What's on this year – an annual Scottish events calendar

Naturally awe-inspiring

It may be cold but Scotland in winter is truly enchanting. Amid a frost-bitten landscape of snowy mountains, glens, forests and steel-grey lochs, discover a winter wonderland.

Head up north for some truly incredible scenery. From the towering peaks of Ben Nevis to the majestic beauty of Glencoe and the Great Glen, walking in these iconic landscapes dusted in snow is simply spellbinding. In the Cairngorms National Park you might have some close-up encounters with mountain hare, ptarmigan, red grouse and red deer.

As winter unfolds and the frost-bitten landscape slowly thaws, snowdrops begin to bloom, adding a welcome touch of delicate beauty to the Scottish countryside. See these iconic, pretty blooms at the Scottish Snowdrop Festival which runs from 26 January to 11 March. 

Embrace the outdoors

The night sky is at its most spectacular in winter when stargazers can enjoy crystal-clear visibility thanks to low temperatures. Pay a visit to Galloway Forest Park, Britain's first Dark Sky Park, Tay Forest Park and Rannoch Moor for one of the brightest, starriest skies you've ever seen. Scotland is also the best place in the UK to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. The best places to spot it are the Caithness coast and Shetland and Orkney isles from November to January.

Experience unmissable events

The Christmas period is full of cheer, sparkle and the merriest of traditions. The cities host week-long festivals throughout December, culminating in Hogmanay where the whole country welcomes in the New Year with whisky, fireworks and ceilidh dancing long into the wee hours. 

Edinburgh is the biggest of the Hogmanay celebrations, but the smaller Comrie Flambeaux and Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony also kick-off January in spectacular style. Looking for something different? Head to the annual Stromness Yule Log Competition on Hogmanay. Running since the 1930's, watch the 'Northenders' and 'Soothenders' of Stromness battle it out in a classic game of tug o' war. The festive spirit continues elsewhere throughout the month with the Viking fire festival of Up Helly Aa in Shetland, and across the country on Burns Night, there are lots of birthday celebrations for our National Bard, including Burns & Beyond.

Naturally awe-inspiring

An unmistakable sign that spring is on its way is the return of the ospreys from Africa to their Scottish nests at the end of March and throughout April. Pay them a visit at the Loch Garten Nature Centre and Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre.  

Head north and explore the nature and wonder of the islands during Orkney Nature Festival.

Embrace the outdoors

The milder weather and longer days of spring are great for walking, cycling and hiking. At the start of May, it's time to get into the swing of things when the Scottish golf season officially gets underway. Also in May, take to Scotland's gravel tracks and trails with Muck n' Mack Fest, also featuring talks, film, live music and family activities. This is also a fantastic time for canoeing and kayaking as trickling rivers swell with heavy rainfall and melted mountain snow and ice. Then there's salmon fishing; Scotland is one if not the best country in the world for catching Atlantic salmon, with the season peaking in early April and again in early autumn.

Experience unmissable events

Delve into Scottish poetry and literature with StAnza, Scotland's International Poetry Festival, in March. Expect lots of laughter at The Glasgow International Comedy Festival in March, followed swiftly by the pagan spectacle of the Beltane Fire Festival and the street art festival of Nuart Aberdeen in April. For the family, why not plan an easter egg hunt in the grounds of a Scottish castle? Follow one of the National Trust for Scotland easter egg trails taking place across the country for tasty treats and prizes. Get your toes tapping at Orkney Folk Festival which takes over the islands at the end of May. This year will also see the inaugural Edinburgh Tartan Parade, where kilts, pipe bands, dancers and more will parade down the historic Royal Mile in May. At the start of May, you can get a dose of Stirling’s music, dance and comedy at Culture Night Stirling at Stirling Castle, or why not get a feel for Scotland’s creative pulse at the arts and crafts extravaganza Spring Fling in Dumfries & Galloway, taking place at the end of May?

Experience unmissable events

Prepare to be spoiled for choice when it comes to seriously Scottish events. May signals the start of the Highland games continuing until September. Experience the amazing atmosphere of Stathmore Highland Games, Luss Highland Games, the Cowal Highland Gathering and much more. The games are a Scottish spectacle unlike any other.

There's the Genesis Scottish Open in July and the toe-tapping greatness of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival at the end of July too.

August sees Edinburgh transformed into the world's summer arts capital. Choose from more than 3,000 shows staged over 300 venues at eight incredible festivals including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Naturally awe-inspiring 

Bring your binoculars! Life in the animal kingdom is at its most restless with creatures from the otter to golden eagle busy raising their young. Most spectacular of all are vast colonies of puffins, guillemots, gannets and other nesting seabirds which congregate on coastal and island cliffs - an essential sight for birdwatchers in the summer.

Embrace the outdoors

In midsummer it barely gets dark. There are only a few hours of semi-darkness between sunset and sunrise, which means one thing - you can fit more into the day! Make the most of all those extra hours of daylight to really explore the countryside on foot or bike, or hop into the car and follow a breathtaking road trip around Scotland.

Or why not try some of our outdoor activities in the warm summer sunshine? Hiking, mountain biking, kite-surfing and canyoning are just some of the many exhilarating things you can have a go at!

Naturally awe-inspiring

Autumn is when Scotland is bursting with colour. Not surprising considering it boasts no fewer than six forest parks - nearly one fifth of the land is tree covered - and an abundance of leafy gardens and estates.

Go leaf peeping and witness dramatic autumn colours alongside some of Scotland's greatest wildlife sights: from huge flocks of migratory birds to the grey seal pupping season on the coastline; and from roaring red stags to leaping Atlantic salmon.

Embrace the outdoors

Long-distance trails and lofty Munros beckon walkers, climbers and pony-trekkers while golfers can enjoy a more peaceful game at this time of year. You can even forage for your supper! Get your hands on edible pickings on guided woodland and coastal walks including wild-growing berries, mushrooms and shellfish.

Learn more about the first canal to be built in Scotland, as well as the restoration and construction of the popular Falkirk Wheel, at the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival. Join in on boat trips, a concert, family fun, fireworks and more. In September, take part or spectate at Salomon Skyline Scotland, a world-class mountain and trail running event.

Experience unmissable events

Summer might be over, but there are still plenty of events to fill chilly days and brighten dark nights. September is set to be a real page turner when the Wigtown Book Festival comes to Dumfries & Galloway or watch incredible displays at the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight. October sees windsurfers flock to the beautiful Isle of Tiree for the Tiree Wave Classic. Head to Shetland for the unique Shetland Wool Week in September to get a feel for real island life. Hear the best in traditional music at the Royal National Mòd and Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival.

This is also the land of Halloween where you can party like a pagan at the Samhuinn Fire Festival and enjoy all manner of ghoulish fun and games. And of course, autumn simply wouldn't be autumn without the magic of Scotland's light festivals including The Enchanted Forest.