We often talk about the gorgeous landscapes, historic landmarks, and well-known locations on offer here in Scotland. These are all excellent reasons to book a trip to see it for yourself.
With all that said, however, there are lots more reasons to come to Scotland… and it's all to do with the festivals and events held here every year. Although we couldn't possibly cover them all in one blog, we've tried to include a range of festivals and events we think you need to hear more about.
So without further ado, let's get going.
Edinburgh Festivals
We know the answer to this question, but we're going to ask it anyway… have you heard of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe? The chances are, you've answered yes. This iconic festival is known the World over, with people flocking to Edinburgh in August to participate, watch a show, or maybe both!
But did you know that Edinburgh hosts many cultural events throughout the year?
Unleash that inner geek with the Edinburgh Science Festival, which began back in 1989, marking almost four decades of science-related fun in the Scottish capital. This is a festival cited as great for the whole family – and we imagine it's great for learning new things, too!
Edinburgh is also home to the International Film Festival, where you should prepare to get all starry-eyed as you discover new films to sit back and enjoy. There are even film premieres taking place in the capital thanks to this event. Some past titles include Back to the Future, Amelie and Alien – how many of these have you seen?
Books and Bagpipes
There is also the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which celebrates authors from both Scotland and the UK – if you're on the hunt for some new books to get your teeth into, this will really bring out the Bibliophile in you!
And from written stories to telling stories, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival is not to be missed. Each performance is unique, and an experience you won't forget.
Last but not least, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the military's contribution, takes place on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle each August. This spectacular event culminates with the lone piper playing from the castle battlements and the march out of the massed pipes and drums.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
We had to devote an entire section to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which takes over the city for three weeks in August. Sometimes just called the Festival Fringe or just The Fringe, the story of how it came to be is in some ways just as dramatic as the Fringe itself!
Back in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival was in full swing, created as a homage to culture following the war. The Festival has grown into one of the largest art festivals in the World.
A group of unofficial artists showed up uninvited and unexpectedly, but they didn't let that stop them… they went on to do their thing anyway, on the fringe of the festival. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Anyone can show up and perform at the Fringe, a hallmark that has remained throughout since the inauguration of the Festival Fringe Society back in 1958. If you want to and you can find a willing venue, then nothing will stop you!
Many great acts have performed at the Fringe over the years. These include (in no particular order) Robin Williams, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Lenny Henry and even the Scottish great, Billy Connolly! We wonder who the next big name to come from the Fringe will be?
Highland Games
These colourful events take place across the country each year, from April to September. They are the very epitome of Scottish culture and tradition.
The exact origin of the games is lost in the mists of time, but they are thought to have been competitions organised by the Clan Chief to identify the strongest fighters or the fastest runners. Since the 19th century, the Highland Games have been held in the format we are familiar with today.
Amongst the common Highland Games sports are tug-of-war, tossing the caber, shot put, and the hammer throw. Both tossing the caber and hammer throw tend to be uniquely Scottish events, so we have written a short description of them both here.
Tossing the caber is when a log is lifted and then tossed with the aim of getting said log to land as straight as possible/in the 12 o'clock position. The hammer throw is, as the name suggests, a hammer fixed to a long handle that is twirled over the head of the 'thrower' before being thrown - the further it is thrown, the better.
Fun fact: You'll notice that the hammer throw and shot put are both events that take place in the Olympics. This is no coincidence; it was due to the Highland Games that these events were realised and added to the Olympic repertoire!
It's not all about the sporting events, though, as the Highland Games can also include Highland Dancing and Scottish music, such as the bagpipes. At many events, specialist street food operators attend, showcasing the best of Scotland's food and drink.
And it seems like it's not just us Scots who appreciate the value of the Highland Games, as these events have also been held in the USA and even Australia! Even the Royal family enjoy the Highland Games. The Monarch and members of the family, traditionally, attend the Braemar Highland Gathering, which takes place on Royal Deeside, near Balmoral Castle.
Hogmanay Celebrations
We have to start with the obvious on this one. Namely, what is Hogmanay? 31st December, or New Year's Eve, has its very own moniker in Scotland… Hogmanay.
Nobody can say for sure where this term came from, with some suggestions pointing towards Gaelic, French or even Flemish, but regardless, when it comes to Hogmanay Celebrations, nowhere does it quite like Scotland.
Edinburgh's Celebrations
There are so many events on throughout the country to choose from, you truly will be spoilt for choice! Our capital, Edinburgh, celebrates the new year with the infamous Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party. Further north is the Stonehaven Fireballs parade, which, yes, really does feature some pretty impressive fireballs!
And what about in Moray, where in Burghead they don't just have their own name for New Year's Eve – they even have their own date (well, kind of)! Here, Hogmanay is celebrated on the 11th January, as it used to be in Scotland.
Whichever and however you choose to spend your Hogmanay, just make sure you end it by singing Auld Lang Syne, written by our very own Robert Burns!
3 Festivals worth visiting in Scotland
If you've got this far, you'll hopefully now be able to see the extensive number and variety of festivals and events held here in Scotland. We've also included 3 additional festivals and/or events we think are worth your attention.
The start of the year is often a time when we recover from all the festivities of Christmas and the New Year, but in Glasgow, it's when the Celtic Connections event festival takes place. Glasgow is a fitting location thanks to its recognition as a UNESCO City of Music. The Celtic Connections festival combines a wide variety of events that all have one thing in common… their links to Celtic music and culture.
The summer months are when the Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) takes place. This is a music festival with a twist, as you'll also be able to learn Gaelic. As the name suggests, it is held in the Outer Hebrides, specifically in Lewis.
Later in the year, the Wigtown Book Festival takes place. If you haven't heard of Wigtown before, this town is also known as Scotland's National Book Town, thanks to its extensive collection of bookshops. Bookworms, this is most definitely one for you!
Discover the best of Scotland with Scottish Tours
We hope you're now in the party mood and are ready and raring to go to a Scottish festival. Why not book a trip to coincide with your festival of choice and see more of what Scotland has to offer?
Browse our Scotland Tours and book today.
| TOUR TIP: Edinburgh Tattoo Experience One Day Tour from Edinburgh |
Picture credits: VisitScotland