St Ninians Isle, Shetland Islands
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa – 30 January 2024
There are 12 fire festivals that take place across the Shetland islands between January and March each year. The main festival takes place in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January and sees a procession of people carrying burning torches through the town, before a replica Viking longship is set alight. Unforgettable!
The pools at Glen Rosa with a view of Goat Fell, Isle of Arran
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
Shetland Folk Festival – 2 - 5 May 2024
Welcome to the UK’s most northerly folk festival. The festival features an amazing line-up of local and visiting acts that will perform at venues across the Shetland Islands.
Skye Live Festival – May 2024
Head for Eilean a’ Cheó – the Misty Isle – for a spectacular programme of music, theatre, dance, literature and children’s events, taking place in venues and public spaces around the magical Isle of Skye.
Isle of Arran Mountain Festival – 17 - 20 May 2024
Featuring a packed programme of hill walks, scrambles, mountain running sessions and even night walks, this is the ideal festival for those that love the great outdoors, stunning views and a chance to catch up afterwards over coffee, tea and cake!
Orkney Folk Festival – 23 - 26 May 2024
Enjoy a musical filled weekend at the 41st Orkney festival and experience the very best of their rich, vibrant folk scene with a whole of musicians set to take centre-stage.
Blue seas at the isle of Islay
Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival – 24 May – 1 June 2024
As they say on Islay “Come for the whisky, return for the island”. Fèis Ìle is truly a celebration of Islay’s spirit and unique culture where visitors can enjoy ceilidhs, tours and jaw-dropping sunsets, all washed down with a dram.
Arran Folk Festival – 7 – 9 June 2024
Folk music aficionados will love this intimate island festival that offers concerts in multiple venues. Don’t miss the late night shows, which always draw a crowd.
St Magnus International Festival – 21 – 28 June 2024
This festival has been at the heart of Orkney’s cultural life since 1977. With music, theatre, dance, literature and more, the programme delivers for lovers of the arts during Orkney’s magical midsummer.
The Isle of Tiree
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Tiree Music Festival – 12 – 14 July 2024
Delve into a true island festival atmosphere on the glorious Isle of Tiree off Scotland’s west coast. Just imagine picture-perfect white sands, world-famous surfing conditions, lush scenery and landscapes, and add in toe-tapping tunes, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable island festival experience. It’s no wonder that Tiree is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of the North’.
Hebridean Celtic Festival – 17 – 20 July 2024
Set in the magnificent grounds of Lews Castle, overlooking Stornoway Harbour, this is one of the best family-friendly music festivals in Scotland.
Scalpsie Bay
Eilean Dorcha Festival – 26 - 27 July 2024
Affectionately known as the friendly festival, Uist’s annual summer event guarantees some great bands and amazing scenery. Various workshops are available too with local crafts, local produce and fun rides for children.
ButeFest – 26 – 28 July 2024
Nestling idyllically in the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Bute is easily accessed by CalMac ferry from Wemyss Bay and the ButeFest site is just across the island at Ettrick Bay. Expect a rollercoaster of music, food and fun at this family-friendly festival.
Jarl Squad March with their replica Viking galley
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Orkney International Science Festival – 5 – 11 September 2024
Join in with music, workshops, talks, performances, exhibitions and more with this incredible festival delving into a range of diverse cutting-edge topics.
Viking Week, Orkney – September 2024
Celebrate Norse heritage in Orkney with a series of talks, tours and events. Past highlights have included a guided archaeology tour of Birsay and Orphir, and a Viking walking tour of Kirkwall to learn about the harbour.
Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival – September 2024
Scottish and international musicians join together to present a jam-packed festival in the unique location of Islay. The festival features a taste of Islay, so watch out for hand-dived scallops, crabs, chocolates, homebaking and of course, whisky.
Jura Music Festival – September 2024
Home to more deer than people, the Isle of Jura is a true gem! Experience a range of music genres and performers at the Jura Music Festival this September for their 30th anniversary.
A statue at Calgary Arts, Isle of Mull
© VisitScotland / Wild about Argyll / Kieran J Duncan
Isle of Mull Car Rally – 13 – 15 October 2023
If motor racing is your thing then you won’t want to miss the Beatson’s Building Supplies Isle of Mull Car Rally. This thrilling race will see a host of crews pit themselves against the Hebridean island’s legendary twisting roads.
Tiree Wave Classic – 14 – 20 October 2023
This thrilling festival is the longest-running professional windsurfing event in the world, but there’s plenty for spectators to do too. Try surfing, paddle boarding or windsurfing, spend some time in the event village and the nightlife is brilliant.
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