Guide to Scotland's Festivals 2016

The Guide to

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

FOREWORD INTRODUCING THE GUIDE

SCOTLAND 2016 2016 is the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. Celebrate with a packed programme of special events.

For more information, see pages 10-13.

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in the fields of architecture, fashion, textiles, creative industries, science and technology and more.

One of the major highlights of this yearlong programme of events will be the Festival of Architecture, organised by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) to celebrate their centenary. NVA’s new work Hinterland will mark the launch of the Festival in March at the modernist ruins of St Peter’s Seminary near Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute. With 400+ events taking place all over Scotland, the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design will include something to appeal to everyone.

Alongside the special events taking place this year, Scotland has a world-class selection of festivals on offer that you can read about in this publication. Newcomers include the Galoshans Festival, a celebration of Halloween in Greenock which brings together artists from across Europe and Scotland to create a spectacle of street theatre, music, performance dance, video and visual art.

Creative Scotland is delighted to support this publication in partnership with VisitScotland, recognising the importance that festivals play in the cultural life of our country.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL The biannual festival of contemporary art is back, featuring over 200 Scottish and international artists. See page 33. glasgowinternational.org

BURNS AN’ A’ THAT Taking in Alloway 1759, the festival celebrates the Bard’s life with a year-round programme of events at Burns Cottage and its surrounds. See page 25. burnsfestival.com 4

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

INNES MORRISON

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

EDINBURGH SCIENCE FESTIVAL

STANZA

With events to appeal to kids and adults alike, the Festival’s Tiny Homes Trail will transform the city centre into a platform for discussion.

See page 31. sciencefestival.co.uk

StAnza brings together poets from across the world to celebrate mutual love of the verse through a varied programme of events. See page 26. stanzapoetry.org

XPONORTH

AYE WRITE!

A cross-genre festival for publishing, crafts, broadcast and music, with a programme of workshops and showcases.

See page 45. xponorth.co.uk

Book festival attracting big-name authors from across the globe to its selection of author events, lectures, panel discussions and workshops.

See page 30. ayewrite.com

ALCHEMY

T IN THE PARK

A mix of high-quality artistic projects and experimental short films, all with themes relating to the natural world.

See page 33. alchemyfilmfestival.org.uk

The weekend-long music festival, now at Strathallan Castle, features headliners the Stone Roses, plus sets from Disclosure, the 1975 and Courteeners.

See page 53. tinthepark.com 5

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

Project Editor: Kirstyn Smith

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Production Manager: Simon Armin Cover Design: Jen Devonshire

DATE NAME OF FESTIVAL

Contributors: Kelly Apter, Brian Donaldson, Rowena McIntosh, Rebecca Monks, Henry Northmore, David Pollock, Murray Robertson, Charlotte Runcie Kirstyn Smith Advertising: Rachel Cree, Sheri Friers, Chris Knox, Brendan Miles, Jade Regulski, Debbie Thomson

8–31 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Digital Director: Simon Dessain Publisher: Robin Hodge This guide was produced in partnership with VisitScotland and Creative Scotland in celebration of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

Published by The List Ltd HEAD OFFICE 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050 Fax: 0131 557 8500 www.list.co.uk email festivals@list.co.uk © 2016 The List Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of The List Ltd. This edition published January 2016 Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd.

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GENRE

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: Edinburgh, boxoffice@eif.co.uk, eif.co.uk ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, with performers drawn from around the world. While this year’s festival is curated around themes of the challenges, sacrifices and circumstances through which nations have emerged and cultures forged, it is from historical, international and contemporary perspectives and not an explicitly political one.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

DISCLAIMER : The List magazine has made every effort to ensure information published in this guide is correct. Line-ups, times and dates can change at short notice, however, so please check with the festival before attending. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors the guide may contain. For up-to-date listings information go to list.co.uk. Festival organisers can get in touch at festivals@list.co.uk.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

FESTIVAL CHECKLIST 1

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EDINBURGH SKETCHBOOK Featuring the Grassmarket and the castle. Challenge: can you draw something more impressive?

Price: £6.50 Stockist: etsy.com

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ARCHITECTURAL MODEL MAKING KIT Bring your projects to life with this freeform modelling kit that bridges the gap between 3D and physical design.

Price: £89 Stockist: notonthehighstreet.com

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THE KELPIES BLACK AND WHITE CANVAS PRINT Enjoy all the majesty of Falkirk in your living room, with this canvas print of Andy Scott’s impressive Kelpie sculptures.

Price: £43.20 Stockist: redbubble.com

USB CUP WARMER No cold Joe as you slave away being creative: this USB cup warmer will make sure everything’s hot as can be.

Price: £9.99 Stockist: iwantoneofthose.com

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Want to gear up for the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in style?

Rebecca Monks and Kirstyn Smith provide a handy guide to products that will help give your year of festivals an arty edge 3

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3DOODLER If you can scribble, you can use the 3Doodler and turn your pen’s meanderings into real artworks.

Price: $99 Stockist: the3doodler.com

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FIFTY WATCHES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD The most innovative watch designs to get the creative juices flowing (and remind you of those deadlines).

Price: £12.99 Stockist: designmuseumshop.com

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TATE DIARY Keep track of deadlines, plus that Lichtenstein design will spark your creativity. Price: £5.95 Stockist: shop.tate.org.uk

SIGHTLINES PAPERCUT LANTERN Light up your life with these lanterns depicting some architectural gems. Price: £8.75 Stockist: madefromscotland.com

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

BUILD IT UP

With 2016 designated as Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, our already packed events calendar is set to become even busier. Charlotte Runcie looks at how the nation will be celebrating its creativity

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hen it comes to innovation, Scotland has long been punching above its weight.

Cloning, radar, and synthetic insulin all first came into being in Caledonia. Edinburgh-born Alexander Graham Bell was the man who patented the telephone, John Logie Baird gave us the television, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, and it was while working in Glasgow and Edinburgh that Joseph Lister did his most important work in developing antiseptics.

Without Scottish innovators, the world would be a poorer place.

In 2016, Scotland’s history of design, built heritage and innovation will be celebrated alongside groundbreaking new projects with a

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series of events, exhibitions, conferences and visitor experiences throughout the year, adding to Scotland’s already packed programme of events and festivals.

One of the most dramatic and exciting new developments for 2016 will be the opening of 10 new galleries at the National Museum of Scotland, marking the 150th anniversary of the museum. Many of the galleries will showcase engineering, manufacturing, transport, telecommunications, energy, and the sciences, with around three quarters of the exhibits being displayed for the first time in generations. Galleries will profile designers including Alexander McQueen, Charles Rennie

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Mackintosh, Jean Muir and Eduardo Paolozzi.

At the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, the redevelopment of two aircraft hangars will be completed, filled with new displays exploring civil and military aviation.

Elsewhere, the Queensferry Crossing will open in 2016, adding a third striking bridge across the Firth of Forth. When it’s unveiled, it will be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world and the tallest bridge in the UK. The existing Forth Road Bridge will become dedicated for use by public transport, walkers and cyclists, a huge change to the character of one of the busiest routes in Scotland.

There are plenty more ways to revel in Scottish building design and construction throughout the year. The development of the first V&A museum outside London, in Dundee, continues and will be a major addition to Scotland’s cultural landscape. Edinburgh Filmhouse launches a season of architecture-themed films, combining material from their archives with new features and documentaries shown alongside special events and guest Q&As. In spring, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (celebrating its centenary in 2016) presents the Festival of Architecture, with plans

for 400 events across Scotland. Edinburgh and Glasgow Science Festivals are both planning bumper programmes to mark the year, while, in the autumn, the Mackintosh Festival in Glasgow will provide a series of family-friendly events to promote the art, design and architectural achievements of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Smaller makers will be a crucial part of the year too. The Graphic Design Festival Scotland takes place in Glasgow in October, showcasing the pioneering work of Scottish graphic designers and practioners of the art. And during Edinburgh’s August festivals, Edinburgh Airport will host a showcase of Scottish Design in partnership with Creative Edinburgh and Creative Dundee, promoting Scottish innovators from across the design spectrum.

Scotland has come a long way since the worldchanging discoveries of its Victorian heroes of science and technology, but their spirit is still felt powerfully today. In everything from largescale engineering projects to local design, these 2016 events look set to prove that the nation’s proud tradition of innovation is thriving.

Find out more at visitscotland.com/ IAD2016 11

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

GRAND DESIGNS

ADAM ROBERTSON

David Pollock picks out some of the best festivals marking the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design around the country

is an international S platform with the aim of nurturing Scottish design talent. In 2016, it will host a series of cotland Re:Designed

events at home, including an interiors showcase (5–9 October) and an accessories showcase. The group has also confirmed a showcase in Hong Kong in March, at which a group of Scottish designers will exhibit their work to the media, buyers and consumers at PMQ, one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious buildings. Look out for further announcements on its events at home later in the year.

Craft Scotland presents ‘Meet Your Maker’ (Apr–Oct, Scotland-wide) takes craft

makers out of their studios to open up their processes to members of the public. Showcase events and open studios across the country are a unique opportunity to learn about design processes and specialists crafts up close. In past years, venues like Dovecot Studios in 12

Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland and Timespan in Helmsdale have participated.

SPECTRA (various venues, Aberdeen, 11–14 Feb) is Aberdeen’s festival of light. Offering a completely different design every year, this year’s event will bring together leading international artists and established Scottish collaborators in the design of the light installations, which run from Union Terrace Gardens to the Kirk of St Nicholas graveyard and into the Granite City Marischal College. A family event that invites audiences to engage with accessible performances, spaces and works of art that marry light, sound and interactive experiences, the elements of the show can be seen outdoors, indoors and in experimental formats.

Now renamed the Findhorn Bay Festival from its former title the Findhorn Bay Arts Festival (Forres, 21–26 Sep), this biennial Moray-based event brings a mix of theatre, exhibitions, live

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

music, art, talks, tours and free activities in its second instalment. First established as part of the 2014 Year of Homecoming, this year’s sixday festival will incorporate many architecture, design and innovation-led events, including highlights like Guerilla Lighting Tours and Light Night Parties.

Scotland’s Women in Science Festival

(various venues, Dundee & Angus, 5–13 Mar) aims to educate the public about the often overlooked scientific contributions of women. Featuring women from the University of Dundee and around the world who are leaders in their field, the aim is to inspire more girls and women to consider careers in science. There will be an International Women’s Day talk on Sat 5 Mar delivered

by Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, alongside some forensics-based events hosted by the Centre

of Anatomy and Human Identification. In an effort to engage new audiences, the diverse programme also includes a night of stand-up comedy on Tue 8 Mar, a Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas asking unconventional questions, literary events, book signings, art exhibitions and a schools programme.

In September, the West coast holiday town of Millport hosts the traditional Millport Illuminations, which has taken place every year since 1934. A family-friendly festival event usually incorporating fireworks, a ceilidh event and other activities for all ages, it will also host a Festival of Light. Meanwhile, the Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival

(Heart of Hawick, 14–17 Apr) in the Borders hosts a variety of features, experimental shorts, moving image installations, talks and events.

Find out more at visitscotland.com/events 13

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

SEE YOU LATER, INNOVATOR Head of an award-winning practice, Kirsty Maguire tells Rebecca Monks about her eco-friendly ethos and a long history of architecture, innovation and design in the family

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rchitecture, innovation and design may be key buzzwords for Scotland in 2016, but they also describe perfectly the work of Kirsty Maguire Architect Ltd. This award-winning Dundee-based firm (led by Maguire) was established in 2011, and over the last four years has built up a reputation for blending innovative design with environmental responsibility.

With a client base that includes private individuals and large-scale organisations like the United Nations Development Programme, Maguire’s international and Scotland-based projects, always have one key objective in mind: eco-friendly design. ‘For me, it’s an integral part of good design,’ Maguire explains.

‘It’s something I’ve been working in throughout my career.’ No matter if it’s a historic building or a new construction, she is determined to stick to her principles. When asked if it’s difficult to ensure her work is environmentally-friendly, she has a straightforward answer: ‘It’s not difficult to do, it just requires a bit of thought.’

For Maguire, that often involves collaborating directly with clients, artists and the design team involved in a project. ‘It needs to be integrated right from the start, and it’s really the best practice to be working with low energy and low carbon. I think that good design is not good design unless all these different elements are brought into it. For me, if something looks beautiful but it doesn’t perform well, I would not consider that to be good design. These things go hand in hand.’

Maguire’s pioneering approach to design runs in the blood. ‘I’ve always been interested in architecture and design, and there’s a long history of architecture in my family.’ That 14

history is five generations long and dates back to John Burnet, Maguire’s great-great-great uncle (born 1814). Starting his working life as a carpenter, he went on to make something of an architectural splash. The same path was followed by his son John James Burnet, and other family members. But the most notable ancestor of Maguire’s to work in the field is her great grandmother, Edith Burnet. Studying architecture in secret due to her family’s lack of approval, she eventually went on to be elected the first female member of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland in 1916.

Burnet’s legacy in the industry is strong, and she’s credited with establishing the first practice run by a woman in Europe.

Today, Maguire is heralded as a trailblazer herself with her championing of eco-friendly architecture and design. Projects include an energy-efficient housing catalogue in Armenia and a zero-carbon autonomous eco-house in Perthshire, which is designed to have low-energy consumption in use, but also to be completely off-grid and powered entirely by renewables.

Her company is currently developing proposals for a remote holiday home 1° south of the Arctic Circle, in the far north of Sweden, where sustainable and ecological design is part of standard building practice.

As much as the firm embraces overseas projects, it also has a strong connection to Scotland and its design scene. ‘Dundee is an exciting place to be at the moment in terms of design, with the V&A coming,’ she says. ‘It has a huge amount going on architecturally. I’m here for a lot of reasons. It’s really dynamic and there’s a lot happening at all levels.’

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS IVALS 2016

KIDDING AROUND

With so many festivals in Scotland offering families hands-on fun, engaging young people in science and the arts is child’s play. Kelly Apter tells us more

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ast year, over 100,000 people passed through the doors of Edinburgh International Science Festival (26 Mar–10 Apr), at venues throughout the city. This year’s event has workshops and drop-in sessions exploring how science, technology, engineering and design can help improve our lives. Glasgow Science Festival (Jun) takes over venues across the city including their flagship family event, Science Sunday, at the University of Glasgow.

Orkney International Science Festival

(1–7 Sep) will feature cathedral building, Norse navigation and 3D-printed upcycled fashion, while Midlothian Science Festival (Oct) runs activities in towns throughout the region culminating in their popular Science Gala Day. Teenagers might get a bad press, but we’re big fans of the cultural output of Scotland’s adolescents. Horsecross Youth Arts Festival (16–18 Jun) describes itself as a festival by children and young people, for children and young people. You can catch performances by talented local youngsters, including Perth Youth Theatre, plus shows by professional theatre and dance companies.

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The National Festival of Youth Theatre (30 Jun–4 Jul) is the UK’s largest gathering of youth theatres. With shows taking place at Rothes Halls and Falkland Estate in Fife, grab yourself a day pass for less than a tenner and watch the stars of tomorrow. But the granddaddy of them all is Aberdeen International Youth Festival (29 Jul–5 Aug) which has been lighting up the north east since 1973. Catch some of the world’s finest youth theatre, dance and music, in over 50 venues.

Based at Dundee Contemporary Arts, the Discovery Film Festival (Oct) is specially programmed for young audiences with the help of a team of ambassadors aged 15–18.

Elsewhere, set aside some of your Easter holiday for the Puppet Animation Festival (19 Mar–9 Apr), which runs across Scotland.

After 20 years at the helm, Imaginate (28 May–5 Jun) director Tony Reekie left for pastures new in 2015, and Noel Jordan is now at the helm. Featuring theatre and dance for children and young people, Imaginate is a world leader in children’s festivals and hugely popular – book early.

sarah is racing to beat Parkinson’s Join her Edinburgh Marathon Festival 28-29 May 2016 Choose your distance, from 5K to a marathon. Be a champion like Sarah - reach for the finish line and raise funds to get us closer to a cure. parkinsons.org.uk/edmf2016 020 7963 9319 Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom.

A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554). © Parkinson’s UK 11/2015 (CS2065)

The Chisholme Institute at CHISHOLME HOUSE in the Scottish Borders

courses and study retreats . volunteering seminars . woodland retreats . meditation

Existence is one Its movement is love Its fullest expression is you

Chisholme House, Roberton, Hawick TD9 7PH Tel 01450 880 215 secretary@chisholme.org www.chisholme.org

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CULTURE | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2016 Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art, Cosima von Bonin

SCOTLAND THE PERFECT STAGE Scotland is the perfect stage for cultural and sporting events alike. Our events celebrate the very best of Scotland, from our culture to our landscape to our world-class sporting facilities - we offer an array of unique and diverse events which take place across the country throughout the year. Whether you are a local or a visitor there truly is something for everyone. What’s more Scotland is known the world over for its passionate and friendly people, making our crowds second to none.

Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art 8–25 April One of the UK’s boldest visual arts festivals, the Glasgow International brings together exhibitions by the best international and local artists. This year the Director’s curated programme will look at the city’s industrial legacy, and the present relationship many artists have with acts of production, manufacture, artisanship, craft and industry. glasgowinternational.org 18

Edinburgh International Film Festival 15–26 June Bringing together red carpet glamour, world premieres and innovative filmmaking makes this one of the world’s leading film festivals. The programme also includes workshops, special commissions and Q&As, giving film fans the chance to get up close and personal with the stars. edfilmfest.org.uk

Piping Live! & World Pipe Band Championships 8–14 August As part of the biggest week in piping, The World Pipe Band Championships will return to Glasgow.

The best pipers and drummers from across the world will congregate in the picturesque surroundings of Glasgow Green for the ultimate competition featuring over 200 bands. pipinglive.co.uk

W Wigtown Book F Festival 23 Sep–2 October 2 S Set in one of the most p picturesque parts of the ccountry, the Wigtown B Book Festival is one o of the UK’s best-loved liliterary events. The ffestival includes 200+ e events and activities for a all ages, including music, ttheatre, visual arts and ffood. w wigtownbookfestival. ccom T The Royal National M Mòd October tbc O Scotland’s leading Gaelic S ccultural festival returns to the Western Isles for 2016. Along with more than 200 competitions in disciplines including Highland Dancing, Gaelic Music and Song, Sport, Literature and Drama, the festival also offers a varied programme of non-competitive fringe events including performances from some of Scotland’s most celebrated traditional musicians. ancomunn.co.uk MOBO Awards November tbc The MOBO Awards return to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro for another spectacular live show.

The awards, which celebrate music of black origin, will welcome some of the biggest names in the international urban music scene. Past performers have included the likes of Rita Ora, Kanye West and Tina Turner. mobo.com

HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2016 | SPORT

Glasgow Indoor Grand Prix 20 February Widely regarded as the world’s best indoor grand prix athletics meeting, a world-class cast of international stars can be expected to compete in the first major athletics event of the year. The 2015 event saw recordbreaking performances from Mo Farah and Katarina JohnsonThompson. britishathletics.org.uk 2016 Guinness PRO12 Final 28 May It is the second time that the Guinness PRO12 has staged a ‘destination final’ allowing the host city to stage a great festival of rugby on the final weekend. g y g scottishrugby.org

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 4–5 June Taking place at the Nevis Range in Fort William, this must-see event showcases some of the best mountain biking in the world. As well as watching high-speed action from the world’s top downhill and 4X riders, spectators can enjoy activities and entertainment at the World Cup Village. fortwilliamworldcup. co.uk Great Scottish Swim 26 - 27 August The Great Scottish Swim 2016 will take place once again in the open waters of Loch Lomond.

Swimmers can choose from ½ mile, 1 mile, 2 miles, 5k, or the new g 10k distance, offering

the perfect challenge for all abilities from first-timers to Olympic athletes. For those wishing to stay on dry land, a range of food & drink and retail stalls are also available. greatswim.org/scotland Blair Castle International Horse Trials 25–28 August Blair Castle International Horse Trials is Scotland’s premier equestrian event, running over four days in August each year. The Trials include top-class international eventing and the hugely popular Bruadar Country Fair showcasing countryside pursuits, plus a shopping village with over 200 retail and food stands. blairhorsetrials.co.uk

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running 25 September Set within the stunning surroundings of Loch Ness, this annual test of endurance includes the marathon, 10k, 5k and Wee Nessie races. For bystanders there is also the Event Village at the finish line featuring family fun activities and a food and drink fayre. lochnessmarathon.com BWA Tiree Wave Classic October tbc This prestigious event attracts many of the world’s best windsurfers and has made Tiree a well-known hub for wind sport adventure.

The week is packed with adrenaline-pumping competition and evening entertainment, all set within the beautiful scenery of the island. tireewaveclassic.co.uk Le Gruyère European Curling Championships 18–26 November Scotland will once again host the European Curling Championships. In November, the event will welcome the curling elite to the Braehead Arena in Refrewshire, the very place where the sport began in the 16th century and a short journey to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. worldcurling.org

All event details are subject to change, please check websites for dates and locations of these events.

For full event listings and for more information please go to visitscotland.com/events

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GOLF | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2016

The Senior Open Championship 21–24 July Carnoustie will once again provide a fitting test for the world’s best senior players, where Colin Montgomerie will bid to win his first Senior Major Championship on home soil. europeantour.com/ seniortour

NO LETTING UP FOR GOLF EVENTS IN SCOTLAND Following a glittering few years of golf events in Scotland, there is no letting up for 2016 with a host of top-class tournaments scheduled to take place in Scotland, the Home of Golf.

The Open will take centre-stage as it returns to Royal Troon for the first time since 2004, while another Major Championship, The Senior Open Championship, is also making a return to Carnoustie.

But with no fewer than nine top-class tournaments the length and breadth of the country from Ayrshire to Aberdeen, there is plenty for golf fans to get out and cheer for in 2016.

To find out more about Scotland, the Home of Golf see visitscotland.com/golf SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge, hosted by MacDonald Hotels 23–26 June Get an early glimpse of the European Tour stars of the future as Spey Valley GC provides a stunning Highlands backdrop to one of the Challenge Tour’s finest events. europeantour.com/ challengetour Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open 7–10 July 20

Following Rickie Fowler’s win at Gullane in 2015, the event returns to the scene of Phil Mickelson’s famous victory at Castle Stuart and is sure to attract one of the strongest fields of any European Tour event. aamscottishopen.com The Open 14–17 July The 145th playing of The Open will be staged on the magnificent links of Royal Troon with the world’s best going headto-head for the greatest

prize in the game. theopen.com Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open 19–24 July Following the outstanding success of the free-to-attend event at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire last year, this event is sure to attract another strong field of top-class ladies looking to set a marker ahead of The Solheim Cup in Scotland in 2019. ladiesscottishopen.com

Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play 4–7 August Following praise of Murcar Links hosting of the inaugural event in 2015, this unique match play event backed by former Open Champion Paul Lawrie returns to his native North East for 2016. europeantour.com Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open 19–21 August The new venue at Archerfield Links and a popular Pro-Am format were well received in 2015 and the event returns to East Lothian this year where the legends of the game will compete for the coveted title. europeantour.com/ seniortour Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 29 Sept – 2 Oct Adding some celebrity stardust to the golfing scene, the Dunhill Links pits A-list actors, sports stars and musicians alongside top European Tour stars at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. alfreddunhilllinks.com

HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2016 | FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE

FESTIVAL SHOWCASES SCOTLAND’S ARCHITECTURE The Festival of Architecture 2016 is here and it’s going to be BIG! From buildings that’ll take your breath away to exhibitions that capture your imagination, hundreds of inspiring events are taking place across Scotland for everyone to enjoy.

The Festival of Architecture, a key part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016, celebrates design and creativity, and highlights the quality of our built environment.

An ambitious and extensive programme will touch every region of Scotland with exhibitions, performances, talks, tours, workshops, film screenings and other events.

Hinterland is the official launch event for the Fe Festival, giving visitors the chance to experience St Peter’s Seminary with a night-time public art event exactly 50 years since it first opened.

Other headline events include: Adventures in Space, an exhibition exploring architecture and science fiction at Glasgow’s Lighthouse; Scotstyle, an invitation to the public to select favourite buildings from the last 100 years; and Pop-Up World Cities EXPO, E a dazzling display of international city c pavilions in Edinburgh.

The Festival of Architecture takes place across Scotland throughout 2016. Find events at FOA2016.COM

EXPERIENCE HINTERLAND Marking the official launch of Scotland’s Festival of Architecture, NVA present Hinterland, a world premiere event in the ambitious scheme to reclaim St Peter’s Seminary.

At night, audiences will walk through the atmospheric semiancient woodland to discover the ruined seminary buildings, subtly reanimated with monochromatic light installations and a specially commissioned choral work.

Undoubtedly the hot ticket of the year, book now to be part of this monumental production.

HINTERLAND VISUALISATION BY JAMES JOHNSON,

COURTESY OF NVA 18 – 27 March 2016 Tickets on sale at hinterland.org. Tickets include shuttle bus to and from the event.

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

JANUARY

25 JANUARY–5 FEBRUARY

YEAR-ROUND

FIFE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

BURNS AN’ A’ THAT / 1759

MUSIC Various venues, Fife, ffom.org.uk

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Ayrshire, burnsfestival.com

Performers at this community festival range from primary school children to adults, in both vocal and instrumental classes, competitive and noncompetitive. Performances are open to anyone to come along and watch.

This year Burns an’ a’ That teams up with 1759 for a series of music, talks, walks and art events celebrating Robert Burns.

30 JANUARY / 16 FEBRUARY / 18–20 FEBRUARY

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, banff-uk.com

A selection of sports and adventure films including pieces about women skiers in Alaska, wild-horse trainers along the Mexican border and a team of ultra-marathoners.

YEAR-ROUND

FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE

26 JANUARY

31 JANUARY

UP HELLY AA

FIFE FOOD FESTIVAL

ART / HERITAGE / FAMILY Various venues, Scotland, foa2016.com

FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Shetland, uphellyaa.org

FOOD & DRINK Younger Hall, St Andrews, fifefoodfestival.co.uk

A major celebration of Scotland’s built environment, with a touring exhibition, workshops and other activities aiming to promote Scotland’s fascinating built heritage.

Shetland shows off its Viking history with a spectacular fire festival, the highlight of which is the torchlight procession of up to 1000 colourfully dressed guisers following a Viking galley through the town before setting it alight.

Fife’s natural larder is on show at this annual festival in heart of St Andrews which invites all foodies to enjoy the best local produce.

There’s also a luxury raffle, the chance to meet Scottish food entrepreneurs and activities for all.

CELTIC CONNECTIONS

29 JANUARY–27 FEBRUARY

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, celticconnections.com

FEBRUARYFEST

THROUGHOUT JANUARY & FEBRUARY

14–31 JANUARY

Glasgow’s annual folk, roots, indie, world and traditional music festival celebrating the links between Celtic music and cultures across the globe. An international cast of over 2000 musicians descends upon Glasgow, to create over 300 events. These include ceilidhs, workshops, talks, dancing, art exhibitions, free events and a torchlight parade through Glasgow.

