May

Shetland Folk Festival
When: 1st - 4th May 2008 Where: Shetland
The annual showcase of the best folk music from Shetland and around the world. For the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike, performers play in a series of concert settings and sessions in small, intimate venues that ensure an atmosphere like no other.

Isle of Bute Jazz Festival
When: 1st - 5th May 2008 Where: Isle of Bute
The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival has grown spectacularly from its small beginnings nineteen years ago to become one of Britain's most popular jazz weekends. Top-class UK and international names feature in a programme of traditional jazz music in one of Scotland's prettiest and friendliest seaside resorts.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
When: 1st - 5th May 2008 Where: Speyside, northeast Scotland
A lively celebration of our national drink in one of the most beautiful producing areas - almost fifty world-famous distilleries are located on Speyside. You can visit and tour most during the festival which also features tasting sessions, a gala dinner, ceilidh, tasting session and exhibitions. Heaven for whisky lovers.

Show Scotland
When: 2nd - 5th May 2008 Where: Across Scotland
Show Scotland is a creative events weekend celebrating Scotland's museums and galleries, offering an exciting and innovative events programme - live performances, some with visitor participation events; and celebrity events - expect the unexpected in Scottish museums and galleries!

Maggie's Monster Bike & Hike
When: 3rd - 4th May 2008 Where: Inverness/Fort William
Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres' 24-hour fundraising event along the Great Glen Way with around 1000 competitors anticipated in 2007. Participants cycle 30 miles and then choose to walk 8 miles, 23 miles or 40 miles to complete their Monster at either Bronze, Silver or Gold level.

Big in Falkirk
When: 3rd & 4th May 2008 Where: Falkirk
One of Scotland's biggest events, dediated to bringing international outdoor theatre to Scotland and the UK, Big In Falkirk offers cutting-edge entertainment with music, internationally renowned performance, comedy and unique art in activities for children, young people and families. There's a packed programme of spectacular outdoor theatre, street arts, live music, comedy and children's entertainment.

Feis Rois Inbhich
When:3rd - 5th May 2008 Where: Ullapool, Ross & Cromarty, Highland
Feis Rois Inbhich - Adult Feis Rois, a unique and wonderful 3-day traditional cultural feast, offering daily tuition in the many traditional instruments, Gaelic language, Gaelic song, step dancing & reels, Highland culture and group playing. The Feis provides a first-class tutor team, sessions and ceilidhs set against the backdrop of stunning Highland scenery and a friendly atmosphere.

BUPA Great Edinburgh Run
When: 4th May 2008 Where: Edinburgh
The BUPA Great Edinburgh combines a fun run, a Corporate Challenge and two international elite races showcasing the world's best international distance runners. The challenging 10k run takes participants around Arthur's Seat, giving magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle and includes a run down Princes Street. Last year's event attracted over 7,000 competitors last year; this year's promises to be bigger still. Come along and enjoy the fun.

Word Festival
When: 9th - 11th May 2008 Where: Aberdeen
Aberdeen's book festival, Word, is a packed weekend of readings, music, art exhibitions, and film screenings featuring a star-studded line-up of writers and artists. Seamus Heaney, Louis de Bernieres, Ian Rankin, Richard E Grant and Adriana Trigiani have all appeared in previous years. Word 07 also features some of the nation's favourite children's writers at the Imagination Tent and Storytelling Teepee, plus the richest talents in Gaelic literature and music. The festival takes place at the charming campus of the University of Aberdeen and at venues throughout the city.

Newton Stewart Walking Festival
When: 9th - 15th May 2008 Where: Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway
Set in beautiful Galloway, the third annual walking festival includes strenuous walks on the highest hills in southwest Scotland, providing both a challenge to the dedicated hill-walker and also gentle lowland explorations. A fun and informative way to learn about the local environment, plants and wildlife.

Loch Fyne Food Fair
When: 10th - 11th May 2008 Where: Cairndow, near Inveraray, Argyll
A feast of West Coast food next to the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. Accompanied by wines, local ales, and live music all day, there will be a wide range of foods showcased, sold by the producers, ready to eat or to take home. There will also be a craft tent with over 20 craft producers and children?s entertainment.

Motorfair & the Scottish Motor Show
When: 10th & 11th May 2008 Where: Knockhill Racing Circuit, Fife
Motorfair is Scotland's live, interactive motoring show. There's loads to see and do, with something for everyone: cars to see and be seen in; stunt shows; and special zones - kids, 4x4s, road-safety, truck and supercar, as well as free track demos, free 4x4 rambles and skid pan demos. A Formula 1 Ferrari! Racing and Rally cars will be in the feature marquees.

