Scotland: Events in Scotland - From Highland Games to Hogmanay

I am a Scot. I'm loyal to the end. In 2009, I am going home. Why are you a Scot?

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It is true - the Scots really do know how to enjoy a party. 2008 is packed with events including the well-established Highland Games circuit, Edinburgh's International Festivals and, of course, nationwide Hogmanay revelry. Check out whisky festivals in Islay and Speyside and food festivals in Mull, Loch Lomond, Shetland and Grampian. Glasgow comes alive to the sound of pipes with the Piping Live and the World Pipe Band Championships in August.

No matter what time of year you are planning your trip to Scotland, there is always so much to see and do. Here you can see a list of events where you will always be warmly welcomed in on the celebrations.

Featured Events

SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL November 21-23 Times vary Scotland's premier fiddlefest is back with lively recitals, talks, workshops, sessions and ceilidhs More

ST ANDREW'S WEEK FESTIVAL November 22-30 Times vary An eclectic and colourful programme of festivities celebrating the feast day of Scotland's patron saint with the very best of our rich national culture and cuisine. Highlights include traditional and classical music concerts, dance and more More

THE EDINBURGH ART FAIR November 22-24 Times vary The chance to peruse and pick up artwork from over 60 exhibitors from the UK and the rest of Europe. More

DUNDEE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL November 23-25 The Dundee Mountain Film Festival is one of the longest established mountain film festivals in the UK. More

ST ANDREWS WEEK November 23-30 A week of festivities culminating in St Andrews Day. More

EDINBURGH�S CHRISTMAS November 27 - December 24 A month of sparkling celebrations. More

ST ANDREW'S DAY November 30 Celebrations of Scotland's patron saint. More

EDINBURGH�S HOGMANAY December 29 - January 1 Celebrate the New Year at the home of Hogmanay. More

STONEHAVEN FIREBALL CEREMONY December 31 11pm Stonehaven's Fireball Festival is a spectacular sight as local people process along the old town High Street swinging fireballs to ward off the darkness of winter and welcome in the New Year. More

HOGMANAY December 31 New Year celebrations take place in most towns and cities throughout Scotland. More

HOGMANAY BONFIRE December 31 9.30pm The Hogmanay bonfire in the Borders town of Biggar dates back to pagan times when fire was worshipped and believed to ward of evil spirits for the New Year. More

THE BA' January 1 1030am & 1pm Traditional street rugby played by the Uppies and the Doonies with a much prized locally made leather ba' (ball). The Ba' starts on Broad Street with the boys' game beginning at 10.30am and the men's at 1pm More

The Homecoming Scottish Cup January 10 - May 31 Scottish football's national cup competition, the Scottish Cup, has been re-named the Homecoming Scottish Cup for the 2008-09 season. Watch Scottish football's top stars in action as they compete to lift the world's oldest national football trophy. More

Homecoming - The John Muir Odyssey January 22 - December 13 A new festival celebrating the life and legacy of John Muir, 'the Father of Modern Conservation' More

Zig Zag. The Paths of Robert Burns (Edinburgh) January 23-30 For the first time ever, some of the 36,000 objects from Scotland�s national collection of treasures associated with Robert Burns will be brought together in a major touring exhibition. More

Famous Scots January 23 - November 30 Have you ever wondered where your Scottish ancestors come from? What fascinating stories they could tell you if they were here today. More

North Carrick Burns Celebrations January 24 - November 30 Join in a celebration of North Carrick's connections with Robert Burns. More

Celtic Connections Homecoming Celebrations January 24 - February 1 Honouring the influence of Robert Burns on Scottish Music and his importance in preserving the traditions of his own cultural background, the Celtic Connections festival celebrates his legacy with their biggest event to date. More

Burns 250th Anniversary Weekend January 24-25 The Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme will formally kick off on the weekend of Robert Burns' 250th anniversary with Burns events planned in key locations across Scotland More

This Is Who We Are (Aberdeen) January 25 - November 30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland. More

Burns Light January 25-25 A dazzling Burns Night lantern procession winding through the historic heart of Dumfries. More

World Burns Night January 25-1 Traditional Scots music and poetry meets musical traditions from around the world, inspired by Robert Burns� Internationalism and Humanity. More

Mackintosh 100 January 25 - November 30 2009 marks the centenary of The Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art, the architectural masterpiece of Glasgow�s outstanding architect, designer and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. More