24 JANUARY

BURNS UNBOUND FAMILY / LITERATURE National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, nms.ac.uk

A mini-festival in honour of Burns Night and the Bard himself, with celebrity hosts, performances and workshops centred around his life and work.

24

FOOD & DRINK Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, glencoescotland.com/whatson/ februaryfest

Running for more than 20 years FebruaryFest brings a whole month of the best beer Scotland’s brewers have to offer to thirsty drinkers. The programme also boasts live music, quiz nights, along with beer’s best pal – whisky.

29 JANUARY–6 FEBRUARY

MANIPULATE VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Scotland, manipulatefestival.org

Puppet Animation Scotland collates a collection of world class animation and puppetry and related performing arts of all styles and techniques and through its master classes also provides learning opportunities.

ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, adventurefest.co.uk

The best high-adrenaline, actionpacked adventure films and documentaries, on topics such as free climbing, mountain biking, ultra running, canyoneering and surfing.

FEBRUARY 2 FEBRUARY–20 MARCH

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MIDDLE EASTERN SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, mesp.org.uk

This international festival draws together people from a wide LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND SCOTLAND’S S FESTIVALS

range of spiritual backgrounds, cultures, traditions and communities to celebrate peace and mutual understanding via spiritual, educational, artistic and cultural events.

4–7 FEBRUARY

FOOD ON FILM FAMILY / FILM & TV / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Kingussie, kingussiefoodonfilm.co.uk

The culinary meets the audiovisual in this interdisciplinary festival that seeks to titillate eyes and tastebuds alike with a menu of foodie films and film-worthy food.

4–14 FEBRUARY

ELECTRIC GLEN ART / OUTDOOR Rouken Glen Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, electricglen.co.uk

10 FEBRUARY–27 MARCH

LENTFEST MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Glasgow, lentfest.co.uk

An annual festival of faith and arts, incorporating theatre, film screenings, music, poetry and visual arts, across the Archdiocese of Glasgow.

11–14 FEBRUARY

FIFE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Fife, fifejazzfestival.com

Fife Jazz Festival covers all the bases: from traditional to avant-garde, from international productions to homespun community events, from the biggest names in jazz to newcomers.

11–14 FEBRUARY

SPECTRA: ABERDEEN’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

East Renfrewshire’s Rouken Glen Park shines electric. Combat winter darkness by visiting the illuminated park, complete with visual and sound installations, and drink up the highlighted geology of the unique landscape.

Wheels-only route available.

ART / FAMILY Various venues, Aberdeen, spectraaberdeen.com

6 FEBRUARY

12 & 13 FEBRUARY

THE MUSIC FARM

BANCHORY BEER FESTIVAL

MUSIC Eastgrange Loft, Eastgrange Farm, Forres, musicfarm.co.uk

One-day indoor music fest celebrating up-and-coming Scottish bands and acoustic music.

Aberdeen’s festival of light aims to dazzle occupants with a mixture of light installations, music and poetry. The 2016 festival has a ‘Spark of Inspiration’ theme.

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Woodend Barn Arts Centre, Burn O’Bennie, Banchory, banchorybeerfestival.com

6 & 7 FEBRUARY

Weekend beer festival (with a bit of gin and cider thrown into the mix) with live music and street food to enjoy too.

EDINBURGH MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

12–15 FEBRUARY

FILM & TV George Square Lecture Theatre, George Square, Edinburgh, emff.co.uk

The majesty of mountains is captured on film in a series of screenings, lectures and exhibitions.

GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org/gyff

Innovative festival for young audiences featuring premieres, screenings, events and special

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

BURNS AN’ A’ THAT! / ALLOWAY 1759 The Scots are fiercely proud of poet Rabbie Burns, and that pride runs deepest in South Ayrshire. This year, Burns an’ a’ that! celebrates its 15th anniversary by joining forces with Alloway 1759 for a bumper Bard birthday spectacular. The year-long programme starts in January with Alloway 1759 events celebrating Ayrshire’s famous son at the time and place of his birth. Visitors can enjoy the Burns Aflame Fire Garden, the Burns Big Street Party and the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Concert.

In May, the Burnsfest Picnic in the Park (a free shindig in Ayr’s Rozelle Park), takes its place among the bustling roster of Scotland’s summer music festivals. And then in October, there’s the delightfully-titled ‘Alloween, adding a supernatural flavour to proceedings, before a profusion of Christmas activities at Burns Cottage end the year on a festive high.

(Murray Robertson) Q Various venues, South Ayrshire, year-round, burnsfestival.com 25

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

guest speakers. The Witch opens 2016’s GYFF with a special screening of Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands to close the festival.

Other films include Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Kill Me Please, Prince, Cronies and The Final Girls.

12–20 FEBRUARY

WINTER WORDS FESTIVAL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL The Glasgow Film Festival attracts some of the top names from the world of cinema, with recent guests including Joss Whedon, Terry Gilliam and Richard Dreyfuss.

Now in its 12th year, the GFF has earned its stripes as one of the major annual cinema events, and it’s grown to become the UK’s third largest film festival (after London and Edinburgh).

While most retrospectives tend to celebrate the life and career of an individual, this year’s focus is on cinematic partnerships, with Dream Teams of the Silver Screen exploring the work of famous duets, both on and offscreen, including Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Robert Redford and Paul Newman, and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. There’s also a showcase featuring films from the New Argentine Cinema movement which has created some astonishing work over the last two decades, plus a return of the ever-popular FrightFest.

(Murray Robertson) ■ Various venues, Glasgow, 17–28 Feb, glasgowfilm.org 26

LITERATURE Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Port Na Craig, Pitlochry, pitlochry.org.uk

The twelfth Winter Words Festival welcomes local author Katherine Norbury, author of The Fish Ladder; music from Malachy Tallack; the Banff Mountain Film Festival; and there are plans to host appearances by travel writer Levison Wood (Walking the Nile) and TV stars Gregor Fisher and Alex Norton.

17–21 FEBRUARY

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Various venues, Fort William, mountainfestival.co.uk

A series of films and lectures celebrating the great outdoors and mountain culture, held in Scotland’s outdoor capital, and spread over five nights.

17–28 FEBRUARY

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org

Scotland’s fastest growing film festival has taken less than ten years to turn itself into a force to be reckoned with in the film festival world. Highlights include the world premiere of Aidan Moffat’s Where You’re Meant to Be at the Barrowlands (19 Feb), Raiders of the Lost Ark and Silence of the Lambs at

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (20 Feb) and The Man Who Fell to Earth at Glasgow Science Centre (23 Feb).

19–21 FEBRUARY

EDINBURGH IRANIAN FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, ediranfest.co.uk

A welcome return for this volunteer-run biannual cultural festival, which celebrates the heritage and creativity of Iran.

20–27 FEBRUARY

PAPAY GYRO NIGHTS ART / FILM & TV / MUSIC Papa Westray, Orkney, papaygyronights.papawestray. org

The fourth outing for a unique festival of contemporary visual and performance art taking place in one of the UK’s most remote environments during the depths of winter. The programme encompasses experimental film and video art, installation, performance, visual arts and architecture with the aim of mediating between new media and ideas and traditions and ritual.

27 FEBRUARY–9 MARCH

INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, invernessmusicfestival.org

Run by the Inverness Festival Association, this music festival is a competitive event that allows people of all ages and abilities to show off their skills.

For up to date information on the latest details of festivals across Scotland check out list.co.uk LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

29 FEBRUARY–5 MARCH

WEE WRITE! FAMILY / LITERATURE Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow, ayewrite.com

A week-long programme offering over 100 author events, activities and readings for children, families and school pupils of all ages.

MARCH 1 MARCH–30 SEPTEMBER

WORLD CANALS PUBLIC PROGRAMME COMMUNITY Various venues, Scotland

A series of community events celebrating the innovations of our canals and inland waterways to support the World Canals Conference in Inverness in September.

2–6 MARCH

STANZA The only regular festival dedicated to poetry in Scotland, StAnza’s primary intention is to celebrate poetry in its many forms. Held every March in St Andrews, each festival focuses on two themes; in 2016 these are City Lines (featuring urban verse and poetry engaged with city life) and Body of Poetry (encompassing work exploring the passions, appetites, strengths and weaknesses of human and other bodies). There will be a language focus on German and with this being the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, there’s an emphasis on architecture.

StAnza delivers a consistently strong programme with the line-up a mix of poet laureates, prize winners and writers with innovative new approaches to expanding the artform. The festival features readings, discussions and workshops, as well as exhibitions, music and film inspired by poetry.

Headline poets in 2016 include UK talent such as Don Paterson, the only poet to have won the TS Eliot Prize twice, and former director of National Poetry Day, Jo Bell, who devised online poetry group 52. From America, there’s poet / undertaker Thomas Lynch and Jane Yolen, the first woman ever to deliver the Andrew Lang Lecture, a series which has run since 1928. Completing the bill are German-Swiss poet Nora Gomringer and Lemn Sissay, University of Manchester’s chancellor and official poet of the FA Cup Final.

Last year’s Saturday night headliners proved so popular that the organisers live-streamed the event for those who missed out on tickets: if you want a seat you better be quick. (Rowena McIntosh) Q Various venues, St Andrews, 2–6 Mar, stanzapoetry.org 28

STANZA: SCOTLAND’S POETRY FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, St Andrews, stanzapoetry.org

StAnza is a literary festival that focuses on verse. Joining the locals for readings, performances, slams and open mics, jazz, films, workshops and poetry-related art exhibitions, installations and films are a host of local and international wordsmiths.

2–19 MARCH

PERFORM IN PERTH MUSIC Various venues, Perth, perthshire-music-festival.org.uk

Competitors from all over Perthshire show off their talents in the fields of music, dance and speech at various venues in Perth.

3–6 MARCH

ULLAPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Ullapool, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

ullapooldancefestival.org Dance festival with classes for all ages and abilities.

way up to Scotland. A mix of classic and contemporary cinematic delights makes up the programme.

3–6 MARCH

DECLARATION FESTIVAL

4–20 MARCH

POLITICS Various venues, Glasgow, declarationfest.com

MUSIC The Inn at Lathones, Largoward, St Andrews, fifestock.com

A new festival supporting health and human rights through a mix of conversation, provocations and performance from writers, campaigners, performers and thinkers from Scotland and further afield.

4–6 MARCH

WEE DUB FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, weedubfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s only festival dedicated to dub and reggae music in all its forms. Taking place across various venues in Edinburgh’s Old Town on one weekend, it offers a diverse and enjoyable weekend of gigs, clubs, workshops, food and more. The line-up for 2016 includes Aba Shanti-I, Dubkasm, Mungo’s Hi-Fi, Dreadsquad, Chopstick Dubplate, Brother Culture, Solo Banton and Dubdadda.

4–13 MARCH

DUNBAR SCIFEST FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dunbar, dunbarscifest.org.uk

Dunbar’s SciFest is an exciting, interesting and fun few days of shows, workshops, storytelling and talks.

FIFESTOCK

Described as the ‘armchair festival’, The Inn at Lathones, with a capacity of 50, offers an intimate setting for this folksy music festival. This year’s programme includes Garland Jeffreys, Simon Kempston, Dana Dixon Band, Cherry Lee Mewis and more.

5 MARCH

NAAFC ANNUAL ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Macdonald Inchyra Grange Hotel, Grange Road, Polmont, Falkirk, boxandfiddle.com

All-day accordion and fiddle competitions, prize-winners concert and a closing dance, if your feet weren’t already a-tapping.

5-16 MARCH

GLASGOW ST PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowstpatricksfestival. co.uk

4–17 MARCH

Celebrate the Irish heritage of Glasgow and Scotland with a programme of film, talks, family activities, dancing and, of course, a whole lot of music.

ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

5–13 MARCH

FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, italianfilmfestival.org.uk

This festival celebrates the best of Italian cinema, bringing it across the waters and all the

WOMEN IN SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dundee, facebook.com/ DundeeWomenInScience

The only festival in the world dedicated to celebrating women in science, with a programme of events to help women and young girls to explore the field.

5 MARCH / 30 APRIL & 1 MAY / 18–19 JUNE

NORTH HOP FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Scotland, northhop.co.uk

The craft beer festival tours the country with live music, cocktails and food to supplement the hops.

7–12 MARCH

GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, gallowaymusicfestival.org.uk

Competitive music festival for amateur musicians of all ages. The syllabus covers a wide range of categories including piano, brass, woodwind, recorder, strings, ensemble, vocal, choral, jazz, recital, composition, speech and Scottish traditional, with members of the public welcome to attend all competitions and a festival concert on the final day.

9–13 MARCH

EDINBURGH’S FESTIVAL OF IRELAND FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghsfestivalofireland.org

A little bit of Ireland descends upon Edinburgh in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day. Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland is a multi-arts, family-friendly celebration of the Emerald Isle, with storytelling, music, dance, talks, comedy and food & drink events. This year features Tannahill Weavers, Cathal McConnell with his guests, Siamsoir Irish dancers and a musicians’ session.

29

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

9–27 MARCH

11 & 12 MARCH

LOCHWINNOCH ARTS FESTIVAL

DOOM OVER EDINBURGH

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Lochwinnoch, lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

Lochwinnoch’s annual arts festival is a celebration of music, art, dancing and theatre. This year’s festival features Nigel Gatherer, Hazel McBain & Erlys Marfanwie Davies and Alastair McCulloch.

Headliner is Dougie MacLean.

MUSIC Bannerman’s, 55 Niddry Street, Edinburgh, bannermanslive.co.uk

Two day indoor mini-fest of apocalyptic doom metal. Friday features Black Magician, A Dream of Poe, Maelstrom, Façade and Buried Sleeper. Saturday’s lineup includes Officium Triste, Pantheist, Eye of Solitude and Marche Funèbre.

11–13 MARCH

10–20 MARCH

GROOVE CAIRNGORM

AYE WRITE!

MUSIC Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorms, groovefestival.co.uk

LITERATURE Mitchell Library, Glasgow, ayewrite.com

Located in the iconic Mitchell Library, Aye Write! remains committed to celebrating Scottish and international writers and writing.

A spin off event from Groove Loch Ness taking club sounds up a mountain for a mix of snowsports, music and DJs. 14–17 MARCH

10–20 MARCH

YOUNG AT HEART FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, South Lanarkshire, slleisureandculture.co.uk

The over-50s take control of the spotlight for this informal festival of free recitals, a craft fair, exhibitions, film screenings and author visits.

SHETLAND SCHOOLS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, facebook.com/Shetland-SchoolsMusic-Festival

Annual showcase of the skills and talents of Shetland’s young musicians.

14–19 MARCH

cinema Scotland’s only silent film festival runs over five days with events, screenings, new commissions and workshops, featuring live music and storytelling by national and international musicians and performers.

16–20 MARCH

GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org/gsff

Screenings, talks and workshops celebrating a diverse range of local, international and upcoming talent.

17–20 MARCH

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenjazzfestival.com

A host of musicians and performers descend on the Granite City for a few days of jazz and blues, with everything from jamming and workshops, to chilled out gigs on the green and late night sessions.

18 & 19 MARCH

EDINBURGH YARN FESTIVAL COMMUNITY Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, edinyarnfest.com

10–27 MARCH

CAITHNESS INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Sutherland, science03.org

COMEDY / FAMILY / THEATRE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowcomedyfestival.com

This annual festival features workshops, science and drama presentations, motivational speakers and competitions.

A festival aimed at ‘yarnenthusiasts of all flavours’, this woolly bonanza caters for all who knit, crochet, embroider, spin, haberdash or just appreciate a darn good yarn.

16–20 MARCH

19 MARCH–9 APRIL

HIPPODROME FESTIVAL OF SILENT CINEMA

PUPPET ANIMATION FESTIVAL

FAMILY / FILM & TV Hippodrome, 10 Hope Street, Bo’ness, falkirkcommunitytrust. org/venues/hippodrome/silent-

FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Scotland, puppetanimationfestival.org

Glasgow’s comedy festival is birling into its 14th year, getting ever more impressive with each outing. Among the many top-drawer acts appearing are Daniel Sloss, Julian Clary, Bridget Christie, Dylan Moran and Jenny Eclair.

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The UK’s largest and longest LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND SCOTLAND’S S FESTIVALS

established annual performing arts event for children pulls some strings to present a feast of puppet-based entertainment, working with local authorities, organisations and venues throughout Scotland.

25 MARCH–10 APRIL

WILD SPRING FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, dg.wildseasons.co.uk

Nearly 100 wildlife-themed events and activities across south west Scotland. Events are led by local experts from conservation organisations and include handson family activities as well as opportunities to see Scotland’s spectacular animals and birds.

26 MARCH–10 APRIL

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

Glasgow Uni take the reins on this music festival that blends performances with academic inquiry, including new compositions, early music performances, sound art, research papers and audio/visual works. The theme for the 2016 festival is ‘Dialogues’, and it’s programmed in collaboration with GLEAM (Glasgow Audiovisual and Electronic Media), LUX Scotland, the Pipe Factory, and the Red Note Ensemble.

CREATIVE LOOP STUDENT MEDIA FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS CCA, Glasgow, creativeloop.org

The festival is a collection of lectures, workshops and masterclasses aimed at the creative students of Scotland.

MARCH TBC

Hands-on science for adults, children and families in venues across the city with a programme ranging from the entertaining to the controversial and, of course, the icky.

MULTI-ARTS / POLITICS Various venues, Dundee, d-v-a.org.uk

DUNDEE WOMEN’S FESTIVAL

Celebrating International Women’s Day, Mar 8, with almost three weeks of events, drama, discussions and workshops.

29 MARCH–2 APRIL

NIP

MARCH TBC

FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Inverness, thenip.scot

UN*DEPENDENCE FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, undependence.co.uk

A festival of independent short films and features.

APRIL 1 APRIL-31 JULY

SOUND THOUGHT

BE INSPIRED BY NATURE

ART / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, soundthought.co.uk

FAMILY Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh, rbge.org.uk

Postgraduate students from

A season of events exploring

30 MARCH–1 APRIL

DUNDEE WOMEN IN SCIENCE FESTIVAL

MARCH TBC

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, sciencefestival.co.uk

Formerly known as the Inverness Whisky Festival, this event now celebrates craft spirits including gin, vodka and whisky. Expect plenty of distilleries, talks, masterclasses, food, live music and demonstrations throughout the city.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

From Marie Curie to Barbara McClintock, Ada Lovelace to Anne McLaren, countless women in history have made invaluable contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Dundee Women in Science Festival celebrates the achievements of women in these areas, and aims to promote careers in science to everyone (but especially to women and girls). The event is a collaboration between the University of Dundee, Abertay University, Dundee Science Centre, the James Hutton Institute and the Dundee Women’s Festival, and aims to showcase cutting-edge research by scientists in an accessible way to a diverse range of audiences across the Tayside region.

Events take place over nine days in March, and include exhibitions, debates, talks, film screenings, comedy, workshops and more. Most events are free and are open to men and women of all ages. They’re suitable for those with a science background and those without: it’s just all inclusive, good, science-based fun.

(Rebecca Monks) Q Various venues, Dundee, 5–13 Mar, womeninscience.org.uk 31

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

Maggie’s Centre, Inveresk

how nature inspires Scottish scientists, artists and engineers, including the launch of Scotland’s oldest newest building - Botanics Cottage.

1–6 APRIL

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL MUSIC Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, harpfestival.co.uk

EIHF annually welcomes a healthy mix of world-class harpists and up-and-coming local talents playing a range of musical styles from folk to jazz for concerts, courses, workshops, the UK’s largest harpmakers’ exhibition and late night music sessions.

1–10 APRIL

ON THE ROCKS STUDENT ARTS FESTIVAL

KEITH HUNTER

MULTI-ARTS Various venues: St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, ontherocksfestival.com

FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE If ever there was a time to celebrate architecture in all its built-up glory, it’s now. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has created this year-long, country-wide festival in order to celebrate the nation’s architecture and all that it has to offer, both at home and on an international front.

The festival aims to encourage the imaginative re-use of redundant buildings and the adaptive reuse of historic settings and to transform Scotland’s relationship with the built environment. This country isn’t all about rolling Highland hills and expansive lochs after all: architecture is an essential part of Scotland’s culture, and this festival marks its significance.

Some events to look forward to include Hinterland, Adventures in Space, the Ideal Hut Show and Pop-Up World Cities Expo, and the festival will also feature everything from touring exhibitions to workshops, as well as school / community educational programmes, creative commissions and competitions. All artforms will be included, with everything from live music to poetry on the bill as the festival aims to create more engagement with architecture as a cultural movement. (Rebecca Monks) Q Various venues, Scotland-wide, throughout 2016, foa2016.com 32

The eighth year for this studentrun arts festival promises more shows, concerts and exhibitions for all the family.

1–30 APRIL

THAT’S FIFE COMEDY / FAMILY Various venues, Fife

The Kingdom pulls in some impressive names for its comedy festival. Headliners this year include Ed Byrne, Chris Ramsey and Fred MacAulay.

1 APRIL–31 DECEMBER

CRAFT SCOTLAND’S ‘MEET YOUR MAKER’ ART / FAMILY Various venues, Scotland, craftscotland.org

A series of events taking place over a number of months where you can meet new and established faces from the LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

many facets of Scotland’s contemporary crafts scene, from jewellery making to glass blowing to textiles.

2 & 3 APRIL

SPRINGFEST FOOD & DRINK Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, lochlomondspringfest.co.uk

A springtime event to celebrate all things food, from the people behind the ever-popular Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival.

8–10 APRIL

14–17 APRIL

GLENFARG FOLK FEAST

ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL

MUSIC The Green Hotel, 2 Muirs, Kinross, glenfargfolkclub. com/folkfeast.html

A small and friendly stalwart of the folk festival calendar, this festival is an initiative of Glenfarg Village Folk Club and is open to many musics of an acoustic variety as well as storytelling and poetry.

8–16 APRIL

BUZZCUT FESTIVAL

BANDSTAND BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL

ART / THEATRE & DANCE Pearce Institute, 840 Govan Road, Glasgow, glasgowbuzzcut.wordpress. com

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Braeval Hotel, 3 Crescent Road, Nairn, braevalhotel.co.uk/ bandstandbeerfestival.asp

Cutting-edge performance art festival created in December 2011 in response to the shock cancellation of the wellestablished New Territories festival. Buzzcut is all about sharing: food, ideas and homes.

The largest indie beer and music festival in the Highlands, boasting more than 140 real ales, ciders and craft beers from all over the world, including some brewed right here at home. Expect live music, specialty food, whisky, charity stalls and a barbecue.

6–10 APRIL

ART / FILM & TV Various venues, Hawick, alchemyfilmfestival.org.uk

Annual film festival with a focus on screening work that relates to the natural world, to landscape, to mankind’s relationship with natural forces, or to alchemy itself. The festival has a focus on high quality artistic projects and experimental short film from around the world, mixing this with thematicallyrelated feature length screenings and a sprinkling of cinematic magic.

15–19 APRIL

LOCH SHIEL SPRING FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Loch Shiel, Lochaber, lochshielfestival.com

ART / FILM & TV / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, counterflows.com

8–25 APRIL

A festival of Western classical music set amid the stunning scenery of Loch Shiel. From offbeat locations to local traditions, national celebrations to innovative performances, this festival celebrates anything and everything to do with chamber music.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL

16–19 APRIL

Counterflows marries the local to the international with artists from around the world collaborating with homegrown talent in spaces across Glasgow.

ART / FAMILY Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowinternational.org

8–10 APRIL

COUNTERFLOWS

8–10 APRIL

CONPULSION UNDERWORLD FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Teviot Row & Potterrow, Bristo Place, Edinburgh, conpulsion.org

Conpulsion is Edinburgh’s largest weekend tabletop gaming convention, covering board games, roleplaying games, card games, wargames and live action roleplay.

Biennial festival of contemporary art commissioned from artists around the globe, including exhibitions in traditional gallery spaces, plus unique sitespecific installations and live performance art.

10–15 APRIL

ORKNEY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Stromness Hotel, The Pierhead, Stromness, stromnesshotel.com

A weekend of traditional jazz with players from around the UK and a sprinkling of local talent to ensure a true Orcadian flavour.

20–23 APRIL

PAISLEY BEER FESTIVAL

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Isle of Islay, walkislay.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley, renfrewshirecamra.org.uk

See the best of Scottish island landscapes with this walking festival.

Four-day festival celebrating the best ales from around the UK and Europe.

WALK ISLAY

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

21–23 APRIL

23 APRIL

27 APRIL–15 MAY

KINGDOM OF FIFE REAL ALE, CIDER & PERRY FESTIVAL

OUTSKIRTS

JOHN MUIR FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS Platform, The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, Glasgow, platform-online.co.uk/index.html

ART Various venues, Dunbar

FOOD & DRINK Rothes Halls, Kingdom Centre, Glenrothes, facebook.com/ kingdomoffifefestival

A chance to sample over 30 real ales from around the country, as well as wines, ciders, perries and continental beers. There is live music on offer each night and all guests receive a commemorative beer glass and programme with detailed tasting notes.

Outskirts returns for a day of boundary-traversing installations, performance, art and music.

2016’s event features Matthew Bourne’s work with visual artist Michael England and SAY winner Kathryn Joseph in a multicollaborative effort. More to be announced.

23 & 24 APRIL

DEAD BY DAWN

COLONSAY BOOK FESTIVAL

FILM & TV Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, deadbydawn.co.uk

FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Colonsay, colonsaybookfestival.org.uk

Celebrating 23 years of cinematic scares, the Filmhouse’s horror fest ups the gore ante with a selection of blood-curdling genre premieres, classic features, short films and special guests. For a concentrated dose of evil, the Spawn of Dawn mini-fest runs throughout the Saturday night.

A book festival now in its third year, hosted by the beautiful inner Hebridean isle of Colonsay. This is the third year that this beautiful inner Hebridean isle plays host to. As well as readings and performances, the emphasis is on meeting and chatting with the writers, and debate and good craic in the pub.

21–24 APRIL

22 & 23 APRIL

NORTHERN STREAMS

25 APRIL–15 MAY

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, northernstreams.org

FESTIVAL OF SPRING

A celebration of Scottish and Scandinavian traditional music, song and dance bringing together top and emerging artists to Edinburgh on an annual basis.

This tiny island comes alive with a series of events that showcase its natural beauty: workshops and tours, whisky tasting and cake baking, music, exhibitions and film screenings.

23 APRIL

27 APRIL–8 MAY

FIFE BRASS BANDS FESTIVAL

TRADFEST

MUSIC Carnegie Hall, East Port, Dunfermline, fifebrassbanding.org.uk

Brass bands from around Scotland each present their own concert programme at this competition.

34

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Colonsay, colonsayevents.co.uk

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, tracscotland.org/festivals

A festival inspired by the traditional arts and culture of Scotland.

Expect music, song, story, dance and craft to coincide with the seasonal rites of Beltane and May Day given a contemporary spin.

Events along the length of the John Muir Trail to celebrate the ‘father of the modern conservation movement’ and founder of America’s National Parks.

28 APRIL–1 MAY

DUNDEAD HORROR FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, dca.org.uk

For the fifth year running Dundee indulges its more bloodthirsty side with a bank holiday weekend of cinematic thrills and scares. With a programme of sneak previews and terrifying classics, the event has an inclusive feel, welcoming suggestions via twitter and facebook.

