 475000, standrewsfestival.co.uk

The town of St Andrews marks St Andrew’s Day with a three-day lineup of torchlit processions, concerts and a huge open air ceilidh, in celebration of the heritage and culture of Scotland.

TBC NOVEMBER

DANCE: FILM THEATRE & DANCE / FILM & TV

DUNDEE JAZZ FESTIVAL

A week of exciting jazz from international artists and local stars.

The 2011 programme featured Tia Fuller, Martin Taylor, Woody Mann, Angela King, Havana Swing, Maggie Bell and Blues N Trouble.

TBC NOVEMBER

EAST KILBRIDE FOLK FESTIVAL OF SESSIONS AND OPEN STAGE MUSIC Various venues, East Kilbride, Greater Glasgow, 01355 224317, eastkilbridefolkfestival.webs.com

This festival welcomes any act, so long as it’s traditional or folk music.

Set in the historic village area of the town, the festival includes a wide range of ticketed and free events, open stages, concerts, workshops, and competitions.

TBC NOVEMBER

FIDDLE 2012 FAMILY / MUSIC Varioues venues, Edinburgh, 0131 555 7669, scotsfiddlefestival.com

One of the biggest fiddle festivals in Europe, Fiddle 2012 boasts concerts from established,

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SONIC-A No pigeon-holing allowed

November is turning into a busy month for lovers of cutting-edge multimedia art. In Dundee, NEoN kicks off the month with a week of digital art in a festival that combines image, performance, music and technology. Before it’s over, Sonic-a, the new kid on the electronic block, begins its inaugural run in Glasgow.

Created by Cryptic productions, which has a long history of blurring the line between the different arts, the festival provides ‘sonic art for the visually minded’.

Bringing together Scottish and international artists, it disregards the borders between music, theatre, visual and electronic art in work such as Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, a digital visualisation of Bartok’s fairytale opera by Collective 33 1/3, and the premiere of an intimate ‘desk opera’ by composer and sound artist Claudia Moliter (pictured).

Various venues, Glasgow, 8–18 Nov, sonic-a.co.uk THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 83

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CHRIS WATT

international stars as well as upand-coming musicians. There are also workshops, talks, stalls and the Young Gaitherin’.

TBC NOVEMBER.

PREVIOUSLY . . . SCOTLAND’S HISTORY FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, historyfest.co.uk

After a successful launch year in 2011, Scotland’s History Festival returns with more talks and events, presenting history in unexpected places and in unexpected ways. Last year featured innovative ideas such as the edible archive and a historical comedy sparring match.

DECEMBER 2 DECEMBER

EAST RENFREWSHIRE WINTER FESTIVAL HOGMANAY New year revels across the country Wherever you are in Scotland, you will be given an especially warm welcome at Hogmanay. The arrival of the new year has particular significance in the Scottish calendar because, for centuries, it was the only winter holiday people got. The Presbyterian church frowned upon Christmas, which it associated with Catholicism, and as a result, 25 December was a normal working day until as recently as 1958. Understandably, people were ready to make the most of the new year holiday when it came.

For many years, this was a matter of people celebrating in their own homes or first-footing their neighbours, and in most parts of the country, this remains the case. But in the 1990s, the bigger cities came to realise they could make more of the phenomenon.

Edinburgh was first off the mark in 1992, taking the rather dispiriting local tradition of gathering outside the Tron Kirk to hear the midnight bells and turning it into a festival lasting between three and five days (depending on budget).

As well as a street party that takes over the city centre and features major bands on several stages, there is an atmospheric torchlight procession from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill, a candlelit concert in St Giles’ Cathedral and sporting activities such as the Loony Dook – an icy plunge into the Firth of Forth on 1 Jan. For Edinburgh, Hogmanay has become one of the cornerstones of its year-round festival programme. Although not on the same scale, Glasgow schedules some family-friendly events during the day in the city centre on 31 December, and you should look out for fireworks in Aberdeen, a bonfire in Biggar, fireball swinging in Stonehaven and street parties in Dornoch, Inverness and Stirling.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, 30 Dec–2 Jan, edinburghshogmanay.org 84 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

FAMILY / MUSIC Eastwood Park, Giffnock, Greater Glasgow, eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

This one-day spectacular hosts a dry ski slope, festive arts and crafts fair, decoration making with the park rangers, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, live music and more.

7–9 DECEMBER

CROMARTY FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / FAMILY Cromarty, Highlands, cromartyfilmfestival.org

Otherwise known as the ‘My Favourite Film’ Festival, this event invites industry personalities to screen their film picks and discuss their choice afterwards. The festival prides itself on unusual locations, with past screenings taking place in a lighthouse, a garden and on the end of a house.

30 DECEMBER–2 JANUARY

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY MUSIC / FAMILY Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghshogmanay.com

See panel, left.

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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 H a r b o u r s A r t s Fe s t i v a l 43 Aberdeen Int. Youth Fe s t i va l 58 A b e r d e e n J a z z Fe s t i v a l 28 A b e r d e e n ’s 50+ Fe s t i va l 70 A b e r d o u r Fe s t i v a l 53 A b e r f e l d y Fe s t i v a l 82 A b o y n e a n d D e e s i d e Fe s t i v a l 52 AC Projects & OTO Projects Presents 32 Active Aboyne 71 Africa in Motion 80 A f r i c a n D r u m Vi l l a g e 56 Alchemy Film and Mo ving Image Fe s t i va l 79 A n g u s G l e n s Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l 42 A n n i c k Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l 68 Annuale 43 A O S D a n a B o o k Fe s t i v a l 67 A r b r o a t h S e a Fe s t 58 Arches Live!

72 Ardrossan Music Experience 40 ARIKA12 Episodes 1, 2 & 3 22, 27 & 30 A r r a n F o l k Fe s t i v a l 45 A u c h i n l e c k ’s Alive & Kicking Fe s t i va l 56 A u c h m i t h i e A r t s Fe s t i v a l 65 A u c h t e r m u c h t y Fe s t i v a l 62 A v i e m o r e Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l 39 Away Game 53 A ye Write!

28 Bach Collegium Japan 27 B a l l a t e r Vi c t o r i a W e e k 59 B a l l a t e r Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l 40 B a l l o c h m y l e O u t d o o r Fe s t i v a l 54 B a n c h o r y Fe s t i va l o f S c o t t i s h M u s i c 39 B a n k o f S c o t l a n d I m a g i n a t e Fe s t i va l 37 B a t h g a t e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l 74 Behaviour 27 Belladrum Tartan Heart Fe s t i val 58 B e l t a n e F i r e Fe s t i v a l 35 B e s t o f t h e We s t Fe s t i v a l 62 Bfest 62 Big Burns Supper 24 Big Stooshie 36 Big Te n t 54 B i g g a r L i t t l e Fe s t i v a l 78

B l a c k I s l e Wo r d s B l a s Fe s t i v a l Blazin’ in Beauly Bloody Scotland B o n S c o t t Fe s t Booked!

Books, Borders and Bikes Border Gaitherin B o r d e r s B o o k Fe s t i v a l B o s w e l l B o o k Fe s t i v a l Braemar Gathering Brew at the Bog B r i t i s h S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l B r u c e Fe s t i v a l B u r n s A n ’ A’ That B u t e L i n e d a n c e Fe s t i v a l C a l l a n d e r J a z z A n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l CA M R A A b e r d e e n G r a m p i a n a n d N o r t h e r n I s l e s B e e r Fe s t i v a l C a n t i l e n a Fe s t i v a l o n I s l a y C a r s e o f G o w r i e O r c h a r d Fe s t i v a l Ceilidh Culture Celtic Connections Ceol Cholasa Ceolas C o a s t Fe s t i v a l Coloursfest Cowalfest C r a f t Fe s t i v a l S c o t l a n d C r a i g n i s h A r t s Fe s t i v a l C r a i l Fe s t i v a l C r a i l F o o d Fe s t i v a l Crieff & Strathearn Dro vers’ Tr y s t C r i e f f B e r r y Fe s t i v a l C r o m a r t y F i l m Fe s t i v a l C u l r o s s M u s i c a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l Cumnock & New Cumnock Outdoor Fe s t i va l C u m n o c k M u s i c Fe s t i v a l DANCE:FILM DanceLive D a r v e l M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Dead by Da w n D e e p F r i e d F i l m Fe s t i v a l D e n h o l m F o l k Fe s t i v a l D i s c o v e r y F i l m Fe s t i v a l Document 10 D o o n Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l Doors Open Days D o r i c Fe s t i v a l D o u g l a s d a l e F o l k Fe s t i v a l Doune the Rabbit Hole D r o vers’ Tr y s t