This Is Who We Are (Edinburgh) January 25 - November 30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland.� More

Scottish National Portrait Gallery January 25 - November 30 The Scottish National Portrait Gallery provides a unique visual history of Scotland, told through the portraits of those who shaped it. More

Scotland: A Changing Nation January 25 - November 30 Discover our ever-changing nation through the lives of ordinary and not-so-ordinary Scots. More

Homecoming Scotland Drive it Home. January 25 - November 30 Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrates Scotland as the Home of Golf and sees the launch of Drive It Home, Scotland's biggest ever golf promotion in our leading overseas golf markets: the USA, Canada and Sweden. More

This Is Who We Are (Glasgow) January 25-30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland. More

This Is Who We Are (Dumfries) January 25 - November 30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland. More

Scottish Tides Polish Spring February 1 - April 30 Take 400 years of interwoven culture, add a twist of rock, drama, jazz and digital art, and shake. Horsecross invite you to join them for a season of cultural events reflecting the common history of Scotland and Poland. More

Creative Burns February 14 - May 16 This exhibition will explore both Burns� own creative output and his legacy to the present day.� More

Zig Zag. The Paths of Robert Burns (Aberdeen) February 20 - May 15 For the first time ever, some of the 36,000 objects from Scotland's national collection of treasures associated with Robert Burns will be brought together in a major touring exhibition. More

Traditional Music Sessions March 1 - November 30 Traditional Music Sessions will take place across the country throughout the year celebrating the contribution of traditional music to Scottish culture. More

Scots Music Abroad March 6 - May 23 From Handel�s arrangements of Scottish tunes to the roots of African American Blues and Soul More

Aye Write! The Bank of Scotland Book Festival March 6-14 Aye Write! is an annual literature festival which in 2009 will celebrate the best of Scottish and international writers. More

Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival March 12-29 Come home to Glasgow for a laugh at Europe's largest comedy festival. More

StAnza: Scotland's Poetry Festival March 18-22 Held in the historic town of St Andrews, StAnza is recognised as Scotland�s only established festival devoted to poetry. More

Mauchline Ploughing Match March 29-29 Mossgiel Farm, Mauchline, was home to Robert Burns, the Ploughman Poet, from 1782-1784. More

Inspired April 4 - September 20 Inspired is an exhibition of contemporary art inspired by the life, poetry and songs of Robert Burns, featuring work by a distinguished group of artists from the UK and overseas. More

Edinburgh International Science Festival April 6-18 The 21st Edinburgh International Science Festival showcases the great contributions Scots have made to scientific and technological advances, both at home and abroad. More

REME Association Reunion Scotland 2009 April 24-27 The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association (REME) will reunite in Ayr in 2009 to take part in a 3 day event in the heart of Burns country. More

Whisky Month May 1-31 Throughout the month of May Homecoming Scotland 2009 invites you to explore and appreciate the expertise of the stillsmen and master blenders whose diligence has created one of Scotland�s biggest exports and extensions of our culture. More

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival May 1-10 Celebrate whisky, music, food and fun at the biggest ever Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. More

Scottish Games Association May 1 - September 30 Highland Games offer a unique spectacle of sporting, cultural and traditional events.� More

Scottish Mining Mayfest May 1-4 Join Midlothian�s unique Mayfest community celebrations. More

Culloden - From Battle to Exile May 9-10 Culloden is the battlefield that intimately connects us with our ancestors. More

The World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability and the Original Bicycle Festival May 12-24 The bike is coming home, to one of the best mountain bike areas in the world. More

Word 09 - University of Aberdeen Writers Festival May 13-17 As Scotland�s second largest annual literary festival, Word is an inspirational celebration of the written word. More

Burns an' a' that Festival (East Ayrshire) May 16-24 The 8th Burns an� a� That! Festival will be the biggest ever as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Rabbie Burns in style. More

Burns an' a' that Festival (North Ayrshire) May 16-24 The 8th Burns an� a� That! Festival will be the biggest ever as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Rabbie Burns in style. More

Burns an' a' that Festival (South Ayrshire) May 16-24 The 8th Burns an� a� That! Festival will be the biggest ever as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Rabbie Burns in style. More

Spirit of the West May 16-17 Spirit of the West is a weekend-long celebration of the culture and heritage that dominates the West Coast of Scotland, with whisky being the major attraction. More

