Scotland: Festivals and Events

Scotland has plenty to offer, including several annual events that we absolutely love. Read on to learn which ones we recommend, as well as a few of our personal favourite haunts and must-do activities. 

James Jayasundera, Ampersand founder & MD – “I love the rugged romantic beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the smell of the heather and peaty soil, the craggy mountains and the fast dynamic weather – one moment hail and rain and the next misty shafts of golden sunlight. Loch Ness is a wondrous place to visit and the legend of her illusive monster, who is said to lurk beneath, adds a layer of mystery to this moving landscape. You can cruise the lake by boat or visit the eery 13^th century Urquhart Castle on the banks of the loch. For those who want to splash out in extravagant style, there is simply nowhere more lavish and historic than Aldourie Castle, complete with turrets, spires, original art and manicured lawns stretching down to Loch Ness. It is the only inhabitable castle on the loch and it is like something out of a fairytale.” 

“For a romantic trip you can’t beat the light and colours of the countryside in the Scottish Highlands; the dark purples, rich greens and dark browns are unlike anywhere else in the world. But for me, no trip to Scotland would be complete without a stay in the Royal city of Edinburgh – it is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. If you have never been, put it on your hit list for 2014; it is easily accessible from London via a 50-minute flight. Experience the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, the Edinburgh Festival in August, or its little sister, the Fringe, for some of the finest up-and-coming comedy performers, musical theatre and amateur dramatics. Edinburgh is also the ideal place to head for a snugly winter trip. Banish the winter blues in the sensational and sexy Scottish suites at The Witchery, which is steps away from Edinburgh Castle. It is dripping with antique tapestries, rich red curtains and cushions, and bathrooms flickering with candlelight illuminating the gold-leaf walls. It’s like sleeping in lavish chambers from the Middle Ages!” 

"I am a total train fanatic... I love the sense of adventure of bunking down in a luxury cabin and watching, wide-eyed, as ever-changing views chug past. And to me, Scotland is all about the views. To drink in the rugged Scottish Highlands in style, step aboard the ultra stylish Royal Scotsman, part of the Orient Express group, for journeys ranging from 1 night to 7 nights. Tour Scotland's whisky distilleries, world-class golf courses, ancient castles, crystal clear lochs and scenic glens – the Scottish Highlands are considered the last great wilderness of Europe. Alternatively, if you’re not a train person, Scotland has an exceptional selection of hotels – from the luxurious Inverlochy Castle to Cameron House, on the banks of Loch Lomond and Gleneagles, future host of the Ryder Cup, the cosy Loch Ness Lodge, which is well located for day trips to the Isle of Skye, or Alladale Wilderness Reserve where you can walk, hike, fish and shoot to your heart's content."

SCOTLAND'S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January:           
– Burns Night: 25th January
– Salmon Fishing Season starts in Scotland

February:          
– Shooting Season Ends
– Trout Fishing Season starts in Scotland

March:            
– St Anza, Scotland’s International Poetry Festival: 3rd - 8th March

May:                
– Highland Games: 12th - 26th May (various locations)

June:                
– Royal Highlands Show: 18th – 21st June

July:
– Scottish Game Fair: 3rd – 5th July
– Edinburgh Jazz Festival: 17th – 26th July 

August:            
– Edinburgh Festival: 7th - 31st August
– Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: 7th - 29th August

September:      
– Shooting Season begins

November:       
– Salmon & Trout Fishing Season ends

December:       
– Hogmanay: 30th December - 1st January

For more information or to plan your tailor-made holiday to Scotland please get in touch with us:

+44 (0)20 7819 9770 / info@ampersandtravel.com