Hogmanay
31 December
The word "Hogmanay" is used by the Scottish to describe the last day of the year, so is essentially another word for "New Year's Eve". But you can always trust the Scots to make something unique, and Hogmanay includes all the celebratory rituals that the Scottish love, like reeling (Scottish dancing) and wearing kilts.
BURNS NIGHT
25 January
The extremely influential poet, Robert Burns, is the namesake for this celebratory day in which the Scots pay tribute to his life and his contributions to literature, as well as have a fun party and an almighty dinner. This meal usually includes a classic smoked fish soup, haggis, neeps, tatties and of course a traditional clootie pudding.
Up Helly Aa
January - March
Throughout Shetland, Scotland, you'll find communities celebrating this annual fire festival which marks the end of the Yuletide season. This is not just another way of describing a bonfire night - we're talking processions and the eventual burning of an imitation Viking galley.
Glasgow Film Festival
February - March
Not all Scottish festivals involve Scottish traditions and fire - though we admittedly love how many of the sort there are. Annually, the crowds arrive in their culture-craving masses to enjoy a showcase of the best of Scottish filmmaking. The screenings take place across the city of Glasgow, making it a great way to explore the city's culture.
Edinburgh Fringe festival
August
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, should always be a top priority when travelling in Britain. But in the month of August, it becomes the only city you want to be travelling to if you're an arts enthusiast. It's Summer, the culture is overflowing from every venue in the city, and it even coincides with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and The International Film Festival.
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
April
We've covered the tradition, the film, the culture... so onto the food and drinks, right? Scotland is famous internationally for its whiskey, and attending the Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival, the global hub of whiskey distilling. Learn how whiskey is made, taste a variety of some of the best of the best in the industry, and explore the beautiful local surrounds. It's definitely the full tourism package!
Crail Food Festival
June
Yes, yes, we hear you - where's the non-liquid food? It's all over the country, but especially in Crail, which is in the East Neuk of Fife. The Summer is well and truly underway when it's time to flock to this seaside town and taste local delights and celebrate small business and artisinal goods.
The Great British Food Festival
September
As the sun starts creeping into bed earlier and earlier, there's still plenty to look forward to in Scotland. Keep your belly's brimful in Floors Castle, which dates back to 1721, located in the town of Kelso in the historic Scottish county of Roxburghshire. Showing off more than 80 bespoke traders, lively music and awe-inspiring gardens, this is a no-brainer for food lovers, locals and travellers alike.
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