August

Perth Show
When: 1st & 2nd August 2008 Where: Perth
This annual two-day agricultural show has something for all the family, including trade stands, a craft and food fair, competitions, exhibitions and a rare breeds tent.

West Highland Yachting Week
When: 1st - 8th August 2008 Where: Craobh, Oban & Tobermory
One of the leading international yachting events, the West Highland Yachting Week is one of those rare regattas that moves from centre to centre during the event, offering competitors an ever-changing scene on 80 miles of coastline along Scotland's beautiful west coast. An attractive combination of round-the-buoys and passage racing is supported by the regatta's excellent social programme.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When: 1st - 23rd August 2008 Where: Edinburgh
Scotland's stunning annual outdoor military spectacular set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The Tattoo has been called the most spectacular show in the world and is seen by an international TV audience of 100 million every year. But there's no substitute for being there, as part of the 217,000-strong audience over its three-week season on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.

Tartan Day
When: 2nd August 2008 Where: Aberdeen
This event gives local citizens and visitors to the city an opportunity to participate in a wide range of free activities including walking tours, music events and art exhibitions focussing on traditional local and Scottish culture and heritage.

Traquair Fair
When: 2nd & 3rd August 2008 Where: Traquair House, Innerleithen
Unique event for all the family with outdoor theatre spectacles, world & celtic music, dance, storytelling and a superb programme of childrens theatre, activities and workshops.

The Turriff Show
When: 3rd - 4th August 2008 Where: Turriff, Aberdeenshire
The largest two-day agricultural show in Scotland and a venue not to be missed for top livestock producers and horse and pony exhibitors. Over 250 trade stands, including a renowned food fayre and an excellent craft fair make for a great day out.

Festival of Spirituality and Peace
When: 3rd - 24th August 2008 Where: Edinburgh
Previously part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Festival of Spirituality and Peace is a three-week programme of dialogue and creative events focused on a central theme every year. This year, ther theme is 'Wellbeing'.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe
When: 3rd - 25th August 2008 Where: Edinburgh
The world's biggest celebration of the arts takes over Edinburgh for three weeks in August in a massive explosion of cultural and artistic expression. The programme is a vibrant mix of art forms - theatre, comedy, music and musicals, dance, events and exhibitions and children's shows, all attracting up-and-coming talent and established names from around the world to take part in this most famous of festivals.

Black Isle Show
When: 7th August 2008 Where: Muir of Ord
The largest agricultural show in the north of Scotland, the Black Isle Show includes displays of livestock, horses, goats and sheep shearing plus over 350 trade stands selling a wide range of food, crafts, industrial and agricultural machines, household products and clothing. There's also a full ring entertainment programme from early afternoon until the evening, a funfair open on both days and marquee dance to round off the show.

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
When: 8th & 9th August 2008 Where: Belladrum Estate, By Beauly, Inverness-shire
An eclectic, family-friendly celebration of music and the performing arts in the form of a two-day open air festival. The festival features a stage for young and unsigned bands, a performance tent staging anything from cabaret to children's theatre, alternative healing, stalls, charities, kids' entertainments and a tipi reservation.

Ayr Flower Show
When: 8th - 10th August 2008 Where: Ayr
Ayr Flower Show at Rozelle Estate attracts the cream of UK growers and a huge range of gardening suppliers for an annual festival celebrating gardening and outdoor living. With over 350 trade stands, hundreds of amateur competitive classes and a full programme of family entertainment, the show attracts nearly 30,000 visitors every year.

Edinburgh International Festival
When: 8th - 31st August 2008 Where: Edinburgh
One of the greatest celebrations of the arts, the Edinburgh International Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of live performance by internationally renowned artists as well as the joy of discovering new and unfamiliar works. A rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance is staged in major theatres and concert halls and smaller venues around the city over a three-week period in late summer.

North Berwick International Highland Games
When: 9th August 2008 Where: North Berwick, East Lothian
A traditional Highland Games featuring events such as throwing the Scots hammer, tossing the caber, and Highland dancing competitions throughout the day. The games also hosts the Lothian and Borders Pipe Band Championships with over 70 bands from all over the world competing. The day finishes with a spectacular massed pipe band display.

Kinross Agricultural Show
When: 9th August 2008 Where: Kinross, Perthshire
The magnificent grounds of Kinross House will be transformed for the 177th bustling and lively Kinross Agricultural Show. Each of the show rings will be packed with entertainment all day long: the Grand Parade of Livestock showing the best of the best; trips down memory lane with the Vintage Tractor display; enter your family pet in the Companion Dog Show, or cheer on the teams in the fast-and-furious Pony Club games. A great family day out.

Grand Scottish Prom & Grand Opera Prom
When: 9th - 10th August 2007 Where: Glamis, Angus
The Prom is one of the highlights of the season at Glamis Castle, its popularity growing over the past 13 years. The Prom Picnic Concert is enjoyed by thousands on the lawns in front of the Castle, and both evenings end with a grand firework finale display.