70 70 78 71 36 39 65 43 45 37 68 37 68 66 42 72 73 42 50 80 30 22 70 50 41 43 76 42 53 52 46 77 62 84 43 35 47 83 78 37 30 62 81 76 78 63 68 74 71 66 77

D u m f r i e s a n d G a l l o w a y A r t s Fe s t i v a l D u m f r i e s F i l m Fe s t i v a l D u m f r i e s F o l k ‘ n ’ A l e Fe s t i v a l Dunbar Tr a d i t i o n a l M u s i c Fe s t i va l Dundee Blues Bonanza D u n d e e F l o w e r & F o o d Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e J a z z Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e L i t e r a r y Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e M o u n t a i n F i l m Fe s t i v a l Dundee Rotar y Oktoberfest D u n d e e S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e We s t Fe s t Dundee Women’s Fe s t i va l D u n d o n a l d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l D u n f e r m l i n e F o l k We e k e n d E a r l y Years Fe s t i va l E a s t K i l b r i d e F o l k Fe s t i v a l E a s t N e u k Fe s t i v a l E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e F o o d Fe s t i v a l E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e W i n t e r Fe s t i v a l E d e n Fe s t i v a l E d g e Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h A r t Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Book Fringe E d i n b u r g h Fe s t i v a l F r i n g e Edinburgh Independent & R a d i c a l B o o k Fa i r Edinburgh Interactive E d i n b u r g h I n t . B o o k Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . Fe s t i va l E d i n b u r g h I n t . F i l m Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . H a r p Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . M a g i c Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Int. Middle Eastern S p i r i t u a l i t y a n d Pe a c e F e s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h J a z z a n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Mela E d i n b u r g h M i l i t a r y Ta t t o o E d i n b u r g h M o u n t a i n F i l m Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h ’s C h r i s t m a s E d i n b u r g h ’s Fe s t i va l o f I r e l a n d E d i n b u r g h ’s H o g m a n a y Edindocs EH1 Live Electric Frog Enchanted Forest Fa clan Hebridean Book Fe s t i va l Fe i s R o i s I n b h i c h Fe s t i val o f A rt s & A ge ing Fe s t i val of Museu ms Fe s t i val of Po l i t i c s Fe s t i val of Spirituality and Peace Fiddle 2012

41 83 52 73 50 66 83 80 83 73 80 45 27 47 79 56 83 48 74 84 46 67 59 59 58 81 62 62 62 47 31 50 26 31 53 66 59 79 83 30 84 74 74 32 76 81 36 81 40 65 58 83

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Fiddle Frenzy F i f e Fe s t i v a l o f M u s i c F i f e J a z z Fe s t i v a l F i f e S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l Fifesing Flavour Fortnight Flavour Ta s t e r F o r fa r G a l a We e k F o r t W i l l i a m M o u n t a i n B i k e Wo r l d Cup F o r t W i l l i a m M o u n t a i n Fe s t i v a l F r e n c h F i l m Fe s t i v a l Fringe by the Sea F y n e Fe s t G a l l o w a y M u s i c Fe s t i v a l G i r van Tr a d i t i o n a l F o l k Fe s t i va l Glasgay!

Glasgow Americana G l a s g o w B e e r We e k G l a s g o w F i l m Fe s t i v a l G l a s g o w I n t . C o m e d y Fe s t i v a l G l a s g o w I n t . Fe s t i val of Vi s u a l A r t G l a s g o w I n t . J a z z Fe s t i v a l G l a s g o w Po e t r y W e e k G l a s g o w S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l G l e n fa r g F o l k Fe a s t G l e n s h e e H e a t h e r Fe s t i va l g o N O R TH G r e a t O u t d o o r s Fe s t i v a l G u i l d t o w n B l u e g r a s s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l H a d d i n g t o n Fe s t i v a l Haddowfest Halloween in Huntly H a r r i s A r t s Fe s t i v a l H a w i c k S u m m e r Fe s t i v a l H e b r i d e a n C e l t i c Fe s t i v a l Helensburgh & Lomond Real Ale Fe s t i va l H i d d e n L a n e Fe s t i v a l Hi-Ex: The Highlands Int. Comics Expo H i g h l a n d A r c h a e o l o g y Fe s t i v a l H i g h l a n d Pe r t h s h i r e C y c l i n g F e s t i v a l Highlands and Islands Music and D a n c e Fe s t i v a l H i p p o d r o m e Fe s t i v a l o f S i l e n t Cinema H i s p a n i c Fe s t i v a l H o r s e c r o s s Yo u t h A r t s Fe s t i va l H o u s e F o l k Fe s t i v a l Huntly Hairst I m a g i n a t e Fe s t i v a l Imprint Inky Fingers Minifest

59 24 26 28 37 66 36 47 44 26 82 59 43 28 36 78 76 70 26 30 34 48 73 44 34 67 44 74 53 41 35 79 50 65 51 40 48 31 74 37 35 30 81 44 82 68 37 82 59

86 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

I n n e r l e i t h e n M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Inside Out Street Theatre & Outdoor P e r f o r m i n g A r t s Fe s t i v a l I n s i d e r Fe s t i v a l I n s p i r a t i o n Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s B o o k Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s F i l m Fe s t i va l I n v e r n e s s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s W h i s k y Fe s t i v a l I r v i n e Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l I s l a y B o o k Fe s t i v a l I s l a y J a z z Fe s t i v a l Islay Sessions I s l e o f A r r a n M o u n t a i n Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f B u t e J a z z Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f C o l o n s a y Fe s t i v a l o f S p r i n g I s l e o f G i g h a M u s i c Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f J u r a M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Isle of Skye Accordion and Fiddle Fe s t i va l I t a l i a n F i l m Fe s t i v a l J a n K j e l l s t r ö m I n t . Fe s t i val of Orienteering K e l b u r n G a r d e n Pa r t y K e l s o C o u n t r y a n d We s t e r n Fe s t i v a l K i l m a r n o c k E d i t i o n Fe s t i v a l K i l m a r n o c k O u t d o o r Fe s t i v a l K i n g u s s i e F o o d o n F i l m Fe s t i v a l K i n t y r e S o n g w r i t e r ’s Fe s t i va l K i r k c u d b r i g h t J a z z Fe s t i v a l K i r r i e m u i r Fe s t i v a l o f M u s i c & S o n g K n o c k e n g o r r o c h Wo r l d C e i l i d h L a g a v u l i n I s l a y J a z z Fe s t i v a l L a m m e r m u i r Fe s t i v a l Lanark Music Connections L a r g s Vi k i n g F e s t i v a l L e i t h Fe s t i v a l G a l a D a y L e n n o x l o v e B o o k Fe s t i v a l L i n l i t h g o w B o o k Fe s t i v a l L i n l i t h g o w F o l k Fe s t i v a l Live @ Tr o o n L o a n h e a d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l L o c h F y n e F o o d Fa i r L o c h N e s s F i l m Fe s t i v a l L o c h S h i e l S p r i n g Fe s t i v a l L o c k e r b i e J a z z Fe s t i v a l Lomond Writers’ Gathering Loopallu L o r n D r a m a Fe s t i v a l L o s s i e m o u t h F o l k Fe s t i v a l Magners Glasgow Int. Comedy Fe s t i va l M a n i p u l a t e Vi s u a l T h e a t r e F e s t i v a l M a r g i n s B o o k a n d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l

63 54 46 80 56 82 28 32 39 70 71 82 40 36 35 48 72 41 32 32 50 37 26 47 24 43 45 70 42 71 71 66 68 44 81 81 70 66 44 40 41 36 74 30 72 30 53 30 24 27