Etape Caledonia May 17-17 Come to Scotland in 2009 for the only closed road cycle event which winds its way through 81 miles of Highland Perthshire. More

Cape Wrath Challenge May 17-23 The Cape Wrath Challenge could be regarded as the toughest Marathon in the UK. More

Loch Lomond Quilt Show May 20-23 New for 2009, an inspiring showcase of Homecoming Quilts to celebrate Scotland�s unique textile heritage. More

2009 Heineken Cup Final May 23-23 Edinburgh has won the right to host the 14th Heineken Cup final in May 2009 � the second time European club rugby�s showpiece match will be staged in the Scottish capital. More

Party at the Palace 1503 May 23-24 Celebrate the rich and vibrant history of the Stewart Royal Court at Linlithgow Palace and become guests of King James IV and his new bride, Queen Margaret. More

Mauchline Holy Fair May 23-23 This 18th century community Festival pays tribute to one of Robert Burns� most famous poems: The Holy Fair, a poem written in Mauchline where Burns lived with Jean Armour between 1784 � 1786. More

Ayrshire Innovators May 30 - September 12 Ayrshire Innovators will explore the profound impact of key innovators that lived, worked or were born in the area.� More

Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens May 30-31 Back in Scotland for a third successive year, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s is the final leg of the IRB World Sevens Series. More

Return to the Ridings June 1 - August 8 The annual Border Common Ridings are a stunning mounted spectacle packed with heart-stirring music and song. More

Meet Your Ancestors in Clackmannanshire June 1 - November 30 Discover your roots in Clackmannanshire More

A Whole in One Golf Exhibition June 1 - August 31 This exhibition will be staged to coincide with The Open played at Turnberry in South Ayrshire in July 2009. More

Forbes CEO Conference June 14-16 Representing the true entrepreneurial spirit of the ancestral Scots the Forbes family are renowned in business circles across the world. More

The Crossing June 16-20 A Celebration of the Caledonian Canal to mark the Caledonian�s historic innovative engineering, its contribution to Scottish history and its place in the story of the Scottish Enlightenment More

Edinburgh International Film Festival June 17-28 The renowned Edinburgh International Film Festival presents an enlightening programme of films of all shapes and sizes More

'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor' - Routes to Your Scottish Roots June 19-21 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor' is a family history conference that focuses on Stirling records and sources but which contains information and tips that could equally be applicable anywhere in the world. More

The Outsider June 20-21 The Outsider, Scotland's groundbreaking open-air festival makes a welcome return in 2009. More

Zig Zag. The Paths of Robert Burns (Dumfries) June 24 - August 29 For the first time ever, some of the 36,000 objects from Scotland's national collection of treasures associated with Robert Burns will be brought together in a major touring exhibition. More

Royal Highland Show June 25-28 One of the UK's iconic Agricultural Shows,The Royal Highland Show is a 4 day festival attracting over 155,000 visitors. More

A New Life Abroad - The Scottish Diaspora June 26 - October 10 This free exhibition will focus on the ordinary Scots who left their homeland in search of a better life abroad. More

International Youth Curling Camp July 1 - August 1 In 2009, to mark the European Curling Championships taking place in Aberdeen in December, young people from across Scotland and Europe will be inspired to improve their game at a curling camp assisted by top coaches and athletes. More

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival July 2-5 Over four spectacular days in picturesque Portsoy, explore your roots and take part in a colourful celebration of Scotland's great maritime heritage. More

Classic Malts Cruise July 11-25 The annual 'Classic Malts' Cruise attracts sailors from around the world to the famous scenery and distilleries of Scotland�s West Coast. More

The Open July 16-19 Scotland�is recognised as the birthplace of Golf and The Open will provide one of the focal points for the year of Homecoming in 2009. More

Art on the Map 2009 July 17 - August 16 Visit our stunning Hebridean islands and follow the art trail. More

The Hidden Jewel July 17-23 Walk with the drama as it unfolds in the gathering evening against the stunning medieval backdrop of Dunollie Castle in Oban. More

North East Clan Fortnight July 18 - August 3 The North East Clan Fortnight starts off with the welcoming clan ball held in Haddo House. More

Inverness Highland Games July 18-19 Join us at the Inverness Highland Games for one of the most spectacular Games ever staged in the Scottish Highlands. More

