What's on in May

Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival
1st - 6th May: A celebration of outdoor activities in the far north of Scotland - walks with the Forestry Commission, RSPB, Caithness Field Club and local walking group, the Waybaggers.

 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
1st - 5th May 2008
A lively celebration of our national drink in one of the most beautiful producing areas - almost fifty world-famous distilleries are located on Speyside. You can visit and tour most during the festival which also features tasting sessions, a gala dinner, ceilidh, tasting session and exhibitions. Heaven for whisky lovers.

 

West Highland Steam Train: Travel on the romantic West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig. This 164 mile journey takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland and is considered to be one of the most scenic railway lines in Britain.

 

Show Scotland
2nd - 5th May 2008, across Scotland
Show Scotland is a creative events weekend celebrating Scotland's museums and galleries, offering an exciting and innovative events programme - live performances, some with visitor participation events; and celebrity events - expect the unexpected in Scottish museums and galleries!

 

Big in Falkirk
When: 3rd & 4th May 2008  
One of Scotland's biggest events, dedicated to bringing international outdoor theatre to Scotland and the UK, Big In Falkirk offers cutting-edge entertainment with music, internationally renowned performance, comedy and unique art in activities for children, young people and families. There's a packed programme of spectacular outdoor theatre, street arts, live music, comedy and children's entertainment.

 

Feis Rois Inbhich
3rd - 5th May 2008, Ullapool
Feis Rois Inbhich - Adult Feis Rois, a unique and wonderful 3-day traditional cultural feast, offering daily tuition in the many traditional instruments, Gaelic language, Gaelic song, step dancing & reels, Highland culture and group playing. The Feis provides a first-class tutor team, sessions and ceilidhs set against the backdrop of stunning Highland scenery and a friendly atmosphere.

 

Word Festival
9th - 11th May 2008, Aberdeen
Aberdeen's book festival, Word, is a packed weekend of readings, music, art exhibitions, and film screenings featuring a star-studded line-up of writers and artists. Seamus Heaney, Louis de Bernieres, Ian Rankin, Richard E Grant and Adriana Trigiani have all appeared in previous years. Word 07 also features some of the nation's favourite children's writers at the Imagination Tent and Storytelling Teepee, plus the richest talents in Gaelic literature and music. The festival takes place at the charming campus of the University of Aberdeen and at venues throughout the city.

 

Newton Stewart Walking Festival
9th - 15th May 2008, Newton Stewart
Set in beautiful Galloway, the third annual walking festival includes strenuous walks on the highest hills in southwest Scotland, providing both a challenge to the dedicated hill-walker and also gentle lowland explorations. A fun and informative way to learn about the local environment, plants and wildlife.

 

Loch Fyne Food Fair
10th - 11th May 2008, Cairndow, near Inveraray
A feast of West Coast food next to the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. Accompanied by wines, local ales, and live music all day, there will be a wide range of foods showcased, sold by the producers, ready to eat or to take home. There will also be a craft tent with over 20 craft producers and children’s entertainment.

 

Motorfair & the Scottish Motor Show
When: 10th & 11th May 2008   Where: Knockhill Racing Circuit, Fife
Motorfair is Scotland's live, interactive motoring show. There's loads to see and do, with something for everyone: cars to see and be seen in; stunt shows; and special zones - kids, 4x4s, road-safety, truck and supercar, as well as free track demos, free 4x4 rambles and skid pan demos. A Formula 1 Ferrari! Racing and Rally cars will be in the feature marquees.

 

Aviemore and Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival
10th - 17th May 2008
The Aviemore Walking Festival expands to become the Aviemore and Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival in 2008. Not only will there be ten guided walks through the magnificent scenery of the Cairngorms, including a mini expedition involving spending two nights in mountain bothies, but also mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting, climbing, canyoning and more. Plus, a full evening programme of events will include mountain-related talks, films, a Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team open night and a ceilidh supper.

 

Borders Festival of the Horse
16 - 26 May 2008
An 11-day festival of equestrian events for riders and spectators set in some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside. Enjoy the action-packed programme with 40 events and activities that show why the Scottish Borders region is Scotland's Horse Country.