28 APRIL–1 MAY

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, shetlandfolkfestival.com

This internationally renowned festival – the most northerly folk festival in the UK – hosts eclectic line-ups of folk, blues, jazz and swing with a programme of workshops, sessions and formal and informal concerts.

28 APRIL–2 MAY

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Speyside, spiritofspeyside.com

Distilleries, shops, restaurants, pubs and villages throughout Speyside – home to more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries – welcome visitors with an enormous array of special tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, food, music and outdoor and heritage activities.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

29 APRIL–1 MAY

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Oban, obanfestival.org

An Oban-based festival showcasing young talent, with over 1100 participants and 125 competition classes.

A modern interpretation of the ancient fertility festival of Beltane in the spectacular setting of Calton Hill. Beltane Fire Society performs the story of the death of winter and the birth of summer via dance, drumming, debauched acrobatics, giant-puppetry and fire.

30 APRIL

SCOTLAND CALLING 29 APRIL–1 MAY

SPOTLIGHT S O G ON O ...

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL Over 200 artists are featured in 36 solo and 40 group shows encompassing exhibitions, performances, projects, installations and talks. The Director’s Programme for 2016 responds to Glasgow’s legacy as a prosperous city of industry with a focus on the methods of production used by current artists.

For the first time Glasgow International will include a large-scale group exhibition at Tramway, co-designed by 2011 Turner Prize winner Martin Boyce. The programme includes solo shows by Glasgow-based artist Claire Barclay, Australian Helen Johnson and Poland’s Monika Sosnowska, who has represented her country at the Venice Biennale. There are also new commissions

by British artist Aaron Angell, Turner Prize winner Simon Starling and Venezuelan artist Sol Calero. Over 60 locations are used for the festival with work shown in non-traditional spaces such as the RollerStop Roller Rink in order to extend the arts experience across the city. (Rowena McIntosh) Q Various venues, Glasgow, 8–25 Apr, glasgowinternational.org 36

GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Girvan, girvanfolkfestival.co.uk

MUSIC O2 ABC, 330 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, abcglasgow.com

A weekend community folk festival run by Girvan Folk Club featuring a range of open sessions, concerts, workshops and children’s events.

One-day punk festival featuring Sham 69, Cockney Rejects, Angelic Upstarts, UK Subs, GBH, Ruts DC, Argy Bargy, Crashed Out, Ed Banger & The Nosebleeds, Fire Exit and cundeeZ.

29 APRIL–1 MAY

APRIL TBC

BONFEST

IBERODOCS

MUSIC Various venues, Kirriemuir, bonfest.com

FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh & Glasgow, iberodocs.co.uk

Fans from all over the world descend on the sleepy Angus town of Kirriemuir for a celebration of its most rock’n’roll son, AC/DC front man Bon Scott.

Featuring hard-rocking Swiss band Back:n:Black and the longanticipated unveiling of Bon’s statue in the town.

Showcase for Ibero-American culture in Scotland, featuring the best of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin-American documentary films.

29 APRIL–2 MAY

ISLE OF BUTE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Bute, butejazz.com

A well-established festival that’s been running since 1988, with a strong focus on New Orleans and traditional jazz but with a sprinkling of more modern styles.

APRIL TBC

YELLAE DEUKS KIDS / MUSIC Various venues, Anstruther, yellaedeuks.org

That’s ‘Yellow Ducks’ to nonlocals. This music festival held in Anstruther over Easter weekend features live performances as well as an indoor picnic and the annual duck race.

MAY 1 MAY

30 APRIL

BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beltane.org

STEREOFUNK FESTIVAL MUSIC Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, stereofunkevents.com LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Club night Stereofunk bring you a full day of DJs and live music.

2016’s line-up still tbc but expect a mix of live acts, big name DJs, tribute acts and local bands for the event they like to call ‘the first festival of the summer’.

1–8 MAY

UK GREEN FILM FESTIVAL

5 MAY

REALLY WILD FEST FAMILY / MUSIC WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, Moray, wdcs.org/ connect/wildlife_centre/events

Fun activities for the whole family, including dolphin watching (from the shore), guided walks, music and food. Children must be accompanied.

FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, ukgreenfilmfestival.org

5–8 MAY

The film fest with an environmental conscience, curating a UK-wide programme that informs, challenges, inspires and entertains.

FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Findhorn, bodysurfscotland.co.uk

2–7 MAY

SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL

6–8 MAY

UPRISE DANCE FESTIVAL

An innovative programme of dance from Bodysurf Scotland, featuring work from a host of choreographers and groups, plus talks, films and special events.

OUTDOOR Various venues, Fort William, ssdt.org

5–18 MAY

Established in 1909, the Scottish Six Day Trial entices riders from across the globe to race their motorcycles through the Scottish landscape.

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Fife, fifesciencefestival.org.uk

2–28 MAY

MAYFESTO THEATRE & DANCE Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate, Glasgow, tron.co.uk

Mayfesto celebrates theatre with an edge, theatre that focuses on what’s going on in the world and that is in response to recent events.

moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk One of the country’s most civilised festivals, the Moniaive Folk Festival boasts a heated marquee and a campsite with hot showers alongside its myriad musical sessions, children’s programme, workshops and piping competition.

FIFE SCIENCE FESTIVAL

The festival takes a look at both the past and the future of science in Fife, from notable experts and advances developed in the area, to how science and technology is working to preserve Fife’s heritage, both natural and cultural.

6–12 MAY

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL

BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Dumfries House, Dumfries House Estate, Cumnock, boswellbookfestival.co.uk

A quirky literary festival devoted to biography and the first modern biographer, James Boswell. The festival spans talks, performances and workshops by writers, actors and artists. For the first time the festival will be held in Ayrshire’s grand Dumfries House.

6–8 MAY

ULLAPOOL BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Ullapool, ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk

Continuing the importance of literature in Highland culture, this festival brings together writers from the local area, Scotland and abroad and knows how to take care of its guests: the events are organised thoughtfully so that festivalgoers can attend everything.

IGNITE

OUTDOOR Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, newtonstewartwalkfest.co.uk

ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Dundee, ignitednd.co.uk

A week of guided walks exploring the wild hills, rugged coastline and rolling countryside of Galloway in south west Scotland.

VOLUNTARY ARTS WEEK

6–8 MAY

Make a creative date in your diary as part of Voluntary Arts Week 2016. The UK-wide festival showcases cultural groups and invites you to ‘get creative’ in your community.

3–30 MAY

A series of events in and around Dundee aimed at drawing visitors to Dundee and raising the city’s profile with theatre, music and art, including Duncan of Jordanstone College’s Art & Design degree show.

MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Moniaive, Dumfries & Galloway,

6–15 MAY

ART / COMMUNITY / FAMILY Various venues, Scotland, voluntaryartsweek.org

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

7 MAY

SPIRIT OF STIRLING WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, spiritofstirling.com

book some big name authors for its programme of talks, signings and more unusual events. Please note: dates are provisional.

13 & 14 MAY

The festival returns offering drams from all the whisky regions along with masterclasses.

OBAN LIVE

7 MAY

A two-day open air concert showcasing international acts in Mossfield Stadium. The event is organised by folk-rockers Skerryvore on the back of the sell-out success of their Decade concert.

THE STIRLING WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Stirling Highland Hotel, Stirling

The fifth Stirling Whisky Festival with two sessions on the day, each hosting a tasting class from an industry ambassador.

MUSIC Mossfield Park, Mossfield Avenue, Oban, obanlive.com

13–15 MAY

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS 7 MAY

PERTH BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC North Inch Park, Perth, perthbeerfestival.co.uk

Combined beer festival and rugby sevens tournament so you have something to watch while drinking beer from around the country.

There’s also a ticketed function at night with a top notch local band.

8 MAY

THE SCRIBBLER’S PICNIC FAMILY / MUSIC Stirling County Rugby Club, Causewayhead Road, Stirling, scribblerspicnic.co.uk

A music and fun festival for all ages aimed at family entertainment. Live music line-up includes Benny Gallagher, Colonel Mustard & The Djon 5 and Tom Uries. Proceeds go to a selection of cancer charities.

9–21 MAY

BOOKED! COMMUNITY / LITERATURE Various venues, West Dunbartonshire, bookedfestival.info

A free, local literature festival run

by West Dunbartonshire Libraries that nevertheless manages to 38

FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Scotland, festivalofmuseums.com

Staging events in over 70 museums and galleries across Scotland, the Festival of Museums is a celebration of the wealth of knowledge stored in our historic institutions.

13–15 MAY

IRVINE VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Irvine, facebook.com/ irvinevalleywalkingfestival

The 13th annual walking festival takes in some of the finer spots around the area.

13–15 MAY

CAMPSIE MAYFEST ART / FAMILY / MUSIC Campsie Memorial Hall, Main Street, Lennoxtown, facebook. com/MoCartclub

Community art and music festival including art exhibitions, walks, music, competitions and film.

arranmountainfestival.co.uk A huge variety of guided walks and scrambles throughout Arran’s stunning hills and mountains: from wildlife-watching walks along the island’s coastline to airy scrambles on towering granite ridges.

13–15 MAY

FIFESING: THE FIFE TRADITIONAL SINGING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Falkland, springthyme.co.uk/fifesing

A celebration of traditional singing for singers and enthusiasts. The weekend includes concerts, singarounds, sessions, workshops and talks.

13–29 MAY

SOUTHSIDE FRINGE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, southsidefringe.org.uk

A 17-day festival incorporating music, theatre and activities for all the family. Highlights in 2015 included Old Bohemia and a tribute to Jeff Buckley.

14 & 15 MAY

LOCH FYNE FOOD FAIR FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Loch Fyne Oysters, Cairndow, lochfyne.com/eventsfestivals/2016/05/loch-fynefood-fair

In operation since 1990, the Loch Fyne Food Fair celebrates the best local produce Scotland has to offer. Alongside Loch Fyne Oysters own seafood stands, the event features live music throughout both days, a craft tent and a dedicated children’s area hosting a whole range of exciting activities.

13–16 MAY

ISLE OF ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

14 & 15 MAY

OUTDOOR Various venues, Arran,

FAMILY Stirling Castle, Old Town,

IN VOGUE

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Stirling, historic-scotland.gov. uk Experience the grandeur of Stirling Castle and visit the palace of the Renaissance monarch, James V. Find out how he expressed his power and majesty through dazzling displays of interior design, sculpture and imagery.

14–30 MAY

TWEEDLOVE BIKE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Peebles, tweedlove.com

TweedLove encompasses all things cycling – from road and mountain bike races that attract pro cyclists to family rides through Peebles town centre and informal jaunts into the hills guided by local riders. There’s also a photography competition, music gigs and barbecues.

16–22 MAY

ORKNEY NATURE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Orkney, orkneycommunities.co.uk/ orkneynaturefestival

Island hop around Orkney and get more familiar with the area’s wildlife through walks, talks, activities, demonstrations, concerts and more.

19–21 MAY

GREAT GRAMPIAN BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Pittodrie Stadium, Pittodrie Road, Aberdeen, aberdeencamra.co.uk

The Campaign for Real Ale’s most northerly festival offers discerning drinkers the opportunity to sample the finest ale that the UK has to offer. Dark stouts, porters and easy drinking milds will be on offer as well as barley wines, wheat beers and light pilsner style ales.

FILMHOUSE SEASON ON ARCHITECTURE Edinburgh’s Filmhouse is one of the country’s foremost cinematic institutions. Housed in a former church (appropriate, given their religious adoration of film) and home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the venue puts on countless screenings, retrospectives and events all year long.

With such a beautiful building as their base, it’s fitting that this May they’ll host a season of films promoting public engagement with architecture, innovation and design. This special season has a remit to examine the social impact of architecture and to explore the role architects have played in changing the physical landscape around us. Screenings will include films about architects (The Fountainhead, The Belly of an Architect), documentaries about architecture as an artform (Manufactured Landscapes), and movies featuring classic cinematic architecture (Metropolis, Blade Runner).

The Architecture Season also features an archive programme which will examine the way Scottish architecture has changed over the years and the effect global architecture has had on Scottish towns. In honour of Scottish innovation, many of the screenings will be paired with short films about the effect of local architecture, innovation and design.

As is the Filmhouse way, select screenings will be supplemented by guest Q&As, academic introductions and other events, including special screenings with live musical accompaniment. And guests can relax between films in the popular cafe bar, where there will be an exhibition held in collaboration between Stills Gallery and students at Edinburgh College of Art. (Murray Robertson) Q Filmhouse, Edinburgh, throughout May, filmhousecinema.com 39

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

19–29 MAY

20–22 MAY

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

STRICHEN FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Perth, perthfestival.co.uk

Music, comedy, theatre, dance and visual arts are all up for grabs at this festival. Highlights include English Touring Opera’s production of Don Giovanni; The Hallé Orchestra playing Beethoven’s 5th at the closing concert; world class choir The Sixteen; Aquarelle Guitar Quartet and much more.

20-22 MAY

KELSO COUNTRY & WESTERN FESTIVAL MUSIC Springwood Hall, Kelso, broncosfestival.co.uk

A Western-themed affair, complete with line dancing tuition, a fastdraw competition, a ladies’ afternoon tea (Western attire compulsary) and of course, live music. Also 13-16 October.

20 & 21 MAY

SUMMERHALL BEER FESTIVALE! FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, 0131 560 1581, summerhall.co.uk

FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Strichen, buchanheritagesociety.co.uk

This friendly festival has been running since 1984 and seeks to keep traditional art forms alive.

Located in North East Scotland, it offers a programme of music, song, verse, drama and dance as well as competitions and ceilidhs.

20–28 MAY

ISLAY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND MALT FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, islayfestival.com

The fest offers distillery tours, loads of live music, a food fair, golf and bowling competitions and even Gaelic lessons for those who want to embrace the culture of the most famous island in the world of whisky.

20–29 MAY

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, dgartsfestival.org.uk

An ale-filled weekend featuring in-house brewery Barney’s.

The nine-day family-friendly multiarts Borders-based festival boasts everything from theatre, dance and music to literature, film and art.

20–22 MAY

21 & 22 MAY

SKYE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL AND GLENDALE GATHERING

LARGS FOOD FESTIVAL

FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues: Highlands & Islands, Highland, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

Do more than listen to the stories of the bards – go on a meandering, story-filled journey of your own. The festival starts off from Edinburgh by bus and makes its way to various literary landmarks in the Highlands before alighting on Skye for a day of walks, stories and ceilidhs.

40

FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Largs, largsfoodfest.com

This showcase of the best of Scottish food and drink has the particularly scenic coastal backdrop of well-established holiday town Largs as an added attraction.

21 & 22 MAY

SCOTLAND’S BIG NATURE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Levenhall Links, Musselburgh,

bignaturefestival.com A weekend for keen birders and family adventurers with wildlife talks, workshops and activities such as bird ringing and pond dipping.

21–27 MAY

BALLATER WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Royal Deeside & The Cairngorms, walkballater.com

Run continuously since 1998 this festival caters to all abilities of walkers. Making the most of the magnificent views on easy, medium and strenuous walks over seven days, which are led by knowledgeable local residents, full-time rangers and professional mountain guides.

21–29 MAY

WILD LOCHABER FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Lochaber, lochabergeopark.org.uk/explorelochaber/wild-lochaber-festival

A week of activities celebrating the wealth of wildlife and spectacular scenery in Lochaber including guided walks, boat trips and children’s nature activities.

22 MAY

DUNDONALD MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Dundonald, welcometoscotland.com

A folk / rock weekender with a concert each night, plus music workshops and competitions for children.

26–28 MAY

ISLE OF SKYE ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Skye, skyemusic.co.uk/festival.asp

A weekend of traditional music LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

20 ARTS 16

20-29

MAY

FESTIVAL

26-29 MAY 2016

Julie Fowlis Liz Carroll The Unthanks Frigg Session A9 RURA /orkneyfolkfestival @OrkneyFolkFest The Chair Vishtèn Rob Heron and the Teapad Orchestra Lynched Ivan Drever The Wrigley Sisters Maggie Adamson and Brian Nicholson Saltfishforty le Zoë Bestel ckets on sa Geoff Lakeman Ti in April FunBox The Glencraig Scottish Dance Band

FEATURING Eddi Reader, Opera A La Carte, Daniel Sloss, Annette Badland, Songs of Separation, Sam Lee, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, Orkestra Del Sol, Scottish Opera, Scottish Dance Theatre, Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band

Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland

www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

orkneyfolkfestival.com

Charity Reg. No. SC000236

Put a creative date in your diary this

Voluntary Arts Week

6 – 15 May Discover cultural groups and events in your area and get involved

www.voluntaryartsweek.org VoluntaryArtsWeek

@VolArtsWeek

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

celebrating the twin tenets of Scottish folk music, the accordion and fiddle, with a series of gigs and ceilidhs on Skye.

offers band nights, ceilidhs, big names on stage and a campsite. Jools Holland is among the headliners.

26–29 MAY

27–29 MAY

KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH

THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN MAY FESTIVAL

FAMILY / MUSIC Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, knockengorroch.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

IGNITE DUNDEE A city-wide cultural festival whose objective is to celebrate the creative industries within Dundee, Ignite returns with a strong programme of exhibitions, talks, theatre events, workshops, film screenings and more. The programme highlights the depth and variety of Dundee’s creativity and looks to fire the imagination of its visitors and spark the creativity of local people.

Most events on that programme are unconfirmed as yet, but the Abertay University Digital graduate show, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design degree show and Dundee and Angus College end-ofyear show will all form part of it. For 2016, there will also be a brand new element called Ignite Sparks, a series of specially-developed events celebrating the use of innovative techniques or technologies across artforms.

(David Pollock) Q Various venues, Dundee, 3–30 May, ignitednd.co.uk 42

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Aberdeen, abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival

An outdoor festival with the emphasis on roots music, the line-up is a melting pot of world, folk, fusion and dub reggae music with electronica, hip-hop and drum & bass thrown in for good measure, both performed live and DJed.

Aberdeen University’s May Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Granite City. The programme features a diverse range of cultural activities, including music, film, literature and food-related events for the whole family.

26–29 MAY

27–29 MAY

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL

COASTWORD

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Orkney, orkneyfolkfestival.com

A firm fixture in the folk festival calendar since its inception in 1982, the festival’s combination of Orcadian talent and visiting musicians earned it the accolade Event of the Year at the 2011 Scots Trad Music Awards.

ART / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Banff & Macduff, coastfestival.org.uk

Set in the stunning twin harbour towns of Banff and Macduff in north Aberdeenshire, Coast is predominantly a visual arts festival, with elements of performance and community participation.

27–29 MAY

27–29 MAY

OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES FESTIVAL OF THE SEA FAMILY / OUTDOOR The Rockfield Centre, Stevenson Street, Oban, facebook.com/obanseafestival

KINTYRE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL MUSIC White Hart Hotel, Castlehill, Campbeltown, kintyresongwritersfestival.co.uk

27–29 MAY

A music festival aimed at showcasing and promoting Kintyre’s home grown musical talent, along with appearances by a selection of higher profile guests.

MONTROSE MUSIC FESTIVAL

27 MAY–4 JUNE

A mini version of the Festival of the Sea with fun kids activities and a seaweed cookery event.

MUSIC Various venues, Montrose, montrosemusicfestival.co.uk

Affectionately known as ‘MoFest’, this annual event in the colourful town of Montrose

HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Secret Courtyard, King’s Stables Road, Edinburgh, hiddendoorblog.org LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Artists of all stripes congregate for the Hidden Door interdisciplinary arts festival, which features dozens of cool musicians, bands, artists, poets and filmmakers, often working in new and exciting combinations.

28 & 29 MAY

BRIDGE OF ALLAN CONTEMPORARY ARTS FESTIVAL ART Various venues, Bridge of Allan, bofa-artsfestival.co.uk

The BoA Contemporary Arts Festival takes over various venues across the town to exhibit a fantastic selection of talented Scottish artists, designers and makers.

28 & 29 MAY

MHOR FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / THEATRE & DANCE Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, mhor.net/nbsp/mhor-festival/

A huge array of activities are on offer at this festival, including baking competitions, theatre, live music and many more activities for kids and adults alike.

28 & 29 MAY

ELECTRIC FROG & PRESSURE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL MUSIC Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, riversidefestivalglasgow.com

The Electric Frog crew and Pressure once again join forces to present their outdoor electronic music festival.

making its debut in 2016 with its be-horned line-up tbc.

and across the world, from storytelling to puppetry, suitable for anyone with an imagination.

28 & 29 MAY

EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburgh-marathon.com

Scotland’s largest running festival of its kind with over 30,000 runners expected to take part in 2016. There are seven races to choose from over two days including the marathon, half marathon, team relay, 10k, 5k and junior races.

28 & 29 MAY

THE WHISKY STRAMASH FOOD & DRINK Surgeon’s Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, thewhiskystramash.com

29 MAY–4 JUNE

HADDINGTON FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Haddington, haddingtoncc.org.uk

A local festival with a range of activities and musical concerts, exhibitions, craft fairs and a daily café and sporting competitions.

29 MAY–5 JUNE

ORKNEY WINE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Orkney, thelongship.co.uk/ wine-festival.php

Returning for the fifth year The Whisky Stramash offers you a chance to enjoy whiskies from Scotland and across the world in new and innovative ways.

Scotland’s only wine festival offers a programme of free and informal shop tastings, lively wine fairs, superior pub grub and formal restaurant dinners.

Wine enthusiasts can mingle with makers and merchants and get top advice for their cellars.

28–30 MAY

30 MAY–3 JUNE

SPRING FLING

ABERDEEN AND NORTH EAST OF SCOTLAND MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVAL

ART / FAMILY Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, spring-fling.co.uk

A vibrant visual art and craft open studios event covering the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland and offering that chance to see behindthe-scenes of local artists. The Spring Fling Fringe provides a complementary programme of music and arts performances.

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenmusicfestival.com

Aberdeen’s oldest and original music, drama and dance festival. Running since 1909, this summer festival features competitions in story telling, classical music performance and choral singing.

28 MAY–5 JUNE

MAY TBC

28 & 29 MAY

IMAGINATE FESTIVAL

HEAVY SCOTLAND

FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, imaginate.org.uk

FALKIRK TRYST FESTIVAL

MUSIC Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, heavyscotland.com

Brand new extremely heavy metal festival for Scotland,

Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people presents a selection of shows from Scotland

THEATRE / VISUAL ART Falkirk Town Hall, Falkirk, trystfestival.org.uk

Annual festival featuring the best of the visual and performing arts in Falkirk and district.

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

MAY TBC

FILMHOUSE SEASON ON ARCHITECTURE FILM & TV Filmhouse, Edinburgh, filmhousecinema.com

A series of films chosen to celebrate innovation, architecture and design, as well as a host of special events and guest Q&As. MAY TBC

GLASGOW OPEN HOUSE ARTS FESTIVAL ART / FAMILY Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowopenhouse.co.uk

films are professionally screened, and the winning director wins a trip to Filmapalooza in the US. MAY / NOVEMBER TBC

HIGHLAND AND MORAY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, facebook.com/HighlandAnd MorayFood AndDrinkFestival

The best of Scottish food and drink, with producers exhibiting their wares, chefs giving demonstrations and plenty to try and buy.

walkingfestival Dozens of walks over four days from gentle coastal strolls to exhilarating hikes, all guided by experienced mountain leaders.

3 & 4 JUNE

ARDROSSAN MUSIC EXPERIENCE MUSIC The Civic Centre, Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, ardrossanmusicexperience.com

The family-friendly festival continues its blues, rock and pop nights, plus there are peripheral events including art exhibitions, a guitar construction event and a songwriting workshop.

Emerging and established contemporary artists who live in Glasgow open the doors of the city’s domestic and disused spaces, to reveal a program of exhibitions, performances and events.

1 JUNE–31 AUGUST

BREW AT THE BOG

CELEBRATING THE GLASGOW AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Bogbain Farm, Drumossie, Inverness, brewatthebog.com

MAY TBC

ART Various venues, Glasgow, nts.org.uk/events

A day of great music and great beer with BrewDog and Bogbain Farm.

OFF THE PAGE LITERATURE Various venues, Stirling, stirling.gov.uk/offthepage

This local festival offers a wide range of authors and speakers for adults and children of all ages.

JUNE

3 & 4 JUNE

Organised by the National Trust for Scotland, this event celebrates Holmwood House, built in 1857, and its place at the very beginning of an innovative design and architecture movement in mid-19th century Glasgow.

MAY TBC

TECTONICS FESTIVAL

1 JUNE–16 OCTOBER

MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, tectonicsfestival.com/glasgow

BUILDING BLOCKS AT GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART

Tectonics Glasgow is a glittering festival of new music featuring a broad specturm of sounds.

ART / FAMILY Glasgow School of Art, 167 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, gsa. ac.uk

MAY / OCTOBER TBC

A series of walks, talks and events celebrating contemporary design, architecture and innovation in Glasgow.

48 HOUR FILM PROJECT FILM & TV Cameo Cinema, Edinburgh (May) GFT, Glasgow (October), 48hourfilm.com

Participants are given a character, prop and line of dialogue, and have 48 hours to make a film, start to finish. All 44

2–5 JUNE

THE ANGUS GLENS WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR The Angus Glens, Angus, angusahead.com/

3–5 JUNE

GARDENING SCOTLAND FAMILY / OUTDOOR Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, gardeningscotland.com

Scotland’s national celebration of gardening and outdoor living, with show gardens, plant sales, food and craft fairs, environmental organisations and more.

3–5 JUNE

PORTSOY MUSIC FESTIVAL: THE SEVENTH HAAL MUSIC The Salmon Bothy, Portsoy, Banff, bothyfolk.org

A three-day festival which captures the varied music traditions of the north of Scotland, so there’s everything from bothy ballads to Burns as well as Celtic, folk, Americana and Irish influenced music.

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2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

3–5 JUNE

4-12 JUNE

4 & 5 JUNE

ARRAN FOLK FESTIVAL

3 HARBOURS ARTS FESTIVAL

MEADOWS FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues, Arran, arranevents.com/index.php

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, East Lothian, 3harbours.co.uk

The island known for being Scotland in miniature presents a weekend of folk, with sessions, concerts and ceilidhs centred in Brodick.

Art, music, trails, photography and storytelling in Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie.

4 JUNE

COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC The Meadows, Melville Drive, meadowsfestival.org

Edinburgh’s festival season kicks off with the Meadows Festival, which offers a local band line-up, dance groups, quirky performers and workshops amidst lots of family-friendly activities.

TASTE OF GRAMPIAN 3–18 JUNE

LINLITHGOW CIVIC FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Linlithgow, linlithgow.com/civic_festival. htm

Spanning most of June, the Civic Festival includes Linlithgow Marches and the Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Children’s Gala Day. 3–24 JUNE

COTTIER CHAMBER PROJECT MUSIC Cottier Theatre, 93–95 Hyndland Street, Glasgow, cottierchamberproject.com

The Cottier Chamber Project is a lively, genre-hopping festival hosted by the enterprising chamber group Daniel’s Beard, bringing top-flight professional chamber musicians to the West End and promoting chamber music, jazz, nu-folk and world music to Glasgow audiences.