International Genealogy Festival July 21-24 In celebration of the Year of Homecoming, University of Strathclyde hosts Scotland�s first International Genealogy Festival. More

Mauchline Homecoming Marquee July 24-26 Held at the farm where Burns penned some of the world�s best poems, this 3 day community event celebrates Burns� outstanding contributions to poetry. More

The Wickerman Festival July 24-25 The Wickerman Festival has developed a national reputation for offering something more than simply a �gig in a field�. More

The Gathering 2009 July 25-26 Be a part of history; join clan members from around the world to witness Scotland�s largest ever Highland Games in the inspiring Holyrood Park. More

Guildtown Bluegrass Music Festival 2009 July 31 - August 3 Bill Monroe, the �father of Bluegrass music� credited his own Scottish ancestry and Celtic musical inheritance as key influences upon his playing. More

Johnnie Walker Championship August 1-30 The Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles is one of the most exciting sporting events held in Scotland. Played over the PGA Centenary Course More

Creative Connections August 3-9 Be inspired by Shetland�s remote location, rugged landscape and distinctive heritage and enjoy our rich culture and heritage. More

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival August 7-8 Now in its sixth year, Belladrum is an eagerly anticipated landmark in the Scottish festival calendar. More

Tattoo Hebrides 2009 / Tatu Innse Gall August 7-8 Come home to Stornoway for a two day Hebridean Ceilidh! More

Ayr Flower Show August 7-9 The Ayr Flower Show is Scotland's premier horticultural event - often referred to as the Chelsea of the North. More

Edinburgh Military Tattoo August 7-29 The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland�s most iconic events presents a unique blend of music and military theatre set against the backdrop of a floodlit Edinburgh Castle. More

Piping Live! Music of the Clans August 10-16 Hear the best in piping music from around the world in Glasgow. More

Edinburgh International Festival August 14 - September 6 The 2009 Edinburgh International Festival programme will include the themes of Homecoming and the Enlightenment and set them in contemporary and often surprising contexts. More

Edinburgh International Book Festival August 15-31 The Edinburgh International Book Festival, the largest celebration of the written word in the world will create a series of special events for the 2009 Festival More

The World Pipe Band Championships August 15-15 8,000 pipes & drums, 200 bands, 1 world champion! More

LANARK MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL August 15-16 Times vary A historic re-enactment of Vikings and Scotland's Wars of Independence. Now in its third year, the weekend also boasts archery competitions, combat displays, birds of prey, jesters and trade stalls More

Kirkintilloch Canal Festival August 24-31 The�Kirkintilloch�Canal� Festival� celebrates�the town�and the Forth & Clyde Canal which runs through its�heart. More

Connect August 28-30 Celebrate the last weekend of summer at Scotland�s most beautiful festival held in the stunning grounds of Inveraray Castle.� More

St Kilda Day: Latha Hiort August 29 - September 30 'Caite a bheil iad a nis?/Where are they now?' will mark the evacuation of St Kilda in 1930 More

Cowal Gathering August 29-29 An international extravaganza for the Homecoming� in 2009 complementing the Cowal Highland Gathering. More

STRATHAVEN HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL August 29-30 Times vary Hot air balloon festival with balloons flying early morning and evening and stalls and rides for children. Weather dependent. More

Doors Open Days September 1-30 A unique opportunity to get behind-the-scenes of some of Scotland�s best-loved and least-known architectural gems for free. More

Tam O' Shanter September 1-30 Experience the best young Scottish talent bring Robert Burns� epic poem to life in a series of unforgettable live performances. More

International Youth Tattoo September 4-6 Come to Perth for a celebration of Scotland�s musical heritage. More

Brass In The Park Festival September 4-6 Celebrate the culture and traditions of Midlothian's towns and villages at Scotland's largest annual outdoor brass band festival. More

Blas Festival - Celebrating the Highlands September 4-12 A warm welcome awaits you in the Highlands for the 2009 Blas Festival. More

TECH FEST September 4-21 Times vary An annual festival of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that aims to engage children and adults of all ages in all spheres of science with a series of schools programmes and workshops, public lectures and a family activities weekend. More

Orkney International Science Festival September 5-5 Burns said it then, and the Earth Charter says it today: we must respect all living beings on earth. More

In the Footsteps of the Reivers Festival September 5-12 Exhilarating walks in the Scottish Borders combine with the rich and bloody history of the Border Reivers. More

