Authentic Scottish events, culture & traditions

2026

Scottish Storytelling Festival in Edinburgh, 21 – 31 October 2026: settle into your seat and listen as storytellers' voices transport you into another world, weaving their tales around you in the capital city. 

Soundhouse Winter Festival in Edinburgh, 26 – 30 November 2026: with the days growing shorter, this eclectic music festival lifts the mood. Hear established and up-and-coming artists perform in a rich programme of workshops. 

St Andrew's Day across the country, 30 November: from pipes to the beat of drums, follow the music onto the dancefloor as you join in the celebrations of Scotland's patron saint, St Andrew, at events all over the country. 

Hogmanay in Edinburgh, 31 December: no one throws a New Year's Eve party quite like we Scots. Expect a torchlight procession, twinkling lights, music filling the streets and spectacular fireworks display. Join the crowds and welcome the new year in style!

2027

Royal National Mòd in Stornoway, 8 – 16 October 2027: feel the rhythm of traditional Scottish music at Scotland's main Gaelic cultural festival, bringing together music performances, singing, Highland dancing and even the sport of shinty. 

Celtic Connections in Glasgow, 14 Jan – 31 Jan 2027: beat any January blues with the UK's premier celebration of Celtic music. Follow the music through the city and hear folk, roots and world music from more than 2,000 musicians from Scotland and far beyond. 

Burns Night across the country, 25 January: imagine the arrival of Scotland's most famous dish, haggis, to the sounds of bagpipes as whisky glasses are raised. Our annual celebration of Robert Burns' life is truly unique and unforgettable. Tip: events sometimes take place before and after 25 January, so double check the dates. 

Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, January – March: the sight of 1,000 people carrying flaming torches is not forgotten in a hurry. These mesmerising Viking-themed fire festivals takes place in the island's rural communities, the largest and best known being Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, held on the last Tuesday in January. 

Fort William Mountain Festival, 11 – 14 February 2027: get ready for gripping talks, inspiring films and stories of epic adventures and survival from world-class speakers – you might even leave with an urge to pull on your walking boots and head for the hills! 

Aye Write in Glasgow, March 2027: turn the outside world off for a while and escape into another world at this favourite book festival, which brings the pleasure of books to life through thought-provoking conversations, lively events and readings.

Nuart Aberdeen, April 2027 dates TBC: look up and you might just find a giant mural transforming an old granite wall as part of this award-winning and internationally renowned street art festival. 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, 28 April – 3 May 2027: follow the journey from cask to flask at this five-day whisky festival in the renowned whisky region of Speyside. Taste your way through special releases, tour the distillery, or join in for whisky dinner. 

Shetland Folk Festival, 29 April – 2 May 2027: from intimate venues to lively fiddle sessions, don't miss the UK's most northerly folk festival, that brings eclectic and innovative line-ups of performers to the isles, including Americana folk music. 

Edinburgh TradFest, 30 April – 10 May 2027: experience Scotland's traditional folk roots over 10 days in Edinburgh, with storytelling, traditional music, film, art and much more filling the capital's pubs, concert halls and secret spots. 

Edinburgh Tartan Parade, 8 May 2027: watch the amazing procession of kilts, pipe bands, dancers and more as they wind their way down the historic Royal Mile. Cheer along with the crowds and soak up the colours that brighten up the streets. 

Orkney Nature Festival, 17 – 23 May 2027: step into the wild side of Orkney and walk around some of Britain's largest cliffs. Take part in nature photography classes, guided walks to the sound of birdsong, and maybe even discover an island you’ve not visited before. 

Melrose Rugby Sevens, 21-22 May 2027: get close to the action as players race across the pitch at this premier event of the Rugby Sevens calendar. See teams competing in this fast and furious competition in the town where it all began. 

Orkney Folk Festival, 27 – 30 May 2027: your toes will be tapping as traditional tunes spill into venues across Orkney, bringing together local and visiting acts. This celebration of music, culture and tradition has been a staple on Orkney since the '80s. 

Whisky Month across the country, May 2027: roll the whisky around the glass and watch it glow amber. Look out for whisky events throughout May and make sure you enjoy a dram on World Whisky Day, the third Saturday in May each year. 

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy, June 2027 dates TBC: step onto the waterfront to see large historic boats, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Banffshire coast, or tuck into tasty food and drink at this quirky traditional boat festival. 

Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, 17 – 20 June 2027: from the roar of tractor to the clatter of hooves, Scotland's largest farming and countryside show brings horses, cattle, mouth-watering local produce, arts and crafts and much more. 

North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen, June 2027 dates TBC: learn a new tune or two as you move between concerts, workshops and late-night sessions, filled with music, dance and culture, all celebrating North Atlantic fiddle traditions.

Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, 8 – 11 July 2027: see top golfers competing at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian for the sixth consecutive year, and witness every drive, approach and putt from up-close. 

Hebridean Celtic Festival on the Isle of Lewis, 14 – 17 July 2027: the sound of fiddles and guitars fill the air at this enchanting music festival, held in the grounds of Lews Castle. Hear music celebrating Celtic culture and join the crowds singing along. 

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, 6 – 28 August 2027: a spectacular show of military bands, dancing and piping performances, set against the unforgettable backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The Tattoo is one of Edinburgh's seven summer festivals taking place in June, July and August. 

Piping Live! in Glasgow, 8 – 13 August 2027: from the world-class Masters Solo Piping Competition to lively street events, this event sees Glasgow buzzing with music. Try piping yourself at The National Piping Centre and sample fine local produce at the Pipers' Market. 

World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, 13 – 14 August 2027: watch hundreds of musicians march onto the field, filling the air with the stirring sound of pipes when competing in the world's top piping tournament. 

Largs Viking Festival, 28 August – 5 September 2027: hear the clash of shields at this Viking themed festival where the famous Battle of Largs is re-enacted and brought to life, before gathering with the crowds to watch the long ship set ablaze! 

Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, August 2027 dates TBC: hear the cheers from the crowd as the pipers play and the Highland dances leap and spin across the arena at the largest Highland games in the world, which dates back to 1894. 

Wigtown Book Festival, 24 September – 3 October 2027: head out to Scotland's National Book Town this autumn to find bookshops, cafés, workshops and historic corners all buzzing with stories.