M a r y m a s s Fe s t i v a l Mayfesto M c L e l l a n A r t s Fe s t i v a l M e a d o w s Fe s t i v a l M e a r n s C o n n e c t i o n s Fe s t i v a l M e n d e l s s o h n o n M u l l Fe s t i v a l M e r c h a n t C i t y Fe s t i v a l M i d d l e E a s t Fe s t i v a l M i l l p o r t C o u n t r y a n d We s t e r n Fe s t i va l M i l n g a v i e B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l M o n i a i v e F o l k Fe s t i v a l Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Fe s t i va l M o n t r o s e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l M o u n t a i n B i k e Wo r l d C u p M u l l o f K i n t y r e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l M u s i c A t Pa x t o n N a i r n B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l National Fe s t i val of Youth Theatre NEoN N e w c a s t l e t o n Tr a d i t i o n a l M u s i c Fe s t i va l N i e l G o w S c o t t i s h F i d d l e Fe s t i v a l Northern Nashville Countr y Music Fe s t i va l N o r t h e r n R o o t s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Northern Streams O f f t h e Pa g e On the Rocks O r k n e y B l u e s Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y B o o k Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y F i n e W i n e Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y F o l k Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y I n t . S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y J a z z Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l P a i s l e y F r i n g e Fe s t i v a l Pa p a y G y r o N i g h t s P e e b l e s A r t s Fe s t i v a l P e e b l e s B e l t a n e Fe s t i v a l P e e b l e s F o o d Fe s t i v a l P e e r i e W i l l i e G u i t a r Fe s t i v a l P e n i c u i k a n d D i s t r i c t A r t s Fe s t i v a l P e r t h & K i n r o s s C h e s s Fe s t i v a l Pe r t h A l l S c o t l a n d A c c o r d i o n & F i d d l e Fe s t i v a l P e r t h Fe s t i v a l o f t h e A r t s Pe r t h s h i r e A m b e r P e r t h s h i r e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Piping Live!

P i t t e n w e e m A r t s Fe s t i v a l P o r t o b e l l o B o o k Fe s t i v a l P o r t p a t r i c k F o l k Fe s t i v a l

62 35 67 43 58 50 56 26 66 70 37 72 41 44 63 52 68 52 82 50 30 32 43 34 70 34 72 34 44 42 70 34 79 81 26 66 47 81 79 74 24 79 39 80 44 59 56 76 74

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P o r t s o y M u s i c Fe s t i v a l : The Third Haal Previously . . . S c o t l a n d ’s Histor y Fe s t i va l P u p p e t A n i m a t i o n Fe s t i v a l R e f u g e e We e k S c o t l a n d Retreat!

R e w i n d Fe s t i v a l RockNess R o l l i n g H i l l s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l R o ya l E d i n b u r g h M i l i t a r y Ta t t o o R o ya l H i g h l a n d S h o w R o ya l N a t i o n a l M o d S a i l a n d O a r Fe s t i v a l Samhuinn Scotland Lo ves Animation S c o t l a n d ’s Countr yside Fe s t i va l S c o t l a n d ’s Histor y Fe s t i va l S c o t t i s h B o r d e r s Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Scottish Int. S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l Scottish Mental Health Arts & F i l m Fe s t i v a l S c o t t i s h R e a l A l e Fe s t i v a l Scottish Six Days Tr i a l S c o t t i s h S p e e d fa i r a n d C l a s s i c C a r Fe s t i va l Scottish Tr a d i t i o n a l B o a t Fe s t i va l ScreenPlay Selkirk Sessions S e p t e m b AY R Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Fe s t i va l S h e t l a n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d F o l k Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d F o o d Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d N a t u r e Fe s t i v a l S k y e S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l S o l a s Fe s t i v a l Sonic-a sound S o u t h e r n F r i e d Fe s t i v a l S o u t h s i d e F i l m Fe s t i va l Speyfest S p i r i t o f M o r a y B o o k Fe s t i v a l S p i r i t o f S p e y s i d e W h i s k y Fe s t i v a l Spring Fling S t A n d r e w s Fe s t i v a l S t A n d r e w s Vo i c e s St Magnus Int. Fe s t i va l S t M o n a n s C o m m u n i t y A r t s Fe s t i v a l St Monans Sea Queen Day StAnza

41 84 30 47 67 53 44 56 59 47 77 65 80 76 56 84 68 68 78 75 48 37 42 48 66 76 75 77 71 35 82 51 41 47 82 80 54 40 54 72 35 43 83 78 47 71 47 28

S t o n e h a v e n F o l k Fe s t i v a l S t r a n r a e r R N L I Pa r k F e s t S t r a t h a v e n A r t s Fe s t i v a l Streetland S t r i c h e n Fe s t i v a l Surge T i n t h e Pa r k Take One Action Film Fe s t i va l Ta k e a w a y C h i n a Ta r t a n D a y A n g u s Ta r t a n D a y E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e Ta s t e o f E d i n b u r g h Techfest in September T h o m a s F r a s e r M e m o r i a l Fe s t i v a l T h o r s a a F i l m Fe s t i v a l T h r e e L o c h s B o o k a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l Tiree Music Fe s t i va l T M S A K e i t h Fe s t i v a l To r r i d o n W i n t e r Walking Fe s t i va l Trad on the Ty n e Tr aq ua ir Sh ake s p ea r e Fe s t i va l T T 1 6 F i l m Fe s t i v a l Turing Fe s t i va l Tw e e d Valley Forest Fe s t i va l Tw e e d L o ve Bike We e k UCI Fort William Mountain Bike Wo r l d C u p U g i e F o l k Fe s t i v a l U l l a p o o l B o o k Fe s t i v a l U l l a p o o l G u i t a r Fe s t i v a l Up Helly Aa V o l u n t a r y A r t s We e k Wa l k I s l a y W a l k Fe s t W e e D u b Fe s t i v a l W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l Whisky Fringe W i c k e r m a n Fe s t i v a l W i g t o w n B o o k Fe s t i v a l Wild About Gairloch Wild Connections W i n t e r Wo r d s W i z a r d Fe s t i v a l Wo r d P l a y W o r d s : N o r t h L a n a r k s h i r e Fe s t i v a l of Books & Writing Young At Heart Fe s t i va l

50 65 75 35 50 52 51 72 22 31 34 51 75 82 75 72 54 50 27 75 41 67 65 78 41 44 54 39 76 24 39 34 37 26 43 59 53 74 47 81 22 66 66 75 42

GENRE MUSIC Aberdeen Int. Youth Fe s t i va l A b e r d e e n J a z z Fe s t i v a l

58 28

A b e r d e e n ’s 50+ Fe s t i va l 70 A b e r f e l d y Fe s t i v a l 82 A C P r o j e c t s & OT O P r o j e c t s Presents 32 A f r i c a n D r u m Vi l l a g e 56 Ardrossan Music Experience 40 ARIKA12 Episodes 1, 2 & 3 22, 27, 30 A r r a n F o l k Fe s t i v a l 45 A u c h i n l e c k ’s A l i v e & K i c k i n g Fe s t i va l 56 A u c h t e r m u c h t y Fe s t i v a l 62 Away Game 53 Bach Collegium Japan 27 B a n c h o r y Fe s t i va l o f S c o t t i s h M u s i c 39 B a t h g a t e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l 74 Belladrum Tartan Heart Fe s t i va l 58 Bfest 62 Big Burns Supper 24 Big Stooshie 36 Big Te n t 54 B i g g a r L i t t l e Fe s t i v a l 78 B l a s Fe s t i v a l 70 Blazin’ in Beauly 78 B o n S c o t t Fe s t 36 Border Gaitherin 43 Brew at the Bog 37 B u t e L i n e d a n c e Fe s t i v a l 72 Callander Jazz And Blues Fe s t i val 73 C a n t i l e n a Fe s t i v a l o n I s l a y 50 Ceilidh Culture 30 Celtic Connections 22 Ceol Cholasa 70 Ceolas 50 Coloursfest 43 C r a i l Fe s t i v a l 52 C r a i l F o o d Fe s t i v a l 46 C u l r o s s M u s i c a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l 43 C u m n o c k M u s i c Fe s t i v a l 47 D a r v e l M u s i c Fe s t i v a l 37 D e n h o l m F o l k Fe s t i v a l 81 D o u g l a s d a l e F o l k Fe s t i v a l 71 Doune the Rabbit Hole 66 D u m f r i e s a n d G a l l o w a y A r t s Fe s t i val 41 D u m f r i e s F o l k ‘ n ’ A l e Fe s t i v a l 52 Dunbar Tr a d i t i o n a l M u s i c Fe s t i va l 73 Dundee Blues Bonanza 50 D u n d e e J a z z Fe s t i v a l 83 D u n d o n a l d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l 47 D u n f e r m l i n e F o l k We e k e n d 79 E a r l y Years Fe s t i va l 56 E a s t K i l b r i d e F o l k Fe s t i v a l o f Sessions and Open Stage 83 E a s t N e u k Fe s t i v a l 48 E d e n Fe s t i v a l 46 THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 87

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E d g e Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h Fe s t i v a l F r i n g e E d i n b u r g h I n t . Fe s t i va l E d i n b u r g h I n t . H a r p Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h J a z z a n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Mela E d i n b u r g h ’s Fe s t i va l o f I r e l a n d E d i n b u r g h ’s H o g m a n a y EH1 Live Electric Frog Fe i s R o i s I n b h i c h Fe s t i val of A rts & Ag ei ng Fe s t i val of Spir ituality and Peace Fiddle 2012 Fiddle Frenzy F i f e Fe s t i v a l o f M u s i c F i f e J a z z Fe s t i v a l F i f e S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l Fifesing Fringe by the Sea G a l l o w a y M u s i c Fe s t i v a l G i r van Tr a d i t i o n a l F o l k Fe s t i va l Glasgay!