 

Burns an' a' That!
17th - 26th May 2008
A wide-ranging programme of music, song, poetry and art celebrating life and contemporary Scottish culture, set against a backdrop of, and interleaving with, the life and work of our national bard. Set in and around Ayr, the festival features world-class acts from across the musical spectrum matched to an ambitious and innovative programme showcasing the best of contemporary and traditional Scottish culture.

 

Atholl Highlander's Parade 24th May 2008
Annual parade and inspection of the Atholl Highlanders and the Pipe Band. Open 2.30pm.

 

Blair Atholl Gathering and Highland Games
24th May to 25th May 2008
Starts 1.30pm. Light Field, Heavy Events, Highland Dancing, Solo Piping. Many trade stands. Special Event: Scottish Tug O'War Championship.

 

Medieval Fayre
24th to 25th May 2008
Medieval re-enactments and living history camp plus jousting, minstrels and other fun. Held at Traquair House.

 

Perth Festival of the Arts
22nd May - 1st June 2008 
This year's festival offers a stunning world-class programme featuring an impressive line up of well known names in concerts, exhibitions, recitals, performances and displays.

 

Skye Music Festival
When: 23rd - 24th May 2008, Broadford
This event brings together some of the hottest names in dance, alternative rock, soul and contemporary Celtic music.

 

Bell Lawrie Scottish Series
23rd - 26th May 2008
Scotland's premier yacht racing event is held annually in Tarbert, attracting up to 200 yachts and their crew, racing on the clear waters of Loch Fyne.

 

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival
23rd - 31st May 2008

Music, comedy, drama, literary, children's events, films and the visual arts are all on offer in next year's Festival. Top class international performers play across the region in venues large and small, formal and informal, urban and rural.

 

Scottish Pipe Band Championship
24th May 2008, Dumbarton
Competition is keen among the pipe bands competing in the national championship. Come along and hear the pipers, drummers and bands battle it out for the prizes.

 

Upper Nithsdale Walking Festival
24th - 25th May 2008  
Join fellow walkers in a weekend of walks and entertainment among beautiful scenery with friendly people. Upper Nithsdale has a wild and remote landscape - although it's very accessible, you feel as though you're in the middle of nowhere.

 

Spring Fling
24th - 26th May 2008, Dumfries & Galloway
Spring Fling is an open door arts and crafts event and the only one of its kind in Scotland. Almost 100 artists and craftmakers across Dumfries and Galloway will be opening their workshops and studios to the public so visitors can see how they work and what they do. You can buy their work or just browse at the venues on the six suggested studio trails which also offer the perfect opportunity to take in other local attractions en route.

 

Children's International Theatre Festival
24th May - 2nd June 2008, Edinburgh & venues across Scotland
The leading UK performing arts festival for children, offering an unprecedented range of theatre productions from around the world for children and young people from 1 to 14 years old. Performances take place at various venues around the country. 

 

Taste of Edinburgh
29th May - 1st June 2008
Taste of Edinburgh will give thousands of foodies the opportunity to enjoy the best that Scottish restaurants and food and drink producers have to offer. Edinburgh’s most prestigious restaurants and celebrated chefs will be serving sample-sized signature dishes, the Chef's Demonstration Theatre will allow visitors to watch top chefs in action while the Wine Experience will be offering wine tastings and tutorials. At delicious magazine producers' market there will be opportunities to discover, sample and buy authentic local produce.

 

Angus Glens Walking Festival
29th May - 1st June 2008
Come and explore this beautiful part of Scotland in the company of experienced leaders, who will provide information on the history, wildlife and culture of the area. A full and varied programme of walks and evening entertainment is offered, with something to suit all ages and abilities.

 

Drymen Show
When: 31st May 2008   Where: Drymen
A great family day out, the Drymen Show features cattle, sheep, and horse competitions, trade stands plus a funfair and helicopter rides.

 

The Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival 
31st May & 1st June 2008
The Festival is all set to whet your appetite by selling game, fresh fish, tasty soups, bread and succulent roast meat and vegetables which you can then wash down in the Real Ale and Whisky tent. With a cookery demonstration marquee, a tasting table, try and buy with Scottish food producers and kids cookery lessons you’ll be hard pushed to keep your tummy empty for long!