Aviemore and Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival
When:10th - 17th May 2008 Where: Aviemore
The Aviemore Walking Festival expands to become the Aviemore and Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival in 2008. Not only will there be ten guided walks through the magnificent scenery of the Cairngorms, including a mini expedition involving spending two nights in mountain bothies, but also mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting, climbing, canyoning and more. Plus, a full evening programme of events will include mountain-related talks, films, a Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team open night and a ceilidh supper.

Arran Wildlife Festival
When: 14th - 21st May 2008 Where: Various locations on the Isle of Arran
Arran and its surrounding waters are home to some of Scotland's most iconic wildlife; from golden eagles and red deer to basking sharks and dolphins, all only two hours from Glasgow. In eight days packed with events, the Arran Wildlife Festival will bring you closer to some of these amazing creatures.

Ullapool Book Festival
When: 16th - 18th May 2008 Where: Ullapool
An opportunity to hear some of Scotland's finest writers in the most captivating setting. You'll be treated to fiction, non-fiction, poetry, storytelling, and lectures, with both English and Gaelic events.

Borders Festival of the Horse
When: 16 - 26 May 2008 Where: Various venues, Borders
An 11-day festival of equestrian events for riders and spectators set in some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside. Enjoy the action-packed programme with 40 events and activities that show why the Scottish Borders region is Scotland's Horse Country.

Burns an' a' That!
When: 17th - 26th May 2008 Where: Various venues, Ayrshire
A wide-ranging programme of music, song, poetry and art celebrating life and contemporary Scottish culture, set against a backdrop of, and interleaving with, the life and work of our national bard. Set in and around Ayr, the festival features world-class acts from across the musical spectrum matched to an ambitious and innovative programme showcasing the best of contemporary and traditional Scottish culture.

Orkney Folk Festival
When: 22nd - 25th May 2008 Where: Various venues, Orkney
An internationally renowned annual celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music, the Orkney Folk Festival is well established in both the local and national folk calendars. Talented local musicians share billing with more famous names in one of the most vibrant festivals of its type. Concerts and sessions will take place in seven locations, offering an excellent chance to explore the islands.

World Ceilidh
When: 22nd - 25th May 2008 Where: Knockengorroch, Galloway
Knockengorroch Festivals bring roots and world music to a quiet corner of Scotland, created with the express aim of rural regeneration in the Scottish uplands. The World Ceilidh is one of two of their events, the other being The Hairth, held in September.

Perth Festival of the Arts
When: 22nd May - 1st June 2008 Where: Perth
This year's festival offers a stunning world-class programme featuring an impressive line up of well known names in concerts, exhibitions, recitals, performances and displays.

Skye Music Festival
When: 23rd - 24th May 2008 Where: Broadford
This event brings together some of the hottest names in dance, alternative rock, soul and contemporary Celtic music.

Bell Lawrie Scottish Series
When: 23rd - 26th May 2008 Where: Tarbert, Argyll
Scotland's premier yacht racing event is held annually in Tarbert, attracting up to 200 yachts and their crew, racing on the clear waters of Loch Fyne.

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival
When: 23rd - 31st May 2008 Where: Dumfries & Galloway
Music, comedy, drama, literary, children's events, films and the visual arts are all on offer in next year's Festival. Top class international performers play across the region in venues large and small, formal and informal, urban and rural.

Scottish Pipe Band Championship
When: 24th May 2008 Where: Dumbarton
Competition is keen among the pipe bands competing in the national championship. Come along and hear the pipers, drummers and bands battle it out for the prizes.

Upper Nithsdale Walking Festival
When: 24th - 25th May 2008 Where: Upper Nithsdale, Dumfries & Galloway
Join fellow walkers in a weekend of walks and entertainment among beautiful scenery with friendly people. Upper Nithsdale has a wild and remote landscape - although it's very accessible, you feel as though you're in the middle of nowhere.

Spring Fling
When: 24th - 26th May 2008 Where: Dumfries & Galloway
Spring Fling is an open door arts and crafts event and the only one of its kind in Scotland. Almost 100 artists and craftmakers across Dumfries and Galloway will be opening their workshops and studios to the public so visitors can see how they work and what they do. You can buy their work or just browse at the venues on the six suggested studio trails which also offer the perfect opportunity to take in other local attractions en route.

Children's International Theatre Festival
When: 24th May - 2nd June 2008 Where: Edinburgh & venues across Scotland
The leading UK performing arts festival for children, offering an unprecedented range of theatre productions from around the world for children and young people from 1 to 14 years old. Performances take place at various venues around the country.

Edinburgh Marathon
When: 25th May 2008 Where: Edinburgh
Scotland's capital city makes a spectacular setting for a marathon. An expected 100,000 spectators will watch runners set off from Regent Road to go along ancient streets and miles of beautiful shoreline, finishing in Holyrood Park in the shadow of Arthur's Seat. Celebrations and activities around the course will ensure a memorable event for runners and spectators alike.

