The Guide to Scotland's Festivals 2024

THE GUIDE FESTIVALS SCOTLAND 2024

TO ’S

PHOTO: LIEVE BOUSSAUW

FOREWORD

Feeling festive? It’s a question normally asked in December, when Christmas comes along to uplift sagging spirits. In Scotland, it’s a valid question in any month of the year. Not only does the country play host to one of the most famous of all festivals worldwide (the multi-festival August phenomenon known as the Edinburgh Festival), but it can also point to the evidence of the hundreds of festivals listed in this guide. As you’ll see, these arrive thick and fast, both large and small, with global reach or community focus, for old and young, embracing multi-cultures and covering every genre and niche of music and art, theatre and comedy, films and books, science, cultural heritage, food and drink, politics and outdoor activities. Not only diverse in content and format, they also take place right across the country, from city centres to suburbs, Highlands to islands, grand concert halls to tented villages, urban parks to village greens. Perhaps most importantly of all, the vast majority of the events you’ll find in this guide are made in Scotland, by and with local people, full of creativity, imagination, determination and organisation, whether directors, funders, participants, staff, supporters or volunteers. Any festival, whether annual fixture or tentative startup, is an achievement, and there’s no greater appreciation for those who make them happen than seeing folk coming along, getting involved, and getting festive.

Our aim with this guide is both to celebrate this remarkable diversity of artistic, cultural and

community activity, and to provide some handy information on the many hundreds of festivals and events planned for 2024. We’re grateful to our partners Creative Scotland in helping us to be able to showcase so much of what the country has to offer, as well as acknowledging the important role they play in supporting many of the events you’ll find in these pages. As so many of the festivals listed here confirm, the arts, culture and creative industries in Scotland survive and thrive through mutual support and encouragement, collaboration and multicontributor effort and belief.

While we work hard to ensure that the information we provide in this guide is accurate and up-to-date, do keep in mind that dates, line-ups and even the festivals themselves can change, so make use of our website (list.co.uk) as well as information provided by event organisers to check up on key details and updates. For further inspiration, you can also find lots of coverage of festivals and events in The List magazine, which can be picked up free across Edinburgh and Glasgow with a fresh issue out every month. The festive feeling is available any time of year: you’ve just got to reach out and grab it.

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL

Returning for its 41st edition in May 2024 with artists including The East Pointers, Dòchas, RURA, Hannah Rarity and Assynt; there’s also a collaboration between Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and Kris Drever. See page 39, orkneyfolkfestival.com

SOLAS FESTIVAL

This midsummer music and arts festival taking place in Perthshire puts social and environmental justice at the heart of its programming, with world music, theatre, literature and visual arts for all the family. See page 47, solasfestival.co.uk

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL

Performers from home and abroad descend on the Granite City in mid March for over a week of jazz and blues. Partner events Dundee Jazz Festival and the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival take place later in the year. See page 27, jazzscotland.com

NUART ABERDEEN

For a long weekend in early June parts of Aberdeen city centre are transformed for this street art festival with eye-catching murals appearing along with smaller pieces in unexpected nooks and corners. See page 44, aberdeeninspired.com

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

The International Festival sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre. The 2024 theme is ‘Rituals that Unite Us’, and productions include Bizet’s Carmen by OpéraComique. See pages 22 and 53, eif.co.uk

TRNSMT FESTIVAL

July is the month for this hugely popular music festival on Glasgow Green. The 2024 line-up includes Liam Gallagher, Gerry Cinnamon, Calvin Harris, Garbage, The Snuts, Rick Astley and many more. See page 51, trnsmtfest.com

PHOTO: LIEVE BOUSSAUW

PHOTO: GAELLE BERI

Project Editor:

Donald Reid

Copy Editor and Producer:

Paul McLean

Design and Layout:

Seonaid Rafferty

Listings by Data Thistle: Murray Robertson, Kelly Apter

Contributors:

Rachel Ashenden, Megan Merino, Lucy Ribchester, Ailsa Sheldon

Advertising:

Jayne Atkinson, Ewan Wood

Proofreading:

Jay Thundercliffe

Project Assistant:

Eve Johnston

CEO:

Sheri Friers

PRINCIPAL SUPPORTING PARTNER

SUPPORTING PARTNER

COVER IMAGES:

From centre top, clockwise: Fringe By The Sea (Mr Smith Aerial Photography); dancer; Leading Lines as part of Shetland Folk Festival; Borders Book Festival (Lloyd Smith photography); Afrique En Cirque as part of Assembly Festival (Peter Graham).

Published by List Publishing Ltd

2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh www.list.co.uk

email festivals@list.co.uk

ISSN: 2054-8036

© 2024 List Publishing Ltd

All rights reserved. No part of

This edition published February 2024 Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

DATE

NAME OF FESTIVAL

8 & 9 JUNE THE REELING MUSIC

Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, thereeling.com

CATEGORY LOCATION & WEBSITE

A new traditional music festival with a host of mainstage acts, plus secret sets, a kids’ area and quality food and drink. 2024 lineup includes Deira, DLÙ, Hannah Rarity, Kathleen MacInnes, Kinnaris Quintet, Niteworks, Siobhan Miller Band, Brìghde Chaimbeul & Aidan O’Rourke, Cala, Croft No. Five, Gnoss, Kris Drever and more.

For updates, latest announcements and details of all events and festivals in Scotland in 2024, go to list.co.uk/ scotlands-festivals

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

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

Many festivals are closely identified with long-established home venues. But being itinerant has its virtues too, as Megan Merino discovers

What is it that gives a festival its identity? The acts? Audiences? Or something in the setting and unique atmosphere? Most likely it’s a combination of them all. Compromise one element and you’d fear the magic would be lost. Yet different acts headline each year, and new audiences turn up. Is the location equally interchangeable? A handful of Scottish festivals have, by choice or by circumstance, had to come up with different definitions of ‘home’ in recent years.

A rotating singular venue has been the tantalising schtick of the Hidden Door festival since it began in 2014. Every year, organisers find a different derelict or disused Edinburgh building to reimagine, with previous locations including Granton Gasworks, Leith Theatre and the Old Royal High School. The spaces made available to them on any given year fully inform the shape that year’s festival can take. Their 2023 site, the former Scottish Widows building, boasted a vast square footage that allowed them to commission artists to create large-scale immersive environments unlike anything they’ve been able to pull off in other locations. 2024’s festival will take place later into autumn, and they’ve also announced an additional ten-year anniversary celebration event on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May, with an announcement on both venues eagerly anticipated as this guide went to press.

Probably the most famous itinerant festival in Scotland each year is the Royal National Mòd (October), the annual gathering of Gaelic culture with its extensive and prestigious competitions in music and song, dancing, drama, sport and literature. Having been in Dunoon, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth in recent times, it was held in Paisley last year, and for 2024 it will be making its way back to Oban, the town where the Mòd’s

MOVEABLE

Hidden Door

FEASTS

parent group, An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Highland Association), was founded in 1891. In that time, the Mòd has arrived in over 25 towns and cities across Scotland, some more often than others, but blending a sense of anticipation and familiarity with each year’s arrival in a different spot to the previous event.

A change of venue can also signify the beginning of a new era. A case in point is Edinburgh International Book Festival (August). After appointing new director Jenny Niven in 2023, the festival will be moving all events from Edinburgh College Of Art into the brand new Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place. After lying empty for the best part of 20 years, the old Royal Infirmary building has been refurbished to house not only University Of Edinburgh students and staff but also the wider cultural community. Auditoriums and open-planned collaborative spaces will be taken over by the book festival in this exciting new chapter.

Another book festival taking on some new spaces in 2024 is Paisley Book Festival (April), which will host events in the newly renovated Paisley Town Hall and the new Paisley Central Library. StAnza poetry festival (March) is one of a number of events to successfully blend ‘online’ as an additional venue in recent years alongside their annual infiltration of varied St Andrews locations such as The Byre Theatre, Botanic Gardens, Parliament Hall and Laidlaw Music Centre. While suited better to literary festivals than, say, food and drink or activity-based festivals, the hybrid option (handled effectively) can be much more than an emergency alternative and add an additional dimension to the reach and audience of an event.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh International Festival (August) has also seen new locations come and go over the years. Although it was sad to see the contemporary music strand at Leith Theatre make a departure under Nicola Benedetti’s directorship in 2023, her team opted to invite audiences into their HQ at The Hub on the Royal Mile, which was kitted out with cosy nooks and installations, as well as larger performance spaces. It proved to be a valuable addition to EIF’s string of venues, allowing visitors access to the heart of the festival.

Finally, a bit of inventive relocation for Ironworks, the famous music and comedy venue in Inverness. Having seen the doors of its permanent home shut for good in 2023, the management team behind Ironworks, along with Elephant Sessions, are behind the new Black Isle Calling music festival (September). Its location? The Black Isle Brewery near Munlochy. What could possibly go wrong?

PHOTO: DAN MOSLEY (AND BOTTOM)

PHOTO: JAMES DUNCAN

SMOOTH. RICH. PERFECT IN THE MIX

“The Stand is my comedy home and still the best club in the world” Kevin Bridges

image: Hands Up for Trad!

image: Martin Forry

image: Bleu Hope

image: Louise Bichan

The popularity of comic cons and zine fairs in Scotland reveals an appetite to engage with on-screen representations of fantasy, sci-fi and superheroes as well as their literary and artistic origins, as Rachel Ashenden finds out

It is no secret that, over the past couple of decades, the geeks have inherited the earth. Whereas once superheroes and comic books were an underground concern, they can now be considered juggernaut IP that is the source for the most successful films, TV and merchandise around.

In 2011, Scotland had one comic con. Just six years later, this had swollen to around 40 events, infiltrated by people from all walks of life. Among the largest out there are Comic Con Scotland (October, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh), ACME Comic Con (March, SEC, Glasgow), Glasgow Comic Con (June, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow) and Capital Sci-Fi Con (February, O2 Academy, Edinburgh). These events see thousands of comic book and film culture fans cosplaying as their best-loved characters in huge convention centres alongside displays of movie props and sets, video gaming and tabletop games areas, as well as aisles of trade stalls.

WE CAN BE

HEROES

The commercialism inherent in the association with mainstream media brands can mean that the original attraction of comic books and fiction can be overwhelmed by brash merchandise and celebrity sightings. While the bigger events do retain artist and author sections, some events focus less on bigscreen superheroes and more towards the creative and literary roots, not least WorldCon, which sees sci-fi writers and artists from around the world gathering in Glasgow in August for the 82nd World Science Fiction Convention.

The real antidote can be found in zine fairs. Characteristically inexpensive to make, zines have a charming DIY aesthetic of art, writing and publishing. Eclectic in their subject matter but often conveying an activist message, zines are designed to be swapped or sold for the small cost of printing. Scotland is fortunate to have major, community-led events take place in its central belt: Glasgow Zine Festival (May) and Edinburgh Zine Festival (February), both of which programme accessible, progressive workshops in conjunction with their vibrant markets.

The rise of comic cons and interest in zines may also reflect a covid effect. While subscriptions to media-streaming services rocketed during isolation, the vast archive at Glasgow Zine Library (organisers of Glasgow Zine Festival) nearly doubled at the height of the pandemic. It’s something the library interpret as an ‘organic response to people’s need for personal, meaningful creativity and activism’.

Aiming High

Scotland celebrates many aspects of its culture and heritage with festivals, so why not its spectacular and accessible mountains? Ailsa Sheldon rounds up the events that lift our eyes to the hills

Mo untain festivals bring together the aspirational and the accessible, the exceptional and the everyday. You might encounter an adventurer sharing their stories of breathtaking derring-do, then without contradiction find yourself learning how to be safe and practical in the hills. Whether you’re happy admiring those peaks on screen or are itching to explore, Scotland’s mountain festivals offer many new routes into accessing all aspects of the great outdoors.

Mountain festivals can be broadly categorised into film and outdoor activity festivals, with a few spanning both. Mountain film festivals draw together like-minded hill lovers, the Dundee Mountain Film Festival (November) being a great example. Run by volunteers from local climbing clubs, the festival offers an international programme of films, speakers, and art and photography exhibitions.

Set up in 1976 to promote understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places and share ideas and inspiration, Banff Mountain Film Festival tours the world every year bringing extreme adventure and the world’s last great wild places to the big screen. This year it stops off in Stirling, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Pitlochry (get details of the programme online).

Held in Scotland’s ‘Outdoor Capital’, Fort William Mountain Festival (February) is the largest of its type in the country. It began as a mountain film festival and quickly expanded to include interactive events, talks, workshops and active sessions that take you into the hills to walk or learn skills such as navigation and winter hillwalking. In 2024 the festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary and it’s more ambitious than ever, with speakers including some of the biggest names in the outdoor

Fort William Mountain Festival

adventure world such as mountain biking team Aneela and Andy McKenna, long distance trail runner Jenny Tough, record-breaking mountain runner Jamie Aarons and filmmakers Emma Crome and Hamish Frost, plus Hamza Yassin, wildlife cameraman, TV presenter (and winner of Strictly Come Dancing). Extreme sports on film include whitewater stand-up paddle boarding, while other activities available include guided wild swimming, a night run, family events, ceilidhs and quizzes.

The Ballater Walking Festival (May) started with the aim of bringing visitors to the area outside the usual summer season but the event also appeals to its local community. Jean Peacock, one of the organisers, emphasises that the festival has ‘a family feel, with walkers returning annually to enjoy walks suited to their own level of ability in the company of like-minded folk. It’s not necessarily about conquering the most challenging tops but walking at a level that suits the individual, even if you’re enjoying the mountain tops from a distance.’ According to Peacock, a benefit of organised festivals is that

they ‘take the stress out of planning your own programme and routes, you walk in company and in the knowledge that you’re in safe hands, transport is arranged, there’s a good range of walks to choose from, and the added enjoyment of social events in the evenings.’