FOOD & DRINK Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, tasteofgrampian.co.uk

A one-day food and drink festival which allows visitors to discover and sample the wide range of quality produce available in the Grampian region.

LILIAS DAY FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Kilbarchan Park, Park View, Kilbarchan, liliasday.co.uk

A day of celebrations hosted by Kilbarchan village since the 1700s.

8 & 9 JUNE

4 JUNE

XPONORTH

WHISKY AN’ A’ THAT

FILM & TV / MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, xponorth.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Ayr Town Hall, New Bridge Street, Ayr, whatsonayrshire. com/ayr-whisky-festival.html

Ayr’s annual Whisky festival celebrates its twelfth anniversary with a bigger line up than ever, featuring whiskies from more than 30 companies.

4 JUNE

COLOURSFEST MUSIC Braehead Arena, Kings Inch Road, Glasgow, colours.co.uk

Scotland’s longest running dance festival brings together thousands of clubbers with superstar DJs.

3—26 JUNE

WEST END FESTIVAL

4 & 5 JUNE

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, westendfestival.co.uk

ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR FESTIVAL

Taking over the West End of Glasgow each year, the festival treats the ears to a great musical line-up, tantalises all the senses with a carnival and delves into the creative depths of local studios and exhibitions with the Hidden Lane open days.

4 JUNE

MULTI-ARTS Anstruther Harbour, Shore Street, Anstruther, anstrutherharbourfestival.co.uk

Family-friendly food festival based in Anstruther and featuring local food and producers, as well as children’s activities, tastings, music and art.

A two-day cross genre festival devoted to crafts, publishing, screen and broadcast as well as music. There are workshops, masterclasses and conferences during the day, evening showcases of music and film as well as opportunities to network with movers and shakers in the creative industries.

9–12 JUNE

CULROSS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Abbey House, Kirk Street, Culross, culrossfestival.com

The Culross Festival has been bringing top UK and Scottish acts to the picturesque setting of Culross for over 20 years.

9–12 JUNE

KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Kirkcudbright, kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk

The Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival places the emphasis squarely on traditional jazz, from ragtime to swing.

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

9–12 JUNE

SCOTTISH JUNIPER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, summerhall.co.uk

Festival features over 100 ceramic artists selling their work, with workshops, demonstrations and classes.

10–12 JUNE

Three days of gin-based goodness to celebrate World Gin Day.

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL

9–19 JUNE

Traditional music, song, poetry and dance across a platform of competitions and spectator events, ending with a Farewell Concert/Ceilidh to leave revellers with fond memories and the desire to return next year.

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

A packed programme of workshops, shows, films, discussion, exhibitions and art collaborations allows budding scientists to sit back and learn something new or don safety goggles and take part in an experiment.

9–12 JUNE

THE EDEN FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Raehills Meadows, St Anns, Moffat, edenfestival.co.uk

A boutique festival, with over 250 acts performing across nine stages, bringing you live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus skills, theatre, a children’s area, fun, games and much more.

9–19 JUNE

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF CYCLING OUTDOOR Various venues, Edinburgh, edfoc.org.uk

Alongside cycling events, from lengthy scenic tours to talks from well-known cyclists to family bike rides, the festival also features a related film and art programme.

10–12 JUNE

POTFEST SCOTLAND ART Scone Palace, Scone, potfest. co.uk

Scotland’s International Ceramics 46

FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Keith, keithfestival.co.uk

something for all ages.

11–19 JUNE

LEITH FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, leithfestival.com

The vibrant community of Leith shows off its festival skills with a fun-packed programme of events. Among the line-up of exhibitions, concerts, walks, talks and films is the anticipated Leith Festival Gala Day and Pageant (11 Jun) and the closing Tattoo (19 Jun).

12–18 JUNE

10–12 JUNE

FYNEFEST FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Fyne Ales, Achadunan, Cairndow, fynefest.com

Beer is the star at FyneFest, with a wide variety of brews from the UK and beyond, accompanied by an equally tempting music programme and food from a range of local producers (including venison from the estate and fresh oysters from the loch).

YETHOLM WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Yetholm, Scottish Borders

A festival for ramblers, hikers, walkers and those who like an uphill challenge with walks at all paces covering a range of local areas.

13–18 JUNE

CUMNOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

CRAIL FOOD FESTIVAL

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Cumnock, createartsandmusic.co.uk/ music-festival

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Crail, crailfoodfest.co.uk

The local multi-arts festival mixes music, art, comedy, poetry and a popular carnival.

10–12 JUNE

Food and music meet in this local festival. For the foodies there’s the Taste of Fife with a producers’ market, cookery demonstrations and evening supper, while music fans can expect some top Scottish names.

For the children there’s a harbour festival.

11 & 12 JUNE

ROCK&ROAD BIKE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Tomintoul, Moray, rockandroad.co.uk

Gear up and pedal on down to the bike festival where there is

15–26 JUNE

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, edfilmfest.org.uk

The oldest continually running film festival in the world, the EIFF draws on its prestige to consistently present abundant programmes of new features, documentaries, retrospectives, shorts, panel discussions and educational workshops, with a few high profile premieres thrown in for good measure.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016

Festival Ceilidh Children's Activities Midsummer Night's Dream Festival Quiz Art Exhibition Street Market Richard Digance Opera Bohemia Christine Bovill Buddy Holly and The 'Cricketers' and lots more!

20–30 July www.crailfestival.com Tickets from the Byre Theatre Box Office 01334 475000 Email: byreboxoffice#st-Andrews.ac.uk Available from 30 May 2016

'3* 46/ +6i.PSF UIBO MJWFE VQ UP JUT UJUMF PG #FTU 4NBMM 'FTUJWBM JO 4DPUMBOE BT B IPTU PG NVTJDJBOT EFTDFOEFE PO UIF DJUZ GPS GPVS EBZT PG VOBMMPZFE NVTJDBM KPZ w #MBCCFS O 4NPLF

5JDLFUT PO TBMF "QSJM XXX TPVUIFSOGSJFEGFTUJWBM DP VL !4PVUIFSO'SJFE1) 4PVUIFSO 'SJFE 'FTUJWBM 1FSUI

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5IBOLT UP PVS GVOEFST BOE QBSUOFST

(ORSECROSS !RTS ,TD IS REGISTERED IN 3COTLAND NO 3# AND A CHARITY NO 3#/

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

16–19 JUNE

HORSECROSS YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Perth, horsecross.co.uk

A festival by children and young people, for children and young people featuring performances and showcases

by Horsecross Arts Join In groups (including Perth Youth Theatre, Horsecross Glee, Perth Youth Dance Company and many more) and performances by professional theatre and dance companies for children and young people.

in world music, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts, as well as talks and debates.

17–26 JUNE

ST MAGNUS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Orkney, stmagnusfestival.com

16–19 JUNE

A prestigious music festival that brings international orchestras, recitalists, theatre and literature to the Orkney Islands for a week around Midsummer and is renowned for its unique blend of world-class performance and community participation.

BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL

18 JUNE

FAMILY / LITERATURE Harmony Garden, St Mary’s Road, Melrose, bordersbookfestival.org

LAIRG MUSIC FESTIVAL

Taking place in the National Trust’s Georgian Harmony Garden, the Borders Book Festival attracts world-class literary figures.

A day packed with competitions for all ages in fiddle, accordion, piano and bands culminating with a prizewinners concert and guest band.

16–26 JUNE

18–25 JUNE

MORAY WALKING FESTIVAL

CUPAR ARTS FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR Various venues, Moray, moraywalkingfestival.co.uk

A series of walks in the varied landscape of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Country. Take in the sights along sandy beaches, over hilltops, past railway tracks and in the footsteps of whisky smugglers.

17–19 JUNE

SOLAS FESTIVAL ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE The Bield, Blackruthven, Perth and Kinross, solasfestival.co.uk

Solas’ innovative and eclectic new programme features performances and workshops 48

MUSIC Lairg Community Centre, Main Street, Lairg, visitsutherland.org

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Cupar, cupararts.org.uk

Festival with a focus on contemporary visual arts that takes place in the rural market town of Cupar.

19–25 JUNE

PEEBLES BELTANE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Peebles, peeblesbeltanefestival. co.uk

Local legend, history and tradition combine for this annual festival celebrating summer.

Services, discos and concerts are topped off with a Crowning Ceremony and Grand Procession to mark the beginning of summer.

20–26 JUNE

REFUGEE FESTIVAL SCOTLAND MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, refugeeweek.org.uk/refugeeweek-in-scotland/

Coordinated by Scottish Refugee Council this annual festival of arts and cultural events and activities celebrates the contribution of refugees to our communities and the welcome offered by local people. It features over 100 music, visual art, film, live performance, discussion and community led family events, many of which are free.

22–26 JUNE

GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, jazzfest.co.uk

The Glasgow Jazz Festival has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B and world music. With major concerts, a late night jazz club, film screenings and talks, it’s one of the biggest events in the Scottish jazz calendar.

22 JUNE–3 JULY

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL ART / LITERATURE / MUSIC Various venues, East Neuk, eastneukfestival.com

Though chamber music remains at the heart of the programme, the festival’s most varied selection yet includes musical surprises, international authors and imaginative art-works, all located in quirky venues.

23–26 JUNE

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW MULTI-ARTS Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, royalhighlandshow.org

Part agricultural show, part food festival, part family fun day out, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND SCOTLAND’S S FESTIVALS

with everything from motor, equine and craft programmes to food and drink and children’s activities.

24–26 JUNE

23 JUNE–3 JULY

A weekend of ‘Jazz and World Sounds’ across the island.

GARIOCH THEATRE FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Inverurie, gariochtheatrefestival.org.uk

Staging a mix of professional and youth theatre shows alongside community events and exhibitions, this Inveruriebased theatre festival aims to foster new talent by providing training opportunities in a range of theatre skills.

SHETLAND JAWS MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, thejaws.uk

24–26 JUNE

LARGS LIVE MUSIC Various venues, Largs, largslive.com

Music festival across the seaside town with 25 venues, 75 bands and around 100 gigs.

24–26 JUNE

WILDFIRE FESTIVAL

LEITHLATE

MUSIC Wiston Lodge, Biggar, wildfirefestival.co.uk

ART / FILM & TV / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, leithlate.co.uk

Scotland throws up the devil horns for its only award-winning rock and metal festival.

23–26 JUNE

LeithLate is a multi-arts festival that takes place across multiple venues in Leith, showcasing the very best in emerging artists, musicians, poets and filmmakers.

23–25 JUNE

THE GLASGOW REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate, Glasgow, glasgowrealalefestival.co.uk

Real ale festival, organised by CAMRA, and featuring more than 100 British beers, plus real cider and beer from Bavaria.

25 JUNE

EUROPEAN PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Grant Park, Victoria Road, Forres, pipingatforres.com

Pipe bands from across the world compete for the illustrious title of European Champions.

As well as the pipes and drums there’s a craft and retail village, highland dance competitions, beer tents, a fairground and even the World Tattie Scone competition.

25 & 26 JUNE

ISLE OF GIGHA MUSIC FESTIVAL

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL

FAMILY / MUSIC Isle of Gigha, Hebridean Islands, gigha.org.uk

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Portsoy, stbfportsoy.com

The smallest music festival in Scotland offers a perfectlyformed line-up of ceilidhs, headline concerts, sessions, workshops and a musical beach picnic.

As traditional boats congregate in the historic harbour, the seaside town of Portsoy celebrates with a festival of music, dance and traditional crafts and art.

24–26 JUNE

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SOLAS FESTIVAL This three-day yurt and kids-friendly event outside Perth features a selection of diverse and inspiring sessions with some top Scottish and international artists, thinkers and doers.

The 2016 programme has a specific theme, ‘Beyond the Borders’, focussing the festival on cultural identity and its expression through artistic endeavour. The aims of the event are to create a welcoming space for the arts to be performed and enjoyed by people of various ages and with a wide range of tastes. There are also lively debates and discussions on various sides of the social, political and cultural borders with authors, activists and philosophers.

Last year, music performances came from the likes of Hector Bizerk, C Duncan, Honeyblood and the Alasdair Roberts Trio, there were talks by Denise Mina, Tom Devine and Janice Galloway, plus films, visual art, breakdancing, workshops and ‘soul space’.

(Brian Donaldson) Q The Bield, Blackruthven, Perth, 17–19 Jun, solasfestival.co.uk

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

26 JUNE

EDINBURGH CANAL FESTIVAL AND RAFT RACE FAMILY / OUTDOOR Edinburgh Quay, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, edinburghcanalfestival.org.uk

All the usual festivities at this year’s Canal Festival, with stalls, games, music, arts and a very competitive home-made raft race to celebrate the city’s waterways.

A festival of jazz, focusing its efforts in the Leith area.

MUSIC Various venues, Loanhead, loanheadfest.co.uk

kelburngardenparty.com Kelburn Castle provides the fairytale setting for this eccentric music festival. Four stages and various pop-up nooks host the musical programme – an eclectic mix of Scottish talent from the avant garde and experimental to the accessible.

This local folk festival emphasises pub sessions and fun,

1–7 JULY

JUNE TBC

LOANHEAD MUSIC FESTIVAL

EARLY YEARS FESTIVAL

JULY

28 JUNE–3 JULY

GLASGOW COMIC FESTIVAL ART / FILM & TV / LITERATURE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowcomiccon.com

Indulge your love of all things graphic at this fiesta of films, comics and fandoms.

30 JUNE–4 JULY

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Rothes Halls, Kingdom Centre, Glenrothes, ytas.org.uk/events/nfyt

A colourful programme of performances and special events showcasing the creative work of youth theatre groups from across Scotland and further afield.

JUNE TBC

INSIDER FESTIVAL MUSIC Inshriach House, Aviemore, insiderfestival.com

1–8 JULY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, magicfest.co.uk

MagicFest pulls another rabbit out of the hat with a programme of close-up conundrums, mindboggling illusions, comic cabaret and other feats of the impossible.

1–3 JULY

NEWCASTLETON TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Newcastleton, newcastleton.com

Family-focused Borders festival of traditional music, with workshops, ceilidhs, concerts and adult and children’s competitions. An attitude of hands-on music making is encouraged.

A small and intimate contender on the Scottish music festival scene.

Set in the gardens and woodlands of Inshriach House by Aviemore, it brings together 300 Scottish musicians to offer something special to its 1000 guests.

1–3 JULY

JUNE TBC

1–4 JULY

LEITH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, leithjazz.com

FAMILY / MUSIC Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, Fairlie, Largs,

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THE ANGUS ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL

FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, whatsoneastrenfrewshire.co.uk

Babies and toddlers rule the roost at this multi-arts festival dedicated to little ones with a programme of visual art, theatre, movement, sport, film and more.

2–9 JULY

SHETLAND NATURE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Shetland, shetlandnaturefestival.co.uk

From puffins to killer whales, otters to Britain’s rarest flowers, Shetland is a cornucopia of wildlife and this festival wants everybody to know it – and experience it first hand.

3–8 JULY

CANTILENA FESTIVAL ON ISLAY MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, cantilenafestival.co.uk

The beautiful island of Islay plays host to a repertoire of world-class classical music.

MUSIC Various venue, Arbroath, aaff.co.uk

3–8 JULY

A celebration of folk and traditional music.

MUSIC Various venues, Uist, ceolas.co.uk

CEOLAS Annual summer school focusing on the connections between Scottish traditional music, Gaelic song and dance, with expert tuition and workshops plus lectures, demonstrations, concerts and ceilidhs.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

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13–29 August 2016 850 authors, 750 events, bookshops and café-bars in one leafy tented garden.

Programme launch 9 June Tickets on sale from 21 June edbookfest.co.uk 51

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

4–9 JULY

MENDELSSOHN ON MULL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Mull, mendelssohnonmull.com

A classical music festival in which young musicians are mentored by older professionals in the craft of chamber music-making.

4 JULY–26 AUGUST

FEIS AN EILEIN HERITAGE / MUSIC SEALL at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye, seall.co.uk/ feis-an-eilein-skye-festival

WRITER PICTURES

Summer arts festival celebrating traditional Scottish music on the Isle of Skye. Interspersed with history and archaeology walks, charity cafes, whisky tasting, open galleries and artist events.

7–9 JULY

SCOTTISH REAL ALE FESTIVAL BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL There’s nothing like a lazy summer day, nose buried deep in a book as the sun shines. And if you want to delve even deeper into the world of literature, the Borders Book Festival is the ideal mix of celebrity writers and literary heavyweights as it takes over the National Trust for Scotland’s picturesque Harmony Gardens in Melrose. Each June, the festival provides a heady mix of kids events, authors, talks, storytelling and signing sessions.

Under the stewardship of writer and journalist Alistair Moffat, the BBF has played host to a selection of renowned authors, writers and thinkers. It’s also home to the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, which is announced on the Saturday, with previous winners including Hilary Mantel (2010), Andrea Levy (2011) and Robert Harris (2014).

The 2016 programme is still in the planning stages but 2015’s lineup spanned everything from serious politics with Gordon Brown, Andrew Marr and Alex Salmond to comedy from Dom Joly, while Rory Bremner fell somewhere in-between. It’s this diverse, inclusive and intimate approach that can accommodate a line-up where Chris Brookmyre rubbed shoulders with actress Celia Imrie, historian Peter Snow and food writer Prue Leith.

The focus will always be on books and writers but you’ll also find music, local food, quality wines, craft beers and a dedicated Family Book Festival to keep the wee ones happy. No wonder Michael Palin described his first visit as ‘a magical time . . . the setting is unforgettable.’ (Henry Northmore) Q Harmony Gardens, Melrose, 16–19 Jun, bordersbookfestival.org.

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FOOD & DRINK Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, sraf.camra.org.uk

With more than 170 Scottish beers this is the world’s greatest showcase of our native brews, brought to you by CAMRA. 7–10 JULY

STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Stonehaven Town Hall, Allardice Street, Stonehaven, stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

A line-up combining old favourites and exciting new acts in a programme of concerts, ceilidh, workshops, sessions and the Tradition Bearers Concert.

8 & 9 JULY

NEWTON STEWART TRADITIONAL & ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Newton LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Stewart, tradmusic.com One of the newest festivals on the traditional music scene, Newton Stewart is the brainchild of acoustic duo Nathon Jones and Rhona Norris.

Best Small Festival at the Scottish Event Awards in 2012 and 2013.

The tiny Hebridean island plays host to a weekend of genrespanning sounds as well as family activities and fringe events.

8–10 JULY

15–24 JULY

T IN THE PARK

MUSIC AT PAXTON

MUSIC Strathallan Castle, Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross, tinthepark.com

MUSIC Paxton House and Country Park, Paxton, Berwick upon Tweed, musicatpaxton.co.uk

From relatively humble beginnings, T in the Park has become the acknowledged behemoth of the Scottish festival scene and one of the UK’s largest events. Bands appearing in 2016 include the Stone Roses, Disclosure, the 1975 and Courteeners.

Top quality international chamber music in the beautiful surroundings of Paxton House, an 18th century Palladian Country House near Berwick.

11–31 JULY

RETINA: SCOTTISH INTERNTAIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL ART Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 30–36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh, retinafestival.com

Festival of international photography.

13–16 JULY

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Lews Castle Green, Isle of Lewis, hebceltfest.com

The picturesque Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris provide a fitting backdrop for this family-friendly festival that showcases Celtic, traditional and contemporary music with a strong focus on Gaelic culture.

15–17 JULY

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Tiree, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

Folk and trad music are the stars at this festival, which was voted

15–24 JULY

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghjazzfestival.com

With a programme featuring all jazz styles from early jazz to the avant garde, the EJ&BF usually manages to secure some world premières, new bands, and new collaborations.

16 JULY

PANDORA FEST MUSIC DunCarron Fort, Carron Valley Forest, pandorafest.com

Scotland’s first music festival that supports women musicians and celebrates female music-making across all genres. Confirmed so far for 2016 are Mo Ford, Erin Bennett, Wolf Ruby and Sinny.

16 & 17 JULY

LOSSIEMOUTH FOLK CLUB FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Lossiemouth, Moray

The epitome of chilled festivals, the Lossiemouth Folk Club Fest encourages performers to come and play ‘for the craic’ in the spirit of celebrating traditional music and tales.

16–24 JULY

UNSTFEST FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Unst, unstfest.org

Britain’s most northerly festival on Britain’s most northerly island is a family-friendly affair with fiddle workshops, go kart races, film screenings and live music worth travelling for.

20–24 JULY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FASHION FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, facebook.com/ EdinburghInternational FashionFestival/

A festival incorporating runway shows and glam afterparties, plus more intellectual talks on fashionlinked topics.

20–30 JULY

CRAIL FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Crail, crailfestival.co.uk

As well as musical entertainment, the Crail Festival features art, drama, theatre and outdoor activities including a sandcastle competition and rock pool guddle, for adults and children.

22 & 23 JULY

THE WICKERMAN FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright, thewickermanfestival.co.uk

One of Scotland’s best loved independent music and arts festivals, the centre-piece of

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

which is the burning of a 40-foot Wickerman statue on the Saturday night after the headlining act on the main stage.

29–31 JULY

22–24 JULY

A small, intimate and friendly celebration of folk with concerts, pub folk nights and sessions.

REWIND SCOTLAND: THE 80S FESTIVAL MUSIC Scone Palace, Scone, rewindfestival.com

Rewind goes large on nostalgia with the biggest line-up of 80s artists to perform together in Scotland. The line-up in 2015 included Hue and Cry, Belinda Carlisle, Howard Jones, Sister Sledge and Bananarama.

22–24 JULY

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

RESONATE Resonate is a brand new interactive gaming event held over three summer days in the heart of Glasgow.

This Festival of eSports and Gaming will incorporate a professional eSports tournament which is powered

by Gfinity, a company whose goal is to push awareness of eSports as a competitive live event to a professional level, as well as a junior zone for younger gamers. All of which will offer an experience which families and gamers of all ages can lose themselves in.

There will also be a retail area and a less formal play zone, in which gamers can experience new products for themselves, compete against one another and practice alongside invited YouTube guests. Support comes from Channel 4’s Scotland-based All 4 Games publishing arm and the UK games body Ukie.

(David Pollock) Q SECC, Glasgow, 29–31 Jul, resonatetotalgaming.com 54

GLEN CLOVA FOLK AND ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Glen Clova Hotel, Glen Clova, Kirriemuir, clova.com

A weekend of good drinking (and eating) at a festival of local brews, cask ales and live music.

28–31 JULY

SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Perth, horsecross.co.uk/ southern-fried-festival

Scotland’s festival of American roots music covers all the American Roots music bases, including blues, country, cajun, gospel, swing and soul.

28 JULY–28 AUGUST

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL ART Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghartfestival.com

Scotland’s largest annual celebration of visual art offers work by the best contemporary Scottish artists as well as exhibitions of the most important international artists and movements of the 20th century and other historical periods.

UGIE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Ugie, Aberdeenshire, ugiefolk.co.uk

29–31 JULY

SPEYFEST MUSIC Various venues, Fochabers, Moray, speyfest.com

Well-established as one of the best Celtic and Scottish music festivals in the country with a varied programme of seated concerts, ceilidhs and stomps across three days and nights.

The festival line-up features some of the biggest names from the worlds of Scottish traditional and contemporary music.

29–31 JULY

MUGSTOCK FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Mugdock Country Park, Craigallion Road, Milngavie, mugstock.org

Boutique festival organised on a not-for-profit basis, featuring music, food, drink, theatre, art, cabaret and ‘sciencey stuff’.

29–31 JULY

RESONATE: TOTAL GAMING FAMILY SECC, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, resonatetotalgaming.com

A three-day festival of gaming, the first of its kind in Scotland.

Featuring a professional eSports tournament, a junior ‘gamer zone’, a play hall and a retail zone where gamers can compete and mix with YouTube stars.

29–31 JULY

BUTEFEST MUSIC King George’s Field, Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

29 JULY–3 AUGUST

to develop their talents. In collaboration with Merchant City Festival and Roofless. The festival includes Perch Carnival, a site-specific event videolinking Glasgow to Brazil and Australia.

A FESTIVAL OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

30 JULY–7 AUGUST

butefest.co.uk A three-day music festival taking place of the Isle of Bute.

The line-up is a mash up of folk, rock, roots and dance.

MUSIC The Swallow Theatre, Moss Park, Whithorn, Dumfries & Galloway, swallowtheatre.com

Six day festival celebrating classical music.

29 JULY–6 AUGUST

ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL (AIYF) FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, aiyf.org

Classical and chamber music, contemporary and traditional dance, jazz and theatre are on offer from a cast of rising international and local stars, with companies travelling from the USA, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Asia to perform.

30 & 31 JULY

TRUCKFEST FAMILY Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, truckfest.co.uk

The UK’s largest truck festival with plenty of entertainment for all the family.

30 JULY–1 AUGUST

SURGE FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Merchant City, Glasgow, conflux.co.uk

A festival dedicated to physical performance, incorporating outdoor, site-specific events for all ages and indoor showcases of performance art. Workshops and masterclasses will also be provided for those wanting

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Merchant City, Glasgow, merchantcityfestival.com

Glasgow’s swanky part of town continues to round together culture in its diverse festival.

Previous years have seen comedy, theatre and art events cramming themselves into the area’s fashionable buildings, while street performers add to the festival atmosphere.

JULY TBC

ABOYNE AND DEESIDE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Deeside, aboyneanddeesidefestival.org.uk

A small yet diverse festival that offers an eclectic selection of classical, folk and contemporary music, politics, thought, art, drama, literature and film.

JULY TBC

FUNNY IN FALKIRK COMEDY Various venues, Falkirk, funnyinfalkirk.com

Falkirk delivers the mirth via live comedy, films and art with a topnotch line-up of familiar comedy faces, covering both boundarypushing contemporary comedy and family-friendly appeal.

JULY TBC

30 JULY–14 AUGUST

IONA MUSIC FESTIVAL

CRAIGNISH ARTS FESTIVAL

MUSIC Iona Village Hall, Isle of Iona, facebook.com/ionavillage hallmusicfestival

MULTI-ARTS Craignish Village Hall, Ardfern, Lochgilphead, craignishvillagehall.org.uk

Primarily a visual arts festival in the West Highland community of Craignish, the festival also encompasses a variety of live music nights, storytelling sessions, markets, sporting competitions, guided walks and family events.

31 JULY–7 AUGUST

SHETLAND FIDDLE FRENZY MUSIC Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, shetlandarts.org/ events/fiddle-frenzy

A week-long summer school and festival celebrating the music and the musicians that have led Shetland to become one of the world’s most highly acclaimed fiddle playing regions.

The tiny island of Iona hosts this intimate music festival in the village hall. Last year’s line-up included Idlewild and Admiral Fallow.

JULY TBC

KING TUT’S SUMMER NIGHTS MUSIC King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, kingtuts.co.uk

Music festival exhibiting the country’s freshest new musical talent.

JULY TBC

SAIL STORNOWAY FAMILY / OUTDOOR Stornoway Harbour, Isle of Lewis, sailhebrides.info

A maritime festival, featuring sailing in company, sailing challenges, workshops, demonstrations and training for young people.