Taste of Edinburgh
When: 29th May - 1st June 2008 Where: Edinburgh
Taste of Edinburgh will give thousands of foodies the opportunity to enjoy the best that Scottish restaurants and food and drink producers have to offer. Edinburgh?s most prestigious restaurants and celebrated chefs will be serving sample-sized signature dishes, the Chef's Demonstration Theatre will allow visitors to watch top chefs in action while the Wine Experience will be offering wine tastings and tutorials. At delicious magazine producers' market there will be opportunities to discover, sample and buy authentic local produce.

Angus Glens Walking Festival
When: 29th May - 1st June 2008 Where: Angus
Come and explore this beautiful part of Scotland in the company of experienced leaders, who will provide information on the history, wildlife and culture of the area. A full and varied programme of walks and evening entertainment is offered, with something to suit all ages and abilities.

Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship
When: 30th May 2008 Where: St. Andrews
Previous winners include Ryder Cup hero Colin Montgomerie as well as European Tour winners Stephen Gallacher and Alastair Forsyth, highlighting the nature of the event as a breeding ground for future star professionals.

Gardening Scotland
When: 30th May - 1st June 2007 Where: Edinburgh
Gardening Scotland is now established as the nation's foremost gardening and outdoor-living show. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to visit as many of the nation's best horticultural, craft and food companies in a show that appeals to all ages. Come along and be inspired, buy and get the very best horticultural advice from the experts. With a Craft Marquee, Food Pantry and Beechgrove Garden Q&A sessions, Gardening Scotland has all the ingredients for a fabulous day out.

Leith Festival
When: 30th May - 8th June 2008 Where: Edinburgh
Leith Festival offers an array of tours, recitals, concerts & exhibitions, live music events, comedy, theatre and the Parade and Gala Day on the Links. Come and join thousands of Leithers (and more than a few visitors) for 'Walk the Walk!' from Pilrig Street to Leith Links.

3 Harbours Arts Festival
When: 30th May - 8th June 2008 Where: Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton, East Lothian
This festival will take place between the three harbours of Prestonpans (Morrisons Haven), Cockenzie and Port Seton in East Lothian and is all about hosting artwork in ingenious spaces - houses, halls, galleries, businesses, etc. There will also be a series of workshops, demonstrations and children's art activities.

Drymen Show
When: 31st May 2008 Where: Drymen
A great family day out, the Drymen Show features cattle, sheep, and horse competitions, trade stands plus a funfair and helicopter rides.

Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens
When: 31st May - 1st June 2008 Where: Edinburgh
Murrayfield Stadium will play host to the final of the IRB Sevens World Series this June. During this sporting extravaganza, the exhilarating and fast-paced rugby sevens tournament will take place on the main pitch while an equally amazing Festival of Rugby will take place throughout the stadium and on the back pitches during this two-day event. Stunning sevens action from all corners of the globe promises a fun weekend for everyone!

The Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival
When: 31st May & 1st June 2008 Where: Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
The Festival is all set to whet your appetite by selling game, fresh fish, tasty soups, bread and succulent roast meat and vegetables which you can then wash down in the Real Ale and Whisky tent. With a cookery demonstration marquee, a tasting table, try and buy with Scottish food producers and kids cookery lessons you?ll be hard pushed to keep your tummy empty for long!

Scottish Outdoor Access Festival
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Throughout Scotland
Celebrate outdoor access rights and responsibilities and learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. There are activities to interest all ages including talks, guided walks, cycle rides, horse riding, canoeing, dog training, family events, farm visits, 'have a go' sessions, skills training and challenges for the more active.

Central Scotland Horse Trials
When: (Dates tbc) Where: of Scone Palace, Perthshire
Horse trials incorporating dressage, show jumping and cross country competitions for all levels, held in the wonderful setting of Scone Palace, Perthshire.

Lower Annandale Walking Festival
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Annandale, Dumfries & Galloway
A weekend of walks in and around Annan. Enjoy great views, coupled with fascinating archaeology and history interpreted by knowledgeable guides.

Le Weekend
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Stirling
A major force behind the renaissance in experimental music in Scotland for the last five years. Expect a line-up of alluring alchemists of sound.

Sutherland Raid
When: (Dates tbc) Where: Highland Wildcat Trails, Golspie
This exciting new event will comprise a combination of team and individual mountain bike events and will offer an opportunity to all: enthusiasts, pro's, novices and families. A fantastic weekend of biking will be combined with side shows and great evening entertainment.

O'Neil Highland Open
When: 24th April - 1st May 2008 Where: Thurso
Surf's up! One of the most progressive events in competitive surfing, the O'Neill Highland Open returns to Scotland to challenge the best surfers in the world in the ice cold waters of the far north of mainland Scotland. Thurso East Beach boasts a premier wave, with a magic right hand break offering the riders some serious barrel time.