Arts and culture

With an eclectic range of theatre and dance, the world’s festival capital, outstanding summer music festivals, blockbuster movie locations, breathtaking art and architecture and a captivating literary history - Scotland has a truly thriving arts and culture scene. Ensure you make the most of the wonderful arts and culture on offer, and with 2012 the Year of Creative Scotland, now is the perfect time to plan your trip.

Dance

From traditional Highland dance and the elegance and grace of ballet to the growth of hip hop, Scotland’s dance scene is buzzing with diversity. Enjoy a dance experience in 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland.

A scene from Scottish Ballet's production of the Nutcracker © Graeme Wylie

Film

Uncover the connections Scotland has with the world of film. The rugged landscape and stunning scenery has been used in a number of films including Braveheart, Harry Potter and Disney•Pixar’s Brave.

Looking across a calm Loch Duich to Eiliean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh

Music

Scotland's music scene is one of the best in the world and encompasses a diverse range of genres from traditional Celtic and folk music to opera and riveting rock festivals featuring top contemporary acts.

The crowd at the main stage at T in the Park, Balado

Theatre

From large scale professional touring companies to local amateur dramatics, plays and musicals, theatre in Scotland is booming and wherever you are in the country in the Year of Creative Scotland, you’re never far from a theatrical production.

The exterior of the Playhouse in Edinburgh

Arts and crafts

From jewellery to glassblowing, textiles to pottery, the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 is the perfect time to explore these unique creations and visit the country’s many workshops and studios for a chance to see how they are made.

Arran Ceramics on display at the Balmichael Visitor Centre on the Isle of Arran

Uniquely Scottish

This is a land where people are proud of their heritage and very passionate about being Scottish. Each of the items featured in this section represents a Scottish icon, something of which most Scots are fiercely proud to claim as their own.

Two Highland dancers, wearing kilts, at the Gathering, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh

Literature

Discover Scotland’s fascinating literary history, its intriguing connections to renowned authors, poets and bestselling children’s writers and celebrate great literature at some of the world’s best book festivals in 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland.

The outside of the tent for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh

Architecture

Scotland has a rich and diverse architectural heritage with influential styles dating back to prehistoric times and right up to ground-breaking designs of the present day.

The exterior of the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

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Watch with VisitScotland
One of Andy Goldsworthy's Striding Arches on Bail Hill

My Shortlist

A pipe band marching at the World Pipe Band Championships, Glasgow Green

Traditional Scottish music

Scotland’s diversity of traditional music is right at the heart of the country’s cultural scene.

Year of Creative Scotland logo

Year of Creative Scotland

The best of Scotland’s arts, culture and creative scene will be showcased in this year-long programme of events and festivals.

A close up of a piper wearing a brooch on his full Highland dress

Tartan

Uncover the fascinating history of one of Scotland’s most iconic products and discover how to find your own tartan.

The exterior of the Perth Concert Hall, Perth

Contemporary architecture

Scotland boasts an impressive range of strong contemporary buildings which showcase the diversity of architecture.

The statue of Sir Walter Scott below the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens East, Edinburgh

City of Literature

Uncover Edinburgh’s literary history and UNESCO status and discover many intriguing connections to famous writers.

An exhibition of paintings by the Glasgow Boys at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Scottish artists

Scotland’s artists include painter Henry Raeburn, designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Fife-born Jack Vettriano.

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Arts and culture across Scotland

The exterior of the McManus, Dundee city centre
Full-time drama

From arthouse films to big band concerts, enjoy arts in Dundee & Angus, home to Scotland's only full-time drama company.

Close up of the sign for Craft Town Scotland
Burns, books, crafts and music

With many great events and attractions, visit Ayrshire & Arran and celebrate the Year of Creative Scotland.

Exterior shot of the Glasgow School of Art which is lit up
European City of Culture

Enjoy world-class art collections, quirky music venues and groundbreaking events in Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley.

Artworks on display in the window of the Castle Gallery, Inverness city centre
Creative Highlands

Uncover the works of gifted local artists in the Highlands and attend thrilling arts festivals.

The Vatersay Boys, a ceilidh band, performing on the Isle of Berneray
Harris Tweed and arts

The Outer Hebrides is a source of inspiration for artists whose work can be viewed in town shops, galleries and studios.

Jewellery being made at Weisdale, Mainland
Fiddle music and a craft trail

Shetland is place of flourishing creativity, where handmade knitwear and crafts can be found alongside fantastic live music.