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

FESTIVAL CITY

Whether you quantify success in numbers of tickets sold or by critical acclaim, there’s no two ways about it: Edinburgh in August remains the place to be for serious festival-goers.

Brian Donaldson samples p this banquet q of cultural activity y

T

he Edinburgh Festival Fringe (5–29 Aug) has long been a byword for innovation, daring, boldness and bravery as it lays on everything from kids entertainment, comedy, dance, theatre, music, cabaret, talks and magic in a city where almost every corner has something ‘Fringey’ going on. The stats tell a large part of the Fringe’s story all by themselves: in 2015 alone there were a mighty 50,459 performances of 3314 shows

56

in 313 venues. Such a vast choice makes it an enormous challenge to get round even a sliver of the programme while keeping an eye on what’s hot (and what’s not), but taking a chance is a strong element of what makes the Fringe both enormous fun and truly unique.

While some Fringe tickets will be on sale from early 2016, the Edinburgh International Festival (5–29 Aug) are speedily off the blocks once again with information about their 2016

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

schedule being released while the embers were still dying from the 2015 event. It’s already been announced that opera superstar Cecilia Bartoli heads up the cast for a new staging of Bellini’s Norma. Other announced highlights include a showing of Mark Cousins’ documentary, Atomic, with its soundtrack performed live

by Mogwai; a project provisionally titled Flit features members of Portishead, the Unthanks, Mogwai and Lau; and the BBC SSO, Edinburgh Festival Chorus and Donald Runnicles present Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder.

A genuine August bestseller comes in the form of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (5–27 Aug). A truly invigorating event for all the senses, its music, costumes and firework displays make this a proud staple of the festival calendar. The 2016 event marks the Queen’s 90th birthday while Tunes of Glory features the Massed Pipes and Drums with representatives coming from the likes of Norway, New Zealand and Jordan. As well as the 220,000 people who attend each year, the Tattoo attracts a TV audience of around 100 million.

For visual art buffs, the Edinburgh Art Festival (28 Jul–28 Aug) has been showcasing work from Scottish and global painters, photographers, sculptors and proponents of multimedia since 2004. Keep an eye on announcements of the big summer shows at the likes of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Fruitmarket Gallery as they are likely to be embraced as part of the EAF. Beyond the exhibitions, there should be performances, screenings, artist talks and guided tours to fill out an already packed programme.

Over at Charlotte Square Gardens, literary types will have a field day in this delightful

setting as the Edinburgh International Book Festival (13–29 Aug) opens its doors to novelists, poets, biographers, short story writers and thinkers from close at home and around the world. Having played host to 30 events at its first foray in 1983, the EIBF tally is now over 700 with the children’s programme as impressive and ambitious as the adult selection.

While the Fringe, International, Tattoo, Art and Book festivals may be seen as the big five, there are other events which do more than their fair share at making Edinburgh the world’s hottest cultural hub in the summer. The Festival of Politics (dates tbc) boasts an excellent setting in the Scottish Parliament and will feature talks, films, debates and discussions while music keeps things ticking over nicely in the café area. At the end of August is the ever vibrant Edinburgh Mela (27 & 28 Aug), Scotland’s biggest celebration of world music, dance, food and fashion while the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival (15–24 Jul) kicks the season off in fine style with everything from bop to blues and samba to swing.

For fashionistas, there’s the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival (23–26 Jul), for tecchies, there’s the Turing Festival (18– 20 Aug). Meanwhile the multi-disciplinary and experimental Forest Fringe (dates tbc) has an identity all of its own. And anyone in the TV industry should make their way to the Edinburgh International Television Festival (24–26 Aug) while for the rest of us, it’s fun spotting the celebs in town who make their way to Edinburgh for that event: the likes of Kevin Spacey, Davina McCall and Matt Groening have graced the telly festival down the years.

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

AUGUST 4–6 AUGUST

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Belladrum, Inverness, tartanheartfestival.co.uk

This favourite of the music festival scene is back with, as well as the music, a familyfriendly atmosphere, theatre and spoken word events, ceilidhs, arts and crafts workshops and fancy dress. Madness and the Darkness are the first headliners announced for 2016’s event.

4–7 AUGUST

DARE PROTOPLAY FAMILY / SCIENCE Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee, dareprotoplay.com

Dundee capitalises on its digitallycapable status with Scotland’s biggest free video gaming education and consumer festival with games, talks, conferences and workshops for the general public as well as those in the games industry.

4–18 AUGUST / 24–26 AUGUST

MAGNERS’ SUMMER NIGHTS MUSIC Ross Theatre Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh; venue tbc, Glasgow magnerssummernights.com

The third annual Magners’sponsored festival features a series of live music gigs in Glasgow and Edinburgh open-air venues.

5–7 AUGUST

FOODIES FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / FAMILY Inverleith Park, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, admin@foodies festival.com, foodiesfestival.com

Michelin starred and awardwinning chefs cook up a storm 58

at this year’s festival dedicated to epicureans, as well as offerings from local producers and workshops for food lovers young and old.

5–27 AUGUST

Campus, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh War games, science-fiction games, fantasy games, participation games. Honestly, what more could you gamers want?

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

6 AUGUST

FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, edintattoo.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Project A Frame, Barony Road, Auchinleck, East Ayrshire, projectaframe.co.uk

This unique event draws crowds (and performers) from all over the world with massed pipes and drums, massed military bands, display teams, dancers and the haunting lament of the Lone Piper set against the magnificent backcloth of Edinburgh Castle.

A one-day arts and music festival in the old industrial mining town of Auchinleck.

5–29 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, eif.co.uk

Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, with performers drawn from around the world.

5–29 AUGUST

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, edfringe.com

From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events.

6 AUGUST

CLAYMORE HERITAGE Edinburgh College Granton

PROJECT A FRAME

6 & 7 AUGUST

EDINBURGH VEGAN FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Roxburghe Hotel, 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, veganfestival.co.uk

A healthy and happy food & drink festival, focussing on veganism and vegetarianism.

6–14 AUGUST

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY / ART Various venues, Pittenweem, pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

In this small and friendly village, the harbour’s fishing boats, steep wynds and quirky cottages provide a picturesque backdrop as over 100 artists from all over Britain exhibit their work in houses, garages, halls and shops, and on the pier.

6–14 AUGUST

BALLATER VICTORIA WEEK FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Ballater, ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk

Ballater’s Victoria Week brings together numerous sections of the community to lay on a host of fun activities for all ages.

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

8–14 AUGUST

PIPING LIVE! FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, pipinglive.co.uk

Week-long celebration of piping, including contemporary and traditional, solo and pipe bands and more. The World Pipe Band Championships take place on the second to last day at Glasgow Green, with free family displays in the George Square area.

10–14 AUGUST

AFRICAN DRUM VILLAGE FAMILY / MUSIC Scottish Outdoor Education Centre, Belmont Centre, Meigle, africandrumvillage.com

Scotland’s only festival dedicated to drumming, with African beats echoing around the landscape of Belmont.

11–20 AUGUST

FOREST FRINGE RETINA: SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL Given that we all have the power to take pictures these days by simply pulling a phone out of our pockets, the time is clearly right for a photography festival to blossom. Retina’s Scottish International Photography Festival is now into its third year and from the off its mission statement has been to ‘inspire the public, elevate our understanding of photography, to be inclusive and to be enduring’. Retina seeks to achieve this by platforming some top global photographers as well as showcasing emerging talent from Scotland. It’s also a festival that attracts major names with Rankin and Helena Christensen having previously appeared in person.

As its chairman Roddy McRae has said: ‘Retina is an original and exciting opportunity to celebrate not only the best in the world of photography but also the amazing emerging talent that Edinburgh has to offer. In this part of the world we support the development of some of the UK’s most exciting talent in photography and Retina is all about getting this talent out there and known.’

With announcements of the 2016 programme still to come, a glance at the 2015 schedule indicates Retina’s ambition and promise.

It featured Tim Flach’s portraits of animals, Douglas Corrance’s shots of Scottish landscapes and people, Luigi Giannetti’s anthropological images, Ariadna Battich’s exploration of 2D imagery and 3D reality and Bartek Furdal’s photos of his Polish hometown.

(Brian Donaldson) Q Various venues, Edinburgh, Jul, retinafestival.com 60

ART / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 30–36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh, forestfringe.co.uk

This artist-led community offers a diverse range of performances, experiences, interactive happenings, walks and installations.

11–22 AUGUST

MARYMASS FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Irvine, marymassfestival.com

Traditional and contemporary events including the Crowning of the Marymass Queen and the Marymass Folk Festival (17–21 August).

12–14 AUGUST

WHISKY FRINGE FOOD & DRINK Mansfield Traquair, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, royalmilewhiskies.com LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Held in the magnificent Mansfield Traquair, this is the much-anticipated annual event from Royal Mile Whiskies.

12–15 AUGUST

MIDLOTHIAN WALKING FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Midlothian

A range of activities take place over this festival, including a chance to try a guided walk, Nordic walking or canicross.

17–21 AUGUST

MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Mull of Kintyre, mokfest.com

The festival offers a mix of concerts, ceilidhs, music sessions, workshops, children’s entertainment, parades, cultural and heritage tours that make the most of the location.

18–20 AUGUST

TURING FESTIVAL 13 & 14 AUGUST

PARTY AT THE PALACE MUSIC Linlithgow Palace, Kirkgate, Linlithgow, partyatthepalace.co.uk

Music royalty performs against the backdrop of Linlithgow Palace over two days of live music at this family friendly fest.

13 & 14 AUGUST

ARBROATH SEA FEST FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Arbroath, Angus, arbroathseafest.co.uk

Annual festival of maritime heritage, including the star of the show, the Smokie Trail – around 70 stalls packed with fresh seafood along Arbroath harbour.

MUSIC / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, turingfestival.com

20 AUGUST

GROOVE LOCH NESS MUSIC Various venues: Loch Ness, Dores, Highland, groovefestival.co.uk

A one-day dance festival on the shores of Loch Ness back for a second year.

Amidst the cornucopia of arts events in Edinburgh in August, this festival focuses on technology and can be relied upon for some appearances by big names from the digital community.

20 & 21 AUGUST

21 & 22 AUGUST

A weekend of country pursuits and family events with stalls selling local food, drink, and crafts, and various activities from clay pigeon shooting and archery to cookery demonstrations and a sheep show.

STRANRAER INSHORE LIFEBOAT PARK FEST COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Agnew Park, Stranraer, lifeboatparkfest.co.uk

Stranraer Inshore Lifeboats adopt their land legs for a fundraising music festival featuring a range of local and familiar artists as well as craft stalls, fun fair rides and The Marine Lake with its pirate ship.

This year’s festival is headlined by S Club.

13–29 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

19–21 AUGUST

FAMILY / LITERATURE Charlotte Square Gardens, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, edbookfest.co.uk

MUSIC / FAMILY Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, Stirling, dounetherabbithole.co.uk

As well as leading Scottish and international authors, the varied programme always manages to cover poets, politicians, historians, journalists and children’s authors, and Unbound, a free cabaret-style evening event ensures that the literary fun runs far into the night.

innerleithenmusicfestival.org An established Celtic music festival that augments its line-up of local musicians, sessions, traditional singing, street events and workshops with international stars.

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE

A boutique music festival that manages a lovely line-up of music, theatre, comedy and spoken word performances.

19–21 AUGUST

INNERLEITHEN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Innerleithen,

GALLOWAY COUNTRY FAIR FAMILY Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, Dumfries, gallowaycountryfair.co.uk

JULY–NOVEMBER

CLO MOR FESTIVAL OF HARRIS TWEED ART An Lanntair, Stornoway, lanntair.com

A programme of events held across the Highlands to showcase the history and influence of Harris Tweed.

24–26 AUGUST

GUARDIAN EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, mgeitf.co.uk

An essential fixture for everyone in the television industry wanting inspiration, networking, learning and fun.

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26 & 27 AUGUST

STOWED OUT FESTIVAL MUSIC Stow Quoiting Green, Station Road, Stow, soundout.org.uk

This festival features an eclectic mix of local and established musical acts, craft stalls and storytellers on the banks of the Gala Water.

26 & 27 AUGUST

ELECTRIC FIELDS MUSIC Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, Dumfries, electricfieldsfestival.com

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GROOVE LOCH NESS Nestled in a natural valley on the banks of Scotland’s most famous loch, Groove Loch Ness has probably the most amazing backdrop of any festival in the UK. After RockNess was cancelled in 2014, Highlanders found there was a hole in their clubbing calendar and Groove Loch Ness sprang up to fill the void.

Focusing on beats and DJs, 2015’s inaugural event scaled things back but still boasted a line-up that included worldclass luminaries such as Groove Armada, 2manydjs, Tensnake and B.Traits. It was so successful that they’re back for round two in 2016 and they’ve even announced a spin-off event. Groove CairnGorm, the UK’s first ‘resort based’ snowsports and music festival, takes place in the Cairngorm mountain range in March, promising events on the slopes and a serious afterparty in Aviemore each night. (Henry Northmore) Q Dores, 20 Aug, groovefestival.co.uk 62

Music festival set in the Dumfriesshire hills, with a focus on Scottish talent, expanding to two days for 2016. No lineup announced as yet but 2015’s event featured King Creosote, the Phantom Band, Hector Bizerk, Golden Teacher, East India Youth, Miaoux Miaoux, Jonnie Common and more.

26–28 AUGUST

BELL ROCK BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Arbroath, bellrockblues.com

Jazz and blues music from some of the finest local and visiting musicians, taking over a host of venues around the coastal town.

26–28 AUGUST

BEYOND BORDERS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND THOUGHT FAMILY / LITERATURE / OUTDOOR Traquair House, Innerleithen, beyondbordersscotland.com

The stationary meets the cyclical at this celebration of literature, thought and the outdoors in the Borders. Using the natural environment and the inspirational effects of the outdoors to stimulate debate, events include

literary and woodland walks and storytelling cycle rides.

26 AUGUST–11 SEPTEMBER

TROSSACHS BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Lade Inn, Callander

A traditional beer festival with live folk music at weekends, food from the Inn’s kitchen and a chance to sample some of the 160 Scottish real ales from the Scottish Real Ale Shop.

27 & 28 AUGUST

EDINBURGH MELA COMMUNITY / FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Leith Links, Edinburgh, edinburgh-mela.co.uk

World music, dance, fashion, food and fun spread over four areas: the Main Music Stage, the Mela World Dance Feste, the Mela Mix stage and the Mela Kidzone. The Mela Global Food Village is on hand to replenish your energy after taking in all the sights and sounds.

27 AUGUST–4 SEPTEMBER

SCREENPLAY FILM & TV Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, shetlandarts.org/screenplay

Shetland’s annual film festival curated by film critics Linda Ruth Williams and Mark Kermode features screenings, lectures and panel discussions involving national and international film industry professionals and academics while still maintaining a commitment to local film makers of all ages.

27 AUGUST–4 SEPTEMBER

LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Largs, largsvikingfestival.com

On the anniversary of the LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Battle of Largs meet King Alexander of Scotland and King Haakon of Norway with living history installations in a 13th century living history village. There are craft demonstrations, a farmers’ market and aerobatic displays, the festival culminates with a re-enactment of the Battle of Largs, the burning of a Viking Longship and a firework display on the last Saturday.

And what viking festival is complete without some Owl Magic? None, that’s what.

AUGUST TBC

AUGUST TBC

EDINBURGH FOOD FESTIVAL

HAWICK SUMMER FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Edinburgh, edfoodfest.com

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Hawick, hawicksummerfestival.com

Celebrate all the lovely food and drink that Scotland has to offer.

A summer festival with events for all the family.

AUGUST TBC

AUGUST TBC

ENVIRONMENTAL ARTS FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL

30 AUGUST–4 SEPTEMBER

EAFS explores our relationship with the landscape and environment through a series of environmental art commissions, performances, discussions and events.

NAIRN BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Nairn, nairnfestival.co.uk

A range of musical, literary and artistic events with a fringe drawing on the talents of the local creative community. New last year was the introduction of a Twitter fiction competition and an artisan food fair.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, environmentalart festivalscotland.com

AUGUST TBC

FARM FEST FAMILY Gorgie City Farm, Edinburgh, gorgiecityfarm.org.uk

AUGUST TBC

A day of fun on the farm.

Activities include face-painting, a bucking bronco and arts and crafts workshops.

BRECHIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

AUGUST TBC

MUSIC Various venues, Brechin, brechinmusicfest.org

Brechin Music Festival brings together bands from around the country with the best local talent.

FESTIVAL OF POLITICS MULTI-ARTS / POLITICS Various venues, Edinburgh, festivalofpolitics.org.uk

A ground-breaking and innovative festival that combines the worlds of politics, media and the arts.

AUGUST TBC

FAMILY John Hastie Park, Strathaven strathavenballoonfestival. co.uk

Music and entertainment festival aimed at ages 12--25.

Past line-ups have included Scouting For Girls, Union J, Model Aeroplanes and Chloe.

Activities include a falconry display, fairground rides, sporting events and a young business market place.

AUGUST TBC

YOUTH BEATZ FAMILY / MUSIC Dock Park, Dumfries, youthbeatz.co.uk

A hot air ballooning extravaganza, combining the stunning sight of hot air balloons launching and flying with a fun fair, stalls, classic vehicles and other evening events.

SEPTEMBER 1—30 SEPTEMBER

EDINBURGH BOOK FRINGE

AUGUST TBC

LITERATURE Word Power Book Shop, Edinburgh, word-power.co.uk

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, North Berwick, fringebythesea.co.uk

Taking place in radical bookshop Word Power, the Edinburgh Book Fringe brings together writers and activists from around the world for a host of daily readings and discussions.

With a spot of sea air and an entertaining line-up of music, comedy, theatre, film, author and children’s events, North Berwick’s multi-arts festival offers a respite from the madness of Edinburgh in festival season.

FRINGE BY THE SEA

BORDERS HERITAGE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scottish Borders, scotborders.gov. uk/heritagefestival

A series of events including walks, talks, theatre and living history to help uncover the rich heritage of the Borders across a number of historic time frames.

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1–4 SEPTEMBER

2–4 SEPTEMBER

3–4 SEPTEMBER

BATHGATE MUSIC FESTIVAL

PORTPATRICK FOLK FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY / MUSIC Various venues, Bathgate, bathgatemusicfestival.com

MUSIC Various venues, Portpatrick, portpatrickfolkfestival.org

LOCH LOMOND FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

A community-led music festival, including the Party in the Park, where a funfair accompanies the music.

Live@lunch gigs cheer up the middle of the day, if you simply can’t wait for the evening’s fun.

A weekend festival in a picturesque seaside village, with concerts at the village hall and sessions at harbourside pubs on the Friday and Saturday.

1–30 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH ARCHAEOLOGY & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

2–4 SEPTEMBER

LINKYLEA FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Linkylea, Gifford, Haddington, linkyleafestival.org.uk

HERITAGE / SCIENCE Various venues, Scotland, archaeologyscotland.org.uk

Family friendly music festival now in its 12th year raising funds for disadvantaged children and young adults in Gwalior, India.

A month-long, Scotland-wide festival of archaeology.

2–4 SEPTEMBER

1–30 SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBAYR FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Ayr, septembayr.com

A mixed arts festival held during the month of September in the town of Ayr, as the name suggests. Events run the gamut from piano recitals to rock bands, ghost story nights to local history evenings, and attract local and big named acts suitable for adults and children.

2 & 3 SEPTEMBER

JOCKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Black Isle Brewery, Old Allangrange, Munlochy, jocktoberfest.com

Follow the Black Isle creed of ‘Save the Planet, Drink Organic’, and feel even more smug about reduced drink miles by drinking their beer just metres from where it is brewed. Also on offer is plenty of live music and bratwurst.

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MILLPORT COUNTRY & WESTERN FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Millport, millportcountryandwestern. co.uk

A rootin’ tootin’ weekend of country and western gigs across several venues on the Isle of Cumbrae.

2–4 SEPTEMBER

DUNDEE FLOWER & FOOD FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Camperdown Country Park, Coupar Angus Road, Dundee, dundeeflowerandfoodfestival. com

A delicious staple in the Dundee calendar, with food and drink tastings, chef demonstrations, live music and competitions including the World Potato Championships and World Jampionships.

Once they’ve had enough to eat, shows and face-painting are on hand to entertain the kids.

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrink festival.co.uk

Tasty tipples and appetising nibbles on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. The festival comprises free cookery demonstrations (including a WWII themed one), a farmers’ market, continental market, tasting and sampling sessions, a real ale tent and live music.

3 SEPTEMBER

BRAEMAR GATHERING FAMILY / OUTDOOR Braemar Castle, Braemar, braemargathering.org

Traditional Highland Games events such as Highland dancing, pipe bands and heavy events.

3 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH BRAVES HARVEST CHILLI FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Vinicombe Street, Glasgow, chillifest.net

A celebration of all things chilli, including food and drink and a ‘Clash of the Titans’ chilli eating contest.

3 SEPTEMBER

MIDSTOCK FESTIVAL MUSIC Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, midstockfestival.com

Grown in Scotland morphs into Midstock but the emphasis is still firmly on Scottish bands, DJs and musicians. 2015’s lineup included The Fratellis, Fish, The Hoosiers, Mallorca Lee, Ultra-Sonic, Fatherson and more.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL 6-14 August Christine

Borland Philomena

Pretsel Nerine

Tassie over 100 artists www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

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3–18 SEPTEMBER

TECHFEST IN SEPTEMBER FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Aberdeen, techfestsetpoint.org.uk/tis

TechFest continues to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics fun and accessible to children and young people of all ages. A highlight of the public programme is the Activity Weekend, offering over 35 workshops, presentations and shows.

4–10 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH BORDERS WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Coldstream, borderswalking.com

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART Set in a Highland landscape which is renowned for its beauty, popular boutique music festival Belladrum Tartan Heart has been going from strength to strength for 13 years now – but not too much strength, because it’s one of those more snug events which you don’t want to become huge and corporate. In keeping with the anniversary they’re about to hit, the theme is superstition, with more details nearer the time about just what that entails.

The line-up is a crowd-pleasing blend which takes in established and upcoming Scottish artists of different genres, heritage acts at the top of the bill and exciting younger names earlier in the day. This year Madness, the Darkness, Arrested Development and Alabama 3 take top billing, with Scots up-and-comers like C Duncan, Bella and the Bear, Rachel Sermanni and Be Charlotte elsewhere on the schedule. There are also a couple of crowd-pleasing surprises, such as the inclusion of Glasgow tribute act the Dolly Parton Story.

Like many of the quality boutique festivals now happening around Scotland, Belladrum is a laid-back and family-friendly event which allows caravan and campervan parking as well as camping. And with plenty of activities laid on for them, this offers a music lover’s experience which is truly pan-generational. (David Pollock) Q Beauly, Inverness-shire, 4–6 Aug, tartanheartfestival.co.uk 66

The Scottish Borders has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. The Scottish Borders Walking Festival, the oldest established walking festival in Scotland, has a reputation for being one of the friendliest walking festivals of the year. In 2016 the festival takes place in Coldstream. There are walks for a range of abilities and the theme for the week is the town’s link with the Coldstream Guards.

7–10 SEPTEMBER

GATHERED TOGETHER THEATRE & DANCE Tramway, Glasgow, tramway.org

Four-day inclusive dance festival where people from around the world can share knowledge and forge new artistic partnerships.

7–11 SEPTEMBER

LINLITHGOW FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Linlithgow, linlithgowfolk.com

Born from Linlithgow’s highly active folk scene, the town’s Folk Festival has featured big names such Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain in the past, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

along with music covering the whole spectrum of folk tastes.

With musical workshops and family-oriented events, this is, as they claim, ‘friendly folk in Linlithgow’.

9–11 SEPTEMBER

14–25 SEPTEMBER

ST MONANS COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL

TAKE ONE ACTION FILM FESTIVAL

9–11 SEPTEMBER

Boutique arts festival, now in its third year, dedicated to putting on home-grown and international talents in the fields of music, comedy, theatre, spoken word, art and many more.

With a strong local community focus, this festival offers a range of spectator and participatory events, with history walks and a camera museum ranking as two of the most popular among a series of concerts, workshops, visual arts displays and literary events. There’s also the Open Houses programme where you can pop into local artists’ homes and discover their work.

9–11 SEPTEMBER

10–19 SEPTEMBER

BLOODY SCOTLAND

LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL

STIRLING FRINGE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Stirling, stirlingfringe.com

LITERATURE Various venues, Stirling, bloodyscotland.com

An innovative festival drawing on Scotland’s love of the literary macabre and celebrating crime writing by bringing together leading Scottish and international writers, showcasing debut voices and encouraging new writers.

9–11 SEPTEMBER

BEST OF THE WEST FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, bowfest.co.uk

Set in the stunning venue of the grounds of Inveraray Castle, this family-friendly festival highlights the best in food, drink, craft, music and entertainments from the West of Scotland. From fine crafts to fine food and from local pipe bands to worldfamous headline music acts, the programme offers something for everyone, including a range of children’s activities, horse riding, archery and survival skills to tire the kids out.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, St Monans, stmonans.org.uk

MUSIC Various venues, East Lothian, lammermuirfestival.co.uk

The Lammermuir Festival presents great music in the picturesque surroundings of East Lothian.

FILM & TV / POLITICS Various venues, Edinburgh and Glasgow, takeoneaction.org.uk

A film festival with a political slant, founded on the belief that ‘cinematic experiences can inspire lasting change’ and offering a series of talks and programmes showing how films can be used to empower communities on an international stage.

15–18 SEPTEMBER

CEOL CHOLASA MUSIC Various venues, Colonsay, ceolcholasa.co.uk

Four-day folky fest on the Island of Colonsay with some great acts appearing. The line-up is announced closer to the time but the 2015 festival featured Blazin’ Fiddles, Breabach, Kris Drever and Ian Carr, Jenn Butterworth and Laura-Beth Salter, and The Mischa MacPherson Trio. There is also a series of workshops and a ceilidh.

13–17 SEPTEMBER

SPIRIT OF MORAY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Elgin Library, Cooper Park, Elgin, moray.gov.uk

A celebration of writing, illustration and publishing in Scotland at this local festival that attracts renowned Scottish authors (and kicks off with a whisky event).

15–18 SEPTEMBER

KIRKCALDY FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues, Fife, onfife.com/kirkcaldy-film-festival

Kirkcaldy Film Festival features four days of classic movies, current releases, special events and workshops.

16–18 SEPTEMBER

14 SEPTEMBER

INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Edinburgh oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

A selection of documentaries celebrating the beauty and power of the world’s oceans.

THE DOUGLASDALE GAITHERIN FAMILY / MUSIC St Brides Centre, Braehead, Douglas, douglasdalefolkfestival.info

Small, friendly and affordable festival with something to suit every folky’s taste in a programme of concerts, workshops and pub sessions.

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17–18 SEPTEMBER

ANGUS CYCLING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Angus, anguscyclehub.co.uk/ anguscyclingfestival

Annan and Moffat as well. The centrepiece of the weekend is the Take Five programme, which offers five hours of jazz and blues on five stages in the centre of Lockerbie.

