January Festivals
Burns Night: much loved Scottish bard Robbie Burns and his famous works are honoured by all in this popular annual celebration (held on his birthday), that sees folk across the country gather for haggis eating, whisky drinking and enjoying readings of the bard’s poetry. All to the obligatory sound of pipers. Celtic Connections: the city of Glasgow enjoys this popular Celtic folk music festival in which Celtic performance artists from around the globe assemble to showcase their talents in fields such as rock, folk, choir and pipe music as well as traditional and contemporary dance. March Festivals
Original New Year: while barely acknowledged by most folk, the 25th of March was traditionally considered New Year’s Day in the Gregorian calendar. Those with historic knowledge may well make an event of this day. Glasgow International Comedy Festival: a major cultural event attracting comedic acts of local, national and international repute. Scottish Ballet Spring Season: the internationally famous Scottish Ballet gives performances in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen throughout the month. Beltane Fire Festival: held in Edinburgh on the last day of the month, this festival celebrates the arrival of summer and is a lively event based on pagan rituals, fire, drums and traditional costumes. June Festivals
Selkirk Common Riding: held on the 18th of the month, this is a festival with ancient origins that is observed in several part of the country (on different dates) but with particular enthusiasm in Selkirk. The event sees a ‘Riding the Marches’ ceremony in remembrance of the Battle of Flodden in June 1488. July Festivals
Glasgow Fair: in the last two weeks of the month, the Glasgow Fair is an event that was based on a 12th century fair established by William the Lion and staged on Glasgow Green. While most of the old traditions of the fair have now died out, Glasgow City Council has brought a modern version of the Fair back to the Green. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe: actually a part of the main festival but often considered significant enough to get a mention in its own right; the Fringe is the next biggest thing after the Edinburgh International Festival and typically showcases talents from world of performing arts. September Festivals
The Braemar Gathering: otherwise known as ‘The Games’ the Braemar Gathering is an event held on the first Saturday in September in the town of Braemar. Highland games are the chief proceedings on the agenda of an event which is often attended by royalty. November Festivals
Guy Fawkes Day: not specific to Scotland and celebrated across the UK, this event remembers the attempt of Guy Fawkes and his fellow sympathizers to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Firework displays are enjoyed along with ceremonial burnings of Guy Fawkes effigies. December Festivals
Hogmanay Festival: observed across the country on the 31st of December and the following day also, Hogmanay is the traditional Scottish New Year celebration. Authentic celebrations include a variety of old traditions and customs. | 