Elsewhere, Newton Stewart Walking Festival, or ‘Walkfest’ (May), organises 30 walks over a week with transport and guides included, plus a busy programme of evening activities. Arran Mountain Festival (May) offers a great introduction to one of Scotland’s finest island hillscapes, while Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival (May) is a celebration of the life and traditions of cattle drovers as well as a chance to explore the routes they once plied through the hills of central Scotland. Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival (June) programmes walks varying from familyfriendly strolls to endurance events, and activities including cycling, kayaking, surfing and rafting, and more gentle pursuits like storytelling, wildlife walking and talks; an ideal way to enjoy the long light summer evenings in the North East.

PICTURE: JAY FRENCH

PICTURE: SILVIU DASCALU

Book

Only seven miles from Aviemore

EDINBURGH: FESTIVAL CITY

Come late summer, Scotland’s capital transforms from stately, sleepy city into a carnival of overlapping festivals. From art to theatre, comedy to cookery, there’s something for everyone, as Lucy Ribchester explains

Edinburgh, with its historic vistas, touristfriendly Old Town and national museums, can seem quite culturally traditional for most of the year. Every August, however, sees a casting of tartan sashes and fur coats to the wind as all manner of wonderful (and sometimes weird) festivals take over the streets. There is pretty much a festival to suit everyone in Edinburgh’s August line-up, from classical music to experimental theatre, free stand-up comedy, hot-ticket visual art and mouthwatering food. Honestly, the locals need an extra calendar month in the year to recover from it all.

Things kick off mid-July with the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (12–21 July). This celebration of jazz across the spectrum of genres attracts both internationally renowned musicians and home-grown talents, and takes place in venues from the cosy Chambers Street Jazz Bar to the opulent Spiegeltent. The jazz festival also hosts a carnival in Princes Street Gardens, which works with communities across the city to break down barriers to accessing the arts.

Appetites are whetted in late July with Edinburgh Food Festival (19–28 July) getting the action started in George Square Gardens, the

main HQ of Assembly’s festival activity, with its array of food trucks, stalls, bars and shady picnic tables. The separately run Foodies Festival (2–4 August) takes place in Inverleith Park, with Michelin-starred chefs rubbing shoulders with barbecue pitmasters, a kids cookery school, DJ sets and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

For locals, construction of the arena for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2–24 August), high on the castle esplanade, is the signal that festival season is nigh. An absolute institution, even if you don’t manage to bag a ticket for the international pageant, you’ll be able to enjoy the nightly fireworks and spot the flyovers as they roar overhead.

The big August festival is, of course, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which takes over the city for most of August (this year it’s 2–26). The Fringe sees Edinburgh transformed by street food villages, Spiegeltents, pop-up bars and a certain giant purple cow. There were over 3500 shows to choose from last year, presented by artists from 72 countries. If you’re struggling to pick something to see, the annual Made In Scotland showcase is a great place to start, for multi-disciplinary works from Scottish theatre-makers. It’s also always

PICTURE: ANDREW PERYY

worth checking out Taiwan Season’s cutting-edge dance programme.

2024 is Nicola Benedetti’s second year as director of Edinburgh International Festival (2–25 August). With its distinctive yellow branding across the city, EIF is the place to watch world-class artists and creatives. Yet you can also find free talks, casual workshops that demystify classical music, and pop-up performances from the likes of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. This year the theme is ‘Rituals That Unite Us’, and already the programme has been tempting us with a new dance-theatre piece from choreographer Crystal Pite and a production of Bizet’s Carmen by Paris’s Opéra-Comique.

For bookworms, a visit to Edinburgh in August isn’t complete without checking out Edinburgh International Book Festival (10–25 August). The book festival has had two exciting shakeups this year: a new director, Jenny Niven, and a new venue in the form of the sci-fi sounding Edinburgh Futures Institute, beside the Meadows. Niven is the former head of literature at Creative Scotland and a regular on The List’s annual Hot 100 tally of Scotland’s leading cultural creators. The programme launch is in June, but before then you can catch up on last year’s events via the festival’s stream-on-demand service.

For a breath of fresh sea air away from the city bustle, head 30 minutes along the coast to

catch North Berwick’s Fringe By The Sea (2–11 August). Fresh from winning the Thistle Award for Outstanding Festival in 2023, this is the 16th year of the seaside town’s eclectic fiesta. It brings together stand-up comedy, music, community theatre, avant-garde dance, and author events, and takes place within the town’s Lodge Grounds, with views of the Bass Rock.

The Free Festival (1–25 August) bounded onto the scene in 2004, looking to widen access for performers and audiences, and hasn’t looked back. This year it’s celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special charity show on 14 August, while continuing to champion accessibility by creating a neurodiversity and disability hub.

This year also sees the welcome return of Edinburgh International Film Festival (15–21 August). With a new director (Paul Ridd) the revamped festival’s aim is to champion fresh talent. Ten premieres of features and shorts will compete for prizes, with festival-goers invited to vote for the winners.

And if you’re looking for a moment of quiet among the melee, you could do no better than check out Edinburgh Art Festival (9–25 August). Shows and installations already confirmed for this year include an ambitious, large-scale piece by Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama at Fruitmarket, and a showcase of contemporary Ukrainian photography at Stills.

Edinburgh Art Festival, and previous page, Edinburgh International Festival

PRESENTS

14th – 24th March ‘24

20th – 22nd September ‘24

20th – 24th November ‘24

RELAX + GLIDE TO THE AIRPORT BY TRAM

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FEBRUARY

111 FEBRUARY MANIPULATE FESTIVAL FILM & TV FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, manipulatefestival.org

An annual celebration of excellence in the fields of animated film, puppetry and visual theatre. The 2024 festival includes a programme of animated shorts, live performances from Tortoise in a Nutshell, Megahertz and Sofie Krog Teater among others, and workshops in clowning and aerial.

2–4 FEBRUARY FOOD ON FILM FILM & TV FOOD & DRINK FAMILY

Various venues, Kingussie, fb.com/kingussiefoodonfilm

Four nights of great films, food and drink. The 2024 programme includes screenings of Riverwoods, Sweet Bean, Vatel and Bottle Shock

8–11 FEBRUARY WINTER WORDS FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry, pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com See Spotlight, right.

8–11 FEBRUARY SPECTRA: ABERDEEN’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT FAMILY ART

Various venues, Aberdeen, spectrafestival.com

Award-winning festival returns with another radiant programme of free artworks and installations. Now in its 10th year, Spectra sees Aberdeen city centre locations bathed in colour and light.

12–25 FEBRUARY DUNDEE SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY SCIENCE

Dundee Science Centre, Dundee, dundeesciencecentre. org.uk/festival Events, activities and scientific demonstrations, with opportunities for people of all ages to get involved. The theme for 2024 is ‘Discover, Explore, Play’.

15–18 FEBRUARY FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL FILM & TV OUTDOOR

Nevis Centre, Fort William, mountainfestival.co.uk

A mix of films, talks, sessions, family events, ceilidhs and quizzes, all celebrating mountaineering and the great outdoors. This year you’ll find a guided wild swim, a night run, drawing and writing workshops, hill walks and more.

17 & 18 FEBRUARY CAPITAL SCIFI CON LITERATURE

O2 Academy Edinburgh, capitalscificon.com

Edinburgh’s not-for-profit pop culture, comic and movie convention, with all profits donated to CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland). The 2024 line-up includes former Dr Who Paul McGann and Scottish actor Denis Lawson.

20–25 FEBRUARY GRANITE NOIR

LITERATURE

Various venues, Aberdeen, granitenoir.com

Now in its eighth year, this awardwinning crime writing festival has a 2024 guest line-up featuring Poirot actor David Suchet, writers Sophie

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

WINTER WORDS

Few book festivals boast the beautiful surroundings of Pitlochry’s annual Winter Words: the views of Highland Perthshire are the perfect backdrop to thought-provoking conversations and immersive storytelling. This year’s line-up is rich with authors whose work engages with the natural world. Dougie Strang talks about his debut nonfiction book, The Bone Cave, which explores the relationship between Scottish folk tales and the landscapes they come from; Catherine Moorhead presents her biography of mountaineer Doug Scott; and former BBC journalist turned Highland dweller Neil Ansell will be discussing his latest book, homing in on the wildlife on his doorstep. Meanwhile the fiction programme showcases Sally Magnusson with her acclaimed novel Music In The Dark, and Allan Radcliffe reading from his debut, The Old Haunts. (Lucy Ribchester)

 Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 8–11 February, pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/ winter-words-festival

ALSO HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY . . .

• CELTIC CONNECTIONS

FOLK, ROOTS & WORLD

MUSIC Glasgow, ends 4 Feb

• FIFE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

MUSIC Fife, until 9 Feb

• EDINBURGH ZINE

FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Edinburgh, 10 & 11 Feb

Hannah, Lisa Jewell, Denise Mina and Louise Welsh, and Scottish detective David Swindle who worked on the Peter Tobin case.

28 FEBRUARY–10 MARCH GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-filmfestival

See Spotlight, opposite.

29 FEBRUARY–3 MARCH EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL IMPROV FESTIVAL COMEDY

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, edimprovfest.com Workshops, shows and jams celebrating the best in improv from around the world. Headliners include Casey Feigh, Suzy Barrett, Ronnie Adrian, Jim Woods, Sarah Claspell and Will Hines.

MARCH

1–3 MARCH FIFE WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Cupar Corn Exchange, Cupar, fifewhiskyfestival.com Fife’s only whisky festival,

featuring over 35 distilleries and independent bottlers from all over Scotland, plus an opening dinner at Lindores Abbey Distillery.

2–17 MARCH DUNDEE WOMEN’S FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS POLITICS

Various venues, Dundee, dundeewomensfest.org.uk Events, performances, discussions and workshops across Dundee and online, centred around International Women’s Day. The theme for 2024 is ‘Blaw Yer Ain Trumpet – Wimen Mak It Happen!’.

2 MARCH NAAFC ANNUAL ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC HERITAGE

Grangemouth Town Hall, Grangemouth, naafcfestival.co.uk

Solo and group accordion and fiddle competitions, followed by a closing dance.

4–16 MARCH PERFORM IN PERTH MUSIC

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

Annual musical competition with classes in Scottish country dancing and baton twirling, poetry, prepared reading, dramatic solos, and music (vocal and instrumental solos, bands and orchestras).

7–10 MARCH BERWICK FILM AND MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL FILM & TV

Various venues, Berwick-uponTweed, bfmaf.org

The 19th edition of the festival will showcase films from Basma

al-Sharif, Emilia Beatriz and Nadia El Fani exploring themes of grief and liberation. Passes are available for the full programme of films, exhibitions, talks and parties.

8–10 MARCH

DORNOCH FIBRE FEST ART HERITAGE

Various venues, Dornoch, fibrefest.org.uk

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this festival of fibre and woollen crafts opens with a talk by Dr Andrew Crummy MBE, designer of the panels for the Great Tapestry Of Scotland and The Spirit Of The Highlands And Island Tapestry project. Plus stalls, social events and masterclasses.

8–10 MARCH

STANZA: SCOTLAND’S INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY

Byre Theatre, St Andrews, stanzapoetry.org

The 2024 festival theme is ‘Warp and Weft; a tapestry of poetry’, as StAnza weaves together threads of poetry, music, art and theatre.

8–10 MARCH

C2C: COUNTRY TO COUNTRY

MUSIC

OVO Hydro, Glasgow, c2c-countrytocountry.com

Country music extravaganza featuring some of Nashville’s biggest acts. The 2024 lineup includes Kane Brown, Brad Paisley and Old Dominion.

11–16 MARCH

GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues,

Dumfries & Galloway, gallowaymusicfestival.org.uk

Competitive music festival for amateur musicians of all ages. The event covers piano, brass, woodwind, recorder, strings, ensemble, vocal, choral, jazz, recital, composition, speech and more, with the public welcome to attend all competitions.

13–31 MARCH GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL COMEDY

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Glasgow’s comedy festival returns in 2024 with a stellar lineup of performers, including Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe, Ed Gamble, Reginald D Hunter, Mark Nelson, Frankie Boyle. Kieran Hodgson and many more.

14–24 MARCH ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Aberdeen, jazzscotland.com

Musicians and performers descend on the Granite City for over a week of jazz and blues, with everything from jamming and workshops, to chilled-out gigs on the green and late night sessions.

15–17 MARCH LOCHWINNOCH ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch, lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

Annual mini arts festival featuring a craft fair, live music, book launch and poetry, plus sessions in local pubs across the weekend.

7–11, 15–17 MARCH INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Inverness Methodist Church, Inverness, invernessmusicfestival.org

A showcase opportunity for amateur performers for over 100 years. All ages are welcome to join in and share their love of music and creative arts.

15–17 MARCH BORDERS ART FAIR

FOOD & DRINK FAMILY ART Borders Events Centre, Kelso, bordersartfair.com

Art fair featuring over 70 artists, galleries and makers from the Borders and beyond.