Cycling events in and around Angus, including the Enduro Mountain Bike Race, family friendly cycle rides, toddle balance bike races and much more.

23 & 24 SEPTEMBER

21 & 22 SEPTEMBER

Island festival of Scottish traditional music which encourages local talent with concerts, workshops and sessions, and completes the bill with established acts to give them something to aspire to.

THE SCOTTISH LEARNING FESTIVAL ART SECC, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, scottishlearningfestival.org.uk

SLF is the biggeset education conference and exhibition in Scotland and has something to offer everyone involved in education and includes a thought-provoking conference programme as well as an exhibition.

ISLE OF JURA MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Craighouse, Isle of Jura, juramusicfestival.com

23–25 SEPTEMBER

TIDELINES BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Largs, tidelinesbookfest.wordpress. com

a back catalogue filled with some of Scotland’s best loved music names, including Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain, Sandy Legget and Ian Davidson. A range of trad music to suit most tastes, with a family concert on Sunday afternoon and workshops for all ages.

23 SEPTEMBER–2 OCTOBER

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Wigtown, wigtownbookfestival.com

An established and celebrated feature in the Scottish literary calendar attracting many big names. For ten days Scotland’s National Book Town buzzes with book events as well as theatre, music and visual arts, site-specific events in quirky venues and a ceilidh.

A dedicated Children’s Garden hosts events for younger readers.

Largs-based book festival with a great little line-up of events for kids and adults alike.

24 & 25 SEPTEMBER

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Aberdeen, findhornbayartsfestival.com

23–25 SEPTEMBER

FAMILY Various venues, Millport, millport.org

Findhorn Bay Festival promises something for everyone in its programme of theatre, dance, literature, music and fine art with a strong community focus.

MUSIC The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, aberdeenperformingarts.com/ truenorth

Garrison House and The Cathedral of the Isles are lit up, connected by an Illuminated Heritage Trail.

Billing itself as ‘Aberdeen’s festival of music and song’, this weekend of performances at the Lemon Tree features some of the cream of UK songwriting.

24 SEPTEMBER–2 OCTOBER

23–25 SEPTEMBER

Shetland’s textile industry celebrates the sheep that catapulted it to fame masterclasses, workshops and events led by professionals from the textile and design industry, along with a makers market and exhibitions.

21–25 SEPTEMBER

FINDHORN BAY FESTIVAL

22–25 SEPTEMBER

LOCKERBIE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Lockerbie, lockerbiejazz.com

Big band music, contemporary jazz and some very hot jazz and blues featuring a host of leading Scottish and international musicians. In recent years the festival has been spreading beyond the boundaries of the town; you can expect gigs in 68

TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL

DUNBAR TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Dunbar, dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk

As it approaches its silver anniversary, the DTMF has

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND MILLPORT ILLUMINATIONS

SHETLAND WOOL WEEK FAMILY Various venues, Shetland, shetlandwoolweek.com

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THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

25 SEPTEMBER

BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON AND FESTIVAL OF RUNNING FAMILY / OUTDOOR Bught Park, Bught Road, Inverness, lochnessmarathon.com

A family-friendly day based around all things running, with a choice of lengths for the fitness minded, from a full marathon to a cheeky 5k with a ‘Wee Nessie’ option for under 5s. For those who’d rather not work up a sweat there’s the Event Village at the finish line with a food and drink fair.

29 SEPTEMBER–2 OCTOBER

THE CUMNOCK TRYST MUSIC Various venues, Cumnock, thecumnocktryst.com

The Cumnock Tryst is a music festival launched in 2013 by eminent composer and local boy James MacMillan, with Nicola Benedetti as patron. Brass and choral music are two especially strong traditions in Cumnock, and the 2016 festival sees the return of the Cumnock Festival Chorus, who debuted in 2015. Full details of the programme will be released in spring 2016.

Motherwell, whatsonlanarkshire.co.uk Well-received annual beer festival with live music and beer from around the world.

SEPTEMBER TBC

30 SEPTEMBER–2 OCTOBER

This festival leaves no stone unturned as it offers something for everyone with an interest in outdoor activities. From hill walking, kayaking, sub aqua and gliding to learning about geology in the field, nature and local history, the programme is packed with walks, talks and familyfriendly events.

CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Callander, callanderjazz.com

The 11th Callander Jazz and Blues Festival takes place amid the beautiful surroundings of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, and features 45 performances over a single weekend. The emphasis is very much on good-time music but there are also music and dance workshops, open mic and jam sessions and, for chilling out, the Loch Katrine Jazz Cruise.

30 SEPTEMBER–30 OCTOBER

THE ENCHANTED FOREST ART / FAMILY / HERITAGE Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, enchantedforest.org.uk

A stunning sound and light show that transforms Faskally Wood using dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score.

ACTIVE ABOYNE FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Aboyne, activeaboyne.co.uk

SEPTEMBER TBC

BOOTSTOCK MUSIC Resolis Memorial Hall, Dingwall, bootstock.org

Annual music festival to help fund educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in the poorest and most remote regions of Nepal.

SEPTEMBER TBC

BRING IT ALL HOME MUSIC Various venues, Paisley, bringitallhome.co.uk

A songwriting festival in celebration of the late, great Gerry Rafferty.

29 SEPTEMBER–2 OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER TBC

SEPTEMBER TBC

SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

ABERDEEN’S 50+ FESTIVAL

DARVEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeencity.gov.uk/50plus

MUSIC Darvel Town Hall, Darvel, darvelmusicfestival.org

A widely-varied programme of events aimed at people over 50, with equal emphasis on entertainment and education. Workshops, cookery demonstrations, art classes and keep fit sessions are complemented by live music performances, walks, exhibitions and plays, both in public venues around Aberdeen and on site in nursing homes.

A community-led festival, Darvel has been gathering fans over the past 14 years under the stewardship of Neil and Sheila McKenna.

FILM & TV / POLITICS CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, sqiff.org

The second SQIFF is a four-day event hosting features, short film screenings, workshops, discussions and nights out.

30 SEPTEMBER–1 OCTOBER

MOTHERWELL BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre, Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, 70

SEPTEMBER TBC

DUCK’S BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Duck’s at Kilspindle House, Aberlady, ducks.co.uk

A real good real ale festival featuring entertainment, food LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

promotions and an award ceremony for the top sellers of the best beer.

SEPTEMBER TBC

DUNOON FILM FESTIVAL FILM Various venues, Dunoon, dunoonfilmfestival.org

Boutique festival celebrating Scotland at the movies with classic titles featuring major homegrown stars, rediscovered gems and new work by Scottish directors.

SEPTEMBER TBC

EH1 LIVE MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, eh1live.com

Multi-venue one-dayer usually taking over the capital with over 50 live music acts drawn from across the indie rock spectrum.

SEPTEMBER TBC

FESTIVAL OF ARTISTS MOVING IMAGE ART Various venues, Edinburgh, eamif.com

A celebration of international video art and experimental film.

SEPTEMBER TBC

HEBRIDES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM Various venues, Western Isles, hebfilmfestival.org

This film festival features a lineup of international and Scottish features, documentaries and shorts.

SEPTEMBER TBC

HUNTLY HAIRST FOOD AND FARMING FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Huntly, huntlyhairst.co.uk

A community festival featuring a

FINDHORN BAY FESTIVAL If you’re looking for an excuse to visit the beautiful Moray coast, the Findhorn Bay Festival offers a blend of stunning scenery and cultural happenings. Each late-summer, the market town of Forres, the fishing village of Findhorn and the surrounding area comes alive with performances, activities, talks, tours, arts, theatre and music from local artists and invited performers. It all builds toward Saturday’s Culture Day, the high point of the festival, as over 100 Moray artists and businesses join forces to entertain visitors of all ages into the night.

Previous events have included music from Eddi Reader and Shooglenifty and performances from the National Theatre of Scotland. The 2016 programme will reflect Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design with an eclectic mix of events which reflects and celebrates the landscape and culture in which it was created. (Henry Northmore) Q Various venues, Moray, 21–25 Sep, findhornbayartsfestival.com 71

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

wide variety of things to see and to do which are all connected to the culture and life of Huntly’s farming community. Local musicians provide the backdrop to a series of literature and foodie events. Among competitions for cooking and baking the hotly contested World Stovie Championships seeks to crown a new victor.

SEPTEMBER TBC

IMAGINATION FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, imaginationfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s first festival of ideas exploring politics, history and culture. The programme includes music sets, discussions and speakers.

SEPTEMBER TBC

KIRRIEMUIR FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND SONG MUSIC Various venues, Kirriemuir, kirriefestival.org

A celebration of music in all its forms, with competitions and events around the cosy town most famous for producing JM Barrie. Past years have included talent from BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year and other pedigree samples of Scottish musicality.

SEPTEMBER TBC

LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, islayjazzfestival.co.uk

A high-quality artistic programme that brings Scottish and international musicians together in the unique location of Islay.

SEPTEMBER TBC

MIDFEST MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Midlothian, midlothian.gov.uk/midfest

Midlothian’s festival for the arts is 72

a vibrant and jam-packed week of more than 100 events and exhibition celebrating the area’s talent in arts.

SEPTEMBER TBC

1 OCTOBER

HORDES OF BELIAL MUSIC Beat Generator Live, Dundee, facebook.com/ HOBFestScotland

ORKNEY INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

One-day festival of underground metal and hard rock.

SCIENCE Various venues, Orkney, oisf.org

1–6 OCTOBER

A series of innovative talks and inspiring events with guest speakers covering all aspects of science. This year the festival includes ‘Fashion the Future’, a nod to the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design.

ART / HERITAGE / SCIENCE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowmackintosh.com

SEPTEMBER TBC

SHETLAND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, shetlandblues.info

The most northerly blues festival in the UK provides a mixture of stalwart returning guests and new faces each time.

SEPTEMBER TBC

TARBERT MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Tarbert, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

Traditional music takes over the pubs and hotels of Tarbert with a series of concerts, workshops and demonstrations.

OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER

LOOPALLU MUSIC Broomfield Holiday Park, West Lane, Ullapool, loopallu.co.uk

This music fest located in the spectacular surroundings of Ullapool was inaugurated in 2005

by Hayseed Dixie, and since then has featured Franz Ferdinand, Mumford & Sons, Paolo Nutini and Echo & the Bunnymen.

MACKINTOSH FESTIVAL

Festival celebrating the creative genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh by allowing everyone to unleash their own creativity through workshops and activities and explore what Mackintosh could have created had he had access to the technologies of today.

1–31 OCTOBER

ENCOUNTERS FESTIVAL ART / FAMILY Various venues, North Lanarkshire, northlanarkshire. gov.uk

A month-long festival of culture encompassing arts and cultural events, workshops and performances across North Lanarkshire.

1–31 OCTOBER

LUMINATE: SCOTLAND’S CREATIVE AGEING FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, luminatescotland.org

Luminate celebrates our creative lives as we age by offering a wide range of inspirational arts activities with and for older people, as well as events for audiences and participants across the generations.

2–10 OCTOBER

BLAS FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Highlands, LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

blas-festival.com A massive celebration of the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands of Scotland.

7–9 OCTOBER

10–21 OCTOBER

FEIS NA MARA

DANCELIVE

MUSIC Mallaig and Morar Community Centre, West Bay, Mallaig, feisna-mara.com

FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, dancelive.org.uk

5–10 OCTOBER

This predominantly traditional music festival features a roster of live bands, most of which have a local connection. There are also workshops, a family dance and impromptu sessions in the pubs.

Annual festival celebrating – and exclusively devoted to – contemporary dance.

The programme draws high-quality companies to the north-east of Scotland, emphasising new choreography and opportunities for participation.

GLASGOW AMERICANA MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowamericana.com

Blues, country and folk fest following in the footsteps of the fondly remembered Big Big Country festival. Line-up includes Bruce Cockburn, Tom Russell, Kathryn Williams, Danny Schmidt and Michele Stodart.

6–8 OCTOBER

AYRSHIRE BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Troon Concert Hall, South Beach, Ayr Street, Troon, ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Sample some of the many real ales, ciders and wines produced by local brewers and enjoy live music each evening at this event hosted by the local branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

6–10 OCTOBER

SHETLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

Visiting and local acts join together in a Shetland knees-up to warm up the October evenings with fine trad music.

7 OCTOBER

SCOTLAND LOVES ANIME FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, lovesanimation.com

One for lovers of Japanese animated cinema, the festival showcases the latest Japanese animation with experts on hand to provide behind-the-scenes information.

7–9 OCTOBER

ULLAPOOL GUITAR FESTIVAL MUSIC The Macphail Centre, Mill Street, Ullapool, ullapoolguitarfestival.com

One for all lovers and players of the six-string with a combination of workshops, concerts, late-night sessions and a trade fair with top manufacturers of bespoke guitars.

7–16 OCTOBER

COWALFEST MULTI-ARTS Cowal Peninsula, Cowal, cowalfest.org

Walking festival that takes place amid the natural splendour of the Cowal peninsula with walks focussing on heritage, wildlife or just a good work-out. As well as an extensive range of guided walks for all ages and abilities, there is cycling, canoeing and a range of musical and arts events.

13–16 OCTOBER

BEARSCOTFEST COMMUNITY Various venues, Edinburgh, bearscots.org.uk

Those cuddly fellas at the Bear Scots once again welcome ‘bears, cubs, chasers, otters and admirers’ for a weekend of furry fun at the largest bear event in Britain. The festival includes multiple parties and club nights, brunches and the crowning of Mr BearScot.

15–22 OCTOBER

MAGIPUP FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8–10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, scottishmaskandpuppetcentre. co.uk

Eight days of magic and puppet shows and workshops.

8–15 OCTOBER

CRIEFF & STRATHEARN DROVERS’ TRYST HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Strathearn, Strathearn, droverstryst.com

Annual celebration of the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. The modern day Tryst is a week-long festival in October run by volunteers and built around a programme of guided walks and evening social events.

17–23 OCTOBER

GRAPHIC DESIGN FESTIVAL SCOTLAND SCIENCE The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, graphicdesignfestivalscotland. com

The Graphic Design Festival Scotland aims to inspire young designers through active engagement, all while promoting creativity, collaboration, friendly competition and fun.

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19–23 OCTOBER

20–23 OCTOBER

DUNDEE LITERARY FESTIVAL

ST ANDREWS VOICES

FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Dundee, literarydundee.co.uk

A mix of events including internationally renowned authors, local names, children’s authors and the Comic Conference which features graphic novellists.

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, St Andrews, standrewsvoices.com

It’s all about the voice, in this eclectic festival of music drawn from opera, Lieder, folk, jazz, early music and contemporary genres.

20 OCTOBER–7 NOVEMBER

SOUND 19–23 OCTOBER

BRAEMAR CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

MACKINTOSH FESTIVAL Glasgow’s Mackintosh Festival (formerly the Creative Mackintosh Festival) will be back once more in October this year. The festival takes place across the main Mackintosh attractions, buildings and collections in and around Glasgow and in partner venues across the city.

Focused on architecture, design and visual arts in celebration of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the city where he lived and worked, the extensive programme of events – many of them free and suitable for all ages – include walks, workshops, talks and exhibitions. 2016’s edition is sure to incorporate some events based around the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, as well as others celebrating the 20th anniversary of the House for an Art Lover country retreat in Bellahouston Park.

(David Pollock) Q Various venues, Glasgow, Oct, glasgowmackintosh.com/festival 74

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Braemar, braemarcreativearts.co.uk

Arts festival featuring a plethora of workshops covering music, dance visual art and creative writing. There’s also live entertainment, competitions, demonstrations, a market and a ceilidh.

20–30 OCTOBER

BIGGAR LITTLE FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Biggar, biggar-little-festival.com

Covering comedy, theatre, exhibitions, walks, dance and music of all kinds, the festival offers affordable local access to the arts for all.

20–23 OCTOBER

DOCUMENT HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL POLITICS / FILM & TV CCA, Glasgow, documentfilmfestival.org

This dedicated international human rights documentary film festival uses international film to raise the profile of human rights and social issues that are not exposed in the mainstream media.

MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeenshire, sound-scotland.co.uk

An innovative festival of new music in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. From contemporary classical music to electro-acoustic music, traditional, vocal and jazz, the festival brings together a wide range of different musical styles in a variety of concerts, workshops, installations and talks. The 2016 festival focuses on new music for the string quartet, as well as specially commissioned music supported by the public through the soundbytes scheme. Among the featured composers are Graham Fitkin and Francois Sahran.

21–30 OCTOBER

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / LITERATURE Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43–45 High Street, Edinburgh, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

A ten-day celebration of live storytelling and imagination uniting Scottish and international storytellers and musicians.

Performance, workshops, talks and children’s events radiate out from the capital with guest storytellers from Spain, Portugal and Central and Southern America.

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WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL 23RD SEPTEMBER - 2ND OCTOBER 2016

MORE THAN 2OO EVENTS FOR ADULTS, YOUNG PEOPLE & CHILDREN WWW.WIGTOWNBOOKFESTIVAL.COM SOUTHWEST SCOTLAND O1988 4O3222

picnic in the park ROZELLE PARK, AYR Fri 20 May – Sat 21 May ý _ I Ū ‡

Charity No. SCO37984

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21–30 OCTOBER

TWEED VALLEY FOREST FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Tweed Valley Forest Park, Glentress, forest-festival.com

A celebration of the rich woodland culture of the Borders in a variety of locations around the beautiful Tweed Valley. Featuring the Peebles wood market, the Scottish conker championships, Carvefest, woodland walks, activities and much more.

21–30 OCTOBER

AFRICA IN MOTION FILM FESTIVAL

and discussions plus bookstalls with an emphasis on small and independent presses and writings from outside the mainstream.

26 OCTOBER / 28–30 OCTOBER / 2 NOVEMBER / 4–6 NOVEMBER

EDINBURGH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, edinburghshortfilmfestival.com

A number of showings, offering a selection of the best shorts by filmmakers from across the globe.

FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, africa-in-motion.org.uk

28–30 OCTOBER

Dedicated to showing the diversity of African cinema, AiM has screenings of animated films, features, shorts and documentaries, as well as a short film competition to develop the next generation of African filmmakers.

MUSIC Various venues, Dunfermline, dunfermlinefolkclub.co.uk

22 OCTOBER–6 NOVEMBER

DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk

Scotland’s international film festival for young audiences (3+) combines the best youth cinema from around the world with a series of creative workshops and events.

26 OCTOBER

EDINBURGH INDEPENDENT RADICAL BOOK FAIR LITERATURE Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 30–36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh, word-power.co.uk

Five days of free readings 76

DUNFERMLINE FOLK WEEKEND

Opening with a family ceilidh on the Friday evening, the weekend proceeds with a selection of workshops, sessions, open stage, family events and concerts, run by a folk club that’s been in existence now for over 50 years.

29 OCTOBER–2 NOVEMBER

WOFF: WORLD OF FILM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL GLASGOW FILM & TV / THEATRE & DANCE Venue tbc, Glasgow, woffglasgow.com

International festival featuring over 40 films from independent directors from all over the world.

29 OCTOBER–13 NOVEMBER

DUNDEE SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dundee, dundeesciencefestival.org

A range of exciting and stimulating events, talks, shows and hands-on exhibits demonstrating the wonderful world of science. Everything from fossils to forensics are covered, with fun for kids as well as standup comedy and social events for grown-ups.

30 OCTOBER–1 NOVEMBER

GALOSHANS FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Greenock, galoshans.com

A Hallowe’en festival that merges cultures from Scotland and across Europe in a programme of street theatre, dance, art, theatre and music.

29 OCTOBER

PERTH ALL SCOTLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Salutation Hotel, South Street, Perth, perthaccordionfestival.co.uk

The 66th annual festival of its kind. Kicking off with a ceilidh, the event takes in competitions and championships during the day before finishing with the Senior Scottish Championship and performances by some of Scotland’s top musicians.

31 OCTOBER

SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Edinburgh, beltane.org

Hosted by Beltane Fire Society, the Samhuinn Fire Festival celebrates the Celtic New Year, marking the end of summer and welcoming the onset of winter.

31 OCTOBER

TAMFEST FAMILY Town Centre, Ayr, tamfest.co.uk

Hallowe’en festival in Ayr, so there’s a Tam O’Shanter twist.

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2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

The event includes a haunted house, live performances, market stalls, haunted tours, workshops for children, traditional skills fair and much more.

OCTOBER TBC

ABERDEEN FILM FESTIVAL FILM Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenfilm.com

The Aberdeen Film Festival takes advantage of the city’s cultural connections to bring in films and filmmakers from across the globe.

OCTOBER TBC

BALERNO MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, balernomusicfestival.org.uk

This community-run music festival returns with folk and classical concerts, workshops and a distinctly family-orientated feel.

OCTOBER TBC

BOOKMARK: BLAIRGOWRIE, RATTRAY AND THE GLENS BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE The Royal Hotel, Blairgowrie, bookmarkblair.com

Book festival for Blairgowrie and Rattray with guest authors and a range of events including an interactive children’s programme.

OCTOBER TBC

DUNDEE ROTARY OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK Discovery Quay, Dundee, dundeerotaryoktoberfest.co.uk

A host of live bands provide a soundtrack to the main event: real ale, microbreweries and craft ciders, stouts and lagers, which are housed in the atmospheric surrounds of Dundee’s Discovery Quay.

SCOTLAND RE:DESIGNED Established in 2012, Scotland Re:Designed is a platform from which Scottish or Scotland-based fashion designers and textile companies can build, establish and secure business relationships with industry, media and consumers. With the support of Scotland Re:Designed, those designers can create new collaborations, carve out short and long term sales, and establish opportunities with PRs and successful businesses. Two showcases exist: an Interiors Showcase (5-9 Oct, Dundee) and a Fashion Showcase (dates tbc).

Once selected, exhibitors receive the invaluable knowledge and support that the Scotland Re:Designed platform can provide, with a number of events offering workshops, exhibitions, mentoring, showrooms, buyer events and catwalk shows. The world’s top buyers, journalists and industry figures are also invited to sample the luxurious work within Scottish fashion.

Over the past few years, there have been Scotland Re:Designed showcases in New York, London, Glasgow, Chicago and Dundee while, Hong Kong will host another event featuring Scottish talent this coming March. There has also been a Scotland Re:Designed summer school, a Limited Edition store in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal, an event tied in with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, a salon show in Paris and awards which gave out prizes for womenswear, menswear and accessories.

Among the designers working with Scotland Re:Designed in 2016 are MYB Textiles with its interior lace and Madras fabrics, Kestin Hare who provides premium men’s clothing and footwear, and Cats Brothers, a luxury knitwear label which was ‘born from a love of Snoop Dogg and Latino street culture’. (Brian Donaldson) Q Various venues, Scotland, year-round, scotlandredesigned.com 77

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OCTOBER TBC

OCTOBER TBC

EDINBURGH SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL

GLASGOW OKTOBERFEST

FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghspanishfilmfestival. com

FOOD & DRINK Glasgow Green, Glasgow, glasgow-oktoberfest.co.uk

Film festival for anyone interested in cinema and Spanish and Latin American culture.

OCTOBER TBC

EDINBURGH WORLD JUSTICE FESTIVAL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

FUNNY IN FALKIRK This will be year seven of the annual gagfest in Falkirk which last year put 2000 tickets up for sale across 11 diverse venues in the town as well as in surrounding areas such as Denny, Stenhousemuir and Bo’ness.

The next line-up will have to go some to match 2015’s which hosted the international likes of Canada’s Tony Law and Tom Stade, Ireland’s Ardal O’Hanlon and ‘French’ bon viveur Marcel Lucont as well as giving us top Scottish talents such as Phil Kay, Janey Godley, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Susie McCabe and Gary Little.

Among the locations reverberating to the sound of loud laughter were Falkirk Stadium, Behind the Wall, Grangemouth Town Hall, The Corbie Inn and Howgate Shopping Centre. As well as the roster of strong stand-up during last year’s ten-day bonanza, Funny in Falkirk provided a little bit of theatre, some magic and kids activities. (Brian Donaldson) Q Various venues, Falkirk, October, funnyinfalkirk.com 78

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, ewjf.org.uk

Set up after the Make Poverty History march in Edinburgh during the 2005 G20 meeting, the festival aims to raise the profile of international justice and development issues with a series of talks and events.

OCTOBER TBC

ABERDEEN OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeen-oktoberfest.uk

Party like you’re in Bavaria, minus the plane fare. Drink the beer, eat the bratwurst, wear the lederhosen and party the night away, stein in hand.

There’s even a family-friendly Sunday lunch for the kinder.

OCTOBER TBC

DUNDEE OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK City Square, Dundee, dundee-oktoberfest.co.uk

See Aberdeen Oktoberfest.

OCTOBER TBC

EDINBURGH COFFEE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghcoffeefestival.co.uk

A festival for lovers of all sorts of coffee, featuring workshops, tastings and demonstrations.

OCTOBER TBC

EDINBURGH RESTAURANT FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Edinburgh

Foodie events and offers at Edinburgh bars and restaurants. Last year’s event featured the Edinburgh Street Feastival with local restaurants preparing street food from pop-up stalls; The Chef’s Table, where top chefs prepared a three course dinner; and the Grassmarket Fun Foodie Day for families.

OCTOBER TBC

GIOFEST MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowimprovisersorchestra. com

Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra’s annual festival of improvised music.

See Aberdeen Oktoberfest.

OCTOBER TBC

OCTOBER TBC

IMAGINARIUM FESTIVAL

EDINBURGH OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk

See Aberdeen Oktoberfest.

FAMILY / THEATRE Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre, Peebles

Something for all young arts lovers, including dance, theatre, storytelling and comedy.

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2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

questions while maintaining an exciting and varied line-up.

3–6 NOVEMBER

OCH!TOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK The Pleasance, Edinburgh

OCTOBER TBC

MUSIC Various venues, Denholm, denholmfolkfest.co.uk

OCTOBER TBC

Scotland’s breweries join forces to make a magnificent, beerfuelled Oktoberfest beast.

OCTOBER TBC

PAISLEY HALLOW’EN FESTIVAL HERITAGE Town Centre, Paisley

There’s hallowe’eny happenings galore in Paisley, with an illuminated parade down the High Street led by a group of LED drummers, a fire garden with sculptures made from flames, street entertainment, scary storytelling and more.

SOUTHSIDE FILM FESTIVAL FILM Various venues, Glasgow, southsidefilmfestival.net

A super-local festival that brings an eclectic programme of films and workshops to ‘pop up’ cinemas in various Southside venues (cafes, pubs, clubs, schools, libraries, parks, even a boat shed). Film choices are often site specific or engage audiences by producing an event around the film.

OCTOBER TBC

DENHOLM FOLK FESTIVAL

The weekend’s programme includes evening concerts, workshops and an open stage competition.

3–6 NOVEMBER

PERTHSHIRE AMBER FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Perthshire, perthshireamber.com

A traditional music festival taking place across autumnal Perthshire.