Glasgow Americana G l a s g o w F i l m Fe s t i v a l G l e n fa r g F o l k Fe a s t g o N O R TH G u i l d t o w n B l u e g r a s s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l H a d d i n g t o n Fe s t i v a l Haddowfest H e b r i d e a n C e l t i c Fe s t i v a l Highlands and Islands Music and D a n c e Fe s t i v a l H i s p a n i c Fe s t i v a l H o r s e c r o s s Yo u t h A r t s Fe s t i va l H o u s e F o l k Fe s t i v a l I n n e r l e i t h e n M u s i c Fe s t i v a l I n s i d e r Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Islay Sessions I s l e o f B u t e J a z z Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f G i g h a M u s i c Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f J u r a M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Isle of Skye Accordion and Fiddle Fe s t i va l K e l b u r n G a r d e n Pa r t y K e l s o C o u n t r y a n d We s t e r n Fe s t i v a l K i l m a r n o c k E d i t i o n Fe s t i v a l K i n t y r e S o n g w r i t e r ’s Fe s t i va l K i r k c u d b r i g h t J a z z Fe s t i v a l K i r r i e m u i r Fe s t i v a l o f M u s i c & S o n g K n o c k e n g o r r o c h Wo r l d C e i l i d h L a g a v u l i n I s l a y J a z z Fe s t i v a l L a m m e r m u i r Fe s t i v a l

67 58 62 31 53 66 30 84 74 32 36 81 58 83 59 24 26 28 37 59 28 36 78 76 26 34 44 53 41 35 51 35 81 44 82 63 46 28 82 36 48 72 41 50 37 26 43 45 70 42 71 71

88 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

Lanark Music Connections L i n l i t h g o w F o l k Fe s t i v a l Live @ Tr o o n L o a n h e a d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l L o c h S h i e l S p r i n g Fe s t i v a l L o c k e r b i e J a z z Fe s t i v a l Loopallu L o s s i e m o u t h F o l k Fe s t i v a l M a r g i n s B o o k a n d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l M e a d o w s Fe s t i v a l M e n d e l s s o h n o n M u l l Fe s t i v a l M i l l p o r t C o u n t r y a n d We s t e r n Fe s t i va l M o n i a i v e F o l k Fe s t i v a l Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Fe s t i va l M o n t r o s e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l M u l l o f K i n t y r e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l M u s i c A t Pa x t o n N e w c a s t l e t o n Tr a d i t i o n a l M u s i c Fe s t i va l N i e l G o w S c o t t i s h F i d d l e Fe s t i v a l Northern Nashville Countr y Music Fe s t i va l N o r t h e r n R o o t s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Northern Streams On the Rocks O r k n e y B l u e s Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y F o l k Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y J a z z Fe s t i v a l P a i s l e y F r i n g e Fe s t i v a l P e e r i e W i l l i e G u i t a r Fe s t i v a l Pe r t h A l l S c o t l a n d A c c o r d i o n & F i d d l e Fe s t i v a l P e r t h Fe s t i v a l o f t h e A r t s Pe r t h s h i r e A m b e r P e r t h s h i r e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Piping Live!

P o r t p a t r i c k F o l k Fe s t i v a l P o r t s o y M u s i c Fe s t i v a l : T h e T h i r d Haal Retreat!

R e w i n d Fe s t i v a l RockNess R o l l i n g H i l l s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l R o ya l E d i n b u r g h M i l i t a r y Ta t t o o R o ya l N a t i o n a l M o d Scottish Mental Health Arts & F i l m Fe s t i v a l Selkirk Sessions Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Fe s t i va l S h e t l a n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d F o l k Fe s t i v a l

66 70 66 44 36 74 72 53 27 43 50 66 37 72 41 63 52 50 30 32 43 34 34 72 42 34 81 79 79 39 80 44 59 74 41 67 53 44 56 59 77 75 76 77 71 35

S o l a s Fe s t i v a l Sonic-a sound S o u t h e r n F r i e d Fe s t i v a l Speyfest S t A n d r e w s Fe s t i v a l S t A n d r e w s Vo i c e s St Magnus Int. Fe s t i val S t o n e h a v e n F o l k Fe s t i v a l S t r i c h e n Fe s t i v a l T i n t h e Pa r k T h o m a s F r a s e r M e m o r i a l Fe s t i v a l Tiree Music Fe s t i va l T M S A K e i t h Fe s t i v a l Trad on the Ty n e Tw e e d L o ve Bike We e k UCI Fort William Mountain Bike Wo r l d C u p U g i e F o l k Fe s t i v a l U l l a p o o l G u i t a r Fe s t i v a l V o l u n t a r y A r t s We e k W e e D u b Fe s t i v a l W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l W i c k e r m a n Fe s t i v a l W i z a r d Fe s t i v a l Young At Heart Fe s t i va l

47 82 80 54 54 83 78 47 50 50 51 82 54 50 75 41 44 54 76 39 26 43 53 66 42

LITERATURE A O S D a n a B o o k Fe s t i v a l A ye Write!

B l a c k I s l e Wo r d s Bloody Scotland Booked!

Books, Borders and Bikes B o r d e r s B o o k Fe s t i v a l B o s w e l l B o o k Fe s t i v a l B u r n s A n ’ A’ That Ceilidh Culture D o r i c Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e L i t e r a r y Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Book Fringe Edinburgh Independent & R a d i c a l B o o k Fa i r E d i n b u r g h I n t . B o o k Fe s t i v a l Fa clan Hebridean Book Fe s t i va l G l a s g o w Po e t r y W e e k Hi-Ex: The Highlands Int. Comics Expo Imprint Inky Fingers Minifest I n v e r n e s s B o o k Fe s t i v a l I s l a y B o o k Fe s t i v a l L e n n o x l o v e B o o k Fe s t i v a l L i n l i t h g o w B o o k Fe s t i v a l

67 28 70 71 39 65 45 37 42 30 74 80 59 81 62 81 73 31 82 59 56 70 81 81

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Lomond Writers’ Gathering M a r g i n s B o o k a n d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l M e a r n s C o n n e c t i o n s Fe s t i v a l M i l n g a v i e B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l N a i r n B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l O f f t h e Pa g e O r k n e y B o o k Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l P o r t o b e l l o B o o k Fe s t i v a l Previously . . . S c o t l a n d ’s Histor y Fe s t i va l Scottish Int. S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l S k y e S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l S o l a s Fe s t i v a l S p i r i t o f M o r a y B o o k Fe s t i v a l StAnza T h r e e L o c h s B o o k a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l U l l a p o o l B o o k Fe s t i v a l W i g t o w n B o o k Fe s t i v a l W i n t e r Wo r d s Wo r d P l a y W o r d s : N o r t h L a n a r k s h i r e Fe s t i v a l of Books & Writing