20–24 MARCH

GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowshort.org

The largest competitive short film festival in Scotland, providing an

SPOTLIGHT ON

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

Marking its 20th anniversary in 2024, as well as the 50th anniversary of its main venue, Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT), this year’s Glasgow Film Festival will celebrate with a batch of special screenings. Released in the same year as the Cosmo Cinema (which would later become GFT) opened, The Wizard Of Oz will be shown, as well as John Waters’ cause célèbre Female Trouble. Continuing the theme is Our Story So Far, a retrospective of ten classics from each anniversary in GFT’s history, including Wuthering Heights and The Godfather Part II. The festival will also focus on films produced in Czechia with a strand delightfully titled Czech, Please! This exploration will feature Vera Chytilová’s radical feminist Czech New Wave masterpiece Daisies along with newer films such as Is There Any Place For Me, Please? (Kevin Fullerton)

n Various venues, Glasgow, 28 February–10 March, glasgowfilm.org/ glasgow-film-festival

annual showcase and meeting point for new and established Scottish and international filmmakers, industry delegates and local audiences.

2024 MARCH

HIPPODROME SILENT FILM FESTIVAL (HIPPFEST)

FILM & TV FAMILY

The Hippodrome, Bo’ness, hippodromecinema.co.uk/ silent-film-festival

Scotland’s first and only festival of silent film with live music, centred in and inspired by Scotland’s first and oldest cinema; featuring screenings, commissions, workshops and community events.

2224 MARCH

HAWICK REIVERS FESTIVAL HERITAGE

Various venues, Hawick, hawickreivers.com

Go back in time to the 1500s with a festival that brings to life the reiver history of the Hawick region, with exciting re-enactments, drama, music, poetry and more.

2224 MARCH

BIG DOG CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY

Various venues, Dumfries, wigtownbookfestival.com/ourprojects/big-dog-childrensbook-festival

Organised by Wigtown Book Festival, Big DoG brings authors from across the UK to Dumfries, to share stories and inspire the next generation of readers and writers.

2224 MARCH

SCOTONOMICS FESTIVAL OF ECONOMICS POLITICS

The Little Theatre, Dundee, scotonomics.scot/festival-ofeconomics

Festival featuring panels, seminars and talks with high-profile speakers, plus art, comedy and music. Sessions will look at Scotland’s economy and our place in a globalised economy.

2224 MARCH

THE NIEL GOW FESTIVAL MUSIC

TANGO FESTIVAL 2024 THEATRE & DANCE

Paisley Town Hall, Paisley, renfrewshire.gov.uk

Tango festival with workshops, performances and parties.

30 MARCH–14 APRIL EDINBURGH SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, sciencefestival.co.uk

An extensive programme for all ages, with hands-on activities, talks, dynamic performances and more, centred around the 2024 theme of ‘Shaping the Future’.

APRIL

59 APRIL EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL

THEATRE & DANCE FAMILY MUSIC

ALSO

HAPPENING

IN MARCH . . .

• WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SPORT Glasgow, 1–3 Mar

• ACME COMIC CON FILM & TV Glasgow, 9 & 10 Mar

• GOVAN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Glasgow, 13–16 Mar

Birnam Arts, Birnam, nielgowfestival.co.uk Music performances and workshops celebrating the life of Perthshire fiddle legend Niel Gow, with events taking place across Dunkeld and Birnam.

29 & 30 MARCH LARBERT REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Dobbie Hall, Larbert A two-day festival showcasing over 50 ales, ciders and perries.

30 MARCH PAISLEY INTERNATIONAL

George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, harpfestival.co.uk Concerts, courses, workshops, sessions and more, celebrating the versatility of the harp. The 2024 lineup includes Italy’s Adriano Sangineto and Scotland’s Alice Guse.

6 & 7 APRIL SPRINGFEST: THE SCOTTISH FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk

One of Scotland’s biggest food and drink festivals, featuring cooking demonstrations by top Scottish chefs, workshops, Scottish and UK producers selling their wares, street food and more.

ALSO HAPPENING IN APRIL . .

• ANGUS FESTIVAL OF MAKERS ART Angus, 6 Apr–31 Aug

• DUNSPLAYFEST THEATRE Duns, 26 Apr–4 May

• FIFE BRASS BAND FESTIVAL MUSIC Dunfermline, 27 Apr

6 APRIL

CLACKMANNANSHIRE’S WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Alloa Town Hall, Alloa, slanjevents.co.uk

Meet some of the best distilleries, independent bottlers and over 40 whisky-related exhibitors. Visitors can also enjoy an exhibition on the history of whisky production, watch a whisky cask being assembled and sample hundreds of whiskies.

7 APRIL

SCOTTISH VEGAN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, scottishveganfestival.com

Local and independent businesses selling all-vegan food and drink, clothing, cruelty-free cosmetics, gifts, crafts and more. Plus a programme of talks, films and cooking demos.

13 & 14 APRIL

SCOTLAND’S DAFFODIL FESTIVAL OUTDOOR HERITAGE

Backhouse Rossie Estate, Collessie, backhouserossie.co.uk

Experience the only National Scientific Collection of narcissus in the world and take a woodland daffodil walk to the ruined

Covenanters Tomb. There’s something for everyone here with stalls, plant sales, a garden fete and festival café too.

13 & 14 APRIL

TERMINAL V FESTIVAL MUSIC

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, terminalv.co.uk

Terminal V Festival is back for its 10th edition, featuring a huge lineup of the world’s biggest electronic music acts including Amelie Lens, Big Miz, Ewan McVicar, Héctor Oaks, Jayda G, Sara Landry and many more.

16, 18–20 APRIL

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling & Eden Court Theatre And Cinema, Inverness, banff-uk.com

The best short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. The 2024 programme includes Chronoception, Soundscape, Going Greenland and more. Also showing in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Pitlochry on various other dates in the year.

19 & 20 APRIL BISCUIT FACTORY BEVERAGE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

The Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, biscuitfactory.co.uk/bfbf

A new festival featuring over 50 exhibitors showcasing exceptional beer, boutique spirits, fine wines, and quality beverages of all types from across the globe. Plus street food, DJs, retro drinking games, masterclasses and workshops.

19–21 APRIL SANDS:

INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL OF ST ANDREWS

FILM & TV

Byre Theatre, St Andrews, sands-iff.com

Back for its third edition, featuring fiction and non-fiction feature films from across the world.

20 APRIL

GLENFARG FOLK FEAST FAMILY MUSIC

Glenfarg Village Hall, Glenfarg, glenfargfolkclub.com

This friendly festival features live music, storytelling and poetry, with 2024’s line-up including Karine Polwart, Perth duo Plaidsong and Anthony John Clarke & Julia Porter.

25–28 APRIL

PAISLEY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Various venues, Paisley, paisleybookfest.com

Now in its 5th year, the cream of the literary crop come to town for readings, discussions, interviews and workshops. Programmed by Jess Orr, for the first time events will be hosted in the newly renovated Paisley Town Hall and the new Paisley Central Library.

26–28 APRIL

MULL MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Tobermory, Isle Of Mull, fb.com/mullmusicfestival Lively Scottish music festival, with folk-rock, fiddle, accordion, dance and ceilidh bands.

26–28 APRIL

NORTHERN STREAMS MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

The Pleasance, Edinburgh, northernstreams.org Festival featuring Nordic/

PAISLEY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

Paisley’s two-day outdoor food festival returns this spring in a vibrant takeover of Paisley’s Abbey Close and Bridge Street. For a couple of days in late April, the town centre will be filled with street food traders, producers and bars, offering an exciting range of food and drink to try from across the region and around the world. Expect great bands at the Live Stage with a packed programme of music and entertainment. The free event is family friendly with plenty for the wee ones: last year this included come-and-try workshops like biscuit decorating, circus skills and face painting too. Vendors for this year are still under wraps but as long as you arrive hungry you’ll be guaranteed a great day out. (Ailsa Sheldon) n Paisley town centre, 26 & 27 April, paisley.is

Scandinavian and traditional Scottish music, song and dance, with concerts, workshops and sessions from up-and-coming and established artists.

26 & 27 APRIL

PAISLEY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Paisley, paisley.is

See Spotlight, above.

27 & 28 APRIL

COLONSAY BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE FAMILY

Colonsay Village Hall, Scalasaig, Isle Of Colonsay, colonsaybookfestival.org.uk

Book festival with readings and performances, plus opportunities

to meet and chat with authors. The 2024 line-up includes Victoria Bennett, Graeme Macrae Burnet, Eimear McBride, Michael Pederson and ES Thomson.

27 APRIL

SCOTLAND CALLING MUSIC

O2 Academy Glasgow, academymusicgroup.com

One-day punk festival with the 2024 lineup featuring Sham 69, Buzzcocks, UK Subs, Ferocious Dog, Theatre of Hate and more.

28 APRIL

GLASGOW BLUES, RHYTHM & ROCK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Òran Mór, Glasgow,

solidentertainments.com/blues/ glasgow

Festival featuring Cardinal Black, Elles Bailey, Beaux Gris Gris & the Apocalypse, Connor Selby and the Greig Taylor Band.

29 APRIL–12 MAY

COLONSAY FESTIVAL OF SPRING

COMMUNITY FAMILY MUSIC OUTDOOR

Various venues, Isle Of Colonsay, colonsayspringfest.com

Learn all about the island’s rich natural heritage through guided walks, activities and events.

30 APRIL

BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL OUTDOOR HERITAGE

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beltane.org Modern interpretation of the ancient Beltane fertility festival on spectacular Calton Hill. Beltane Fire Society performs the story of the death of winter and the birth of summer via dance, drumming, debauched acrobatics, giant puppetry and, of course, fire.

MAY

1–3 MAY WIDE DAYS MUSIC

Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, widedays.com

Scotland’s annual music convention, featuring live performances, workshops, panel discussions and networking.

1–6 MAY

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Various venues, Speyside, spiritofspeyside.com/festivals/ whisky

Speyside’s famous distilleries invite visitors to meet the makers and taste the finest whiskies. Plus food, live music, talks, tastings, tours and more.

1–5 MAY

LOCH SHIEL FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Loch Shiel, lochshielfestival.com

A festival of classical chamber music set by stunning Loch Shiel.

2–5 MAY

ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL

FILM & TV ART

Various venues, Hawick, alchemyfilmandarts.org.uk

Now in its 14th year, this festival of experimental film features an international programme of cinema screenings, moving-image exhibitions and live performances.

2–5 MAY

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Shetland, shetlandfolkfestival.com

Visiting and local acts are welcomed at the UK’s most northerly folk festival, now in its 42nd year. Concerts are performed throughout the isles, featuring the best international, British and Shetland music.

3–5 MAY

GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Girvan, girvantraditionalfolkfestival.org.uk Now in its 49th year, this popular festival run by Girvan Folk Club features open sessions, concerts, workshops, a ceilidh,

storytelling, talks, trails and children’s events.

3–12 MAY

FOLK FILM GATHERING FILM & TV HERITAGE

Various venues, Edinburgh, folkfilmgathering.com

The world’s first festival of folk cinema, celebrating the lived experiences of communities worldwide, with screenings and events across Edinburgh and online.

3 & 4 MAY

GLASGOW ZINE FEST LITERATURE

CCA, Glasgow, glasgowzinelibrary.com/ glasgow-zine-fest, Zine fest featuring talks, workshops and a fair, with zine makers from throughout the UK.

3–5 MAY BONFEST MUSIC

Various venues, Kirriemuir, bonfest.com

Fans descend on Kirriemuir to celebrate its most rock‘n’roll son, AC/DC frontman Bon Scott. The 2024 lineup includes Screaming Eagles, Powerage UK, Tyketto, Bon UK and AC/DC Experience.

3–5 MAY

MUCK N’ MAC FEST OUTDOOR

Traquair House, Innerleithen, mucknmacfest.co.uk

A weekend centred on some of the Borders’ best off-road (the ‘muck’) and tarmac (the ‘mac’) bike riding, along with music, food and drink, camping and kids’ activities

3–13 MAY

EDINBURGH TRADFEST

MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghtradfest.com

Annual celebration of traditional music from around the globe, with a programme of concerts and workshops, performed and hosted by world-class musicians.

4 MAY

STEREOFUNK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton, stereofunkfestival.co.uk Boutique music festival with a historic backdrop. 2024 line-up includes Vengaboys, the KLF’s Wanda Dee, Snap!, Urban Cookie Collective, Dream Frequency, Amen UK and many more.

4–19 MAY FALKIRK

SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY

SCIENCE

Various venues, Falkirk, falkirkleisureandculture.org

The fourth Falkirk Science Festival features a wide range of activities, talks and screenings. Strands for 2024 include ‘Innovate’ for children and families, ‘Science In A Kelpie’ for adults and young adults, and ‘Wild Science’ exploring animals and ecology.

4 & 5 MAY

MACMORAY EASTER FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Cooper Park, Elgin, macmoray.com

Family-friendly festival with children’s activities, food stalls and a funfair. Confirmed acts for 2024 include Blue, Peter Andre, Scouting For Girls, Basshunter, Bad Manners, D:Ream, Gareth Gates, Hue and Cry and many more.

VALTOS JULIE FOWLIS

MARTIN SIMPSON NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC

THE FRETLESS with MADELEINE ROGER

LENA JONSSON & BRITTANY HAAS

RACHEL NEWTON BIRDVOX

DÀIMH TRIPTIC AND MANY MORE...

Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

Alexander Aga Røynstrand

Assynt

Auskerry

Brennen Leigh

The Chair

Charm of Finches

Claire Hastings Corner House

Dòchas

The East Pointers Genticorum

The Glencraig Scottish Dance Band

Hannah Rarity

Ivan Drever

Jack Rutter

JenEric

Jennifer Wrigley and Laurence Wilson

Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd

Mallory Johnson

McGoldrick, McCusker, Drever

Nora Brown with Stephanie Coleman

Quote the Raven

Rachel Hair & Ron Jappy RANT

Rum Ragged RURA

Ryan Young

Saltfishforty

plus many more to be announced… 23-26

4–6 MAY

OPEN STUDIOS NORTH FIFE

HERITAGE ART

Various venues, Fife, openstudiosfife.co.uk

Speak to artists about their sources of inspiration and buy or commission directly from them. Some run workshops and demos, and you get to see the interesting spaces in which they create.

5 MAY

DUNDEE DANCE EVENT MUSIC

Various venues, Dundee, dundeedanceevent.co.uk

The largest event in the UK for local, up-and-coming DJs and artists. In 2024, it takes place in 30 venues with almost 200 DJs and artists performing, and almost 4000 clubbers celebrating.

9–11 MAY SKYE LIVE MUSIC

The Lump, Portree, Isle Of Skye, skyelive.co.uk

Music festival offering a fusion of genres, with traditional music, bands, DJs and dance acts. The 2024 line-up includes Tide Lines, Peatbog Faeries, Skerryvore, HEISK, Dallahan and many more.

10 & 11 MAY

HIDDEN DOOR’S BIRTHDAY PARTY MULTI-ARTS

Venue tbc, Edinburgh, hiddendoorarts.org

In their time-honoured fashion, Hidden Door will be alighting on a mystery space for a special two-day bash to celebrate their 10th anniversary, with a bigger five-day festival also planned later in 2024.

10–16 MAY

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR

Various venues, Newton Stewart, walkfestnewtonstewart.com

Walkfest offers around 30 routes in unspoiled landscapes, with transport and guides included as well as a programme of social events.

10–12 MAY

FIFESING: THE FIFE TRADITIONAL SINGING FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Falkland & Freuchie, springthyme.co.uk/ fifesing

A celebration of traditional singing with a lively series of concerts, singarounds, sessions, workshops, demos and talks.

10–12 MAY MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Moniaive, moniaivefolkfestival.com

Music sessions, a family events programme, craft fair, open stages, workshops, food, drink and more.

10–12 MAY BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY

Dumfries House, Cumnock, boswellbookfestival.co.uk

Inspired by the great Ayrshire biographer James Boswell, this is the world’s only festival of biography and memoir, attracting big-name authors each year.

10–13 MAY

CRIEFF & STRATHEARN DROVERS’ TRYST WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR

SPOTLIGHT ON .

AYE WRITE! GLASGOW’S BOOK FESTIVAL

You can tell from the name alone that Glasgow’s Aye Write is the cheekier, more laid-back sibling to Edinburgh’s older, more established book festival. The festival always attracts big names in Scottish literature, as well as international authors, and has an egalitarian approach to celebrating books across multiple genres (last year featured 175 authors including crime fiction giants, Booker Prize winners, celebrity memoirists, journalists and literary cool kids). Many events are panel style, featuring two or three writers grouped by subject, meaning you can head along to hear your favourite author while discovering new ones. And for budding novelists, there’s a rich programme of creative writing workshops, covering everything from staring down the dreaded blank page to editing your work.

(Lucy Ribchester)

n Mitchell Library & Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, 16–26 May, ayewrite.com

Various venues, Strathearn & Perthshire, droverstryst.com

A celebration of the life, work and traditions of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. Enjoy a programme of guided walks in stunning scenery.

11 MAY

FESTHAILES 2024: THE TRIBUTE YEAR

THEATRE & DANCE FAMILY MUSIC

Newhailes House, Musselburgh, nts.org.uk/visit/places/newhailes

Family-friendly music festival with a line-up of musical acts including Voyage The Abba Tribute and Stepz, plus funfair rides, street food, wine bar, face painting and more.

11 & 12 MAY

GLASGOW COFFEE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

The Briggait, Glasgow, glasgowcoffeefestival.com

A celebration of the mighty coffee bean, showcasing Scotland’s speciality coffee scene. There are roasters, bars, brews and baristas

KNOCKENGORROCH

The hills of Galloway play host to Knockengorroch, a four-day music festival welcoming 3000 visitors to enjoy a variety of international and local acts from across the musical spectrum. In dance music, highlights include acid house veterans 808 State, synth-pop dance duo Maranta, perennial party starters Mungo Hi Fi and more. In folk, there are the intimate sounds of Ewan Macintyre, Highlands-based Jemima Thewes & LANES, as well as Celtic-electronica mash-up Yoko Pwno. And that’s not to mention the diverse range of reggae, ska punk and heavy blues. Billing itself as a family festival, the programme also includes all-ages workshops and activities including circus skills, fairy garden building, dream catcher making, Gaelic singing, storytelling and puppet shows. It’s the longest running green-fields festival in Scotland, offering a variety of camping options from standard tents to bell yurts. (Kevin Fullerton)

 Kirkcudbright, Galloway, 23–26 May, knockengorroch.org.uk

hosting tastings and presentations (a single-use cup-free event, so bring your own reusable cup).

11 MAY

WOODLAND DANCE PROJECT MUSIC

Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge, woodlanddanceproject.co.uk Set in lush surroundings, Woodland Dance Project features performances from international DJs alongside local stars.

1619 MAY DUNDEAD FILM

Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, dca.org.uk

Cinematic thrills and scares, with sneak previews and terrifying classics from the horror genre.

1619 MAY ORKNEY NATURE FESTIVAL FAMILY OUTDOOR

Various venues, Orkney, orkneynaturefestival.org

Explore Orkney’s fascinating wildlife through walks, talks, activities, demonstrations, concerts and more.

1626 MAY

AYE WRITE! GLASGOW’S BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Mitchell Library & Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, ayewrite.com

See Spotlight, page 35.

17 & 18 MAY STRICHEN FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Strichen, buchanheritagesociety.co.uk/ strichen-festival

This friendly festival has been

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

Supporting Scotland’s Cultural Festivals

Creative Scotland supports festivals in cities, islands, towns and villages, bringing people together throughout the year.

We look forward to celebrating Scotland’s rich and diverse traditions, art, culture and creativity with you in 2024.

@creativescots /creativescots /creativescotland

Maim. Theatre Gu Leòr, Dir. Muireann Kelly. Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic

Four fabulous days of talks, comedy, live music, food & drink, family events, and much more...

We provide quality and personable Security, Crowd Safety, Facilities Management, and Training services to Scotland’s venue and event sector.

Founded in 2007, we are an SIA Approved Contractor, a member of the United Kingdom Crowd Management Association, and a Real Living Wage Employer.

To discuss how we can help support your venue or event, get in touch at hello@inhouse.scot

running since 1984 and offers a programme of music, song, verse, drama and dance, plus competitions and ceilidhs.

17–19 MAY

SPRINGGRASS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL MUSIC

The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, tradmusic.com

Enjoy fantastic bluegrass/ Americana concerts and picking sessions in the festival marquee.

17–20 MAY

ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR

Various venues, Arran, arranmountainfestival.co.uk

An opportunity to meet like-minded people, discover a fascinating island and have unforgettable days in the safe hands of experienced local leaders.

18–24 MAY

BALLATER WALKING FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR

Various venues, Ballater, walkballater.com

Outdoor festival catering to walkers of all abilities. Making the most of magnificent views on easy, medium and strenuous walks, events are led by knowledgeable local residents, full-time rangers and professional mountain guides.

21 & 22 MAY

CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Campbeltown, glenscotia.com/pages/whiskyfestival

A celebration of Campbeltown’s whiskies (Glen Scotia, Springbank,

ALSO HAPPENING IN MAY . . .

• LORN DRAMA FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Oban, dates tbc

• SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL OUTDOOR Lochaber, 5–11 May

• PERTH BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Perth, 10 & 11 May

• FISHERFOLK FESTIVAL HERITAGE Balintore, 10–12 May

• GALLOWAY MOTORCYCLE CLUB OFF-ROAD FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Lockerbie, 17–19 May

• FLY’S SUMMER WAREHOUSE 92 FESTIVAL MUSIC Edinburgh, 18 May

• TARBERT SCOTTISH SERIES SAILING REGATTA Tarbert, 24–27 May

• EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL SPORT Edinburgh, 25–26 May

• EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF CYCLING SPORT Edinburgh, 31 May

• LANGTOUN JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Kirkcaldy, 31 May–2 Jun

Glengyle as well as the oldest independent bottler in Scotland, Cadenhead’s). Enjoy distillery tours, masterclasses, local craft stalls, live music and special bottlings.

22 MAY–1 JUNE

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Perth, perthfestival.co.uk

A vibrant celebration of the visual and performing arts, connecting leading artists from around the world with the rich cultural life of Perth. The 2024 line-up includes the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and many more.

23–26 MAY

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Orkney, orkneyfolkfestival.com Award-winning festival returns for its 41st edition with artists from around the world. 2024 line-up features The East Pointers, Dòchas, RURA, Hannah Rarity, Assynt and a collaboration between Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and Kris Drever, plus many more.

23–26 MAY PUNK ON THE PENINSULA MUSIC

Coal Pier, Dunoon, punkonthepeninsula.rocks

Legendary names from the punk and alternative music world perform alongside up-and-comers. 2024 line-up includes Cockney Rejects, The Del Strangefish Inexperience, Crashed Out, Roughneck Riot, XSLF and more.

23 MAY–2 JUNE DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL

THEATRE & DANCE FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, dgartsfestival.org.uk Festival of world-class performances from local and national artists, including theatre, music, dance, comedy and kids’ shows.

23–26 MAY

KNOCKENGORROCH FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Knockengorroch Farm, Castle Douglas, knockengorroch.org.uk See Spotlight, page 36.

WHERE THE ENERGY IS ELECTRIC AND THE MEMORIES UNFORGETTABLE

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25–27 MAY SANQUHAR ARTS FESTIVAL ART

MERZ Studios, Sanquhar, fb.com/sanquharartsfestival

A jam-packed programme of displays, exhibitions and performances. 2024 is the 15th anniversary of founding MERZ (the festival’s organisers) in a derelict lemonade factory, so this year’s festival is based on the theme ‘Reconstruction & Fabrication’.

25 MAY–2 JUNE EDINBURGH

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, imaginate.org.uk

Edinburgh’s acclaimed children’s festival delivers a programme of theatre, dance, storytelling and puppetry presented by top companies from around the world.

25 & 26 MAY RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL MUSIC

Riverside Museum, Glasgow, riversidefestivalglasgow.com

Glasgow’s premier electronic music festival, featuring top DJs, heavy hitters from the international scene and local talent. The 2024 lineup includes renowned DJs TSHA, Slam and LF System.

31 MAY–2 JUNE FYNEFEST

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

Beer is the star here, with brews from the UK and beyond, plus kids’ entertainment and live music. The line-up for 2024 includes The Ramonas, Karine Polwart,

Blue Rose Code, Under-Volt, Rioghnach Connolly & Honey Feet, Alice Faye, The Paul Simon Treatment and more.

31 MAY–2 JUNE

CYMERA: SCOTLAND’S FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR WRITING LITERATURE

The Pleasance, Edinburgh, cymerafestival.co.uk

A packed programme of events for lovers of sci-fi, fantasy and horror, including panels, dealers hall, writing workshops, quizzes and gaming.

JUNE

1 JUNE

GLASGOW COMIC CON LITERATURE

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, glasgowcomiccon.com Annual convention hosting local comic book and graphic novel writers, international guests, with films, workshops and more.

1 JUNE

THE GATHERING

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC Bught Park, Inverness, thegatheringscotland.com One-day festival celebrating the best music, culture, food and drink from the Highlands and across Scotland. The 2024 line-up includes Skerryvore, Julie Fowlis, Trail West, Valtos, Torridon, Croft No. 5, Sian, Malin Lewis and more.

2 JUNE

BVAC CLASSIC: FESTIVAL OF MOTORING OUTDOOR

Thirlestane Castle, Lauder, bvac.org.uk/bvac-classic One of the biggest car rallies in

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

REFUGEE FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

Extended from the UK-wide Refugee Week, Refugee Festival Scotland is an annual celebration of all the ways in which refugees enrich Scottish life and culture. In past years it has featured everything from low-key cups of tea and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) chats to football matches, dance parties, film screenings, food-filled bonanzas, readings of writers who have survived torture, and talks on how to get involved with activism. This year the festival’s theme is Rise, and it aims to celebrate the various ways in which refugees have risen from the most debilitating challenges to build new lives in Scotland. It also signifies rising above hostile narratives into a more inclusive society. Registration for community events and funding for the festival is open until March, with the programme announced later in spring.

(Lucy Ribchester)

n Various locations across Scotland, 14–23 June, refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk

the UK, featuring more than 1000 vintage and classic cars, as well as live music and a food village.

2 JUNE

DUNDEE WESTFEST: BIG SUNDAY FAMILY MUSIC

Magdalen Green, Dundee, dundeewestfest.org

Family fun day with a range of attractions, arts and crafts, music, displays, food stalls and rides.

3 JUNE

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV

King’s Theatre, Glasgow, banff-uk.com

See entry page 30.

6–16 JUNE GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Glasgow, gla. ac.uk/events/sciencefestival

With the 2024 theme of ‘Glasgow’s Transforming’, the festival presents a packed programme of workshops, shows, films, discussions, exhibitions and art collaborations.

6–16 JUNE SPIT IT OUT FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Glasgow & Edinburgh, spititoutproject.com

Immersive arts festival focusing on creative ways to talk about sex, mental health and healing. Expect exhibitions, workshops, talks, film screenings, live performances and parties, all held in a supportive, safe and inclusive space.