SPREE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Paisley, thespree.co.uk

3 NOVEMBER–8 DECEMBER

PORTOBELLO BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Portobello Library, Edinburgh, portobellobookfestival.co.uk

Paisley’s national arts festival is a mix of music, comedy and arts showcasing the area’s talent.

FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

OCTOBER TBC

A chirpy wee seaside lit fest, run by volunteers and based at Portobello Library.

NOVEMBER

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

The UK-wide festival dedicated to Francophone cinema.

OCTOBER TBC

1—30 NOVEMBER

4–6 NOVEMBER

ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD

ST ANDREWS FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SCOTLAND

FOOD & DRINK Various venues, St Andrews

FOOD & DRINK SECC, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, bbcgoodfoodshowscotland.com

HERITAGE Venue tbc, Highlands, acgmod.org/nationalmod

A Scottish classic, raising a toast to Gaelic language and culture in all its forms.

A month-long celebration of Fife’s produce with demonstrations, tastings and special events across town.

OCTOBER TBC

SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL

2–9 NOVEMBER

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, mhfestival.com

MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, carryingstreamfestival.co.uk

An arts and film festival which combines high-level programming with a worthy aim: to challenge and change attitudes towards mental health. Through a series of events, workshops and screenings around Scotland, the programme probes deeper

Annual celebration of the life and work of Hamish Henderson, the founding father of the Scottish folk revival.

His legacy is celebrated with a range of events including storytelling, gigs, traditional music and poetry.

CARRYING STREAM FESTIVAL

The food and drink extravaganza heads north of the border again for another serving of celebrity chefs and star culinary attractions.

4–6 NOVEMBER

FASANTA ART Dunollie Castle, Dunollie House, Oban, dunollie.org

A celebration of Scotland’s textile heritage via a programme of events including talks, exhibitions and workshops.

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5 NOVEMBER

STIRLING GIN FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Stirling Highland Hotel, Spittal Street, Stirling, stirlingwhiskyshop.com

A celebration of gin, from the Stirling Whisky Shop, which also brings you the Stirling Whisky Festival.

9–11 NOVEMBER

THE MARTIN TAYLOR GUITAR RETREAT MUSIC Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, martintaylor.com

A three-day retreat for guitar players of all stripes.

9–13 NOVEMBER

INVERNESS FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Inverness, invernessfilmfestival.com

A small festival that packs a cinematic punch with film premieres and a handpicked selection of work by international first-time directors.

the UK for a weekend of youth theatre.

12–13 NOVEMBER

STYLING THE NATION MULTI-ARTS National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, nms.ac.uk

Workshops, demonstrations, fashion shows, talks, performance and music led by a wide range of high profile artists and experts feature across the weekend.

18 NOVEMBER

OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Oban, obanwinterfestival.com

The coastal town gets frosty with a series of activities, films and light shows to celebrate the fluffy white season that carries the year to a close. There’s even a chance Santa might stop by, when he gets a break from all that present preparation.

18–20 NOVEMBER

ABERFELDY FILM FESTIVAL

SHETLAND GUITAR FESTIVAL

FILM & TV Various venues, Aberfeldy, heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk/ aberfeldy-film-festival.html

MUSIC Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Toll Clock Centre, 26 North Road, Lerwick, shetland-music.com

Aberfeldy’s fifth film festival promises great films in a variety of unusual places including Castle Menzies, Birks Cinema and Dewar’s World of Whisky.

10–12 NOVEMBER

Biannual festival of guitar music, including concerts and workshops, curated by Martin Taylor.

11–13 NOVEMBER

CHRYSALIS THEATRE & DANCE Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, ytas.org.uk/chrysalis

Chrysalis festival brings together theatre companies from across 80

25–26 NOVEMBER

DUNDEE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Bonar Hall, The University of Dundee, Park Place, Dundee, dundeemountainfilm.org.uk

An international programme of films by local filmmakers, presentations and book signings by world renowned mountaineers.

25–30 NOVEMBER

THE SALTIRE HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, East Lothian

A festival of music, culture and heritage. East Lothian is the birthplace of the Scottish Flag and The Saltire Festival celebrates this fact alongside St Andrew’s Day. 25–30 NOVEMBER

ST ANDREW’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN ST ANDREWS FAMILY Various venues, St Andrews

Where better to celebrate our Patron Saint than the town that shares his name?

There are a host of activities for young and old alike to pay homage to St Andrew.

25–30 NOVEMBER

ST ANDREW’S DAY AT SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE FAMILY Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43–45 High Street, Edinburgh, tracscotland.org/scottishstorytelling-centre

A series of events (including much storytelling) to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. 25 NOVEMBER–1 DECEMBER

FOKUS: FILMS FROM GERMANY FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, filmsfromgermany.co.uk

A Scotland-wide event showcasing innovative, inspiring and challenging films from Germany. The 2015 programme included Scottish premieres of Victoria and B Movie: Lust & Sound in East Berlin.

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October 20s1tiv6al nal Fe Paisley’s Natio

er 016 with anoth 2 r fo k ac b e b l d much The Spree wil sic, comedy an u m f o p -u e n li sley. top-notch nues around Pai ve s u o ri va at more

Bill to be announced in the summer

thers, King acLean, Young Fa M ie ug Do , ld wi e Twilight Sad, ers include: Idle miral Fallow, Th Ad , re Fi Previous headlin e m so ne ssell Kane, y Hart and the Lo us comedians Ru pl , ns lli Creosote, Rodd Co n wy percaillie and Ed Roddy Frame, Ca MacAulay.

Sloss and Fred Craig Hill, Daniel /thespreefestival

www.thespree.co.uk

@SpreeFestival

Don’t Miss Two Fantastic Festivals By The Seaside in 2016 Great Fun For All The Family!

Food Fair Demonstrations Talks & Seminars Live Music Children’s Entertainment SATURDAY

21-22 May 20 SUNDAY

16

www.largsfoodfest.com

24-26

25 Venues 6 75 Bands 100 Gigs Children’s Entertainment

24-26

June 2016

www.largslive.com

Remember, Rediscover, Explore Largs!

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26 NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER TBC

DRAMBUSTERS WHISKY FESTIVAL

GLASGOW FESTIVAL OF BURLESQUE

FOOD & DRINK Easterbrook Hall, Crichton Royal Campus, Bank End Road, Dumfries, drambusters.com

THEATRE Classic Grand, Glasgow, glasgowfestivalofburlesque.com

A festival celebrating the water of life. Meet the makers and celebrities of the whisky world and have a wee dram of a range of malts and other spirits.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

NEON NEoN aims to advance understanding and accessibility of technology and digital-driven artforms with a mixed programme of exhibitions, screenings, installations, workshops and performance. The festival moves away from traditional art galleries to utilise spaces across Dundee with previous events including an LED dance performance on Law Hill, an immersive underwater installation at Olympia swimming pool and a multisensory extravaganza of music, live performance and projections in a municipal car park.

Each year, NEoN has a curatorial theme with previous programmes built around movement, future proofing and, most recently, experimental Asia, which examined digital works from across Japan, China, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan.

The festival commissions new work, encourages collaborations and showcases emerging talent in the field.

(Rowena McIntosh) Q Various venues, Dundee, Nov, northeastofnorth.com 82

26–27 NOVEMBER

PITLOCHRY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL FAMILY Pitlochry Church, Church Road, Pitlochry, pitlochrychurchofscotland. org.uk/christmastreefestival. htm

Two-day festival of Christmas trees.

NOVEMBER TBC

ABERDEEN WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeencity.gov.uk

Aberdeen City hosts a range of festive events and activities to get your bells a-jingling this winter, with markets, concerts, pantos, exhibitions and entertainment, plus some special St Andrews Day activities.

NOVEMBER TBC

DUNDEE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Dundee, jazzdundee.co.uk

International jazz names rub shoulders with Dundonian talent in a programme that covers many styles of jazz, including blues, soul, funk, big band and Latin.

A festival celebrating the very best in the art of cabaret, with workshops and performances throughout.

NOVEMBER TBC

GLASGOW ON ICE FAMILY George Square, Glasgow, glasgowloveschristmas.com

A chance to perfect your pirouettes (or at least let go of the side) as George Square’s open air ice rink returns for another year.

NOVEMBER TBC

GREEN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Greek Film Festival brings cutting-edge Greek filmmaking to audiences in the capital every autumn.

NOVEMBER TBC

HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Kinlochard, Aberfoyle, scottishmusicfestival.co.uk

A festival of traditional Scottish music with various artists performing in an intimate and historic setting in the Trossachs.

NOVEMBER TBC

ISLAY SESSIONS MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, islaysessions.co.uk

A small and cosy traditional music festival.

NOVEMBER TBC

NEON ART / FAMILY Various venues, Dundee, northeastofnorth.com

Scotland’s only international digital arts festival, it features LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

moving image, performance, music and technology-driven arts across Dundee.

NOVEMBER TBC

PERTH WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Perth

A whole range of days out, activities, theatre and music events to brighten up the cold winter months. Highlights include some extra special St Andrews Day activities.

NOVEMBER TBC

PLAY POLAND FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh & Glasgow, playpoland.org.uk

The biggest Polish film festival in the United Kingdom.

NOVEMBER TBC

PREVIOUSLY . . .

SCOTLAND’S HISTORY FESTIVAL HERITAGE Various venues, Edinburgh, historyfest.co.uk

Previously brings Scotland’s history to life in a packed programme.

NOVEMBER TBC

SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, scotsfiddlefestival.com

This exciting, fiddle-fuelled festival includes concerts, recitals, workshops, talks, stalls, sessions, festival clubs, and ceilidhs.

NOVEMBER TBC

SCOTLAND RE:DESIGNED VISUAL ART SWG3, Glasgow, scotlandredesigned.com

Fashion and design showcase featuring a catwalk, interiors exhibition and design display.

ST ANDREW’S DAY FESTIVALS Scotland’s national day (the one that’s not Burns Night) is celebrated widely and wildly all across the country. There’s a huge celebration on the west coast, as part of Oban Winter Festival, when 30 November rolls around with live music, dancing and usually, a cracking light display. As you might expect, St Andrews goes all out for St Andrew. In 2015, their programme of events included Scotland’s largest ceilidh, plus live music and a host of special foodie events. No doubt 2016 will be equally as impressive.

Meanwhile, in the capital, St Andrew Square becomes a one-stop centre of entertainment on the day thanks to Edinburgh’s Christmas.

There’s a whole programme of family-friendly events from theatre to live music, with 2015’s programme having included performances from the likes of Dean Owens, Liz Lochhead, Blazin’ Fiddles and more.

In East Lothian, the Saltire Festival celebrates all things Scottish.

It’s based around St Andrew’s Day, though the event typically runs for around six days, and features everything from traditional music to food and drink. Over in Aberdeen, there’s Scottish entertainment in the city centre, with everything from piping to guided walks, plus a St Andrew’s Night ceilidh so you can dance the Gay Gordons until the wee hours. (Rebecca Monks) Q Various venues, Scotland-wide, on and around 30 Nov. 83

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NOVEMBER TBC

30 DECEMBER–1 JANUARY

SHETLAND NOIR

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY

LITERATURE Mareel, Lerwick, shetlandnoir.com

A crimewriting festival for Shetland, created in association with Iceland Noir, Iceland’s own festival of the same.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY Hogmanay; noun; meaning a lot of dancing and fireworks (or, you know, New Year’s celebrations). The most famous aspect of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is arguably the street party, which pulls in thousands of visitors per year. Revellers party down on Princes Street and wait for the bells while listening to some top notch bands, before enjoying the world-famous firework display at midnight.

Hogmanay celebrations actually start heating up on 30 Dec with the Torchlight Procession through the Old Town, featuring 30,000 participants annually. Another key event includes the Old Town Ceilidh (Strip the Willow, anyone?) while on New Year’s Day you can cool your hangover with the Loony Dook, as some brave souls take a dip in the Firth of Forth.

Alternatively, you can check out Scot:Lands, a mini-festival featuring a range of live arts events in the Old Town.

(Rebecca Monks) Q Various venues, Edinburgh, 30 Dec-1 Jan, edinburghshogmanay.com 84

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghshogmanay.com

Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebration ushers the new year in with a bang.

NOVEMBER TBC

31 DECEMBER

SKYE SWING JAZZ FESTIVAL

GLASGOW LOVES HOGMANAY

MUSIC SEALL at Sabhal Mor Ostaig

FAMILY / MUSIC George Square, Glasgow, glasgowloveschristmas.com

Nostalgic jazz festival focuses on swing, big band, jitterbug and jive showcasing new and established stars in the Scottish jazz world.

A programme of family activities for the daytime and early evening of Hogmanay, including traditional music and children’s activities.

NOVEMBER TBC

SONICA

31 DECEMBER

MUSIC / VISUAL ART Various venues, Glasgow, sonic-a.co.uk

RED HOT HIGHLAND FLING

Cutting edge performance by established international artists, crossing the boundaries of music, theatre, visual and electronic art.

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, hogmanay.net

Annual Hogmanay concert in Inverness with live music plus fireworks and a big ‘Auld Lang Syne’ singalong.

NOVEMBER TBC

TO ABSENT FRIENDS MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, toabsentfriends.org.uk

A festival of remembrance and storytelling, which aims to rekindle old traditions and kick start some new ones.

DECEMBER 2–4 DECEMBER

CROMARTY FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Cromarty, Black Isle, cromartyfilmfestival.org

A film festival that fosters an intimate relationship between audience and guests.

DECEMBER TBC

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghschristmas.com

Six weeks of winter wonderland in Edinburgh.

The Guide to Scotland’s Festivals 2017 is due out at the end of January next year. Keep an eye out for festivals that grace the beginning of the year including Celtic Connections and Burns Night events.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

INDEX There are two indexes: The first lists festivals alphabetically and the second by genre.

ALPHABETICAL Burns An’ A’ That / 1759 4, 24, 25 3 Harbours Festival 45 48 Hour Film Project 44 A Festival of Classical Music 55 A Taste of Grampian 45 Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music and Drama Festival 43 Aberdeen Film Festival 77 Aberdeen International Youth Festival (Aiyf) 16, 55 Aberdeen Jazz Festival 30 Aberdeen Oktoberfest 78 Aberdeen Winter Festival 82 Aberdeen’s 50+ Festival 70 Aberfeldy Film Festival 80 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 55 Acoustic Isle 26 Active Aboyne 70 Africa in Motion Film Festival 76 African Drum Village 60 Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 5, 13, 33 The Angus Accordion and Fiddle Festival 50 Angus Cycling Festival 68 The Angus Glens Walking Festival 44 Anstruther Harbour Festival 45 Arbroath Sea Fest 61 Ardrossan Music Experience 44 Arran Folk Festival 45 Aye Write!

5, 30 Ayrshire Beer Festival 73 Balerno Music Festival 77 Ballater Victoria Week 58 Ballater Walking Festival 40 Banchory Beer Festival 25 Bandstand Beer & Music Festival 33 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 24 Bathgate Music Festival 64 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running 19, 70 BBC Good Food Show Scotland 79 Be inspired By Nature 31 Bearscotfest 73 Bell Rock Blues Music Festival 62 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 58, 66

Beltane Fire Festival 36 Best of the West Festival 67 Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought 62 Biggar Little Festival 74 Blas Festival 72 Bloody Scotland 67 Bonfest 36 Booked!

38 Bookmark: Blairgowrie, Rattray and the Glens Book Festival 77 Bootstock 70 Borders Book Festival 48, 52 Borders Heritage Festival 63 Boswell Book Festival 37 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 74 Braemar Gathering 64 Brechin Music Festival 63 Brew at the Bog 44 Bridge of Allan Contemporary Arts Festival 43 Bring It All Home 70 Building Blocks at Glasgow Art School 44 Burns An’ A’ That / 1759 4, 24, 25 Butefest 54 Buzzcut Festival 33 Caithness International Science Festival 30 Callander Jazz and Blues Festival 70 Campsie Mayfest 38 Cantilena Festival on Islay 50 Carrying Stream Festival 79 Celebrating the Glasgow Aesthetic Movement 44 Celtic Connections 24 Ceol Cholasa 67 Ceolas 50 Chrysalis 80 Claymore 58 Clo Mor Festival of Harris Tweed 61 Coastword 42 Colonsay Book Festival 34 Coloursfest 45 Conpulsion Underworld 33 Cottier Chamber Project 45 Counterflows 33 Cowalfest 73 Craft Scotland Meet Your Maker 12, 32 Craignish Arts Festival 55 Crail Festival 53 Crail Food Festival 46 Creative Loop Student Media Festival 31 Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst 73 Cromarty Film Festival 84 Culross Festival 45

Cumnock Music Festival 46 The Cumnock Tryst 70 Cupar Arts Festival 48 Dancelive 73 Dare Protoplay 58 Darvel Music Festival 70 Dead By Dawn 34 Declaration Festival 29 Denholm Folk Festival 79 Discovery Film Festival 16, 76 Document Human Rights Film Festival 74 Doom Over Edinburgh 30 The Douglasdale Gaitherin 67 Doune the Rabbit Hole 61 Drambusters Whisky Festival 82 Duck’s Beer Festival 70 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 40 Dunbar Scifest 29 Dunbar Traditional Music Festival 68 Dundead Horror Film Festival 34 Dundee Flower & Food Festival 64 Dundee Jazz Festival 82 Dundee Literary Festival 74 Dundee Mountain Film Festival 80 Dundee Oktoberfest 78 Dundee Rotary Oktoberfest 77 Dundee Science Festival 76 Dundee Women’s Festival 31 Dundonald Music Festival 40 Dunfermline Folk Weekend 76 Dunoon Film Festival 71 Early Years Festival 50 East Neuk Festival 48 The Eden Festival 46 Edinburgh Art Festival 54, 57 Edinburgh Book Fringe 63 Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race 50 Edinburgh Coffee Festival 78 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 56, 58 Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 46 Edinburgh Food Festival 63 Edinburgh independent Radical Book Fair 76 Edinburgh International Book Festival 57, 61 Edinburgh International Fashion Festival 53, 57 Edinburgh International Festival 56, 58 Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace 24 Edinburgh International Film Festival 18, 46

85

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

Edinburgh International Harp Festival 32 Edinburgh International Magic Festival 50 Edinburgh International Science Festival 5, 11, 16, 31 Edinburgh Iranian Festival 26 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 53, 57 Edinburgh Marathon Festival 43 Edinburgh Mela 57, 62 Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival 25 Edinburgh Oktoberfest 78 Edinburgh Restaurant Festival 78 Edinburgh Short Film Festival 76 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 78 Edinburgh Vegan Festival 58 Edinburgh World Justice Festival 78 Edinburgh Yarn Festival 30 Edinburgh’s Christmas 83, 84 Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 29 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 84 Eh1 Live 71 Electric Fields 62 Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival 43 Electric Glen 25 The Enchanted Forest 70 Encounters Festival 72 Environmental Arts Festival Scotland 63 European Pipe Band Championships 49 Falkirk Tryst Festival 43 Farm Fest 63 Fasanta 79 Februaryfest 24 Feis An Eilein 52 Feis Na Mara 73 Festival of Architecture 4, 11, 24. 32 Festival of Artists Moving Image 71 Festival of Light and Millport Illuminations 13, 68 Festival of Museums 38 Festival of Politics 57, 63 Festival of Spring 34 Fife Brass Bands Festival 34 Fife Festival of Music 24 Fife Food Festival 24 Fife Jazz Festival 25 Fife Science Festival 37 Fifesing: the Fife Traditional Singing Festival 38 Fifestock 29 Filmhouse Season on Architecture 11, 39, 44 Findhorn Bay Festival 12, 68, 71 Fokus: Films From Germany 80 86

Food on Film 25 Foodies Festival 58 Forest Fringe 57, 60 Fort William Mountain Festival 26 French Film Festival 79 Fringe By the Sea 63 Funny in Falkirk 55, 78 Fynefest 46 Galloway Country Fair 61 Galloway Music Festival 29 Galoshans Festival 4, 76 Gardening Scotland 44 Garioch Theatre Festival 49 Gathered Together 66 Giofest 78 Girvan Traditional Folk Festival 36 Glasgow Americana 73 Glasgow Comic Festival 50 Glasgow Festival of Burlesque 82 Glasgow Film Festival 26 Glasgow International 4, 18, 33, 36 Glasgow International Comedy Festival 30 Glasgow Jazz Festival 48 Glasgow Loves Hogmanay 84 Glasgow Oktoberfest 78 Glasgow on Ice 82 Glasgow Open House Arts Festival 44 The Glasgow Real Ale Festival 49 Glasgow Science Festival 11, 16, 46 Glasgow Short Film Festival 30 Glasgow St Patrick’s Day Festival 29 Glasgow Youth Film Festival 25 Glen Clova Folk and Ale Festival 54 Glenfarg Folk Feast 33 Graphic Design Festival Scotland 11, 73 Great Grampian Beer Festival 39 Green Film Festival 82 Groove Cairngorm 30 Groove Loch Ness 61, 62 Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival 57, 61 Haddington Festival 43 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Heavy Scotland 43 Hebridean Celtic Festival 53 Hebrides International Film Festival 71 Hidden Door Festival 42 Highland and Moray Food and Drink Festival 44 Highlands and Islands Music & Dance Festival 36 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 30 Hordes of Belial 72 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 16, 48 House Folk Festival 82

Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival 71 Iberodocs 36 Ignite 37, 42 Imaginarium Festival 78 Imaginate Festival 43 Imagination Festival 72 In Vogue 38 Innerleithen Music Festival 61 Insider Festival 50 International Ocean Film Festival 67 Inverness Film Festival 80 Inverness Music Festival 26 Iona Music Festival 55 Irvine Valley Walking Festival 38 Islay Festival of Music and Malt 40 Islay Sessions 82 Isle of Arran Mountain Festival 38 Isle of Bute Jazz Festival 36 Isle of Gigha Music Festival 49 Isle of Jura Music Festival 68 Isle of Skye Accordion and Fiddle Festival 40 Italian Film Festival Scotland 29 Jocktoberfest 64 John Muir Festival 34 Kelburn Garden Party 50 Kelso Country & Western Festival 40 King Tut’s Summer Nights 55 Kingdom of Fife Real Ale, Cider & Perry Festival 34 Kintyre Songwriters Festival 42 Kirkcaldy Film Festival 67 Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival 45 Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song 72 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh 42 Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 72 Lairg Music Festival 48 Lammermuir Festival 67 Largs Food Festival 40 Largs Live 49 Largs Viking Festival 62 Leith Festival 46 Leith Jazz & Blues Festival 50 Leithlate 49 Lentfest 25 Lilias Day Festival 45 Linkylea Festival 64 Linlithgow Civic Festival 45 Linlithgow Folk Festival 66 Loanhead Music Festival 50 Loch Fyne Food Fair 38 Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival 64 Loch Shiel Spring Festival 33 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 30 Lockerbie Jazz Festival 68 Loopallu 72 Lossiemouth Folk Club Festival 53 Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival 72 Mackintosh Festival 11, 72, 74 Magipup Festival 73 Magners’ Summer Nights 58 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 24 The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat 80 Marymass Festival 60 Mayfesto 37 Meadows Festival 45 Mendelssohn on Mull 52 Merchant City Festival 55 Mhor Festival 43 Midfest 72 Midlothian Walking Festival 59 Midstock Festival 64 Millport Country & Western Festival 64 Moniaive Folk Festival 37 Montrose Music Festival 42 Moray Walking Festival 48 Motherwell Beer Festival 70 Mugstock Festival 54 Mull of Kintyre Music Festival 61 Music at Paxton 53 The Music Farm 25 Naafc Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival 29 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 63 National Festival of Youth Theatre 16, 50 Neon 82 Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 50 Newton Stewart Traditional & Acoustic Music Festival 52 Newton Stewart Walking Festival 37 Nip 31 North Hop 29 Northern Streams 34 Oban Live 38 Oban Winter Festival 80, 83 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Festival of the Sea 42 Och!Toberfest 79 Off the Page 44 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Orkney Folk Festival 42 Orkney International Science Festival 16, 72 Orkney Jazz Festival 33 Orkney Nature Festival 39 Orkney Wine Festival 43

Outskirts 34 Paisley Beer Festival 33 Paisley Hallowe’en Festival 79 Pandora Fest 53 Papay Gyro Nights 26 Party at the Palace 61 Peebles Beltane Festival 48 Perform in Perth 28 Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival 76 Perth Beer Festival 38 Perth Festival of the Arts 40 Perth Winter Festival 83 Perthshire Amber Festival 79 Piping Live!

18, 60 Pitlochry Christmas Tree Festival 82 Pittenweem Arts Festival 58 Play Poland Film Festival 83 Portobello Book Festival 79 Portpatrick Folk Festival 64 Portsoy Music Festival: the Seventh Haal 44 Potfest Scotland 46 Previously . . . Scotland’s History Festival 83 Project A Frame 58 Puppet Animation Festival 16, 30 Really Wild Fest 37 Red Hot Highland Fling 84 Refugee Festival Scotland 48 Resonate: Total Gaming 54 Retina Photography Festival 53, 60 Rewind Scotland: the 80s Festival 54 Rock&Road Bike Festival 46 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 57, 58 The Royal Highland Show 48 Royal National Mod 18, 79 Sail Stornoway 55 The Saltire 80, 83 Samhuinn Fire Festival 76 Scotland Calling 36 Scotland Loves Anime 73 Scotland Re:Designed 83 Scotland’s Big Nature Festival 40 Scots Fiddle Festival 83 Scottish Archaeology & Heritage Festival 64 Scottish Borders Walking Festival 66 Scottish Braves Harvest Chilli Festival 64 Scottish International Storytelling Festival 74 Scottish Juniper Festival 46 The Scottish Learning Festival 68 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival 74

Scottish Queer International Film Festival 70 Scottish Real Ale Festival 52 Scottish Six Days Trial 37 Scottish Storytelling St Andrew’s Day 80 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 49 Screenplay 62 The Scribbler’s Picnic 38 Septembayr 64 Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival 73 Shetland Blues Festival 72 Shetland Fiddle Frenzy 55 Shetland Folk Festival 34 Shetland Guitar Festival 80 Shetland Jaws 49 Shetland Nature Festival 50 Shetland Noir 84 Shetland Schools’ Music Festival 30 Shetland Wool Week 68 Skye Storytelling Festival and Glendale Gathering 40 Skye Swing Jazz Festival 84 Solas Festival 48, 49 Sonica 84 Sound 74 Sound Thought 31 Southern Fried Festival 54 Southside Film Festival 79 Southside Fringe 38 Spectra: Aberdeen’s Festival of Light 12, 25 Speyfest 54 Spirit of Moray Book Festival 67 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 34 Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 38 Spree 79 Spring Fling 43 Springfest 33 St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews 80 St Andrews Food & Drink Festival 79 St Andrews Voices 74 St Magnus International Festival 48 St Monans Community Arts Festival 67 Stanza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival 5, 28 Stereofunk Festival 36 Stirling Fringe Festival 67 Stirling Gin Festival 80 The Stirling Whisky Festival 38 Stonehaven Folk Festival 52 Stowed Out Festival 62 Stranraer Rnli Park Fest 61 Strathaven Balloon Festival 63 Strichen Festival 40 87

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

Styling the Nation 80 Summerhall Beer Festivale!

