Scottish Colourists and Their Contemporaries

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

A breakthrough exhibition which for the first time brings together the Scots, Irish, English and Welsh artists, along with their cutting-edge Continental peers, who collectively forged a new language of colour at the turn of the 20th century, at Dovecot Studios. Info: www.dovecotstudios.com

Macbeth: An Exhibition

Perth - Scotland Perth , Scotland

From Birnam Wood to Dunsinane Hill, the story of Macbeth is woven into the landscape of Perthshire. Our latest exhibition at Perth Museum explores the iconic Shakespearean play that has captivated audiences for centuries, alongside the story of the real King Macbeth who reigned in Scotland 900 years ago, at Perth Museum. Info: www.perthmuseum.co.uk

World Whisky Day

World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life. Events are taking place all over the globe. Info: www.worldwhiskyday.com

2025 Gordon Castle Highland Games

Fochabers - Scotland Fochabers, Scotland

From the Highland Games events to the Country Sports arena, local trade stands and food galore, Gordon Castle Highland Games is a day out for all the family. Info: www.gordoncastle.co.uk/highland-games-2025

The Quest 2025

Loch Ness - Scotland Loch Ness, Scotland

Four captivating days, uniting individuals and organisations in a collective exploration to solve the mystery of Loch Ness and its elusive monster. Through a series of engaging events, you’ll search, debate, and delve into the mysteries that shroud this legendary loch. Info: www.lochness.com/the-quest

Orkney Folk Festival

Stromness, Orkney , United Kingdom

Audiences can look forward to performances at the festival by artists from islands including Shetland; Skye; Arran; the Isle of Man; Ireland; Cape Breton; Prince Edward Island; Australia; and Manhattan. The similarities and differences of music from Orkney and Cape Breton in particular will be celebrated as part of this year’s Gathering, as artists from ... Read more

Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival

Isle of Islay - Scotland Isle of Islay, Scotland

An annual gathering of whisky and Islay fans from across the globe, a ten day event that defines the whisky calendar. Info: www.feisile.co.uk

2025 Gathering of the Clan Hannay Society

Sorbie, Dumfries and Galloway , United Kingdom

Clan events for thos those who bear the Hannay name (and its variants Hannah, Hanna and Hanney) at Sorbie Tower. Info: www.clanhannay.org

Atholl Gathering

Pitlochry - Scotland Pitlochry , Scotland

There are plenty of other attractions, such as highland dancing, tug o’ war, solo piping, trade stands and refreshments to provide a fun day out for all the family, at Blair Castle. Info: https://atholl-estates.co.uk/events/atholl-gathering

Skerryvore XX

Kelso - Scotland Kelso, Scotland

Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary-celebrating two decades at the forefront of Scotland’s music scene at Floors Castle. Info: skerryvore.com/xx.

Ken Your Kin!

Glasgow - Scotland Glasgow, Scotland

Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS) is thrilled to launch Ken Your Ken. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or taking your first steps into the world of Scottish family history, the Ken Your Kin Summer School promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Scottish ancestry and heritage. Info: https://bit.ly/kyk2025

Arran Folk Festival

Brodick, Isle of Arran , United Kingdom

Featuring free-to-attend afternoon sessions at the Douglas Hotel, evening concerts in Brodick Village Hall and late-night sessions.  There will also be some special free-to-attend workshops. Info: www.arranfolkfestival.co.uk

Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games

Helensburgh - Scotland Helensburgh , Scotland

A celebration of traditional Scottish culture, sport and dance for all ages. Info: www.hlhighlandgames.scot

Aberdeen Highland Games 2025

Aberdeen - Scotland Aberdeen, Scotland

Traditional Highland Games events, stage entertainment from professional performers as well as local community groups and a range of activities that can be enjoyed by all ages, at Hazlehead Park. Info: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture-and-parks/major-events-aberdeen/aberdeen-highland-games-2025

Royal Highland Show

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

Celebrating all things farming, food and rural life at Ingliston showground. With a packed programme of livestock shows, exhibitions, live music, entertainment and events. Info: www.royalhighlandshow.org

