Upcoming Events › Scotland

Wishing all our readers and friends a very Happy Christmas and festive season!

A unique brand of 'bag rock' (that's bagpipes plus rock, if you were wondering) with stirring tunes and energetic performances. Expect everything from 'Flower of Scotland' to Coldplay's 'Clocks', via AC/DC and Deep Purple at Ayr Town Hall. Info: www.redhotchillipipers.co.uk

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the world's greatest New Year celebrations. Three days of spectacular events, as Scotland shows the world how to celebrate. Info: www.edinburghshogmanay.com

The Scottish Banner wishes all our readers and friends a very Happy Hogmanay and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2019!

Celebrate the beginning of 2019 with a seven-course banquet, dancing until 5am and a champagne reception with a view of the Edinburgh Castle fireworks for the bells at Ghillie Dhu, 2 Rutland Place. Info: www.ghillie-dhu.co.uk

Welcome in the new year with friends and family watching as a troupe of revellers parade up the High Street swinging balls of fire around their heads which create patterns in the air and light up the dark skies: and for which the finale is looping the fireballs into the Harbour. This is followed by ... Read more

Celebrate Hogmanay at Atholl Palace enjoying the Highland setting, the blazing log fires, the delightfully relaxing surroundings, the many years of experience on hand and that special atmosphere for the big night. With Hjaltibohoga, Ceilidh dancing and from Buck’s Fizz Brunch and Mulled Wine, you will create memories to last a lifetime this Hogmanay at ... Read more

Bring in the New Year on Stirling Castle Esplanade with live music, food and a spectacular fireworks display. Two celebrations will take place at the castle; an early family-friendly fireworks event, which will be followed by a later Midnight Hogmanay celebration featuring live music performances and fireworks at midnight. Info: www.stirlingwinterfestival.com

Start your New Year with a magical 3km walk around the Helix, Home of the Kelpies. The park will be transformed into an extraordinary spectacle of fire performances, interactive light installations, breath-taking puppetry, enchanting sculptures, and animated projections depicting the zodiac signs. Info: www.thehelix.co.uk/fireandlight

A fire festival unique to Burghead, which greets the New Year. The significance of the 11th January dates back to the 1750's, when the Julian calendar was reformed in Britain. Info: www.burghead.com/clavie

Celtic Connections is the largest winter music festival of its kind and the UK’s premier celebration of Celtic music, featuring artists from around the globe alongside the best Scottish talent. Info: www.celticconnections.com

Scotland's biggest trade show for the gift, homewares, jewellery, fashion accessories, craft and textiles market at the SEC. Trade only event. Info: www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

The world’s biggest contemporary Burns celebrations with 111 events across 11 days of world class music, comedy, theatre and cabaret. Info: www.bigburnssupper.com or 01381 271 820.

Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. The tradition of the Burns Night Supper was first held in 1801 by the poet’s friends, five years after his death.

Europe’s largest fire festival. Every year the historic event includes a thousand-strong torchlight procession takes place in the village and ends with the iconic burning of a replica Viking Longship. Info: www.uphellyaa.org

Scotland take on Ireland in the Six Nations at Murrayfield Stadium. Info: www.scottishrugby.org

Held in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the RSCDS Winter School, has Scottish country dance classes held at different venues around Pitlochry. Classes are held every morning and there are optional classes in the afternoon — a full day of dancing if your feet are up for it! Info: www.rscds.org