Pick of the Scottish Festivals

Chances are you have heard of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You may also know we have an international film festival too.

But you might be surprised to know there are literally hundreds of festivals, large and small, taking place all over Scotland. We can't list them all so here is just a small selection of the more weird and wonderful festivals.

Hebridean Celtic Festival

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
July

A festival of the best of traditional and modern Scottish music plus pipe bands, street art and workshops and get a warm welcome at the informal after party at the arts centre.
And try your hand at sailing different types of boats at the Stornoway Maritime Festival, running at the same time.
www.hebceltfest.com

Whisky Fringe Festival

A great chance to sample lots of malt whiskies including rare vintages, Swedish whisky and even rum.
www.list.co.uk/event/147119-whisky-fringe

Arbroath Sea Fest

This once busy fishing town celebrates its maritime history with fishing displays, cookery demonstrations, raft racing.  It has over 70 stalls selling seafood, crafts and confectionary.
www.angusahead.com/AngusListings/Events/ArbroathSeaFest2008.asp

Belladrum Tartan Heart

Beauly near Inverness
August

A chance to see big names and newcomers to the world of music and comedy in the beautiful You can find poetry and debate, weird and wonderful cabaret and performance art as well as join in a good old fashioned Ceilidh dancing. There’s even a fancy dress ball to close the weekend.
www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/index2.asp

Are you in the 15-30 age group?

You can take part in the 10 minute survey by visiting www.youthmigration.org and be in with a chance of winning one five pairs of Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival tickets or one of 25 20 Amazon vouchers.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Edinburgh City Centre
August

The world's biggest book fair. Mingle with international stars of the book world in the tented village in one of Edinburgh’s beautiful new town squares. Interviews, discussions and book signings plus children’s entertainment.
www.edbookfest.co.uk

Hydro Connect Festival

Inverary, Argyll
August

In its second year, this contemporary music festival is set in the spectacular grounds of Inverary castle on the banks of Loch Fyne.
www.connectmusicfestival.com/content/default.asp?page=s15

Black Bottle Islay Jazz and Blues Festival

Islay, Western Isles
September 

Venues throughout Islay play host to jazz artists from around the world. Quite possibly the most friendly and relaxed jazz festival you will find anywhere.

www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk

Blas

Throughout the Highlands
September

Celebrating the Highlands rich Gaelic culture and wealth of Scottish music talent.
www.blas-festival.com

Dundee Flower and Food Festival

Camperdown Park, Dundee
September

Demonstrations, competitions, children's activities. A chance to see top British chefs and gardeners. There are stalls selling the best local produce. A true feast for the senses.
www.dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com

Aberfoyle International Mushroom Festival

Aberfoyle
October

An annual festival all about mushrooms which feature cookery demonstrations, concerts, a photography competition, ceilidhs (traditional Scottish group dance), mushroom picking and plenty of local music talent.
www.visitaberfoyle.com/festivals.htm