6–8 JUNE

THE GLASGOW REAL ALE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

The Briggait, Glasgow, g-raf.camra.org.uk

Real ale festival, organised by the Glasgow and West of Scotland branch of CAMRA, and featuring more than 150 local and international ales, ciders and beers.

6–9 JUNE NUART ABERDEEN ART

Central Aberdeen, aberdeeninspired.com

Now a leading street art festival transforming parts of the city with large-scale murals alongside smaller and more intimate pieces.

7–9 JUNE POTFEST SCOTLAND ART

Scone Palace, Perth, potfest.co.uk

Meet the 90 studio ceramics artists taking part, wander Scone Palace’s grounds, talk to the makers, discover what fuels their passion for clay, then buy direct.

7–23 JUNE

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL FAMILY ART

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowinternational.org

Scotland’s biennial festival of contemporary art. The 10th edition presents projects across Glasgow, celebrating and amplifying the city’s identity as a vibrant and distinctive centre for artistic production, presentation and cultural organising.

7–9 JUNE

ARRAN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Brodick, Isle Of Arran, arranfolkfestival.co.uk

A mix of concert performances,

workshops, and afternoon and late-night sessions across Brodick.

7–9 JUNE

KINTYRE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL MUSIC

Town Hall, Campbeltown, kintyresongwritersfestival.co.uk

Music festival aimed at showcasing and promoting Kintyre’s home-grown musical talent, along with appearances by a selection of higher profile guests.

7–9 JUNE

WILDHOOD: A CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Tullibole Castle, Crook of Devon, wildhoodfestival.com

A multi-award-winning festival for children aged 12 and under, and their families. It celebrates nature, games and traditional crafts, with live music, circus skills, stone carving, tree climbing, Highland games and more.

8–16 JUNE

LEITH FESTIVAL HERITAGE

Various venues, Leith, leithfestival.com

Fun-packed programme of events including exhibitions, concerts, walks, talks and films, plus Festival Gala Day and Leith Festival Tattoo.

8 & 9 JUNE

BALLANTRAE FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Ballantrae, ballantrae.org.uk/foodfestival Celebrating local eating and drinking, with tastings, popup restaurants, producers and traders, food stalls and demos.

8 & 9 JUNE

THE REELING MUSIC

Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, thereeling.com

A new traditional music festival with a host of mainstage acts, plus secret sets, a kids’ area and quality food and drink. 2024 lineup includes Deira, DLÙ, Hannah Rarity, Kathleen MacInnes, Kinnaris Quintet, Niteworks, Siobhan Miller Band, Brìghde Chaimbeul & Aidan O’Rourke, Cala, Croft No. Five, Gnoss, Kris Drever and more.

13–16 JUNE

KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Kirkcudbright, kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk

A celebration of New Orleans, Dixieland and swing jazz, now in its 25th year.

13–16 JUNE

BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY

Harmony House, Melrose, bordersbookfestival.org

Book festival attracting worldclass literary, sport and comedy figures to Melrose.

13–16 JUNE

THE EDEN FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE FAMILY MUSIC

Raehills Meadows, Moffat, edenfestival.co.uk

Festival with 10 different stages, kids’ arena, circus tent, drive-in cinema, comedy, cabaret and workshops. 2024 line-up includes Shooglenifty, Sister Sledge, General Levy, Eva Lazarus, Henge, Valtos and many more.

14–16 JUNE

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC HERITAGE

ALSO HAPPENING IN JUNE . . .

• THE MASH UP WHISKY & BEER Edinburgh, dates tbc

• STRATHYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Strathyre, dates tbc

• WEE WRITE! KIDS’ BOOKS Glasgow, dates tbc

• NT ART MONTH ART Edinburgh, 1–30 Jun

• ST KILDA CHALLENGE & FESTIVAL YACHT RACE Lochmaddy, 6–8 Jun

• CURRIE BEER AND CURRY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Currie, 7 & 8 Jun

• MORAY WALKING & OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Moray, 14–24 Jun

• EDINBURGH CANAL FESTIVAL AND RAFT RACE FAMILY Edinburgh, 15 Jun

• EDINBURGH WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Edinburgh, 15 Jun

• VILLAGE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL LITERATURE Glasgow, 25–30 Jun

• SEAFEST HERITAGE Lossiemouth, 28 Jun–6 Jul

Various venues, Keith, keithfestival.com

Traditional music, song, poetry and dance festival, with guest artists, musicians and singers taking part in sessions and competitions, plus a farewell concert and ceilidh.

14–16 JUNE

TWEEDLOVE BIKE FESTIVAL

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Tweed Green, Peebles, tweedlove.com/events/ tweedlove-bike-festival

A huge celebration of riding bikes, this festival brings thousands of bike fans to the Tweed Valley for a weekend of riding and good times, with rides, bike demos, trading stalls, family events and more.

14–23 JUNE

REFUGEE FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Scotland, refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk See Spotlight, page 44.

14–16 JUNE

SOLAS FESTIVAL

THEATRE & DANCE MUSIC ART Errol Park, Errol, solasfestival.co.uk

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

15 JUNE

WOODZSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

COMEDY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC Wildwoodz Adventure Park, Munlochy, woodzstock.co.uk

Feelgood festival in a forest, with live music, bushcraft, circus skills, Lasertag and live comedy.

The 2024 line-up features The Supernaturals, Altern 8 and more.

16–22 JUNE

PEEBLES BELTANE FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Peebles, peeblesbeltanefestival.co.uk

Local legend, history and tradition combine for this annual festival. Events across the week are topped off with a crowning ceremony and grand procession to mark the beginning of summer.

19–23 JUNE

GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, jazzfest.co.uk

Hosting some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B and world music, with major concerts, a late-night jazz club, film screenings and talks.

20–23 JUNE

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW

FOOD & DRINK FAMILY HERITAGE

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, royalhighlandshow.org Part agricultural show, part food festival, part family fun day out, with everything from motor, equine and craft programmes to food and drink, live music and children’s activities.

21–28 JUNE ST MAGNUS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE ART

Various venues, Orkney, stmagnusfestival.com

A wide variety of cultural events including music, theatre, arts, dance, literature and cabaret, alongside community projects.

21–23 JUNE

OBAN INTERNATIONAL SHANTY FESTIVAL MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Oban, obanshanty.org.uk

Songs and music of the sea, courtesy of great musicians from France, the Netherlands, Ireland, England and Scotland, plus storytelling and workshops.

21–23 JUNE

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Portsoy, stbfportsoy.org

In its 31st year, a flotilla of heritage boats from across the country will drop anchor in Portsoy’s historic harbour. Featuring entertainment including music and dance, the finest Scottish food and drink and demonstrations of age-old crafts.

26–30 JUNE

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL LITERATURE MUSIC ART

Various venues, East Fife, eastneukfestival.com

Taking place across Crail, Anstruther, Kilrenny, St Monans and St Andrews, the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with top-quality artists playing jazz, classical and traditional music.

27—30 JUNE

SUMMER NIGHTS ON THE SOUTHSIDE MUSIC

Queens Park, Glasgow, regularmusic.com

Now in its third year, the big top weekender has previously hosted Primal Scream, The Proclaimers, Tide Lines and Hozier. Check the website for 2024 shows.

28–30 JUNE

WILDFIRE FESTIVAL MUSIC

Wanlockhead Inn, Wanlockhead, wildfirefestival.co.uk

A weekend of rock and metal in Scotland’s highest village. 2024 line-up includes Dead Writers, Sons Of Liberty, Oli Brown & The Dead Collective, The Karma Effect, Blue Nation, Tiberius and more.

JULY

4–8 JULY

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

FAMILY MUSIC

Kelburn Castle and Estate, Fairlie, kelburngardenparty.com

Diverse festival set across seven stages in a stunning glen, with dance music, folk, funk and disco, dub, jungle, alt-pop experimental, jazz and blues, and global sounds.

5–7 JULY

GWCT SCOTTISH GAME FAIR

FAMILY HERITAGE

Scone Palace, Perth, scottishfair.com

Family-friendly fair of country sports, competitions and main ring events featuring falconry displays, gun dogs, pipe bands, cookery demos, foraging, shooting and a range of traders and stalls.

5–8 JULY

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE

FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, ytas.org. uk/festival/national-festival-ofyouth-theatre-2024

A colourful programme of performances and special events showcasing the creative work of youth theatre groups from across Scotland and further afield.

5–7 JULY NEWCASTLETON

TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Newcastleton, newcastleton.org.uk

A space for musicians, singers, poets and storytellers to share their love of traditional culture, with an opening concert and ceilidh dance, alongside competitions, workshops and sessions, plus the ancient Copshaw Common Riding

5—13 JULY

CASTLE CONCERTS MUSIC

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, regularmusic.com

Madness, JLS, Manic Street Preachers & Suede, The National, Skipinnish and Paul Weller each headline a night at Scotland’s most iconic venue.

6 JULY

SCOTLAND VEGAN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley, veganeventsuk.co.uk/scotlandvegan-festival

Festival with over 80 stalls selling vegan food and drink, clothing, toiletries and more. Plus talks, workshops and demos. Free goody bag on entry.

6 & 7 JULY

TARBERT SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK FAMILY

Tarbert Harbour, Tarbert, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

Sample internationally renowned seafood from the waters of Loch Fyne, while enjoying a parade, workshops, live music and stalls.

6 JULY

SMA’ SHOT DAY HERITAGE

Various venues, Paisley, paisley. is/featured_event/sma-shot-day This well-loved arts and culture event celebrates the historic victory of weavers over their employers in the 19th century.

6 JULY

EAGLESHAM BEER FESTIVAL FOOD

& DRINK

Eaglesham Playing Fields, Eaglesham, eagleshambeerfest.uk Community beer festival celebrating the best of local and national food and drink, complemented with live music.

6 & 7 JULY

LOCH LOMOND SHORES: SUMMERFEST

THEATRE & DANCE FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk

Featuring street food, live music performances, shopping, stalls and funfair rides.

7–12 JULY

CANTILENA FESTIVAL ON ISLAY MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Islay, cantilenafestival.co.uk

Cantilena’s professional musicians and students of the Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland together bring a programme of chamber music to residents and visitors, with many concerts held in Islay’s famous whisky distilleries.

9 & 10 JULY

TURING FEST SCIENCE

EICC, Edinburgh, turingfest.com

Discover art in every corner

3-10th August 2024

Experience art beyond galleries in charming Pittenweem. Meet over 100 artists, explore unique creative spaces in the scenic East Neuk of Fife. Join us at Scotland’s largest community arts festival.

Pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

42nd Shetland Folk Festival

2nd to 5th May 2024

visiting artists

The Fretless ft. Madeleine Roger Canada

Kirsten Adamson & The Tanagers Scotland

Gangar Norway

Ciáran Ryan Band Scotland

The Hackles USA

The Friel Sisters & The High Seas Scotland/Ireland

Beth Malcolm Scotland

Deira Asturias

Tenement Jazz Band Scotland

Ahlberg, Ek & Roswall with Ulrika Bodén Sweden

Inn Echo Canada

Ross Couper Band Scotland/Shetland

Haverin Orkney

Stereo Lobsters Orkney

The Hjaltibonhoga Big Band Shetland/Scotland

ALSO HAPPENING IN JULY . . .

• TRIBUTE24 MUSIC Linlithgow, dates tbc

• DOONFEST COMMUNITY Dalrymple, 5 & 6 Jul

• UNDER CANVAS MUSIC Inverness, 5–7 Jul

• GENESIS SCOTTISH OPEN GOLF North Berwick, 10–14 Jul

• THE 152ND OPEN GOLF Troon, 14–21 Jul

• RUN THE BLADES TRAIL RUNNING Fenwick, Ayrshire, 19–21 Jul

• SURGE FESTIVAL STREET THEATRE Glasgow, 20 & 21 Jul

• ENERGY FESTIVAL FAMILY Perth, 27 & 28 Jul

A coming together of tech startups, scale-ups, product teams, revenue teams, leaders, thinkers and innovators, all under one roof sharing knowledge, ideas and building connections.

11–14 JULY STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Stonehaven, stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

Popular festival featuring traditional and contemporary folk music, concerts, ceilidh, sessions, singarounds and workshops, plus the famous aqua ceilidh and world paper’n’comb championships.

12–14 JULY

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Tiree, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

This family-friendly event has sold out since arriving on the festival scene in 2010. Taking place in one of the most stunning and remote festival locations in the world, it features a range of music styles over three stages.

12–14 JULY

NEWTON STEWART AND MINNIGAFF TRADITIONAL MUSIC

AND DANCE FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE MUSIC

The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, tradmusic.com

The 10th edition of this annual festival, celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. The 2024 line-up features Rioghnach Connolly and Ellis Davies, Juliette Lemoine and Chris Amer, and many more.

12–21 JULY

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghjazzfestival.com

Scotland’s largest jazz festival presents concerts across the capital, in parks, churches, clubs and concert halls, featuring all genre styles from early jazz to the avant-garde, with home-grown talent and international stars.

12–14 JULY TRNSMT FESTIVAL MUSIC

Glasgow Green, Glasgow, trnsmtfest.com

Music festival in the heart of Glasgow. The 2024 line-up includes Liam Gallagher, Gerry Cinnamon, Calvin Harris, Garbage, The Snuts, Rick Astley, Sugababes, Courteeners and many more.

14 JULY

SCOTTISH FESTIVAL OF MOTORING OUTDOOR FAMILY

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, festivalofmotoring.co.uk

One of the largest motoring events in Scotland, this familyfriendly event features over 2000 cars and motorcycles, stunts, a trade village and kids’ activities.