St Magnus International Festival

Orkney - Scotland Orkney , Scotland

A variety of events in music, theatre, arts, dance, literature, cabaret and folk music alongside community projects, education and learning opportunities all of them set against the backdrop of Orkney's magical midsummer. Info: www.stmagnusfestival.com

Drumtochty Highland Games

Auchenblae - Scotland Auchenblae, Scotland

Known as the friendliest Highland Games in the area they are firmly established in the Scottish Highland Games calendar as one of the most outstanding events. Held in the grounds of Drumtochty Castle. Info: www.drumtochtyhighlandgames.co.uk

Ceres Highland Games

Ceres, Scotland , United Kingdom

The oldest free games in Scotland and include mix of pipe music, dancing, wrestling, heavy events, cycling and running. Info: www.ceresgames.co.uk

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Portsoy, Aberdeenshire , United Kingdom

This is the 32nd anniversary of the event and a flotilla of heritage boats from across the country, will drop anchor in the historic harbour of Portsoy for a weekend of celebrations. Upholding the north east’s maritime heritage, there will be a packed programme of entertainment including music and dance, the finest Scottish food and ... Read more

Clan Leslie Society International Gathering 2025

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

Join Chief Alex and other Leslie kinsmen for events and tours visiting historic Leslie places. Info: www.clanlesliesociety.org/2025-gathering

Orkney 2025 Island Games

Orkney - Scotland Orkney , Scotland

A celebration of sports and island communities. This week-long event will see athletes from up to 24 island groups from across the world compete in 13 exciting sports. Info: www.orkney2025.com

UK Pipe Band Championships

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

This prestigious competition will bring together some of the finest pipe bands from across the UK to compete, celebrating both music and tradition at the Royal Highland Centre Ingliston. Info: www.rspba.org

Inverness Highland Games

Inverness - Scotland Inverness, Scotland

A family event not to be missed  in the heart of Inverness. Info: www.invernesshighlandgames.com

Perth Highland Games

Perth - Scotland Perth , Scotland

Enjoy traditional Heavyweight events like weight throwing and caber tossing, along with Highland dancing, foot races, cycle races, and more. Info: www.perthhighlandgames.co.uk

HebCelt Festival

Isle of Lewis , United Kingdom

HebCelt passionately protects and promotes its heritage, including the vibrant Gaelic and traditional music that is both part of its history and its contemporary life. It mixes the best local talent with leading Scottish, UK and world artists and brings together household names and emerging talent to provide a feast of music to appeal to ... Read more

The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025

Aberdeen - Scotland Aberdeen, Scotland

An impressive international fleet of 34 ships, including 14 spectacular Class A vessels, ahead of the Tall Ships return to the city for the first time in almost 30 years. Info: www.tallshipsaberdeen.com

Inveraray Highland Games

Inveraray - Scotland Inveraray, Scotland

Traditional Games with with field and track events, piping, highland dancing competitions and heavyweight events including the world championships for tossing the caber at Inveraray Castle. Info: www.inveraray-games.co.uk

Mull Highland Games

Tobermory, Isle of Mull , United Kingdom

A unique spectacle combining ancient and modern competitive and cultural events for both professionals and amateurs in a beautiful setting. Info: www.mullhighlandgames.com

Speyfest 2025

Fochabers - Scotland Fochabers, Scotland

Outstanding Scottish and local talent will top the line up when the long-standing contemporary and traditional Celtic music festival returns. The festival will welcome Celtic giants Skipinnish, who have been celebrating a quarter of a century at the top of trad music this year alongside the Red Hot Chili Pipers, who will perform their signature ... Read more

2025 International Clan Sinclair Gathering

Thurso, Caithness

Clan gatherings are events that bring together members and descendants of a clan to celebrate their shared culture, traditions, and heritage. The event will be hosted by the Earl of Caithness and Viscount Thurso.  Info: www.clansinclairusa.org

St Andrews Highland Games

St Andrews, Fife, , United Kingdom

Running, Cycling, Heavy Weights, Tug-of-war, Solo Piping, Highland Dance and more at Station Park. Info: www.standrewshighlandgames.co.uk

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

Featuring the best of British Military with international performances from a global cast, at the incredible setting of Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Info: www.edintattoo.co.uk

Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

A celebration of the world’s greatest performing arts, which takes place every August throughout the city’s major theatres and concert halls. Discover the best artists from opera, music, theatre & dance on the world's greatest stage. Info: www.eif.co.uk

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

The world's greatest platform for creative freedom, a unique celebration of performing arts at venues across Edinburgh. Info: www.edfringe.com

Clan Mackenzie International Gathering 2025

Inverness - Scotland Inverness, Scotland

Presented by Clan Mackenzie Society of Scotland with talks, coach tours, ceilidh, gala dinner and more at various venues. Info: www.clanmackenziesociety.co.uk

Isle of Skye Highland Games

Portree, Isle of Skye , United Kingdom

A traditional Scottish Games with pipe bands, athletics, dancing and more. Info: www.skye-highland-games.co.uk

Clan Menzies Clan Gathering 2025

Weem, Perthshire , United Kingdom

The Clan Gathering is traditionally a highlight on the calendar of the Menzies Clan Society which is based at Castle Menzies. The Gathering is held annually over the 2nd weekend in August and all MCS members with family and friends are welcome to attend. Info: https://clanmenzies.org/2025-clan-gathering

European Pipe Band Championships

Perth - Scotland Perth , Scotland

The European Pipe Band Championships attract over 120 pipe bands from all over the world to compete in all grades. Info: www.rspba.org

Abernethy Highland Games

Nethy Bridge

One of the oldest traditional Highland games in Scotland at Nethy Bridge Games Field. Info: http://nethybridge.com/abernethy-highland-games

Piping Live!

Glasgow - Scotland Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow International Piping Festival-A week long celebration of piping culture from across the world with events such as captivating performances, workshops, and fun taking place across the city. Info: www.pipinglive.co.uk

World Pipe Band Championships

Glasgow - Scotland Glasgow, Scotland

Thousands of pipers and drummers in all grades from across Scotland, the UK and globe compete at the annual competition held at Glasgow Green. Info: www.theworlds.co.uk

Cowal Gathering

Dunoon, Argyll , United Kingdom

One of the largest, most spectacular Highland games in the world with world-class pipers, dancers and athletes competing, includes the World Highland Dancing Championships. Info: www.cowalgathering.com

Largs Viking Festival

Largs , United Kingdom

From thrilling reenactments and lively parades to exciting workshops and delicious local food, there's something for everyone at this incredible celebration of Viking and Scots heritage. Info: www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk

The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight

Ayr - Scotland Ayr, Scotland

The festival will be held at the Low Green, Ayr and will feature impressive and daring flying display programmes. The event Festival Village will also return, jam-packed with a fantastic range of family entertainment to suit all interests. Info: www.destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/ayrshow

Braemar Highland Gathering

Braemar - Scotland Braemar, Scotland

Held at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park each September in the beautiful Cairngorms village of Braemar. The Gathering has been run in its present form since 1832. Queen Victoria attended in 1848, and since then it has been regularly attended by the reigning Monarch and members of the British Royal Family. ... Read more

Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games

Blairgowrie - Scotland Blairgowrie, Scotland

A blend of spectacle and fun in beautiful Perthshire, at Bogles Field. Info: www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk

The Northern Meeting Piping Competition

Inverness - Scotland Inverness, Scotland

The pre-eminent and most prestigious piping competition in the world. The Gold Medal for the classical piobaireachd music and the Gold Clasp for former winners, are the most sought after achievements for any piper, Eden Court Theatre. Info: www.piping.northern-meeting.org

Lochaber Live

Fort William - Scotland Fort William, Scotland

After a three-decade absence, Lochaber Live returned to Fort William to celebrate it’s biggest ever party in the Outdoor Capital of the UK with a great variety of Scottish traditional musicians. Info: www.lochaberlive.com

Stranraer Oyster Festival

Stranraer , United Kingdom

Celebrity chef demos, live music, the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships, amazing food & drink, family fun in celebration of Scotland's last remaining wild and native oyster bed. Info: www.stranraeroysterfestival.com

Pitlochry Highland Games

Pitlochry - Scotland Pitlochry , Scotland

Traditional Scottish Games with Massed Bands, athletics, dancing and more at Recreation Ground. Info: www.pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk

The Stirling Gathering

Stirling - Scotland Stirling , Scotland

A new Festival of Scotland. Set against a backdrop of Stirling Castle, a festival for all ages celebrating Scotland’s Past, Present and Future. Info: www.thesaltiregathering.scot

Wigtown Book Festival

Wigtown, Scotland Wigtown, United Kingdom

A 10-day literary celebration in Scotland's National Book Town and one of the UK's best-loved literary events with a programme of 250-plus events and activities for all ages, including music, theatre and visual arts. Info: www.wigtownbookfestival.com

Dunbar Music Festival

Dunbar , United Kingdom

Established as a celebration of traditional Scottish and Irish folk music in 1988, over the years the Festival’s range of music has broadened to appeal to a wider range of tastes. Traditional folk music from Scotland still features strongly as part of a diverse musical programme which brings together local talent and acts with an ... Read more

Shetland Wool Week

Shetland - Scotland Shetland , Scotland

A world renowned celebration of Britain's most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and the rural farming community on these islands. Info: www.shetlandwoolweek.com

The Enchanted Forest 2025

Faskally Wood , United Kingdom

Scotland’s favourite sound and light show and spectacular immersive art experience in the beautiful Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire. Info: www.enchantedforest.org.uk

Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival

Lerwick, Shetland , United Kingdom

Over 40 invited musicians, including full 6 piece Scottish Dance Bands, smaller groups, and solo musicians, as well as countless local musicians, bands and various Scottish traditional dance clubs and attracts traditional music enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world. Info: www.shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com/festival

Royal National Mòd

Fort William - Scotland Fort William, Scotland

The country’s foremost festival for Gaelic language, sports, art and culture. Alongside the competitions, a burgeoning fringe programme sees concerts, workshops, talks and sessions take over venues across Lochaber. Info: www.ancomunn.co.uk

Orkney Storytelling Festival

Orkney - Scotland Orkney , Scotland

A celebration of the oral tradition in Orkney with tales focusing on the history and heritage of the islands. Info: www.orkneystorytellingfestival.co.uk

Glenfiddich Piping Championship

Held annually at Blair Castle, this is a celebration of solo piping excellence, tradition and expertise-also available to watch via online livestream. Info: www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/glenfiddich

Oban Winter Festival 2025

Oban - Scotland Oban, Scotland

Scotland’s ultimate Highland celebration welcoming visitors with festive lights, music, and holiday cheer. Info: www.obanwinterfestival.com

Deck the Halls Show

Glasgow - Scotland Glasgow, Scotland

A three-day extravaganza with the National Trust for Scotland of taste testing, great conversation, Christmas shopping, and a bit of Yuletide cheer at SEC Glasgow. Info: www.deckthehallsshow.com

Happy St Andrew’s Day

Saint Andrew’s Day is Scotland’s official national day. Celebrate St Andrew’s Day (or in Scottish Gaelic ‘Là Naomh Anndrais’), Scotland’s patron saint!

Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin

Glasgow - Scotland Glasgow, Scotland

Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly. With a star-studded bill for the Billy tribute, the line up of singers will play their part in marking 60 years since Sir Billy formed the beloved Humblebums and pay tribute to one of Glasgow’s most iconic sons ... Read more

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Edinburgh - Scotland Edinburgh , Scotland

Welcome the New Year at the ‘Home of Hogmanay’!  The festival is filled with a spectacular programme of events honouring Hogmanay traditions, old and new featuring the traditional Torchlight Procession, creating a river of fire through the historic Old Town, headline ‘Concert in the Gardens’, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and the unforgettable Midnight Fireworks from ... Read more

Happy Hogmanay

The Scottish Banner wishes all our readers, advertisers and friends a very Happy Hogmanay and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2026!

Stonehaven Fireballs

Stonehaven - Scotland Stonehaven

The Fireball Ceremony is Stonehaven’s unique way to welcome in the New Year and greet friends and neighbours. As the midnight chimes ring out on December 31st, approximately 40 men and women parade up and down the High Street swinging fiercely flaming balls around their heads. Info: www.stonehavenfireballs.com

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