40 Surge 55 T in the Park 5, 53 Take one Action Film Festival 67 Tamfest 76 Tarbert Music Festival 72 Techfest in September 66 Tectonics Festival 44 That’s Fife 32 Tidelines Book Festival 68 Tiree Music Festival 53 Tmsa Keith Festival 46 To Absent Friends 84 Tradfest 34 Trossachs Beer Festival 62 Truckfest 55 True North Festival 68 Turing Festival 61 Tweed Valley Forest Festival 76 Tweedlove Bike Festival 39 Ugie Folk Festival 54 Uk Green Film Festival 37 Ullapool Book Festival 37 Ullapool Dance Festival 28 Ullapool Guitar Festival 73 Un*Dependence Film Festival 31 The University of Aberdeen May Festival 42 Unstfest 53 Up Helly Aa 24 Uprise Dance Festival 37 Voluntary Arts Week 37 Walk Islay 33 Wee Dub Festival 29 Wee Write!

28 West End Festival 45 Whisky An’ A’ That 45 Whisky Fringe 60 The Whisky Stramash 43 The Wickerman Festival 53 Wigtown Book Festival 18, 68 Wild Lochaber Festival 40 Wild Spring Festival 31 Wildfire Festival 49 Winter Words Festival 26 Woff: World of Film International Festival Glasgow 76 Women in Science Festival 13, 29, 31 World Canals Public Programms 28 Xponorth 5, 45 Yellae Deuks 36 Yetholm Walking Festival 46 Young at Heart Festival 30 Youth Beatz 63

88

GENRE ART 3 Harbours Festival 45 Aberdeen’s 50+ Festival 70 Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 5, 13, 33 Anstruther Harbour Festival 45 Biggar Little Festival 74 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 74 Bridge of Allan Contemporary Arts Festival 43 Building Blocks at Glasgow Art School 44 Buzzcut Festival 33 Campsie Mayfest 38 Celebrating the Glasgow Aesthetic Movement 44 Clo Mor Festival of Harris Tweed 61 Coastword 42 Counterflows 33 Craft Scotland Meet Your Maker 12, 32 Craignish Arts Festival 55 Cupar Arts Festival 48 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 40 East Neuk Festival 48 Edinburgh Art Festival 54, 57 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 56, 58 Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace 24 Edinburgh Iranian Festival 26 Electric Glen 25 The Enchanted Forest 70 Encounters Festival 72 Environmental Arts Festival Scotland 63 Falkirk Tryst Festival 43 Fasanta 79 Festival of Architecture 4, 11, 24. 32 Festival of Artists Moving Image 71 Forest Fringe 57, 60 Fringe By the Sea 63 Glasgow Comic Festival 50 Glasgow International 4, 18, 33, 36 Glasgow Open House Arts Festival 44 Haddington Festival 43 Hidden Door Festival 42 Ignite 37, 42 John Muir Festival 34 Leithlate 49 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 30 Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival 72 Mackintosh Festival 11, 72, 74 Merchant City Festival 55 Midfest 72 Neon 82

Outskirts 34 Papay Gyro Nights 26 Perth Festival of the Arts 40 Pittenweem Arts Festival 58 Potfest Scotland 46 Refugee Festival Scotland 48 Retina Photography Festival 53, 60 Scotland Re:Designed 83 The Scottish Learning Festival 68 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival 74 Solas Festival 48, 49 Sonica 84 Sound Thought 31 Spectra: Aberdeen’s Festival of Light 12, 25 Spree 79 St Magnus International Festival 48 St Monans Community Arts Festival 67 Styling the Nation 80 To Absent Friends 84 The University of Aberdeen May Festival 42 Voluntary Arts Week 37

COMEDY Edinburgh Festival Fringe 56, 58 Findhorn Bay Festival 12, 68, 71 Fringe By the Sea 63 Funny in Falkirk 55, 78 Glasgow International Comedy Festival 30 Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival 72 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 63 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Perth Festival of the Arts 40 Refugee Festival Scotland 48 Southside Fringe 38 Spree 79 Stirling Fringe Festival 67 That’s Fife 32

COMMUNITY Aberdeen’s 50+ Festival 70 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 55 Bathgate Music Festival 64 Bearscotfest 73 Biggar Little Festival 74 Booked!

38 Conpulsion Underworld 33 Craignish Arts Festival 55 Crail Festival 53 Edinburgh International Fashion Festival 53, 57

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace 24 Edinburgh Iranian Festival 26 Edinburgh Mela 57, 62 Edinburgh Yarn Festival 30 Festival of Spring 34 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Meadows Festival 45 Midfest 72 Refugee Festival Scotland 48 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival 74 St Monans Community Arts Festival 67 Stranraer Rnli Park Fest 61 To Absent Friends 84 Voluntary Arts Week 37 World Canals Public Programms 28

FAMILY 3 Harbours Festival 45 Aberdeen International Youth Festival (Aiyf) 16, 55 Aberdeen Winter Festival 82 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 55 Active Aboyne 70 African Drum Village 60 Anstruther Harbour Festival 45 Arbroath Sea Fest 61 Balerno Music Festival 77 Ballater Victoria Week 58 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running 19, 70 Be Inspired By Nature 31 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 58, 66 Best of the West Festival 67 Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought 62 Borders Book Festival 48, 52 Boswell Book Festival 37 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 74 Braemar Gathering 64 Building Blocks at Glasgow Art School 44 Burns An’ A’ That / 1759 4, 24, 25 Burns Unbound 24 Caithness International Science Festival 30 Campsie Mayfest 38 Celtic Connections 24 Coastword 42 Colonsay Book Festival 34 Conpulsion Underworld 33 Craft Scotland Meet Your Maker 12, 32 Craignish Arts Festival 55 Crail Festival 53 Crail Food Festival 46

Culross Festival 45 Cupar Arts Festival 48 Dancelive 73 Dare Protoplay 58 Discovery Film Festival 16, 76 The Douglasdale Gaitherin 67 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 40 Dunbar Scifest 29 Dunbar Traditional Music Festival 68 Dundee Flower & Food Festival 64 Dundee Literary Festival 74 Dundee Science Festival 76 Dundonald Music Festival 40 Early Years Festival 50 The Eden Festival 46 Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race 50 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 56, 58 Edinburgh International Book Festival 57, 61 Edinburgh International Film Festival 18, 46 Edinburgh International Magic Festival 50 Edinburgh International Science Festival 5, 11, 16, 31 Edinburgh Mela 57, 62 Edinburgh’s Christmas 83, 84 Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 29 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 84 The Enchanted Forest 70 Encounters Festival 72 Environmental Arts Festival Scotland 63 European Pipe Band Championships 49 Farm Fest 63 Festival of Architecture 4, 11, 24. 32 Festival of Light and Millport Illuminations 13, 68 Festival of Museums 38 Festival of Spring 34 Fife Science Festival 37 Fifesing: the Fife Traditional Singing Festival 38 Findhorn Bay Festival 12, 68, 71 Food on Film 25 Foodies Festival 58 Fringe By the Sea 63 Fynefest 46 Galloway Country Fair 61 Galoshans Festival 4, 76 Gardening Scotland 44 Garioch Theatre Festival 49 Glasgow International 4, 18, 33, 36 Glasgow International Comedy Festival 30 Glasgow Loves Hogmanay 84

Glasgow on Ice 82 Glasgow Open House Arts Festival 44 Glasgow Science Festival 11, 16, 46 Haddington Festival 43 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Hebridean Celtic Festival 53 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 30 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 16, 48 Imaginarium Festival 78 Imaginate Festival 43 in Vogue 38 Isle of Gigha Music Festival 49 Kelburn Garden Party 50 Kirkcaldy Film Festival 67 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh 42 Largs Viking Festival 62 Leith Festival 46 Lilias Day Festival 45 Linkylea Festival 64 Linlithgow Civic Festival 45 Linlithgow Folk Festival 66 Loch Fyne Food Fair 38 Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival 64 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 30 Magipup Festival 73 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 24 Marymass Festival 60 Meadows Festival 45 Merchant City Festival 55 Mhor Festival 43 Midfest 72 Midlothian Walking Festival 59 Millport Country & Western Festival 64 Mugstock Festival 54 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 63 National Festival of Youth Theatre 16, 50 Neon 82 Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 50 Oban Winter Festival 80, 83 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Festival of the Sea 42 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Orkney Folk Festival 42 Orkney Nature Festival 39 Peebles Beltane Festival 48 Perth Festival of the Arts 40 Perth Winter Festival 83 Perthshire Amber Festival 79 Piping Live!

18, 60 Pitlochry Christmas Tree Festival 82 Pittenweem Arts Festival 58 Puppet Animation Festival 16, 30 Really Wild Fest 37 Red Hot Highland Fling 84 Refugee Festival Scotland 48 89

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

Resonate: Total Gaming 54 Rock&Road Bike Festival 46 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 57, 58 The Royal Highland Show 48 Sail Stornoway 55 Samhuinn Fire Festival 76 Scotland Loves Anime 73 Scotland’s Big Nature Festival 40 Scottish International Storytelling Festival 74 Scottish Storytelling St Andrew’s Day 80 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 49 The Scribbler’s Picnic 38 Septembayr 64 Shetland Nature Festival 50 Shetland Schools’ Music Festival 30 Shetland Wool Week 68 Skye Storytelling Festival and Glendale Gathering 40 Southside Fringe 38 Spectra: Aberdeen’s Festival of Light 12, 25 Spring Fling 43 St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews 80 St Andrews Voices 74 St Monans Community Arts Festival 67 Stirling Fringe Festival 67 Stranraer Rnli Park Fest 61 Strathaven Balloon Festival 63 Strichen Festival 40 Surge 55 Tamfest 76 Techfest in September 66 That’s Fife 32 Tidelines Book Festival 68 Tiree Music Festival 53 Tmsa Keith Festival 46 Truckfest 55 Tweed Valley Forest Festival 76 Tweedlove Bike Festival 39 Ullapool Book Festival 37 Ullapool Dance Festival 28 Unstfest 53 Up Helly Aa 24 The University of Aberdeen May Festival 42 Uprise Dance Festival 37 Voluntary Arts Week 37 Walk Islay 33 Wee Write!

28 West End Festival 45 The Wickerman Festival 53 Wigtown Book Festival 18, 68 Wild Lochaber Festival 40 90

Wild Spring Festival Women in Science Festival

31 13, 29, 31

FILM 48 Hour Film Project 44 Aberdeen Film Festival 77 Aberfeldy Film Festival 80 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 55 Africa in Motion Film Festival 76 Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 5, 13, 33 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 24 Counterflows 33 Creative Loop Student Media Festival 31 Cromarty Film Festival 84 Cupar Arts Festival 48 Dead By Dawn 34 Discovery Film Festival 16, 76 Document Human Rights Film Festival 74 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 40 Dundead Horror Film Festival 34 Dundee Mountain Film Festival 80 Dunoon Film Festival 71 Edinburgh International Film Festival 18, 46 Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival 25 Edinburgh Short Film Festival 76 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 78 Environmental Arts Festival Scotland 63 Filmhouse Season on Architecture 11, 39, 44 Fokus: Films From Germany 80 Food on Film 25 Fort William Mountain Festival 26 French Film Festival 79 Glasgow Comic Festival 50 Glasgow Film Festival 26 Glasgow Short Film Festival 30 Glasgow Youth Film Festival 25 Green Film Festival 82 Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival 57, 61 Hebrides International Film Festival 71 Hidden Door Festival 42 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 30 Iberodocs 36 International Ocean Film Festival 67 Inverness Film Festival 80 Italian Film Festival Scotland 29 Kirkcaldy Film Festival 67 Leithlate 49 Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival 72 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 24 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 63

On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Papay Gyro Nights 26 Play Poland Film Festival 83 Refugee Festival Scotland 48 Scotland Loves Anime 73 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival 74 Scottish Queer International Film Festival 70 Screenplay 62 Southside Film Festival 79 St Monans Community Arts Festival 67 Take one Action Film Festival 67 Uk Green Film Festival 37 Un*Dependence Film Festival 31 The University of Aberdeen May Festival 42 Woff: World of Film International Festival Glasgow 76 Xponorth 5, 45

HERITAGE Active Aboyne 70 Ballater Victoria Week 58 Beltane Fire Festival 36 Borders Heritage Festival 63 Claymore 58 Cowalfest 73 Craignish Arts Festival 55 Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst 73 Culross Festival 45 Cumnock Music Festival 46 Edinburgh’s Christmas 83, 84 The Enchanted Forest 70 Feis An Eilein 52 Festival of Museums 38 Fifesing: the Fife Traditional Singing Festival 38 Glasgow St Patrick’s Day Festival 29 Haddington Festival 43 Largs Viking Festival 62 Leith Festival 46 Mackintosh Festival 11, 72, 74 Marymass Festival 60 Naafc Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival 29 Paisley Hallowe’en Festival 79 Peebles Beltane Festival 48 Previously . . . Scotland’s History Festival 83 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 57, 58 The Royal Highland Show 48 Royal National Mod 18, 79 The Saltire 80, 83 Samhuinn Fire Festival 76 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Scottish Archaeology & Heritage Festival Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Septembayr Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival St Monans Community Arts Festival Strichen Festival Styling the Nation Tmsa Keith Festival Tradfest Tweed Valley Forest Festival Up Helly Aa

64 74 49 64 73 67 40 80 46 34 76 24

LITERATURE Aboyne and Deeside Festival 55 Aye Write!

5, 30 Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought 62 Biggar Little Festival 74 Bloody Scotland 67 Booked!

38 Bookmark: Blairgowrie, Rattray and the Glens Book Festival 77 Borders Book Festival 48, 52 Boswell Book Festival 37 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 74 Burns An’ A’ That / 1759 4, 24, 25 Burns Unbound 24 Colonsay Book Festival 34 Cupar Arts Festival 48 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 40 Dundee Literary Festival 74 East Neuk Festival 48 Edinburgh Book Fringe 63 Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair 76 Edinburgh International Book Festival 57, 61 Findhorn Bay Festival 12, 68, 71 Glasgow Comic Festival 50 Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival 72 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 63 off the Page 44 Portobello Book Festival 79 Scottish International Storytelling Festival 74 Shetland Noir 84 Skye Storytelling Festival and Glendale Gathering 40 Spirit of Moray Book Festival 67 St Monans Community Arts Festival 67 Stanza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival 5, 28

Stirling Fringe Festival The University of Aberdeen May Festival Tidelines Book Festival To Absent Friends Ullapool Book Festival Wee Write!

Wigtown Book Festival Winter Words Festival Young at Heart Festival

67 42 68 84 37 28 18, 68 26 30

MUSIC 48 Hour Film Project 44 A Taste of Grampian 45 Aberdeen Film Festival 77 Aberdeen Oktoberfest 78 Aberdeen Winter Festival 82 Aberfeldy Film Festival 80 Active Aboyne 70 Africa in Motion Film Festival 76 Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 5, 13, 33 Angus Cycling Festival 68 The Angus Glens Walking Festival 44 Arbroath Sea Fest 61 Aye Write!

5, 30 Ayrshire Beer Festival 73 Ballater Victoria Week 58 Ballater Walking Festival 40 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 24 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running 19, 70 Bbc Good Food Show Scotland 79 Be Inspired By Nature 31 Bearscotfest 73 Beltane Fire Festival 36 Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought 62 Bloody Scotland 67 Booked!

38 Bookmark: Blairgowrie, Rattray and the Glens Book Festival 77 Borders Book Festival 48, 52 Borders Heritage Festival 63 Boswell Book Festival 37 Braemar Gathering 64 Bridge of Allan Contemporary Arts Festival 43 Building Blocks at Glasgow Art School 44 Burns Unbound 24 Buzzcut Festival 33 Caithness International Science Festival 30

Celebrating the Glasgow Aesthetic Movement 44 Chrysalis 80 Claymore 58 Clo Mor Festival of Harris Tweed 61 Colonsay Book Festival 34 Conpulsion Underworld 33 Craft Scotland Meet Your Maker 12, 32 Crail Food Festival 46 Creative Loop Student Media Festival 31 Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst 73 Cromarty Film Festival 84 Dare Protoplay 58 Dead By Dawn 34 Declaration Festival 29 Discovery Film Festival 16, 76 Document Human Rights Film Festival 74 Drambusters Whisky Festival 82 Duck’s Beer Festival 70 Dunbar Scifest 29 Dundead Horror Film Festival 34 Dundee Literary Festival 74 Dundee Mountain Film Festival 80 Dundee Oktoberfest 78 Dundee Rotary Oktoberfest 77 Dundee Science Festival 76 Dundee Women’s Festival 31 Dunoon Film Festival 71 Edinburgh Art Festival 54, 57 Edinburgh Book Fringe 63 Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race 50 Edinburgh Coffee Festival 78 Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 46 Edinburgh Food Festival 63 Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair 76 Edinburgh International Book Festival 57, 61 Edinburgh International Fashion Festival 53, 57 Edinburgh International Film Festival 18, 46 Edinburgh International Magic Festival 50 Edinburgh International Science Festival 5, 11, 16, 31 Edinburgh Marathon Festival 43 Edinburgh Mela 57, 62 Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival 25 Edinburgh Oktoberfest 78 Edinburgh Restaurant Festival 78 Edinburgh Short Film Festival 76 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 78 Edinburgh Vegan Festival 58 Edinburgh World Justice Festival 78 91

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2016

Edinburgh Yarn Festival 30 Edinburgh’s Christmas 83, 84 Electric Glen 25 The Enchanted Forest 70 Encounters Festival 72 Environmental Arts Festival Scotland 63 Falkirk Tryst Festival 43 Farm Fest 63 Fasanta 79 Februaryfest 24 Festival of Architecture 4, 11, 24. 32 Festival of Artists Moving Image 71 Festival of Light and Millport Illuminations 13, 68 Festival of Museums 38 Festival of Politics 57, 63 Fife Food Festival 24 Fife Science Festival 37 Filmhouse Season on Architecture 11, 39, 44 Fokus: Films From Germany 80 Food on Film 25 Foodies Festival 58 Fort William Mountain Festival 26 French Film Festival 79 Funny in Falkirk 55, 78 Galloway Country Fair 61 Galoshans Festival 4, 76 Gardening Scotland 44 Garioch Theatre Festival 49 Gathered Together 66 Glasgow Comic Festival 50 Glasgow Festival of Burlesque 82 Glasgow Film Festival 26 Glasgow International 4, 18, 33, 36 Glasgow International Comedy Festival 30 Glasgow Oktoberfest 78 Glasgow on Ice 82 Glasgow Open House Arts Festival 44 The Glasgow Real Ale Festival 49 Glasgow Science Festival 11, 16, 46 Glasgow Short Film Festival 30 Glasgow Youth Film Festival 25 Graphic Design Festival Scotland 11, 73 Great Grampian Beer Festival 39 Green Film Festival 82 Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival 57, 61 Hawick Summer Festival 63 Hebrides International Film Festival 71 Highland and Moray Food and Drink Festival 44 Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema 30 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 16, 48

92

Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival 71 Iberodocs 36 Imaginarium Festival 78 Imaginate Festival 43 in Vogue 38 International Ocean Film Festival 67 Inverness Film Festival 80 Irvine Valley Walking Festival 38 Isle of Arran Mountain Festival 38 Italian Film Festival Scotland 29 John Muir Festival 34 Kingdom of Fife Real Ale, Cider & Perry Festival 34 Kirkcaldy Film Festival 67 Largs Food Festival 40 Largs Viking Festival 62 Linlithgow Civic Festival 45 Loch Fyne Food Fair 38 Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival 64 Mackintosh Festival 11, 72, 74 Magipup Festival 73 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 24 Marymass Festival 60 Mayfesto 37 Mhor Festival 43 Midlothian Walking Festival 59 Moray Walking Festival 48 Motherwell Beer Festival 70 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 63 National Festival of Youth Theatre 16, 50 Neon 82 Newton Stewart Walking Festival 37 Oban Winter Festival 80, 83 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Festival of the Sea 42 Och!Toberfest 79 off the Page 44 On the Rocks Student Arts Festival 32 Orkney International Science Festival 16, 72 Orkney Nature Festival 39 Orkney Wine Festival 43 Paisley Beer Festival 33 Paisley Hallowe’en Festival 79 Perth Winter Festival 83 Pitlochry Christmas Tree Festival 82 Pittenweem Arts Festival 58 Play Poland Film Festival 83 Portobello Book Festival 79 Potfest Scotland 46 Previously . . . Scotland’s History Festival 83 Puppet Animation Festival 16, 30 Resonate: Total Gaming 54 Retina Photography Festival 53, 60

Rock&Road Bike Festival 46 Royal National Mod 18, 79 Sail Stornoway 55 Samhuinn Fire Festival 76 Scotland Loves Anime 73 Scotland Re:Designed 83 Scotland’s Big Nature Festival 40 Scottish Archaeology & Heritage Festival 64 Scottish Borders Walking Festival 66 Scottish Braves Harvest Chilli Festival 64 Scottish International Storytelling Festival 74 Scottish Juniper Festival 46 The Scottish Learning Festival 68 Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival 74 Scottish Queer International Film Festival 70 Scottish Real Ale Festival 52 Scottish Six Days Trial 37 Scottish Storytelling St Andrew’s Day 80 Screenplay 62 Septembayr 64 Shetland Nature Festival 50 Shetland Noir 84 Shetland Wool Week 68 Skye Storytelling Festival and Glendale Gathering 40 Southside Film Festival 79 Spectra: Aberdeen’s Festival of Light 12, 25 Spirit of Moray Book Festival 67 Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 38 Spring Fling 43 Springfest 33 St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews 80 St Andrews Food & Drink Festival 79 Stanza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival 5, 28 Stirling Gin Festival 80 The Stirling Whisky Festival 38 Strathaven Balloon Festival 63 Styling the Nation 80 Summerhall Beer Festivale!

40 Surge 55 Take one Action Film Festival 67 Tamfest 76 Techfest in September 66 That’s Fife 32 Tidelines Book Festival 68 Trossachs Beer Festival 62 Truckfest 55 Tweed Valley Forest Festival 76 Tweedlove Bike Festival 39 Uk Green Film Festival 37 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

2016 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Ullapool Book Festival 37 Ullapool Dance Festival 28 Un*Dependence Film Festival 31 Up Helly Aa 24 Uprise Dance Festival 37 Voluntary Arts Week 37 Walk Islay 33 Wee Write!

28 Whisky An’ A’ That 45 Whisky Fringe 60 The Whisky Stramash 43 Wigtown Book Festival 18, 68 Wild Lochaber Festival 40 Wild Spring Festival 31 Winter Words Festival 26 Woff: World of Film International Festival Glasgow 76 Women in Science Festival 13, 29, 31 World Canals Public Programms 28 Yetholm Walking Festival 46

Shetland Nature Festival Tweed Valley Forest Festival Tweedlove Bike Festival Walk Islay Wild Lochaber Festival Wild Spring Festival Yetholm Walking Festival

50 76 39 33 40 31 46

POLITICS Declaration Festival 29 Document Human Rights Film Festival 74 Dundee Women’s Festival 31 Edinburgh World Justice Festival 78 Festival of Politics 57, 63 Imagination Festival 72 Scottish Queer International Film Festival 70 Take one Action Film Festival 67

SCIENCE OUTDOOR Active Aboyne 70 Angus Cycling Festival 68 The Angus Glens Walking Festival 44 Ballater Walking Festival 40 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running 19, 70 Beltane Fire Festival 36 Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought 62 Braemar Gathering 64 Cowalfest 73 Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst 73 Dundee Mountain Film Festival 80 Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race 50 Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 46 Edinburgh Marathon Festival 43 Electric Glen 25 Festival of Spring 34 Fort William Mountain Festival 26 Gardening Scotland 44 Irvine Valley Walking Festival 38 Isle of Arran Mountain Festival 38 Midlothian Walking Festival 59 Moray Walking Festival 48 Newton Stewart Walking Festival 37 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Festival of the Sea 42 Orkney Nature Festival 39 Rock&Road Bike Festival 46 Sail Stornoway 55 Scotland’s Big Nature Festival 40 Scottish Borders Walking Festival 66 Scottish Six Days Trial 37

Caithness International Science Festival 30 Dare Protoplay 58 Dunbar Scifest 29 Dundee Science Festival 76 Edinburgh International Science Festival 5, 11, 16, 31 Fife Science Festival 37 Glasgow Science Festival 11, 16, 46 Graphic Design Festival Scotland 11, 73 Mackintosh Festival 11, 72, 74 Orkney International Science Festival 16, 72 Scottish Archaeology & Heritage Festival 64 Techfest in September 66 Turing Festival 61 Women in Science Festival 13, 29, 31

THEATRE & DANCE Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music and Drama Festival 43 Aberdeen International Youth Festival (Aiyf) 16, 55 Aberdeen’s 50+ Festival 70 Aboyne and Deeside Festival 55 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 58, 66 Biggar Little Festival 74 Braemar Creative Arts Festival 74 Burns An’ A’ That / 1759 4, 24, 25 Buzzcut Festival 33 Chrysalis 80 Cowalfest 73 Culross Festival 45 Cupar Arts Festival 48

Dancelive 73 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 40 Early Years Festival 50 The Eden Festival 46 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 56, 58 Edinburgh International Festival 56, 58 Edinburgh International Magic Festival 50 Edinburgh Mela 57, 62 Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 29 Falkirk Tryst Festival 43 Findhorn Bay Festival 12, 68, 71 Forest Fringe 57, 60 Fringe By the Sea 63 Garioch Theatre Festival 49 Gathered Together 66 Glasgow Festival of Burlesque 82 Glasgow International Comedy Festival 30 Highlands and Islands Music & Dance Festival 36 Horsecross Youth Arts Festival 16, 48 Ignite 37, 42 Imaginarium Festival 78 Imaginate Festival 43 Imagination Festival 72 Lentfest 25 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 30 Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival 72 Magipup Festival 73 Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 24 Mayfesto 37 Merchant City Festival 55 Mhor Festival 43 Midfest 72 Nairn Book and Arts Festival 63 National Festival of Youth Theatre 16, 50 Northern Streams 34 Perth Festival of the Arts 40 Puppet Animation Festival 16, 30 Refugee Festival Scotland 48 Solas Festival 48, 49 Southside Fringe 38 Spree 79 St Magnus International Festival 48 St Monans Community Arts Festival 67 Stirling Fringe Festival 67 Surge 55 To Absent Friends 84 Ullapool Dance Festival 28 Uprise Dance Festival 37 West End Festival 45 Woff: World of Film International Festival Glasgow 76

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ER AND V CO TL UN SCO UR O Y

Creativity Matters To Scotland

The arts, screen and creative industries all contribute to our flourishing society in Scotland.

To tell the story of their value we introduce Creativity Matters; a new resource on our website with research papers, case studies, interviews, and links to useful organisations. These resources provide research evidence of the value of the arts, screen and creative industries for us all.

Visit Creativity Matters to find out more. www.creativescotland.com/creativitymatters Rejuvenate – Final Event, Citymoves Dance Agency Photo: Sid Scott