10 Biggest Scottish Festivals To Enjoy Local Culture

You’ll fall in love with Scotland not merely for its breathtaking beauty but also for its rich culture. There are so many activities you may try out if you look at Scotland’s schedule of events. Check out this list of Scotland’s top festivals and events. Perhaps it will motivate you to see them firsthand while visiting Scotland.

1. Edinburgh Fringe

Come to the Edinburgh Fringe to take part in one of the biggest cultural festivals ever—not just in Scotland but around the globe. This exhilarating arts festival runs for three weeks in August and features a calendar jam-packed with thrilling performances.

A wide variety of acts, including theatre, comedy, dance, music, children’s shows, musicals, exhibitions, and more, can be found all across the Scottish capital. The Fringe has something for everyone’s taste in art and culture.

The lively environment, as well as the shows themselves, are what make the Edinburgh Fringe so exciting. The lively energy of Edinburgh during the festival season is impossible to resist.

2. Shetland Folk Festival

One of the traditional Scottish festivals and a pleasure for all folk lovers is the Shetland Folk Festival. This incredible festival has been going on for the past 40 years and gets better and better every single year.

All foreign, British, and Scottish performers are invited to perform there. There will be a lot going on at this Scottish festival, including traditional pub theaters, private gigs, workshops, and youth-focused events.

3. Up Helly Aa

One of the well-known Scottish festivals is Up Helly Aa. The largest fire festival in Britain is held annually on the last Tuesday in January. It alludes to a variety of Scottish fire festivals held on the Shetland Islands in the midst of winter each year to celebrate the end of the Yule season.

Up to a thousand guisers participate in the festival’s march through Lerwick. The Jarl’s squadron of Vikings is being followed by over 900 colorfully attired “guisers” as they carry candles through the town’s dark streets. The official event is concluded by an impressive display of 800 blazing flames. It was listed as one of Scotland’s most popular festivals in 2018.

4. Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival

From April 2 to 18, the 7th Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring festival was held. With more than 60 events, it is one of the most well-known festivals in Scotland. Species, including geese, badgers, salmon, and kites, are observed by people. Together with the presentation, there are guided walks, poems, music, and a variety of family activities.

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5. Orkney Folk Festival

It began in 1982 and has since developed into one of Scotland’s most unique folk music festivals. Every year, at the end of May, for four days, the Orkney Folk Festival takes place. It offers folk music that appeals to everyone’s tastes in the broadest sense. It features everything, from dance performances and traditional songs to acoustic singing and current band events. It is hosted in church halls and community facilities.

6. Hogmanay – New Year’s Eve

Hogmanay signifies being lost in the past. Hogmanay is the most significant Scottish festival to this day. According to historians, the Vikings are responsible for all of today’s festivities. Although this holiday is undoubtedly observed worldwide, the Scots have a long history connected to it.

7. Selkirk Common Riding

Riding the Marches is considered a traditional rite in many parts of Scotland. Every year on June 18, it is observed. Selkirk is famous for the Battle of Flodden, which took place in June 1488. Sanquhar, Linlithgow, Annan, Peebles, Lauder, and Langholm all host similar celebrations.

8. St. Andrew’s Day

Saint. Andrew has been Scotland’s serving patron for many years. Yet, Scotland did not record November 30 as a public holiday. Expat Scots celebrate St. Andrew’s Night all over the world. Nonetheless, the Scottish Parliament passed a resolution in 2006 designating St. Andrew’s Day as an official holiday. It is without a doubt among Scotland’s top festivals.

9. Fort William Mountain Festival

In the UK’s “Outdoor Capital,” Fort William, mountain cultures are known to exist. Fort William Day is regarded as a celebration of these cultures. It takes place in late February. Expert climbers and mountaineers have planned a series of seminars. Mountain biking, ice climbing, and snowboarding options are all planned. Frequently, a movie night is planned with the top selections from the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

10. Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

One of the most intriguing traditional Scottish events is the Boat Festival. Portsoy is the host of a cultural festival on the coast of Aberdeenshire. Throughout the celebrations, a variety of fun events are planned, including sports, music, dance, rowing, and sailing competitions. During the third week of June, it is celebrated. It’s one of Scotland’s most eagerly anticipated and beloved festivals.