Culture

Scotland makes a vibrant, contemporary contribution to the artistic world through events such as the Edinburgh International Festival, world ranking authors and musicians.

The Scottish Government (Scottish government) provides funding to the Scottish Arts Council to support the arts in Scotland. Find out more at: 

• www.scottisharts.org.uk
• www.friendsofscotland.gov.uk
• www.visitscotland.com
• www.visitscotland.com/sitewide/fivestarfeatures/literaryscotland

There are many different types of culture to choose from in Scotland and the Scottish arts scene is thriving. Here are a few examples. 

Theatre, opera and ballet

Scotland has its own national ballet and opera companies.

There are many touring companies bringing drama, music and other events to remote communities.

The Edinburgh International Festival, started in 1947, has now reached such a status that it is known worldwide simply as the Edinburgh Festival.

• Find out more about the Edinburgh Festival at: www.eif.co.uk
• Find out more about events and festivals in Scotland at: www.visitscotland.com/sightsandactivities/eventcalendar
  

Music

Scotland's culture is expressed in its musical traditions. Folk and traditional music, as well as contemporary and classical.

Find out more about Scottish music at: www.visitscotland.com/aboutscotland/culture/Music?view=links

Museums, galleries and historical monuments

There are nearly 300 museums and galleries in Scotland.

National collections of art can be found at the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Admission to many museums and galleries is free. Where there is a fee charged it is rarely more than £4 per person.

• Find an art gallery at: www.visitscotland.com/library/ScottishArtGalleries?view=Standard
• Find out more about Scottish artists: www.visitscotland.com/library/Scottishartists
• Recognised collections Scottish Museums

Each town of any size and many villages have their own museums, displaying historical and social artefacts from the areas. Many historic buildings and monuments are open to the public. 

Food and drink

Scotland produces some of the finest produce in the UK such as seafood, meat, poultry, cheese and whisky.

However a range of international food and drink is widely available allowing you to choose from almost every type of world cuisine.

Ingredients are available from many different shops including halal butchers, Chinese supermarkets, Italian delicatessens and many supermarkets.