15–21 JULY UNSTFEST FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Unst, Shetland, unstfest.org

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

17–20 JULY

HEBCELT FESTIVAL MUSIC

Lews Castle, Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis, hebceltfest.com

Mixing the best local talent with leading Scottish, UK and world artists to provide a feast of music for all ages. 2024 line-up includes Brownbear, Del Amitri, Elephant Sessions, Valtos, Sian, Face the West and many more.

18–27 JULY

FÉIS EN EILEIN MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Isle Of Skye, seall.co.uk

Taking place at venues across Skye, Fèis an Eilein is a celebration of island culture and performing arts with a strong focus on Scottish traditional music.

19–21 JULY

BIG LIT: THE STEWARTRY

BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Various venues, Gatehouse Of Fleet, biglit.org

Now in its 15th year, this intimate book festival welcomes some of the finest writers from Scotland and beyond, with a focus on literature, politics, music, exhibitions, storytelling and performance.

19–21 JULY

REWIND FESTIVAL MUSIC

Scone Palace, Perth, scotland.rewindfestival.com

Pop stars from the 1980s return to the stage for a weekend of top tunes, plus a silent disco, funfair rides, kids’ zone, shops and stalls. Check website for 2024 line-up.

19–21 JULY SPEYFEST

MUSIC

Various venues, Fochabers, speyfest.com

The best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music, plus a craft fair, food and drink, and Speyfest Family Sunday. 2024 line-up includes Tide Lines, Skerryvore, Trail West, Tour Bus Fortune and more.

19–24 JULY

SINGLE PARENT FESTIVAL FAMILY

Douglaswood, Kirkbuddo, singleparentcampingholidays.com

Single parents and their kids join together for a week-long countryside festival, packed full of activities and entertainment for kids (of all ages) and adults.

19–28 JULY

EDINBURGH FOOD FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

George Square, Edinburgh, edfoodfest.com

Tenth year for this pre-Edinburgh Festival event, with lots of street food, chef demos, kids’ cooking workshops and a great garden setting for drinks and hanging out.

19–28 JULY

MUSIC AT PAXTON

MUSIC

Paxton House, Paxton, musicatpaxton.co.uk

Top-quality international chamber music in beautiful surroundings, with performances from morning until dusk of classical chamber music, choral music, folk music, a unique piano masterclass and ‘Traditional Tunes For Tiny People’.

20–28 JULY MUSSELBURGH FESTIVAL FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Musselburgh, musselburghfestival.org

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

23 JULY–10 AUGUST SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE BANDSTAND

MUSIC

Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, regularmusic.com

A firm favourite with music fans looking to enjoy big-name acts. The 2024 line-up includes Johnny Marr, Gabrielle, Squeeze, Bananarama, Bill Bailey, Echo & The Bunnymen and The Saw Doctors.

24–29 JULY NORTH RONALDSAY SHEEPFEST

OUTDOOR HERITAGE

North Ronaldsay, Orkney, nrsheepfestival.com

The main festival focus is to carry out essential repair work to the North Ronaldsay Sheepdyke, the longest drystone wall in the world, but there’s also time for workshops, dancing and a locals vs visitors football match.

25–27 JULY BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Belladrum, Inverness, tartanheartfestival.com

This family-friendly favourite is back with music, theatre and spoken word events. The lineup for 2024 includes Deacon Blue, James Arthur, Sugababes, Ocean Colour Scene, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Teenage Fanclub, Jake Bugg, Callum Beattie and more.

26 & 27 JULY

EILEAN DORCHA FESTIVAL MUSIC

Liniclate Machair, Isle Of Benbecula, edf.scot

A family-friendly festival in the Outer Hebrides featuring a wide range of music, with a DJ on Friday and a ceilidh on Saturday.

26–28 JULY BUTEFEST MUSIC FAMILY

Ettrick Bay, Isle Of Bute, butefest.co.uk

Live music, family fun, food and drink at beautiful Ettrick Bay on the Isle Of Bute.

AUGUST

2 & 3 AUGUST PERTH SHOW

FAMILY

South Inch, Perth, perthshow.co.uk

Two-day agricultural event, showcasing the best in class of livestock, horses and ponies, food and drink, and local arts and crafts from Perthshire and beyond.

2–4 AUGUST FOODIES FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK FAMILY MUSIC

Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, foodiesfestival.com

Watch MasterChef champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs and eat street food from around the world. There’s live music and kids’ cooking fun too.

2–24 AUGUST

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO MUSIC HERITAGE

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, edintattoo.co.uk

This unique event draws crowds and performers from all over the world, with massed pipes and drums, military bands, display teams, dancers and the haunting lament of the Lone Piper. Acts for 2024 include the Swiss drumming group, Majesticks Drum Corps.

2–25 AUGUST EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Edinburgh, eif.co.uk

Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, contemporary music, dance and theatre. The 2024 theme is ‘Rituals that Unite Us’, and productions include Assembly Hall by acclaimed Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite and Bizet’s Carmen by Opéra-Comique.

2–11 AUGUST FRINGE BY THE SEA MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, North Berwick, fringebythesea.com

A 10-day multi-arts festival based in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick in East Lothian. Chosen as winner of Outstanding Cultural Event 2023 at VisitScotland’s annual Thistle Awards.

2–5 AUGUST MUGSTOCK FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC SCIENCE

Strathallan Castle, Auchterarder, mugstock.org

With over 130 acts and attractions, this festival’s 2024 line-up includes Craig Charles, Utah Saints, Siobhan Wilson, Mungo’s Hi Fi, Colonel Mustard And The Dijon 5, plus axe throwing, circus skills, Viking living history and more.

2–26 AUGUST EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Edinburgh, edfringe.com

Thousands of performers from around the world fill venues across the city with theatre, comedy, circus, cabaret, dance, music, family shows, spoken word and more. From big names to emerging artists, this is the largest and most famous fringe festival in the world.

3–10 AUGUST PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY ART

Various venues, Pittenweem, pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

See Spotlight, page 58.

FRESH AYR FOLK FESTIVAL

After making the tough decision to cancel last year’s event, a smaller scale edition of the festival will take place in 2024, adding something totally new to the Scottish folk music calendar. Instead of taking place outdoors in Rozelle Park, it will be hosted across Ayr Town Hall and a handful of surrounding venues, giving it a stronger community-driven atmosphere. Last year’s bill included Talisk, Mánran and Kinnaris Quintet, and although no 2024 acts have been confirmed as this guide goes to print, audiences can expect evening concerts featuring world and folk music, as well as free daytime concerts, silent ceilidhs, a festival club, session trails, craft stalls, plus plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained. Musical workshops hosted by some of the performers themselves will also allow everyone in on the action: just BYO instrument. (Megan Merino)

n Ayr Town Hall, Ayr, 9–11 August, freshayrfolkfest.com

VOTED SCOTLAND’S BEST FESTIVAL 2023

Come and enjoy more than 250 shows from the 2nd - 11th August in stunning North Berwick. Everybody’s welcome at Fringe by the Sea. FOR THE LATEST LINE UP NEWS AND TICKETS GO TO

3 AUGUST COLOURSFEST MUSIC

Braehead Arena, Glasgow, skiddle.com/festivals/Coloursfest

Long-running hard dance and trance festival soundtracked by international genre-defining acts and DJs, alongside new talent.

311 AUGUST BALLATER VICTORIA WEEK

COMMUNITY FAMILY

HERITAGE

Various venues, Ballater, ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk

Started in 1987 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession, this busy week features events and activities for the entire family in the pretty Royal Deeside village of Ballater.

3 & 4 AUGUST TRUCKFEST SCOTLAND

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, truckfest.co.uk/ truckfest-scotland

With monster trucks, arena stunt shows, exhilarating rides, children’s characters and a chance to meet celebrities, Truckfest Scotland has something for all ages.

911 AUGUST

FOODIES FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK FAMILY MUSIC

Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, foodiesfestival.com

See entry page 53.

911 AUGUST

FRESH AYR FOLK FEST MUSIC

Rozelle Park, Ayr, freshayrfolkfest.com

See Spotlight, page 53.

918 AUGUST EDINBURGH DEAF FESTIVAL

MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE ART

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghdeaffestival.com

An accessible celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage, which aims to bring the arts to deaf audiences and give mainstream audiences the opportunity to learn more about deaf culture.

925 AUGUST EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL FAMILY ART

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghartfestival.com

Scotland’s largest annual celebration of visual art, back for its 20th edition, offers work by the best contemporary Scottish artists as well as exhibitions of the most important international artists and movements. Plus talks, performances and parties.

10 & 11 AUGUST GALLOWAY COUNTRY FAIR

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, gallowaycountryfair.co.uk

A fun-filled weekend of country sports, family activities, exhilarating main-ring entertainment plus excellent local crafts and foods.

10 & 11 AUGUST MACMORAY SUMMER SPECIAL MUSIC

Cooper Park, Elgin, macmoray.com

A new, two-day music festival for 2024, with performances from Cascada, The Jacksons, Bonnie Tyler, Status Quo, Aqua and more.

ALSO HAPPENING IN AUGUST . . .

• MCLELLAN ARTS FESTIVAL MULTIARTS Isle Of Arran, dates tbc

• WORLD SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION (WORLDCON)

LITERATURE Glasgow, 8–12 Aug

• AIG WOMEN’S OPEN GOLF St Andrews, 21–25 Aug

• DISCONNECT FESTIVAL MUSIC Inverary, 24 & 25 Aug

1025 AUGUST EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY

Edinburgh Futures Institute, Edinburgh, edbookfest.co.uk

The world’s largest public celebration of the written word, featuring guest appearances by leading Scottish and international authors, politicians, historians, journalists and children’s authors. The 2024 event will take place for the first time in the brand-new Edinburgh Futures Institute.

10 & 11 AUGUST PARTY AT THE PALACE MUSIC

Lochside Field, Linlithgow, partyatthepalace.co.uk

Well-known musical acts and local performers combine at this familyfriendly music festival across the loch from Linlithgow Palace.

1018 AUGUST PIPING LIVE! GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL PIPING FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, pipinglive.co.uk

A week-long celebration of piping, including contemporary and traditional, solo and pipe bands, culminating in the World Pipe Band Championships.

15–21 AUGUST EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Venues tbc, Edinburgh,

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL

The Fife fishing village of Pittenweem has long attracted artists, drawn by the sea and the light. Since 1982 it has hosted an arts festival, which has grown to over 100 artists exhibiting and 20,000 annual visitors. Exhibitions take place in diverse venues, from galleries, churches and marquees, to houses and garages. Discovering these spaces up steep stone wynds and around the harbour and fishing cottages is all part of the charm. A communityfocused festival that celebrates and promotes visual arts and creativity, it provides a platform for artists of all levels to exhibit their work. Exhibition details and invited artists will be announced closer to the event. Expect a full programme of talks, workshops and a chance to see work by prestigious invited, emerging and local artists. (Ailsa Sheldon) n Various venues, Pittenweem, 3–10 August (preview 2 August), pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

edfilmfest.org

A revitalised format for the festival’s 77th edition, with ten premieres of features and shorts competing with significant prize-money available to emerging talent.

16 & 17 AUGUST GIN & RUM FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

The Briggait, Glasgow, ginandrumfestival.com

Discover new favourites with samples from over 120 of the

best gins and rums on the market, plus themed bars, music from award-winning DJs and live entertainment.

16 & 17 AUGUST WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS FAMILY MUSIC

Glasgow Green, Glasgow, theworlds.co.uk

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

21–25 AUGUST MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Mull Of Kintyre, mokfest.com

A celebration of music and culture in beautiful Kintyre, showcasing everything from traditional Scottish and Irish folk music to contemporary rock and pop acts.

22–25 AUGUST

DEFENDER BLAIR CASTLE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS OUTDOOR

Blair Castle & Gardens, Blair Atholl, blairhorsetrials.co.uk

These trials play host to national and international calibre eventing, NPS Scotland, British Showjumping, The Highland Pony Society, Hunter and Sunday Showing competitions as well as the Pony Club Games.

23–25 AUGUST

STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL FAMILY

Strathaven Park, Strathaven, strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk Go up, up and away at this

international hot air ballooning extravaganza. It celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, combining the stunning sight of hot air balloons launching and flying, plus a funfair, stalls, classic vehicles and more.

24 & 25 AUGUST FILM & COMIC CON GLASGOW

FILM & TV LITERATURE

Braehead Arena, Glasgow, filmandcomicconglasgow.com

Fun weekend where you can browse trader stalls, enjoy the comic and cosplay zones, and meet special guests Jo Martin, Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred.

24 AUGUST–1 SEPTEMBER RATTRAY ARTS FESTIVAL

FAMILY ART

Blairgowrie Town Hall, Blairgowrie, rattrayartsfestival.co.uk

Hundreds of original paintings plus selected three-dimensional designs by local sculptors, woodturners, jewellers, silversmiths, stainedglass artists, potters and weavers. All proceeds donated to Scottish Charity Air Ambulance.

29 AUGUST–1 SEPTEMBER ISLAY BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE FAMILY

Various venues, Isle Of Islay, islaybookfestival.co.uk

Set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland’s whisky isle, this is a lively community-led festival with events across the island.

30 AUGUST–1 SEPTEMBER ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK FAMILY MUSIC

Anstruther Harbour, Anstruther, anstrutherharbourfestival.org

This festival revives the burgh’s historic market, Anster Fair, with food and craft stalls from local traders, live music and dance events, plus kids’ entertainment.