Island Emigrants: Conference on Emigration from the Outer Hebrides September 10-12 Meet with people from different backgrounds to learn about the remarkable story of emigration from the Hebrides over the last 250 years. More

Isle of Barra Whisky Galore Festival September 18-20 In 2009 the beautiful island of Barra is hosting the first ever 'Whisky Galore Festival'. More

Zig Zag. The Paths of Robert Burns (Glasgow) September 18 - November 30 For the first time ever, some of the 36,000 objects from Scotland's national collection of treasures associated with Robert Burns will be brought together in a major touring exhibition. More

Clan Scott Society Gathering 2009 September 24-27 The first ever international gathering of Clan Scott at its ancestral home, Bowhill, in the Scottish Borders. More

The Stenaline Wigtown Book Festival September 25 - October 4 Set in the idyllic Galloway countryside, Wigtown�s festival hosts some of the biggest names in books. More

Angus & Dundee Roots Festival September 26 - October 5 The Angus and Dundee Roots Festival will provide a focus for people with ancestral roots in the area,�encouraging them�to visit�and�find out more about their ancestral homeland. More

Angus and Dundee Roots Festival September 26 - October 5 The Angus and Dundee Roots Festival will provide a focus for people with ancestral roots in the area, encouraging them to visit and find out more about their ancestral homeland. More

Moray - Birthplace of the Canadian Pacific Railway October 1-31 Discover the birthplace of Canada�s oldest corporation, The Canadian Pacific Railway, the first coast to coast railway founded by 2 Scots born in Moray. More

FEST N' FURIOUS (DUNDEE FESTIVAL OF SCOTTISH MUSIC) October 2-5 Times vary Dundee's festival of Scottish and international traditional music is back with a packed programme of live music More

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running October 4-4 Run Home to Scotland in 2009 and take part in the Run Home Breakfast Run and the Run Home Clan Challenge More

The Royal National Mod October 9-17 In 2009 the Royal National MOD, Scotland�s premier celebration of its Gaelic language, music and culture is going home to Oban, its birthplace. More

GLASGAY! October 12 - November 8 Times vary Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture and the UK's largest multi-arts gay festival with events spanning comedy, music, film, theatre, visual art, performance art, literature, club nights, education events and comedy. More

Glasgow: The Beautiful Journey October 15-31 A unique large-scale outdoor theatre project on the banks of the River Clyde More

Highland Homecoming - Ur Beatha Dhan D�thaich! October 15-31 One of the highlights of the Highlands� contribution to the Homecoming Scotland celebrations takes the form of a fortnight-long series of events that will explore and celebrate the way Scots have shaped countries and communities around the world. More

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL October 23 - November 1 Times vary A celebration of oral storytelling featuring music, song, film, workshops, talks and international guests. This year's programme is still to be announced, see website for updates. More

Perthshire Amber - The Dougie Maclean Festival 2009 October 30 - November 8 Internationally renowned songwriter and composer Dougie MacLean has developed a unique festival which shares his inspiring music, celebrates the history and culture of Perthshire and showcases the beautiful scenery. More

Whisky Week October 30 - November 6 A week long celebration of Scotch whisky More

sound. North East Scotland's Festival of New Music October 30 - November 22 sound is an exciting festival of new music in North East Scotland More

Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2009 November 19-21 Be part of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) as motor sport comes home to Scotland in 2009. More

Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2009 November 19-21 Be part of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) as motor sport comes home to Scotland in 2009. More

SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL November 20-22 Times vary Scotland's premier fiddlefest is back with lively recitals, talks, workshops, sessions and ceilidhs More

St Andrews Festival 2009 - Scotland's Celebration November 23-30 Join us in 2009 in�the�iconic town of St Andrews�to celebrate�our�nation's Patron Saint.� More

Scots Trad Music Awards November 27-29 Scots Trad Music Awards are promoting an amazing weekend of music in Dumfries. More

The Illuminated Art Car Parade November 28-28 Be part of the spectacular cavalcade that will celebrate Scotland�s history of invention and culture. More

Homecoming Scotland's Finale Weekend November 28-30 As a sensational finale to the year, Homecoming Scotland are working with some of Scotland biggest music promoters to�present a truly unique, major celebration of Scottish Music More

EUROPEAN CURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 December 5-12 Times vary Aberdeen plays host to the last major international curling event before the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, bringing together more than 30 nations to compete. More