Edinburgh International Book Festival
When: 9th - 25th August 2008 Where: Edinburgh
The world's biggest book festival features a varied and exciting programme for adults and children. Come along and meet your favourite authors from around the world, join in discussions, hear readings and lectures, and take part in debates and workshops, all in one of Edinburgh's most beautiful spaces, Charlotte Square Gardens.

British Superbike Championship
When: 10th August 2008 Where: Knockhill Racing Circuit, by Dunfermline
The biggest biking event of the season. Watch the world's best riders battle for glory in the British Superbike Championship. Other competitions include Virgin Mobile Cup, GP125, Supersport and Superstocks. The atmosphere, speed and buzz is simply electric and a must for all bike racing followers.

The Keith Country Show
When: 10th & 11th August 2008 Where: Keith, Moray
the Keith Country Show is one of the North East's premier agricultural events. With main ring entertainment, acres of trade stands, livestock judging, show jumping, tractor pulling, live music plus a dance stage, there's something for everyone, whatever your age or interests. A perfect day out for all the family is guaranteed!

Piping Live!
When: 11th - 17th August 2008 Where: Glasgow
Glasgow's festival of piping returns with the best in Scottish and International piping talent to celebrate the finest current and emerging piping music. Some of the biggest names in piping will be performing in outdoor spaces and venues throughout Glasgow City Centre for this uniquely Scottish event. .

Nairn International Jazz Festival
When: 12th - 20th August 2008 Where: Nairn
The Nairn Jazz Festival will promote a unique series of world-class international jazz musicians in the Highland and Islands of Scotland to celebrate the year of culture and expand the access and participation opportunities to the high quality and standard of musicians and promotions associated with this established event.

East Neuk Seafood Celebration
When: 13th August - 28th September 2008 Where: East Neuk, Fife
A celebration indeed, of the finest fare of this lovely part of the Kingdom of Fife. The region's top restaurants and inns will be running promotions, tastings and cookery demonstrations so you can sample some of the best seafood in the country.

Thirlestane Castle Scottish Championship Horse Trials
When: 14th - 17th August 2008 Where: Lauder, Borders
Scotland's premier equestrian event features dressage, show jumping and cross country over the three days. The programme features horse trials, carriage driving, dog contests, children's entertainment and a shopping village.

Innerleithen Music Festival
When: 15th - 17th August 2008 Where: Innerleithenn
This festival is geared to suit all ages and tastes and truly has something for all the family. Concerts and music workshops are at the heart of this festival in picturesque Innerleithen.

World Pipe Band Championship
When: 16th August 2008 Where: Glasgow
Keen competition from over two hundred pipe bands competing in the premier pipe-band event of the season.

Dunlop British Touring Car Championship
When: 16th & 17th August 2008 Where: Knockhill Racing Circuit, by Dunfermline, Fife
Come along to the British Touring Car Championship weekend packed with entertainment. Three BTCC races take place on the twists of Knockhill which are sure to throw up some surprises. Support racing from Porsche, SEAT, Formula Ford, Caterhams and Formula BMW will make this a very enjoyable weekend out.

Arbroath Sea Fest
When: 16th & 17th August 2008 Where: Arbroath, Angus
The Arbroath Sea Fest is one of Scotland's premier sea-related events. With fresh fish markets, boat trips around the cliffs and the historic lighthouse as well as cookery demonstrations, family-orientated displays and exhibitions, there is something for everyone at this popular festival of the sea.

Lanark Medieval Festival
When: 16th & 17th August 2008 Where: Lanark
'Scotland's Living History Festival', attended by hundreds of re-enactors and medieval traders from the north of Scotland to Cornwall and from Ireland. Over two days, the town turns back the clock to the days of William Wallace with a tented army where soldiers and camp followers explain and demonstrate how they lived in the 13th century, with archery competitions, falconry displays, jesters and jugglers, and medieval musicians and storytellers.

Mull of Kintyre Music Festival
When: 21st - 24th August 2008 Where: Campbeltown, Argyll
Campbeltown in beautiful Kintyre is the setting for this weekend-long display of new, emerging and established musical talent. Indoor and outdoor venues host a range of concerts, sessions, ceilidhs, choirs, pipe and brass bands and modern & Highland dancing. With open-air and children's events.

Blair Castle International Horse Trials & Country Fair
When: 21st - 24th August 2008 Where: Blair Atholl, Perthshire
Scotland's largest equestrian event is now a showcase for the best of Scottish equestrianism, attracting some of the top riders from around the world. The event isn't just about horses - there's also a country fair, arena attractions, a tented village with shops galore, a craft marquee and a food festival.

Culzean Autoclassica
When: 23rd - 24th August 2008 Where: Culzean Castle, South Ayrshire
The launch of an international heritage motoring event aimed at all forms of vehicular transport with particular emphasis towards significant marques. With visitors attending from across Britain and abroad, the Autoclassica will provide an occasion for owners, clubs and enthusiasts to gather with manufacturers, dealers and service providors in one of Scotland's finest locations.