31 AUGUST–8 SEPTEMBER NAIRN BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Nairn, nairnfestival.co.uk

Annual celebration of literature, art, music, drama and film, celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2024.

31 AUGUST–8 SEPTEMBER LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Largs, largsvikingfestival.co.uk

A celebration of Viking heritage, with an opening parade and ceremony, live entertainment, food and craft market, Viking village and ever-popular Festival Of Fire. Plus Viking skirmish, long boat burning and a firework display.

31 AUGUST–1 SEPTEMBER MUSIC AT THE MULTIVERSE MUSIC

Crawick Multiverse, Sanquhar, crawickmultiverse.co.uk

See Spotlight, page 63.

SEPTEMBER

1 SEPTEMBER EDINBURGH PSYCH FEST MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghpsychfest.com

Psychedelic music and arts festival, back for a second year with mind-bending sounds, trippy visuals and a celebration of all things psychedelic.

1–30 SEPTEMBER

GREAT PERTHSHIRE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Perth & Kinross, greatperthshire.com/the-festival

This festival features quality local ingredients, award-winning pies, whisky tasting, afternoon teas, chocolate making, top chefs and good old-fashioned baking.

4–8 SEPTEMBER OUTWITH FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS MUSIC

Various venues, Dumfermline, outwithfestival.co.uk

This friendly music and arts festival springs into life each September to celebrate Fife’s rich cultural offering, with a programme of live music, visual art, theatre, film, comedy, children’s events and more.

5–11 SEPTEMBER

ORKNEY INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Orkney, oisf.org

A kaleidoscopic mix of sparkling ideas and lively activities with talks and outings, food and music, in an island setting.

5–15 SEPTEMBER

LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, East Lothian, lammermuirfestival.co.uk

Great music in picturesque East Lothian, using unusual locations (remote churches, the National Museum Of Flight) as a backdrop for top-class chamber music.

6–14 SEPTEMBER (TBC) BLAS FESTIVAL MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Highlands &

Islands, blas.scot

A massive celebration of the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands.

6–8 SEPTEMBER

KELSO FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Kelso, kelsofolkfest.org

A weekend of traditional music concerts, sessions, workshops and open mics, run by Kelso Folk And Live Music Club.

6–8 SEPTEMBER

KIRRIEMUIR FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & SONG MUSIC

Various venues, Kirriemuir, kirriefestival.org

One of Scotland’s longestrunning traditional music festivals, featuring ceilidhs, concerts and competitions with a lively session scene.

6–8 SEPTEMBER

ORKNEY ROCK FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Kirkwall, Orkney, fb.com/ orkneyrockfestival

The 9th edition of this festival, featuring local and visiting talent playing largely original material.

7 & 8 SEPTEMBER

LOCH LOMOND FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK FAMILY

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk

One of Scotland’s biggest food and drink festivals, with cooking demos by top Scottish chefs, creative workshops and lots of Scottish and UK producers selling amazing produce.

7–15 SEPTEMBER

NEOS: NORTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS ART

Various venues, North-East Scotland, northeastopenstudios.co.uk Gain insight into the creative process and see brand new artworks in a series of studio open days across the north-east of Scotland.

7 & 8 SEPTEMBER

CLYDEBUILT FESTIVAL MUSIC HERITAGE OUTDOOR

Riverside Museum, Glasgow, clydebuiltfestival.com

Scotland’s biggest open water rowing race. Plus arts and crafts activities, boat building, live music and more.

7 & 8 SEPTEMBER

THE SCOTTISH YARN FESTIVAL HERITAGE

Dewars Centre, Perth, thescottishyarnfestival.com Formerly Perth Festival Of Yarn, this event brings together independent yarn dyers, producers of single-origin wool, inspirational tutors and lecturers, and all-fibre crafters.

7 & 8 SEPTEMBER FIFE FEST MUSIC

Silverburn Park, Leven, fb.com/fifefestsilverburn

A great weekend of music and entertainment from some of the top tribute bands in the UK, along with some of Fife’s own local talent.

8–12 SEPTEMBER MENDELSSOHN ON MULL MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Mull, soundwavesscio.org.uk

A classical music festival where young musicians are mentored by older professionals in the craft of chamber music-making, followed by concerts throughout the island.

9–14 SEPTEMBER

HEBRIDEAN WHISKY FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK HERITAGE

Various venues, Skye & Hebrides, hebrideanwhisky.com

A celebration of whisky and whisky-making in the stunning landscapes of Skye, Raasay and Harris. Expert tastings and tunes with the finest local food and drink showcasing the Hebridean distilleries of Torabhaig, Isle Of Raasay, Harris and Talisker.

ALSO HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER . . .

• BURL IN THE BURGH MUSIC Linlithgow, dates tbc

• TAIWAN FILM FESTIVAL FILM Edinburgh, dates tbc

• SCOTTISH GEOLOGY FESTIVAL SCIENCE around Scotland, 1 Sep–6 Oct

• VOGRIE POGRIE FAMILY Vogrie Country Park, Midlothian, 13–15 Sep

• LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Islay, 20–22 Sep

• BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON AND FESTIVAL OF RUNNING OUTDOOR Inverness, 29 Sep

12–15 SEPTEMBER

HADDO ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

Haddo House, Methlick, haddoarts.com

Music, theatre, visual arts and workshops in the magnificent 18th-century surroundings of Haddo House.

13 & 14 SEPTEMBER BLACK ISLE CALLING MUSIC

Black Isle Brewery, Munlochy, elephantsessions.com/black-

isle-calling

New music festival run by Ironworks, Elephant Sessions and Black Isle Brewery, featuring an eclectic mix of artists and DJs, plus great food and drink.

13–15 SEPTEMBER

GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV FAMILY

Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-filmlearning-youth-opportunities/gyff Innovative festival for young audiences featuring premieres,

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

MUSIC AT THE MULTIVERSE

Hosted within the Crawick Multiverse land art project designed by architect Charles Jencks, this two-day music festival offers an opportunity to experience a range of pop, folk and rock music within a truly unique natural environment. Mid-00s pop rockers Scouting For Girls (known for hits like ‘She’s So Lovely’) headlined in 2023 alongside Celtic trad band Skerryvore and Dunfermline legends Big Country, while in previous years the Bay City Rollers and Red Hot Chilli Pipers have made appearances. A line-up of local acts from Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire are also invited to perform. Last year’s event took place over the first weekend in September, running over the sensible hours of noon until 7pm. Organisers give ticketholders the chance to pitch up in campervans and mobile homes to make the most of the weekend. (Megan Merino)

n Crawick Multiverse, Dumfries & Galloway; 31 August–1 September, crawickmultiverse.co.uk

screenings, events and special guest speakers.

13–15 SEPTEMBER

STRANRAER OYSTER FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK FAMILY

Various venues, Stranraer, stranraeroysterfestival.com

A celebration of the area’s unique coastal heritage, its culture, its people and its wealth of local produce, with guest chefs, speakers and performers.

13–15 SEPTEMBER BLOODY SCOTLAND LITERATURE

Various venues, Stirling, bloodyscotland.com

Popular celebration of crime writing, bringing together leading Scottish and international authors, showcasing debut voices and encouraging new writers.

14 & 15 SEPTEMBER DUKES WEEKENDER FAMILY OUTDOOR

Various venues, Aberfoyle, dukesweekender.com

Gravel bike cycling festival in the heart of the Loch Lomond And Trossachs National Park. Likely to change its name for the 2024 event, but details still to be confirmed. Keep an eye online and on social media for updates.

19–22 SEPTEMBER

GLASGOW CATHEDRAL FESTIVAL

THEATRE & DANCE MUSIC ART

Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow, gcfestival.com

Music, tours, exhibitions, dance and film, bringing the city’s oldest building to life and finding fresh perspectives on Glasgow’s cultural heritage.

PICTURE: MIKE BOLAM

19–22 SEPTEMBER CEÒL CHOLASA MUSIC

Colonsay Village Hall, Scalasaig, Isle Of Colonsay, ceolcholasa.co.uk

Top-quality traditional music at this intimate festival on the beautiful Inner Hebridean island of Colonsay.

20–22 SEPTEMBER TARBERT MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Tarbert, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

Long-running, laid-back music festival with performances from local bands and impromptu sessions.

20–22 SEPTEMBER THRIVE BIKE OUTDOOR

Various venues, Ballater, thriveballater.com

New bike demos, guided rides and a chance to navigate the Dash ride or one of the road events. Plus health and wellness coaches, kids’ activities and a host of local food suppliers.

20–22 SEPTEMBER ORKNEY BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Stromness, Orkney, orkneyblues.co.uk

The ‘smallest, friendliest blues festival in the UK’, this is a place to hear good tunes and meet others with a passion for the blues.

20–29 SEPTEMBER FINDHORN BAY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Findhorn & Forres, findhornbayfestival.com

Spectacular celebration of arts and culture in Moray, aiming to challenge, inspire and delight.

27 & 28 SEPTEMBER EDINBURGH WOMEN’S FICTION FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Various venues, Edinburgh, edwomensficfest.co.uk

Now in its second year, this literary festival celebrates writing for, by, and about women. An inclusive event that welcomes everyone who finds joy in reading women’s stories.

27–29 SEPTEMBER DUNBAR MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Dunbar, dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk

Running since 1988, this weekend festival features gigs, sessions and workshops in venues across the town.

27–29 SEPTEMBER ISLE OF JURA MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Isle Of Jura, juramusicfestival.com

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, this traditional music festival brings together established acts and local talent through concerts, workshops, ceilidhs and sessions. This year’s line-up includes the Kim Carnie Band, The Canny Band, Jura Ceilidh Band, Edinburgh Samba Band and Papa Shandy & the Drams.

27 SEPTEMBER–6 OCTOBER WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY

Various venues, Wigtown, wigtownbookfestival.com

An established and celebrated feature in the Scottish literary calendar attracting big names. For ten days Scotland’s National Book

Town buzzes with book events as well as theatre, music and sitespecific events in quirky venues.

28 SEPTEMBER HORDES X MUSIC

Beat Generator Live, Dundee, fb.com/hordesx

One-day festival of underground metal and hard rock.

29 SEPTEMBER–5 OCTOBER SHETLAND WOOL WEEK

FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Shetland, shetlandwoolweek.com

Festival incorporating exhibitions, classes and events, covering weaving, spinning, dyeing, Fair Isle and lace knitting. Events take place from the most southern tip of Shetland, right up to the most northerly island of Unst.

29 & 30 SEPTEMBER SONICA

MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE ART

Tramway, Glasgow, sonic-a.co.uk A festival for curious minds and adventurous spirits. Discover international musicians and visual artists plus homegrown talent.

OCTOBER

1–5 OCTOBER SAMIZDAT EASTERN EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

CCA, Glasgow, cca-glasgow.com With a diverse programme of curated retrospectives and new films, as well as special events, Samizdat is the first Scotland-based festival dedicated exclusively to cinema from Eastern/Central Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

2–6 OCTOBER GLASGOW AMERICANA MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowamericana.com

Five days of live music, with blues, country and folk following in the footsteps of the fondly remembered Big Big Country festival.

2–6 OCTOBER

THE CUMNOCK TRYST MUSIC

Various venues, East Ayrshire, thecumnocktryst.com

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this life-affirming music festival (established by Cumnock-raised composer Sir James MacMillan) features international names in classical music, jazz and folk, alongside local composers.

3–6 OCTOBER BEARSCOTFEST MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Edinburgh, bearscots.org.uk

A festival devoted to ‘bears, cubs, chasers, otters and admirers’, including multiple parties and club nights, brunches, a pool party and the crowning of Mr BearScot.

3–5 OCTOBER AYRSHIRE REAL ALE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Troon Concert Hall, Troon, ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Annual beer festival presents virtual brewery tours and tastings from Five Kingdoms Brewery and Islay Ales, along with music and photos from past festivals.

3–6 OCTOBER EDINBURGH OKTOBERFEST

FOOD & DRINK

West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, edinburghoktoberfest.co.uk

Enjoy authentic Bavarian vibes, with German beer and food and a Bavarian band.

3–6 OCTOBER CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Callander, callanderjazzandblues.com

The largest rural jazz & blues festival in Scotland with more than 60 gigs across 10 venues, performing live jazz, blues, soul and boogie. Great music in the autumn splendour of the Trossachs.

3 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER THE ENCHANTED FOREST FAMILY HERITAGE ART

Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, enchantedforest.org.uk

A stunning sound and light show that transforms Faskally Wood using dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score.

4 & 5 OCTOBER FEIS NA MARA MUSIC

Astley Hall, Arisaig, feis-na-mara.com

This predominantly traditional music festival features a roster of live bands, most of which have a local connection. There are also workshops, a family dance and impromptu sessions in the pubs.

4–6 OCTOBER ULLAPOOL GUITAR FESTIVAL MUSIC

The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, ullapoolguitarfestival.com

A mix of old and new music

played on electric and acoustic guitars by world-class performers and those just starting out. With workshops, trade shows and a festival club.

4–6 OCTOBER LEITH COMEDY FESTIVAL COMEDY

Various venues, Leith, leithcomedyfest.com

Standup, storytelling, workshops, family events and a comedy quiz in venues all over Leith, including Leith Depot, The Biscuit Factory and Leith Dockers Club.

5 OCTOBER EDINBURGH’S WHISKY FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, scottishrugby.org

After a sold-out event in 2023, Edinburgh’s Whisky Festival returns with three strands: Whisky, Heritage and Wellness. Encounter the best distilleries, independent bottlers and other whisky-related exhibitors, with live, interactive coopering demonstrations too.

