Scotland has it all, beautiful scenery, friendly people and a rich history. The festivals and events of Scotland is the embodiment of everything that is good about Scotland. Here are a few of the ones I recommend:

Wickerman (26 July)

This is a alternative music festival held over 3 days. You bring a tent and you camp out.

It tends to attract hippies, but if you can stand them, it makes for a relaxing musical getaway. The music is mostly mellow and of a high quality.

Where’s it at? East Kirkcarswell, near Dundrennan, Dumfries & Galloway.

Performance from Wickerman

Photo set from Wickerman

Stanza (March)

This is Scotland’s only poetry festival.

Now, you would have to nail me to a chair, to get me to sit through a poetry reading. But I am told they have a range of performances where music, film, dance and poetry are worked in together. Which doesn’t sound that bad.

Bergen Shetland Sailing Race (22 June)

This is a sailing race from Korsfjorden, south of Bergen, Norway to Victoria Pier at Lerwick.

I recommend that you make a weekend of it and enjoy the colourful events, in the town.

where is it at? Victoria Pier at Lerwick Harbour, Shetland.

Scotland’s Countryside Festival (6-7 September)

The last time I went to this event, it was so much fun that I felt guilty afterwards.

Activities: Highland Dancing, Greyhound and Pigeon racing, Falconry, Clay Pigeon Shoot, Cookery Demonstrations, Quadbikes, Horse and Hounds, Beer Tent, Pipe Bands, Archery Competition, Pony Rides and Fishing Competition.

Remember the food is Scottish, so if you can’t identify it, don’t eat it.

The festival is a family friendly event.

Where’s it at? It is held in the Dundee Perth area. See homepage, in source list, below for directions.

Highland Games (May-September)

A number of Highland games are held throughout Scotland, in the months from May to September. If you are in Scotland, during this period, make time to visit one. The games include dancing, pipers, traditional sports ,such as the caber toss and drinking (not an official event).

You can get a list of venues on this pdf.

Speyfest (31 July - 3 August)

This is a festival of the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music. During the day you can browse the Celtic crafts at the Speyfest Craft Fair.

Where’s it at? Fochabers in the North East of Scotland.

Crieff and Strathearn’s Drovers’ Tryst - walking festival (11-18 October)

For people who love long walks. The festival is held in Autumn when the landscape is at it’s most beautiful.

They have a series of theme walks such as the giant tree walk, by the River Almond or the moorland walk, where the mountain hares live. The festival accesses normally private gardens and grounds.

They also have a mountain biking trail, if you enjoy cycling, you can try that.

Where’s it at? Crieff, Perthshire Scotland.

Sources:

Wickerman home
Country Festival home
StAnza home
Speyfest home
Shetland race home
Crieff Walking festival