Collectormania Glasgow
When: 23rd & 24th August 2008 Where: Glasgow
Braehead Arena plays host to this major film and TV collectors event, with 10 guest star signings from a range of large and small screen franchises including Doctor Who, Aliens, Buffy, and Nightmare on Elm Street. Free guest talks, professional photo sessions, dealers' hall, and much more!

The Cowal Highland Gathering
When: 28th - 30th August 2008 Where: Dunoon
The world's largest and most spectacular Highland Games annually attracts more than 3,500 competitors - many from Scottish diaspora, from as far afield as British Columbia and New Zealand to compete in dancing, piping, heavy events, athletics and shinty.

Connect
When: 29th - 31st August 2008 Where: Inveraray, Argyll
The 'boutique' music festival returns to the setting of Inveraray Castle for its second year following its debut that featured huge acts such as the Beastie Boys, Bjork, Primal Scream and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Live at Loch Lomond
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Loch Lomond
Live at Loch Lomond is the latest addition to Scotland's festival calendar. Set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Lomond, the two-day event will feature some of the hottest acts around. Around 40,000 revellers are expected and organisers have ensured that they will be well catered for with a wide range of music to suit all ages and musical tastes.

Pittenweem Arts Festival
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Pittenweem
The festival was founded in 1982 and since then has grown into one of Scotland's most popular and unique arts events. Each year, 80 or so exhibitions are housed in ingenious exhibition spaces created from artists' studios, garages, courtyards and gardens. Come along, stroll around the village, see the artworks for sale and meet the artists.

Marymass Festival
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Irvine, Ayrshire
One of the largest community events of its kind in Scotland, providing provides a wealth of special events and activities, especially the pageantry of the Marymass Parade with its origins in medieval times. Horses from the local carters pull the parade floats. Also not to be missed are the torchlit procession, the folk festival, sports events, music festival and horse racing.

Gaelforce
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Dumfries & Galloway
A multi-arts extravaganza offering something for everyone and extending throughout the autumn and across the southwest. With country, Celtic, traditional and world-music events; book festivals, poetry and theatre performances; and exhibitions and street processions.

Whisky Fringe
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Edinburgh
A two-day whisky-tasting extravaganza held in the spectacular surroundings of the restored Mansfield Traquair centre on the edge of Edinburgh's historic New Town.

Festival of Politics
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Edinburgh
This successful new festival allows people to come face to face with well-known names from the worlds of politics, media and the arts in a range of stimulating events that explore how politics touches all our lives.

Strathaven Balloon Festival
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Strathaven
Strathaven Balloon Festival is Scotland's premier hot balloon festival. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend for all the family with everything from kites to dancing, craft stalls and entertainment. The festival highlight is the 'glow' at dusk on Saturday evening when the tethered balloons are inflated lighting up the sky to the sound of music.

The City of Aberdeen Clydesdale Horse Show
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Aberdeen
This is Scotland's premier Clydesdale horse event and a great family day out. The free show, held again at the city's Duthie Park, offers a chance to see many different classes of these magnificent horses with one of the main highlights being the ridden class. The ultimate showcase is the Grand Parade held at approximately 4 pm where all the horses enter the ring.

Largs Viking Festival
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Largs
A week-long celebration of the ancient Viking heritage of Scotland and in particular of Largs, where the Vikings were finally defeated and driven out in 1263.

T on the Fringe Festival
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Edinburgh
With over 120 artists playing throughout August in across Edinburgh, T on the Fringe is THE contemporary music strand of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival
When: 25th July - 3rd August 2008 Where: Edinburgh
The longest-running jazz festival in the UK features all styles of jazz from international artistes in all sorts of venues large and small across the capital. Outdoor concerts also take the music out into the streets of the city. Supplemented by vocal workshops and a summer school for aspiring jazz musicians.

Speyfest
When: 31st July - 3rd August 2008 Where: Fochabers, Moray
One of the north's foremost Celtic festivals, Speyfest offers a wonderful weekend of high-quality traditional and modern music, concerts, late-night ceilidhs and Celtic rock. Musicans from around the world will be performing as usual, and there's a special programme for children and young people.

Aberdeen International Youth Festival
When: 30 July - 9th August 2008 Where: Aberdeen
Celebrating the best youth talent from all over the world, the festival brings Aberdeen to life with 10 days of dazzling entertainment, music, theatre and dance, all kicking off with a colourful grand parade through the city centre. Events take place throughout the northeast with something for everyone, from orchestral concerts to steel drums, song recitals and massed choirs to traditional music, ballet to African dance and drumming, opera and special events for children.

Edinburgh Art Festival
When: 31st July - 31 August 2008 Where: Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Art Festival returns for its fifth year, showcasing a diverse and vibrant programme of visual arts exhibitions and events. Over 35 galleries, institutions and artist-led organisations took part last year. Highlights included exhibitions of Picasso, Andy Warhol, William Blake and Turner shortlist nominee Nathan Coley