5 & 6 OCTOBER BOOKMARK BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY

Blairgowrie Community Campus, Blairgowrie, bookmarkblair.com

From prize-winners to entertaining newcomers, Bookmark promises a first-class experience promoting the best of the world of books from Scotland and beyond.

8–12 OCTOBER SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV POLITICS

SPOTLIGHT ON . .

SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS FESTIVAL

Spearheaded by the Mental Health Foundation, The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) provides an open space for people to explore how they can use the arts to navigate their mental health journey. Returning for its 18th year, SMHAF recognises that finding community can improve mental health as well as challenge societal stigma. The festival is celebrated for taking a ‘grassroots up’ approach, with many events programmed directly by Scotland’s communities. In addition, renowned creatives including Ian Rankin and Hannah Lavery, have participated in previous editions. This year’s programme will have a new theme and feature hundreds of events. Expect music, film, theatre, visual arts, writing, workshops and more, as well as the return of writing competitions and the annual Out Of Sight Out Of Mind exhibition. (Rachel Ashenden)

n Venues across Scotland, 10–27 October, mhfestival.com

CCA, Glasgow, sqiff.org

Scotland’s annual celebration of queer cinema, getting people watching, talking about, and making more queer films, and screening movies that people might not otherwise get a chance to see.

9–23 OCTOBER

COLONSAY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Isle Of Colonsay,

colonsayfoodfest.co.uk

Autumn festival celebrating the season’s bounties, with workshops on foraging, cooking, preserving and chocolate making; wine and cheese tastings; kid-friendly activities; plus guided walks.

9–13 OCTOBER

FESTIVAL OF THE FUTURE MULTI-ARTS FAMILY SCIENCE

University Of Dundee, Dundee, dundee.ac.uk/festival-future

The University Of Dundee’s flagship

festival programme that celebrates and enhances collaboration between science, arts and culture, with events for all ages

10–13 OCTOBER

SHETLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC HERITAGE

Various venues, Shetland, shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com Now in its 35th year, the festival welcomes over 200 musicians from home and abroad, including full Scottish dance bands, small groups and solo artists.

10–27 OCTOBER

SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS FESTIVAL ART FAMILY

Various venues, Scotland, mhfestival.com

See Spotlight, left.

11–19 OCTOBER

ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD (MÒD AN ÒBAIN)

MULTI- ARTS MUSIC

Various venues, Oban, ancomunn.co.uk

The town of Oban plays host to Scotland’s annual celebration of Gaelic culture in 2024, hosting the Mòd’s week-long programme of music, drama, Highland dance, literature and sport.

11–20 OCTOBER EDINBURGH COCKTAIL WEEK

FOOD & DRINK

Festival Square, Edinburgh, edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk

Ten days of cocktails in bars, pop-up venues and a cocktail village, with a live music stage showing local musicians and headline acts, as well as tasty street food trucks.

12–18 OCTOBER

TIREE WAVE CLASSIC OUTDOOR

Various venues, Isle Of Tiree, tireewaveclassic.co.uk

A highlight on the UK windsurfing calendar, as some of the world’s top competitors tackle freestyle, wave jumping and supercross.

12 OCTOBER

GLASGOW VEGAN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Hutchesons’ At Pollok Park, Glasgow, veganeventsuk.co.uk/ glasgow-vegan-festival

Over 60 stalls selling food, meat and dairy alternatives, cruelty-free beauty products, clothes and more. Plus talks, information and cookery demonstrations.

ALSO HAPPENING IN OCTOBER

• MIDLOTHIAN OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Across Midlothian, 4–7 Oct

• COMIC CON SCOTLAND FILM & TV Edinburgh, 5 & 6 Oct

• BEATSON’S BUILDING SUPPLIES MULL RALLY OUTDOOR Isle Of Mull, 11–13 Oct

• GIN & RUM FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Edinburgh, 12 Oct

• WILD GOOSE FESTIVAL COMMUNITY Dumfries & Galloway, 18–26 Oct

• PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL FAMILY Paisley, 25 & 26 October

12 OCTOBER TENEMENT TRAIL MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, tenementtrail.com

A festival of musical discovery, with bands performing across multiple venues in Glasgow.

17–20 OCTOBER DANCELIVE THEATRE & DANCE FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Aberdeen, citymoves.org.uk

Annual contemporary dance festival, with quality visiting companies and home-grown talent.

18–20 OCTOBER

AUTUMN TRAD FESTIVAL MUSIC

The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, tradmusic.com

Showcasing the very best in young traditional music talent, with sessions all weekend.

18–27 OCTOBER

BIGGAR LITTLE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Biggar, biggarlittlefestival.com

Small festival with arts events produced by local community groups, featuring big-name touring artists, plus comedy, theatre, exhibitions, dance and music.

18–31 OCTOBER SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL LITERATURE FAMILY HERITAGE Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, sisf.org.uk

A festival uniting Scottish and international storytellers and musicians. Also featuring workshops and children’s events.

19 OCTOBER BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry, banff-uk.com

See entry page 30. Also showing in Aberdeen on 18 October and Stirling on 20 October.

19 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV FAMILY

Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, dca.org.uk

Scotland’s international film festival for young audiences, showing the best youth cinema from around the world with a series of creative workshops and events.

21–25 OCTOBER BLAZIN’ IN BEAULY MUSIC

Phipps Hall, Beauly, blazininbeauly.com

The brainchild of Blazin’ Fiddles, this five-day festival immerses visitors in the music of the Highlands and Islands through concerts, sessions, talks and workshops.

25 & 26 OCTOBER

PERTH ALL-SCOTLAND ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Perth, perthaccordionfestival.co.uk Run every year since 1950, this festival features competitions, concerts and ceilidhs, with a welcome dance on Friday night.

31 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER

CENTRAL SCOTLAND DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL FILM & TV

Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling,

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

THE GREAT WESTERN

Taking place across a handful of venues in Glasgow’s West End, this one-day music festival has seen the likes of Warmduscher and Pussy Riot headline in recent years, while Scottish artists like LVRA and Becky Sikasa have appeared on smaller stages. In other words, alternative music rules the roost at this event. Genres covered by the international acts have spanned punk, indie and many experimental fusions in between. The Hug And Pint, Mackintosh Church and Maryhill Community Central Hall are among the venues festival-goers can hop between, each providing a unique atmosphere. It also may well be revellers’ final festival experience of the year, as it has historically taken place in early November; just when the warmth and vibrancy of live music is needed to cut through the colder, darker nights. (Megan Merino)

 Various venues, Glasgow; November (dates tbc), tgwfest.com

macrobertartscentre.org/ centscotdocufest Festival celebrating creative documentary and non-fiction filmmaking. Curated and presented by Macrobert, it’s a fitting tribute to the city of Stirling, the birthplace of John Grierson, the ‘father of documentary’.

31 OCTOBER SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL FAMILY OUTDOOR

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, beltane.org

Hosted by Beltane Fire Society, this celebration of the Celtic New Year marks the end of summer and the onset of winter, through wild drumming, fire-dancing, acrobatics, and vibrant costumes.

31 OCTOBER3 NOVEMBER EDINBURGH HORROR FESTIVAL

COMEDY FILM & TV THEATRE & DANCE

The Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh, edhorrorfest.co.uk

One of the most popular Hallowe’en events in Edinburgh, incorporating theatre, comedy, magic, spoken word, movies, games, improv, workshops, interactive events and more.

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER (DATES TBC)

THE GREAT WESTERN MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, tgwfest.com

See Spotlight, left.

17 NOVEMBER INVERNESS FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV

Eden Court Theatre And Cinema, Inverness, eden-court.co.uk Screenings, film premieres and a handpicked selection of work by international directors.

710 NOVEMBER

WOFF: WORLD OF FILM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL GLASGOW FILM & TV

Various venues, Glasgow, woffglasgow.com

Event bringing audiences, filmmakers and industry professionals together, creating a platform to exchange ideas, showcase work and discuss film and new trends in the industry.

8 & 9 NOVEMBER

ALLOA REAL ALE AND CIDER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Alloa Town Hall, Alloa, forthvalley.camra.org.uk

Now in its 31st year, this festival has over 40 beers from across Scotland including local beers, plus live music, hot food and soft drinks.

9 & 10 NOVEMBER

GLASGOW FESTIVAL OF BURLESQUE

THEATRE & DANCE

The Polo Lounge, Glasgow, glasgowfestivalofburlesque.com

A festival celebrating the very best in the art of cabaret, with workshops and performances.

1517 NOVEMBER

SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

The Pleasance, Edinburgh, scotsfiddlefestival.com

An exciting, fiddle-fuelled weekend with concerts, recitals, workshops, talks, stalls, sessions and ceilidhs.

15–24 NOVEMBER

OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK FAMILY

Various venues, Oban, obanwinterfestival.com

Ten days of activities, films and light shows to celebrate winter.

18–30 NOVEMBER

THE SEALL FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS MUSIC

Various venues, Skye & Raasay, seall.co.uk

Sessions, concerts and workshops from Scotland’s best traditional musicians held in community venues, with a big ceilidh to wrap things up.

22–24 NOVEMBER

PUSH THE BOAT OUT POETRY FESTIVAL LITERATURE MULTI-ARTS Summerhall, Edinburgh, pushtheboatout.org

See Spotlight, right.

28–30 NOVEMBER

DUNDEE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV OUTDOOR

Various venues, Dundee, dundeemountainfilm.org.uk

The UK’s longest continuousrunning mountain film festival with a programme of films by local filmmakers, presentations and book signings by world-renowned mountaineers, adventurers and expedition leaders, and art and photography exhibitions.

28 NOVEMBER–2 DECEMBER MUSIC FROM SCOTLAND MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, soundhouse.org.uk

New music festival, produced by Soundhouse, which coincides

SPOTLIGHT ON .

PUSH THE BOAT OUT

Edinburgh’s leading poetry festival has gained a vital following thanks to its rich mixture of events, including poetry readings, singer-songwriter circles, music, dance and hip hop, film screenings, beach walks, panels, workshops and development opportunities. Combining industry chat with performances for a general audience, last year’s line-up delved into heavyweight topics like climate change and the impact of AI on creatives as well as an open mic night, readings from Michael Pedersen and an hour of poetry and cocktails. Nearly all events take place in and around Summerhall, though the festival has previously hosted online performance too. An inclusive community is forming around Push The Boat Out, so expect to see familiar faces if you’ve visited the festival previously. For 2024, expect more of their distinctive blend of serious conversation and word-centric fun. (Kevin Fullerton) n Summerhall, Edinburgh, 22—24 November (dates tbc), pushtheboatout.org

with the city’s winter festivals celebrations (St Andrew’s Day and Fair Saturday) and will feature top Scottish musicians, newcomers and a programme of workshops.

28–30 NOVEMBER WINTERSTORM MUSIC

Troon Concert Hall, Troon, winterstorm.co.uk

Weekend of heavy rock, metal,

blues and melodic rock music.

29 NOVEMBER–23 DECEMBER BEECRAIGS FESTIVE FOREST FAMILY OUTDOOR

Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, beecraigsfestiveforest.com

Laser shows and illuminated trails along with rides, street food, drinks and Christmas attractions.

PHOTO: NEIL HANNA

30 NOVEMBER

DRAMBUSTERS WHISKY FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, drambusters.com

Meet the makers and celebrities of the whisky world and have a wee dram from a range of malts and other spirits.

DECEMBER

7 & 8 DECEMBER

LOCH LOMOND SHORES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK FAMILY

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk

Loch Lomond Shores rounds off its year of lively food and entertainment festivals with an event for all the family.

ALSO HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER .

. .

• FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL UK FILM & TV across Scotland, 6 Nov–12 Dec

• DUNDEE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Dundee, 20–24 Nov

2031 DECEMBER EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL

FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, magicfest.co.uk

Exciting programme of shows, cabarets, events and workshops designed for all ages to experience the wonder of magic and illusion.

29 DECEMBER1 JANUARY 2025 EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY

MUSIC FAMILY

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghshogmanay.com

A jam-packed programme of events, including the muchloved torchlight procession, pipe bands and drummers, and major headline acts in Princes Street Gardens on 30 and 31 December.

31 DECEMBER

STONEHAVEN FIREBALLS CEREMONY

HERITAGE COMMUNITY Stonehaven, stonehavenfireballs.com

Welcome the New Year with revellers swinging balls of fire, creating patterns in the air and lighting up the night sky, followed by a firework display.

LOOKING AHEAD TO WINTER 2024/25

The details of festivals and events planned for December 2024 and January 2025 generally emerge through the year, but there are always some important ones to look out for including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, Celtic Connections in Glasgow in January and Burns & Beyond in Edinburgh in the same month. The Edinburgh International Magic Festival has conjured up itself a clever slot both sides of Christmas, while plenty of folk have Shetland’s Up Helly Aa on their bucket list as one of the northern hemisphere’s great winter spectacles. Lighting up other parts of Scotland has become a popular draw, whether it’s Edinburgh’s Castle Of Light displays over December, the light trail around the capital’s Royal Botanic Garden, illuminations at Monteviot in Jedburgh or Beecraigs in West Lothian. Also providing new ways to embrace the darkness are evening-opening ‘lates’ in the run-up to Christmas at places like the Glasgow Science Museum, Edinburgh Zoo and Dynamic Earth. For details on these and lots more keep a look out for free monthly issues of The List magazine as well as up-todate information online at list.co.uk.

Screen Scotland supports great film festivals to show the best cinema from Scotland and around the world.

www.screen.scot/filmfestivals

Hippodrome Cinema, Bo’ness Credit: Falkirk Council

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