Rugby fans at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
British National Youth and Junior Track Championships 2021
Each year Scotland sets the scene for terrific and thrilling sporting events to take place.
From our renowned golf courses and greens, our world-class sporting venues and small town hits, to our bustling cities and untouched landscapes, you'll find a fun sporting event everywhere you look. Here are a few to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond:
The 2019 Solheim Cup
We've hosted some pretty major events, with millions of people across the world tuning in to see the sporting action unfold in Scottish arenas and iconic venues. We've had the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Perthshire and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - it was hailed by many as being the best games ever and we (modestly) have to agree!
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup
© Phunkt
These landmark events were followed up by FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in 2015, the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in 2016, the TOTAL BWF Badminton World Championships in 2017, the European Championships in 2018, the Solheim Cup in 2019 and the UCI Track Nations Cup, The 150th Open in 2022 and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
This spectacular horse-riding festival held in the Scottish Borders is one of Britain's best-kept secrets.
Shinty players, Rona and Mairi Stewart
© Ed Smith
A sport which is at the heart of many communities across the Highlands, shinty is played with wooden sticks and a ball and has been compared with field hockey. This ancient sport runs in the blood and often you'll find different generations of the same family in teams.
Melrose Sevens Final
© Ian Rutherford
Scotland has an appetite for rugby, no matter what level of the game. From the full internationals against the world's best right down to weekly club games, you'll find plenty of enthusiasm, drama and excitement, both on and off the pitch.
Horse Racing Musselburgh Racecourse
A day at the races can be a lot of fun! In Scotland, there's a range of historic thoroughbred racecourses in the likes of Ayr, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. Dress up for a race day and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
It's not always about being on the side lines or in the audience - there are some amazing opportunities to get involved in mass participation events.
Curling equipment
Fancy a go at curling? See one of Scotland's oldest sports played out on one of 22 ice rinks across the country, usually between September and April. If temperatures dip below zero, you might even get to catch a game on a traditional curling pond!
Peninsula trikes in Glen Fruin; near Helensburgh
© Wild About Argyll / Kieran J Duncan
Love the sound of a purring engine? Got the need for speed? Then check out some of Scotland's motoring events - there's thrilling island rallies, powerful supercars circuiting race tracks, and exhilarating speedways.
Royal Troon Golf Course
© Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Group
If you want to see some of the best golfers in the world play on the most challenging golf courses - or play yourself - come to Scotland. Known as 'The Home of Golf' Scotland hosts some of the biggest tournaments in golf each year, such as the Open Championship.
Mountain biker, Jamie Edmondson at Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre
© Ed Smith
See dirt fly, impressive speeds and great skills as top riders tackle unforgiving and testing trails at thrilling events such as the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, held every year in Fort William in the Highlands.
Canoeing in southern Ayrshire.
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
If seeing the wide variety of events on offer has inspired you to try out a new sport , or add in some new and exciting experiences on your trip to Scotland, we think you'll love these!
JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.
