The Lesser-Known Scottish Festivals

Mention the word “Scotland” anywhere near the word “festival” and visions of vast crowds at the Edinburgh festival probably come to mind. But as well as some of the most established cultural festivals, Scotland also hosts some wonderful little ones too. Here are a few to watch out for.

Imaginate Children’s Festival:

Between 6^th and 13^th May, Edinburgh is the place to be for any of the younger generation interested in the performing arts. If you have some theatrically minded children, book you and them into one of our Edinburgh hotels and watch the best of what Edinburgh youth has to offer. You’ll need to book tickets for the shows in advance, but there’s also the free fringe part of the festival, which can keep you entertained and involved in between performances.

Mayfesto:

Glasgow’s relatively new theatre festival is a great one to visit for anyone interested in seeing “agenda-based” plays that celebrate Glasgow’s theatrical roots. Book a room in one of our Glasgow hotels for some time between 1^st and 20^th May to see what’s on offer at the Tron Theatre.

Taste of Grampian:

This food and drink festival lasts just one day, but is worth the trip up North to experience. On 1^st June, the Thainstone Centre just outside Aberdeen will be transformed into a foodie’s paradise, with local producers bringing the best array of goodies for tasting. Think wild smoked salmon, mouth-watering shortbread, sumptuous prime roast beef, and maybe a dram or two of the best Scottish whiskies.

Reserve your room in our Aberdeen hotel to guarantee you get to see (and taste) it all.

RockNess

Between 7^th and 9^th June, Loch Ness stops being all about the illusive monster, and becomes all about rock. Attracting some big names, as well as the best local talent, the festival is a must for any fan of the good old-fashioned music festival. Stay in our Inverness hotel for the weekend, and you’ll be within easy reach of seeing everyone from Basement Jaxx to Fatboy Slim and The Macabees.

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival

There’s lots to see and do between 24^th May and 2^nd June in various venues all over the Dumfries and Galloway area. Watch screenings of independent movies, see opera, or listen to classical music concerts. For those who love to laugh, there are some comedy shows, and even a performance by The Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Stay in our Dumfries hotel to see it all.

Common Ridings

Throughout June and July, there are tens of Common Ridings festivals all over Scotland. These traditional events commemorate the history of the Scottish borders, as locals re-enact battles and stage stampedes on horseback. Watch spectacular shows of horsemanship and community spirit, and get caught up in the history of it all. The most established celebrations can be found in Hawick, Selkirk, Langholm and Lauder, and any will offer you an experience unlike anything you’ve had before.