30 27 58 70 68 70 34 79 76 84 78 41 47 72 28 72 39 74 22 66 75

ART 3 H a r b o u r s A r t s Fe s t i v a l 43 Annuale 43 ARIKA12 Episodes 1, 2 & 3 22, 27, 30 A u c h m i t h i e A r t s Fe s t i v a l 65 Big Burns Supper 24 B i g g a r L i t t l e Fe s t i v a l 78 C o a s t Fe s t i v a l 41 C r a f t Fe s t i v a l S c o t l a n d 42 C r a i g n i s h A r t s Fe s t i v a l 53 C u l r o s s M u s i c a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l 43 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Fe s t i val 41 E d i n b u r g h A r t Fe s t i v a l 59 E d i n b u r g h I n t . Fe s t i va l 62 Fe s t i va l o f A r ts & Ag ei ng 81 Fe s t i val of Museums 40 Fe s t i v a l o f S p i r i t u a l i t y a n d P e a c e 58 Glasgow Int. Fe s t i val of Vi s u a l A r t 34 H a r r i s A r t s Fe s t i v a l 50 H i s p a n i c Fe s t i v a l 81 M e r c h a n t C i t y Fe s t i v a l 56 M i l n g a v i e B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l 70 N a i r n B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l 68 NEoN 82 On the Rocks 34 Pa p a y G y r o N i g h t s 26 P e e b l e s A r t s Fe s t i v a l 66 Pe n i c u i k a n d D i s t r i c t A r t s Fe s t i va l 74

P i t t e n w e e m A r t s Fe s t i v a l R e f u g e e We e k S c o t l a n d Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Fe s t i va l Sonic-a Spring Fling S t M o n a n s C o m m u n i t y A r t s Fe s t i v a l S t r a t h a v e n A r t s Fe s t i v a l Streetland Ta k e a w a y C h i n a T h r e e L o c h s B o o k a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l V o l u n t a r y A r t s We e k W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l

56 47 75 82 43 71 75 35 22 72 39 43

THEATRE & DANCE Aberdeen Int. Youth Fe s t i va l A b e r d e e n ’s 50+ Fe s t i va l A b o y n e a n d D e e s i d e Fe s t i v a l Arches Live!

B a n k o f S c o t l a n d I m a g i n a t e Fe s t i v a l Behaviour Big Burns Supper B i g g a r L i t t l e Fe s t i v a l Ceilidh Culture DANCE:FILM DanceLive D o r i c Fe s t i v a l D u m f r i e s a n d G a l l o w a y A r t s Fe s t i v a l E a r l y Years Fe s t i va l E d i n b u r g h Fe s t i v a l F r i n g e E d i n b u r g h I n t . Fe s t i va l E d i n b u r g h I n t . M a g i c Fe s t i v a l Fe s t i va l o f A r ts & Ag ei ng Fe s t i val of Spirituality and Peace Fringe by the Sea Glasgay!

Highlands and Islands Music and D a n c e Fe s t i v a l H i s p a n i c Fe s t i v a l H o r s e c r o s s Yo u t h A r t s Fe s t i va l Inside Out Street Theatre & Outdoor P e r f o r m i n g A r t s Fe s t i v a l I n s p i r a t i o n Fe s t i v a l L o r n D r a m a Fe s t i v a l M a n i p u l a t e Vi s u a l T h e a t r e F e s t i v a l Mayfesto M c L e l l a n A r t s Fe s t i v a l M e r c h a n t C i t y Fe s t i v a l M i d d l e E a s t Fe s t i v a l National Fe s t i val of Youth Theatre Northern Streams On the Rocks P e r t h Fe s t i v a l o f t h e A r t s P u p p e t A n i m a t i o n Fe s t i v a l

58 70 52 72 37 27 24 78 30 83 78 74 41 56 58 62 50 81 58 59 78 35 81 44 54 80 30 24 35 67 56 26 52 34 34 39 30

R e f u g e e We e k S c o t l a n d Scottish Mental Health Arts & F i l m Fe s t i v a l Sonic-a Surge Tra qu ai r S ha kes p eare Fe s t i va l V o l u n t a r y A r t s We e k W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l

47 75 82 52 41 39 43

FILM Africa in Motion 80 Alchemy Film and Mo ving Image Fe s t i va l 79 ARIKA12 Episodes 1, 2 & 3 22, 27, 30 84 C r o m a r t y F i l m Fe s t i v a l DANCE:FILM 83 Dead by Da w n 30 D e e p F r i e d F i l m Fe s t i v a l 62 D i s c o v e r y F i l m Fe s t i v a l 76 78 Document 10 D u m f r i e s F i l m Fe s t i v a l 83 D u n d e e M o u n t a i n F i l m Fe s t i v a l 83 E d i n b u r g h I n t . F i l m Fe s t i v a l 47 E di nb u rgh M ou nt ai n F il m Fe s t i va l 79 Edindocs 74 Fe s t i val of Spirituality and Peace 58 26 F o r t W i l l i a m M o u n t a i n Fe s t i v a l F r e n c h F i l m Fe s t i v a l 82 Glasgay!

78 G l a s g o w F i l m Fe s t i v a l 26 H i p p o d r o m e Fe s t i v a l o f S i l e n t Cinema 30 I n v e r n e s s F i l m Fe s t i v a l 82 I t a l i a n F i l m Fe s t i v a l 32 K i n g u s s i e F o o d o n F i l m Fe s t i v a l 24 41 L o c h N e s s F i l m Fe s t i v a l M a n i p u l a t e Visual Theatre Fe s t i va l 24 M i d d l e E a s t Fe s t i v a l 26 On the Rocks 34 26 Pa p a y G y r o N i g h t s P u p p e t A n i m a t i o n Fe s t i v a l 30 Scotland Lo ves Animation 76 Scottish Mental Health Arts & F i l m Fe s t i v a l 75 ScreenPlay 66 S o u t h s i d e F i l m Fe s t i v a l 40 Take One Action Film Fe s t i va l 72 22 Ta k e a w a y C h i n a T h o r s a a F i l m Fe s t i v a l 75 T T 1 6 F i l m Fe s t i v a l 67 W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l 43 THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 89

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COMEDY A b o y n e a n d D e e s i d e Fe s t i v a l Big Burns Supper E d i n b u r g h Fe s t i v a l F r i n g e E d i n b u r g h I n t . M a g i c Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h ’s Fe s t i va l o f I r e l a n d Fringe by the Sea Glasgay!

Magners Glasgow Int. Comedy Fe s t i va l M e r c h a n t C i t y Fe s t i v a l On the Rocks P e r t h Fe s t i v a l o f t h e A r t s Scottish Mental Health Arts & F i l m Fe s t i v a l W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l

Whisky Fringe 52 24 58 50 30 59 78 30 56 34 39 75 43

FOOD & DRINK 3 H a r b o u r s A r t s Fe s t i v a l A b e r d o u r Fe s t i v a l A r b r o a t h S e a Fe s t B e s t o f t h e We s t Fe s t i v a l Brew at the Bog CA M R A A b e r d e e n G r a m p i a n a n d N o r t h e r n I s l e s B e e r Fe s t i v a l C a r s e o f G o w r i e O r c h a r d Fe s t i v a l C r a i l F o o d Fe s t i v a l C r i e f f B e r r y Fe s t i v a l D u m f r i e s F o l k ‘ n ’ A l e Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e F l o w e r & F o o d Fe s t i v a l Dundee Rotar y Oktoberfest E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e F o o d Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Mela E d i n b u r g h ’s C h r i s t m a s E d i n b u r g h ’s Fe s t i va l o f I r e l a n d Flavour Fortnight Flavour Ta s t e r F y n e Fe s t G l a s g o w B e e r We e k Helensburgh & Lomond Real Ale Fe s t i va l Huntly Hairst I n v e r n e s s W h i s k y Fe s t i v a l K i n g u s s i e F o o d o n F i l m Fe s t i v a l L o c h F y n e F o o d Fa i r O r k n e y F i n e W i n e Fe s t i v a l P e e b l e s F o o d Fe s t i v a l R o ya l H i g h l a n d S h o w S c o t l a n d ’s Countr yside Fe s t i va l Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight S c o t t i s h R e a l A l e Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d F o o d Fe s t i v a l S p i r i t o f S p e y s i d e W h i s k y Fe s t i v a l Ta s t e o f E d i n b u r g h

43 53 58 62 37 42 80 46 62 52 66 73 74 66 83 30 66 36 43 70 40 68 32 24 40 44 81 47 56 68 48 82 35 51

