Upcoming Events › Scotland

The largest arts festival in the world featuring performers from across the globe at locations across Edinburgh. Info: www.edfringe.com

For three weeks in August, Scotland’s capital becomes an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for people of all nations. Festival programmes featuring dance, opera, music and theatre at venues across Edinburgh. Info: www.eif.co.uk

Celebrating 125 years and renowned for the quality of its Highland dancing, drawing in the best performers from around the globe as they compete in the Scottish and World Championships. Info:  www.cowalgathering.com or 01369 703206.

MacAulays (of all spellings) will gather in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park at the Hilton Coylumbridge. It will be a time to connect with our fellow MacAulays, make new friends and reacquaint with friends you’ve made at previous Gatherings. Info: www.clanmacaulay.org.uk

The Stewart Society (of Edinburgh) will hold its Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Royal Hotel with trips to Duffus Castle, Spynie Palace, Burghead, Darnaway Castle, Holy Trinity Church, and Dunkeld Cathedral to visit the tomb of the Wolf of Badenoch. Info: www.stewartsociety.org

The festival brings together independent dyers, farmers, small-holders, knitters, spinners, felters and weavers for a weekend. You can also take part in a class programme with professional tutors across a range of textile disciplines. Info: www.perthfestivalofyarn.uk

This year’s festival will see a total of 28 guided countryside walks of varied lengths and challenge, taking in routes across the Selkirk, Ettrick and Yarrow Valley areas - from the Southern Upland Way, the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall and the Ring o’ the Loch to the famous Three Brethren and many more. Info: www.borderswalking.com

This Highland games was founded in the 18th century and awarded Royal Patronage by Queen Victoria. Since then the reigning monarch has been patron of the games, and the event has regularly welcomed royalty including Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Info: www.braemargathering.org

Traditional Highland Games, with an exciting mix of piping, dancing, track and field events. Also featuring a dog show and a wide range of stands. Info: www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk

Enjoy the soul-stirring sound of pipes during the parade and piping competitions, and watch other popular events, such as the caber toss, shot put, hammer throw and Highland dancing. Info: www.pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk

Now in its 25th year, The Isle of Jura Musical Festival is a well-established favourite for lovers of the traditional music scene. From the locals Friday night ceilidh right through to the Sunday night concert in the distillery co-operage, enjoy a weekend packed with fantastic performances, stimulating workshops, spontaneous sessions and great craic. Info: www.juramusicfestival.com

Join in Dundee for a night of paranormal activity. Sleepover is optional. Info: www.mainscastle.co.uk

A fortnight of investigations into Scotland's ancient past, including walks, practical demonstrations, family events, self-guided trails, insights into recent research, historical talks, and plenty of chances for visitors to get their hands dirty exploring what lies beneath this famous landscape. Info: www.highland.gov.uk/archaeology

Three-day, 54-hole annual event, will be one of the richest on the PGA in Scotland Tour and will be limited to 60 teams. The winning professional will pick up a unique prize of a bottle of 50-Year-Old Tomatin single malt which has been bottled exclusively for the event with an estimated value of £10,000. Info: ... Read more

Perthshire’s multi-award-winning sound and light show, entitled Cosmos, is inspired by the vastness and natural beauty of the skies that sit above the forest at Faskally Wood. Info: www.enchantedforest.org.uk

The Royal National Mòd is Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival and is famous for celebrating our Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage. Info: www.ancomunn.co.uk

Celebrates old traditions and new connections, building bridges between artists, regions and communities in a feast of storytelling, music and dance. SISF 2019 will have a special focus between Scotland and Canada, aimed at developing new creative work, collaborations and exchanges between Scottish and Canadian artists and festivals. Info: www.sisf.org.uk

Festivals Paisley RenfrewshirBeware the witching hour, when supernatural creatures and ghostly figures gather their powers to scare even the bravest of souls at Halloween. Info: www.whatsonrenfrewshire.co.uk

The 57th Scottish Ploughing Championships will also be hosting the 22nd European Vintage Ploughing Championships. Over 200 competitors will battle it out in horse, vintage, modern and classic categories over the two day event, culminating in the crowning of European Vintage and Scottish Champions. Info: www.scotplough.co.uk

The Glenfiddich was established in 1974 to inspire the world's finest individual pipers and to seek the best overall exponents on Ceol Mor (or Piobaireachd, the great music) and Ceol Beag (or light music, the little music). The event is held annually in Blair Castle. Following the competition, the annual Pipers' Ceilidh will take place ... Read more

A variety of music events across Perthshire with Dougie Maclean and friends including; music sessions, a triple Cabaret Amber, a big Dougie concert at Perth Concert Hall, and a Farewell Concert/Event. Info: www.perthshireamber.com

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!

The Scottish Banner wishes all our readers and friends a very Happy Hogmanay and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2020!