90 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

59

OUTDOOR Active Aboyne A n g u s G l e n s Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l A n n i c k Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l A v i e m o r e Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l B a l l a t e r Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l B a l l o c h m y l e O u t d o o r Fe s t i v a l Books, Borders and Bikes Cowalfest Crieff & Strathearn Dro vers’ Tr y s t Cumnock & New Cumnock Outdoor Fe s t i va l D o o n Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e M o u n t a i n F i l m Fe s t i v a l Enchanted Forest F o r t W i l l i a m M o u n t a i n Fe s t i v a l G l e n s h e e H e a t h e r Fe s t i v a l G r e a t O u t d o o r s Fe s t i v a l H i g h l a n d Pe r t h s h i r e C y c l i n g F e s t i v a l Huntly Hairst I r v i n e Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f A r r a n M o u n t a i n Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f C o l o n s a y Fe s t i v a l o f S p r i n g J a n K j e l l s t r ö m I n t . Fe s t i val of Orienteering K i l m a r n o c k O u t d o o r Fe s t i v a l S a i l a n d O a r Fe s t i v a l S c o t l a n d ’s Countr yside Fe s t i va l S c o t t i s h B o r d e r s Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l Scottish Six Days Tr i a l S c o t t i s h S p e e d fa i r a n d C l a s s i c C a r Fe s t i va l Scottish Tr a d i t i o n a l B o a t Fe s t i val S h e t l a n d N a t u r e Fe s t i v a l S t r a n r a e r R N L I Pa r k F e s t To r r i d o n W i n t e r Wa l k i n g Fe s t i va l Tw e e d Valley Forest Fe s t i va l UCI Fort William Mountain Bike Wo r l d C u p Wa l k I s l a y W a l k Fe s t Wild About Gairloch Wild Connections

71 42 68 39 40 54 65 76 77 35 63 83 76 26 67 74 37 68 39 40 35 32 47 65 56 68 37 42 48 51 65 27 78 44 34 37 47 81

HERITAGE A r b r o a t h S e a Fe s t B a l l a t e r Vi c t o r i a W e e k B e l t a n e F i r e Fe s t i v a l Big Burns Supper B l a s Fe s t i v a l Braemar Gathering

58 59 35 24 70 68

B r u c e Fe s t i v a l B u r n s A n ’ A’ That Carse of Gowrie Orchard Fe s t i va l Ceilidh Culture Crieff & Strathearn Dro vers’ Tr y s t Doors Open Days D o r i c Fe s t i v a l E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e W i n t e r Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Mela Fe s t i val of Museums Halloween in Huntly H i g h l a n d A r c h a e o l o g y Fe s t i v a l Huntly Hairst L a r g s Vi k i n g F e s t i v a l M a r y m a s s Fe s t i v a l M e a r n s C o n n e c t i o n s Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l P e e b l e s B e l t a n e Fe s t i v a l Piping Live!

Previously . . . S c o t l a n d ’s Histor y Fe s t i va l R o ya l E d i n b u r g h M i l i t a r y Ta t t o o R o ya l H i g h l a n d S h o w R o ya l N a t i o n a l M o d Samhuinn Scottish Int. S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l Scottish Tr a d i t i o n a l B o a t Fe s t i val S k y e S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l S t A n d r e w s Fe s t i v a l St Monans Sea Queen Day S t r i c h e n Fe s t i v a l Ta r t a n D a y A n g u s Ta r t a n D a y E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e Traq ua ir Sh akes p ear e Fe s t i va l Tw e e d Valley Forest Fe s t i va l Up Helly Aa

66 42 80 30 77 68 74 84 66 40 79 74 68 68 62 58 79 47 59 84 59 47 77 80 78 48 41 83 47 50 31 34 41 78 24

COMMUNITY A b e r d o u r Fe s t i v a l A u c h m i t h i e A r t s Fe s t i v a l B a l l a t e r Vi c t o r i a W e e k B i g g a r L i t t l e Fe s t i v a l C r a i g n i s h A r t s Fe s t i v a l C r a i l Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e We s t Fe s t Dundee Women’s Fe s t i va l F o r fa r G a l a We e k H a d d i n g t o n Fe s t i v a l H a w i c k S u m m e r Fe s t i v a l H i d d e n L a n e Fe s t i v a l Huntly Hairst

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L e i t h Fe s t i v a l G a l a D a y M e a d o w s Fe s t i v a l S t M o n a n s C o m m u n i t y A r t s Fe s t i v a l St Monans Sea Queen Day S t r a n r a e r R N L I Pa r k F e s t Streetland V o l u n t a r y A r t s We e k W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l

44 43 71 47 65 35 39 43

S c o t t i s h B o r d e r s Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l Selkirk Sessions Trad on the Ty n e Tra qua i r Sh ak e s pea r e Fe s t i va l Tw e e d Valley Forest Fe s t i va l Tw e e d L o ve Bike We e k

2. Ayrshire

The numbered order of the following areas corresponds to the map on pages 94–95.

A n n i c k Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l Ardrossan Music Experience A r r a n F o l k Fe s t i v a l A u c h i n l e c k ’s A l i v e & K i c k i n g Fe s t i va l B a l l o c h m y l e O u t d o o r Fe s t i v a l B o s w e l l B o o k Fe s t i v a l B u r n s A n ’ A’ That Cumnock & New Cumnock Outdoor Fe s t i va l C u m n o c k M u s i c Fe s t i v a l D a r v e l M u s i c Fe s t i v a l D o o n Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l D o u g l a s d a l e F o l k Fe s t i v a l D u n d o n a l d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l G i r van Tr a d i t i o n a l F o l k Fe s t i va l Imprint I r v i n e Va l l e y Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f A r r a n M o u n t a i n Fe s t i v a l K e l b u r n G a r d e n Pa r t y K i l m a r n o c k E d i t i o n Fe s t i v a l K i l m a r n o c k O u t d o o r Fe s t i v a l L a r g s Vi k i n g F e s t i v a l Live @ Tr o o n M a r y m a s s Fe s t i v a l M c L e l l a n A r t s Fe s t i v a l S a i l a n d O a r Fe s t i v a l S e p t e m b AY R

1. Scottish Borders

3. Dumfries & Galloway

POLITICS Document 10 Dundee Women’s Fe s t i va l Edinburgh Independent & R a d i c a l B o o k Fa i r Edindocs Fe s t i val of Po l i t i c s Mayfesto Take One Action Film Fe s t i va l

78 27 81 74 65 35 72

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY B r i t i s h S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Interactive E d i n b u r g h I n t . S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l F i f e S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l G l a s g o w S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l NEoN O r k n e y I n t . S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l Techfest in September Turing Fe s t i va l

68 80 62 31 28 44 82 70 75 65

LOCATION

Alchemy Film and Mo ving Image Fe s t i va l Books, Borders and Bikes Border Gaitherin B o r d e r s B o o k Fe s t i va l D e n h o l m F o l k Fe s t i v a l H a w i c k S u m m e r Fe s t i v a l I n n e r l e i t h e n M u s i c Fe s t i v a l K e l s o C o u n t r y a n d We s t e r n Fe s t i v a l M u s i c A t Pa x t o n N e w c a s t l e t o n Tr a d i t i o n a l M u s i c Fe s t i va l P e e b l e s A r t s Fe s t i v a l P e e b l e s B e l t a n e Fe s t i v a l P e e b l e s F o o d Fe s t i v a l R o l l i n g H i l l s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l

79 65 43 45 81 65 63 37 52 50 66 47 81 56

68 76 75 41 78 41

Big Burns Supper D u m f r i e s a n d G a l l o w a y A r t s Fe s t i v a l D u m f r i e s F i l m Fe s t i v a l D u m f r i e s F o l k ‘ n ’ A l e Fe s t i v a l E d e n Fe s t i v a l Flavour Fortnight Flavour Ta s t e r G a l l o w a y M u s i c Fe s t i v a l K i r k c u d b r i g h t J a z z Fe s t i v a l K n o c k e n g o r r o c h Wo r l d C e i l i d h L o c k e r b i e J a z z Fe s t i v a l M o n i a i v e F o l k Fe s t i v a l Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Fe s t i va l P o r t p a t r i c k F o l k Fe s t i v a l Spring Fling

68 40 45 56 54 37 42 35 47 37 63 71 47 36 82 39 40 50 26 47 68 66 62 67 65 75

24 41 83 52 46 66 36 28 45 42 74 37 72 74 43

S t r a n r a e r R N L I Pa r k F e s t W a l k Fe s t W i c k e r m a n Fe s t i v a l W i g t o w n B o o k Fe s t i v a l

65 37 53 74

4. Edinburgh & Lothians 3 H a r b o u r s A r t s Fe s t i v a l Africa in Motion Annuale B a n k o f S c o t l a n d I m a g i n a t e Fe s t i v a l B a t h g a t e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l B e l t a n e F i r e Fe s t i v a l Ceilidh Culture DANCE:FILM Dead by Da w n Dunbar Tr a d i t i o n a l M u s i c Fe s t i va l E d g e Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h A r t Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Book Fringe E d i n b u r g h Fe s t i v a l F r i n g e Edinburgh Independent & R a d i c a l B o o k Fa i r Edinburgh Interactive E d i n b u r g h I n t . B o o k Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . Fe s t i val E d i n b u r g h I n t . F i l m Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . H a r p Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . M a g i c Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h I n t . S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h J a z z a n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l Edinburgh Mela E d i n b u r g h M o u n t a i n F i l m Fe s t i v a l E d i n b u r g h ’s C h r i s t m a s E d i n b u r g h ’s Fe s t i va l o f I r e l a n d E d i n b u r g h ’s H o g m a n a y Edindocs EH1 Live Fe s t i val of Po l i t i c s Fe s t i val of Spiritua lity and Peace Fiddle 2012 Fringe by the Sea H a d d i n g t o n Fe s t i v a l Haddowfest H i s p a n i c Fe s t i v a l Inky Fingers Minifest I t a l i a n F i l m Fe s t i v a l L a m m e r m u i r Fe s t i v a l L e i t h Fe s t i v a l G a l a D a y L e n n o x l o v e B o o k Fe s t i v a l L i n l i t h g o w B o o k Fe s t i v a l L i n l i t h g o w F o l k Fe s t i v a l L o a n h e a d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l M a n i p u l a t e Vi s u a l T h e a t r e F e s t i v a l M e a d o w s Fe s t i v a l

43 80 43 37 74 35 30 83 30 73 67 59 59 58 81 62 62 62 47 31 50 31 53 66 79 83 30 84 74 74 65 58 83 59 41 35 81 59 32 71 44 81 81 70 44 24 43

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M i d d l e E a s t Fe s t i v a l Northern Streams P e n i c u i k a n d D i s t r i c t A r t s Fe s t i v a l P o r t o b e l l o B o o k Fe s t i v a l Previously . . . S c o t l a n d ’s Histor y Fe s t i va l Retreat!

R o ya l E d i n b u r g h M i l i t a r y Ta t t o o R o ya l H i g h l a n d S h o w Samhuinn Scotland Lo ves Animation S c o t t i s h I n t . S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l S c o t t i s h R e a l A l e Fe s t i v a l Take One Action Film Fe s t i va l Ta s t e o f E d i n b u r g h Turing Fe s t i va l W e e D u b Fe s t i v a l Whisky Fringe

26 34 74 76 84 67 59 47 80 76 78 48 72 51 65 26 59

5. Greater Glasgow AC Projects & OTO Projects Presents 32 Arches Live!

72 ARIKA12 Episodes 1, 2 & 3 22, 27 & 30 A ye Write!

28 Behaviour 27 B i g g a r L i t t l e Fe s t i v a l 78 Booked!

39 Celtic Connections 22 Coloursfest 43 D e e p F r i e d F i l m Fe s t i v a l 62 Document 10 78 E a r l y Years Fe s t i va l 56 E a s t K i l b r i d e F o l k Fe s t i v a l o f Sessions and Open Stage 83 E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e F o o d Fe s t i v a l 74 East Renfrewshire Winter Fe s t i va l 84 Electric Frog 32 Glasgay!

78 Glasgow Americana 76 G l a s g o w B e e r We e k 70 G l a s g o w F i l m Fe s t i v a l 26 Glasgow Int. Fe s t i val of Vi s u a l A r t 34 G l a s g o w I n t . J a z z Fe s t i v a l 48 G l a s g o w Po e t r y W e e k 73 G l a s g o w S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l 44 G r e a t O u t d o o r s Fe s t i v a l 74 H i d d e n L a n e Fe s t i v a l 48 I n s p i r a t i o n Fe s t i v a l 80 I t a l i a n F i l m Fe s t i v a l 32 K i n t y r e S o n g w r i t e r ’s Fe s t i va l 43 Lanark Music Connections 66 Magners Glasgow Int. Comedy Fe s t i va l 30 92 Scotland’s Festivals 2012 | THE LIST

M a r g i n s B o o k a n d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l Mayfesto M e r c h a n t C i t y Fe s t i v a l M i l n g a v i e B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l P a i s l e y F r i n g e Fe s t i v a l R e f u g e e We e k S c o t l a n d Scotland Lo ves Animation S o l a s Fe s t i v a l Sonic-a S o u t h s i d e F i l m Fe s t i v a l S t r a t h a v e n A r t s Fe s t i v a l Streetland Surge Ta k e a w a y C h i n a Take One Action Film Fe s t i va l Ta r t a n D a y E a s t R e n f r e w s h i r e W e s t E n d Fe s t i v a l W o r d s : N o r t h L a n a r k s h i r e Fe s t i v a l o f Books & Writing Young At Heart Fe s t i va l Piping Live!

27 35 56 70 81 47 76 47 82 40 75 35 52 22 72 34 43 75 42 59

6. Argyll & the Isles Away Game B e s t o f t h e We s t Fe s t i v a l B u t e L i n e d a n c e Fe s t i v a l C a n t i l e n a Fe s t i v a l o n I s l a y Ceol Cholasa Cowalfest C r a i g n i s h A r t s Fe s t i v a l F y n e Fe s t Helensburgh & Lomond Real Ale Fe s t i va l Highlands and Islands Music and D a n c e Fe s t i v a l I s l a y B o o k Fe s t i v a l Islay Sessions I s l e o f B u t e J a z z Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f C o l o n s a y Fe s t i v a l o f S p r i n g I s l e o f G i g h a M u s i c Fe s t i v a l I s l e o f J u r a M u s i c Fe s t i v a l L a g a v u l i n I s l a y J a z z Fe s t i v a l L o c h F y n e F o o d Fa i r M e n d e l s s o h n o n M u l l Fe s t i v a l M i l l p o r t C o u n t r y a n d We s t e r n Fe s t i va l M u l l o f K i n t y r e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l T h r e e L o c h s B o o k a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l Tiree Music Fe s t i va l T T 1 6 F i l m Fe s t i v a l Wa l k I s l a y

53 62 72 50 70 76 53 43 40 35 70 82 36 35 48 72 71 40 50 66 63 72 54 67 34

7. Stirling, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs Bloody Scotland C a l l a n d e r J a z z A n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l Doune the Rabbit Hole H i p p o d r o m e Fe s t i v a l o f S i l e n t Cinema Lomond Writers’ Gathering O f f t h e Pa g e

71 73 66 30 30 70

8. Perthshire, Angus & Dundee A b e r f e l d y Fe s t i v a l A f r i c a n D r u m Vi l l a g e A n g u s G l e n s Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l A r b r o a t h S e a Fe s t A u c h m i t h i e A r t s Fe s t i v a l Bach Collegium Japan B o n S c o t t Fe s t C a r s e o f G o w r i e O r c h a r d Fe s t i v a l Crieff & Strathearn Dro vers’ Tr y s t C r i e f f B e r r y Fe s t i v a l D i s c o v e r y F i l m Fe s t i v a l Dundee Blues Bonanza D u n d e e F l o w e r & F o o d Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e J a z z Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e L i t e r a r y Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e M o u n t a i n F i l m Fe s t i v a l Dundee Rotar y Oktoberfest D u n d e e S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l D u n d e e We s t Fe s t Dundee Women’s Fe s t i va l Enchanted Forest F o r fa r G a l a We e k G l e n fa r g F o l k Fe a s t G l e n s h e e H e a t h e r Fe s t i v a l G u i l d t o w n B l u e g r a s s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l H i g h l a n d Pe r t h s h i r e C y c l i n g F e s t i v a l H o r s e c r o s s Yo u t h A r t s Fe s t i va l H o u s e F o l k Fe s t i v a l I t a l i a n F i l m Fe s t i v a l K i r r i e m u i r Fe s t i v a l o f M u s i c & Song M o n t r o s e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l NEoN N i e l G o w S c o t t i s h F i d d l e Fe s t i v a l P e r t h & K i n r o s s C h e s s Fe s t i v a l Pe r t h A l l S c o t l a n d A c c o r d i o n & F i d d l e Fe s t i v a l P e r t h Fe s t i v a l o f t h e A r t s Pe r t h s h i r e A m b e r P e r t h s h i r e M u s i c Fe s t i v a l R e w i n d Fe s t i v a l

82 56 42 58 65 27 36 80 77 62 76 50 66 83 80 83 73 80 45 27 76 47 34 67 53 37 44 82 32 70 41 82 30 24 79 39 80 44 53

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S c o t l a n d ’s Countr yside Fe s t i va l S o u t h e r n F r i e d Fe s t i v a l T i n t h e Pa r k Ta r t a n D a y A n g u s Wild Connections W i n t e r Wo r d s

56 54 51 31 81 22

9. Fife A b e r d o u r Fe s t i v a l A u c h t e r m u c h t y Fe s t i v a l Big Stooshie Big Te n t B r u c e Fe s t i v a l C r a i l Fe s t i v a l C r a i l F o o d Fe s t i v a l C u l r o s s M u s i c a n d A r t s Fe s t i v a l D u n f e r m l i n e F o l k We e k e n d E a s t N e u k Fe s t i v a l F i f e Fe s t i v a l o f M u s i c F i f e J a z z Fe s t i v a l F i f e S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l Fifesing Inside Out Street Theatre & Outdoor P e r f o r m i n g A r t s Fe s t i v a l National Fe s t i val of Youth Theatre On the Rocks P i t t e n w e e m A r t s Fe s t i v a l S c o t t i s h S p e e d fa i r a n d C l a s s i c C a r Fe s t i va l S t A n d r e w s Fe s t i v a l S t A n d r e w s Vo i c e s S t M o n a n s C o m m u n i t y A r t s Fe s t i v a l St Monans Sea Queen Day StAnza

53 62 36 54 66 52 46 43 79 48 24 26 28 37 54 52 34 56 42 83 78 71 47 28

10. Aberdeen & Grampian Aberdeen Int. Youth Fe s t i va l A b e r d e e n J a z z Fe s t i v a l A b e r d e e n ’s 50+ Fe s t i va l A b o y n e a n d D e e s i d e Fe s t i va l Active Aboyne B a l l a t e r Vi c t o r i a W e e k B a l l a t e r Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l B a n c h o r y Fe s t i v a l o f S c o t t i s h M u s i c Braemar Gathering B r i t i s h S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l CA M R A A b e r d e e n G r a m p i a n a n d N o r t h e r n I s l e s B e e r Fe s t i v a l C o a s t Fe s t i v a l DanceLive D o r i c Fe s t i v a l Halloween in Huntly Huntly Hairst L o s s i e m o u t h F o l k Fe s t i v a l

58 28 70 52 71 59 40 39 68 68 42 41 78 74 79 68 53

M e a r n s C o n n e c t i o n s Fe s t i v a l P o r t s o y M u s i c Fe s t i v a l : T h e T h i r d Haal Scottish Tr a d i t i o n a l B o a t Fe s t i val sound S t o n e h a v e n F o l k Fe s t i v a l S t r i c h e n Fe s t i v a l Techfest in September T M S A K e i t h Fe s t i v a l U g i e F o l k Fe s t i v a l W i z a r d Fe s t i v a l

58 41 48 80 50 50 75 50 54 66

11. Highlands A O S D a n a B o o k Fe s t i v a l A v i e m o r e Wa l k i n g Fe s t i v a l Belladrum Tartan Heart Fe s t i va l Bfest B l a c k I s l e Wo r d s B l a s Fe s t i v a l Blazin’ in Beauly Brew at the Bog C r o m a r t y F i l m Fe s t i v a l Fe i s R o i s I n b h i c h F o r t W i l l i a m M o u n t a i n Fe s t i v a l g o N O R TH Hi-Ex: The Highlands Int. Comics Expo H i g h l a n d A r c h a e o l o g y Fe s t i v a l I n s i d e r Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s B o o k Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s F i l m Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l I n v e r n e s s W h i s k y Fe s t i v a l Isle of Skye Accordion and Fiddle Fe s t i va l J a n K j e l l s t r ö m I n t . Fe s t i val of Orienteering K i n g u s s i e F o o d o n F i l m Fe s t i v a l L o c h N e s s F i l m Fe s t i v a l L o c h S h i e l S p r i n g Fe s t i v a l Loopallu L o r n D r a m a Fe s t i v a l N a i r n B o o k & A r t s Fe s t i v a l Northern Nashville Countr y Music Fe s t i va l N o r t h e r n R o o t s M u s i c Fe s t i v a l RockNess R o ya l N a t i o n a l M o d Scottish Six Days Tr i a l S k y e S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l Speyfest S p i r i t o f M o r a y B o o k Fe s t i v a l S p i r i t o f S p e y s i d e W h i s k y Fe s t i v a l T h o r s a a F i l m Fe s t i v a l

67 39 58 62 70 70 78 37 84 36 26 44 31 74 46 56 82 28 32 41 32 24 41 36 72 30 68 32 43 44 77 37 41 54 72 35 75

To r r i d o n W i n t e r Wa l k i n g Fe s t i va l UCI Fort William Mountain Bike Wo r l d C u p U l l a p o o l B o o k Fe s t i v a l U l l a p o o l G u i t a r Fe s t i v a l Wild About Gairloch

27 44 39 76 47

12. Outer Hebrides Ceolas Fa clan Hebridean Book Fe s t i va l H a r r i s A r t s Fe s t i v a l H e b r i d e a n C e l t i c Fe s t i v a l

50 81 50 51

13. Orkney O r k n e y B l u e s Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y B o o k Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y F i n e W i n e Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y F o l k Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y I n t . S c i e n c e Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y J a z z Fe s t i v a l O r k n e y S t o r y t e l l i n g Fe s t i v a l Pa p a y G y r o N i g h t s St Magnus Int. Fe s t i val

72 34 44 42 70 34 79 26 47

14. Shetland Fiddle Frenzy P e e r i e W i l l i e G u i t a r Fe s t i v a l ScreenPlay Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Fe s t i va l S h e t l a n d B l u e s Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d F o l k Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d F o o d Fe s t i v a l S h e t l a n d N a t u r e Fe s t i v a l T h o m a s F r a s e r M e m o r i a l Fe s t i v a l Up Helly Aa Wo r d P l a y

59 79 66 77 71 35 82 51 82 24 66

Scotland-wide C r a f t Fe s t i v a l S c o t l a n d Doors Open Days Fe s t i val o f Art s & A ge ing Fe s t i val of Museums F r e n c h F i l m Fe s t i v a l P u p p e t A n i m a t i o n Fe s t i v a l Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Scottish Mental Health Arts & F i l m Fe s t i v a l V o l u n t a r y A r t s We e k

42 68 81 40 82 30 68 75 39

THE LIST | Scotland’s Festivals 2012 93

OUTER HEBRIDES

12

LEWIS

Stornoway

11

Durness

13

ORKNEY

visitscotland.com/wheretofindus

Kirkwall

Lerwick

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Information Centres

14

SHETLAND

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VisitScotland Information Centres have details of everything to see and do in Scotland. What’s more we can book tickets for events, activities and attractions, arrange transport and find accommodation anywhere in the country. So whatever you’re looking for, there’s only one place to go.

Find all you want to do in Scotland, in one place.

SFG12-13 map

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

VisitScotland Information Centre (open all year)

9

4

Š Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2012

Southwaite

Jedburgh

1

ABERDEEN

St Andrews

DUNDEE

EDINBURGH

PERTH

Scottish Borders 6 7 Stirling Ayrshire Dumfries & Galloway GLASGOW Edinburgh & Lothians Greater Glasgow Bowmore 5 Argyll & the Isles Brodick Stirling, Loch Lomond & Campbeltown 2 the Trossachs Ayr Perthshire, Angus & Dundee 3 Fife Aberdeen & Grampian Dumfries Highlands Stranraer Outer Hebrides Orkney Shetland

Oban

Pitlochry

Braemar

8

10

Cairngorms National Park Ballater

Aviemore

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Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Fort William

Fort Augustus

INVERNESS

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Craignure

Portree

11

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SFG12-14 Back Page

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SCOTLAND IS SUCH A CREATIVE PLACE, WE NEED A WHOLE YEAR TO TELL YOU WHY 2012 is the Year of Creative Scotland – a 12 month celebration of the nation’s artistic strengths, cultural assets, and creative vibrancy.

To find out more go to www.visitscotland.com/creative

Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led

by Creative Scotland, EventScotland, VisitScotland and VOCAL. Photo: Andy Ross, Scottish Dance Theatre