Scotland SUN PNA

SCOTLAND THE FAVE

10 unmissable events north of the border

Get back in the swing of things on a Scottish trip bursting with colour, culture and fun for the whole family

It seems like a long time since we could plan to do all the things we’d like to but if you’re aiming to get out and about in 2022, Scotland is a great bet when it comes to enjoying a huge range of entertainment. This year, it’s home to a host of happenings guaranteed to get you energised, from music, storytelling and science festivals to garden parties and big sporting moments. So, while you pack your bags and prepare for a warm Scottish welcome, here are some of the country’s most unmissable events to add to your itinerary.

After a two-year break this downhill biking spectacle is back, with world-class mountain bikers raring to showcase their talent. The main events happen across two days: the downhill race sees bikers descending the Nevis Range course, which drops a hair-raising 555m in 2.8km, while 4-Cross finds four riders tackling jumps and drop-offs in an attempt to reach the finish line first. And as if watching competitors plunging down Aonach Mor isn’t entertaining enough, spectators can also enjoy demos, shopping, eating, and drinking at the World Cup Village. Find out more at fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk.

Connect Music Festival, Edinburgh

This summer, The Royal Highland Centre hosts Connect, a festival of live music whose impressive line-up includes Massive Attack, The Chemical Brothers and The National. As well as three stages hosting music and comedy, there’s also some incredible street food to tuck into, including dishes from top Scottish chefs, plus craft brews to sip and calming wellness areas for chilling out. An on-site boutique campsite will help you make a weekend of it, while tickets for the VIP Garden are available for those who enjoy the finer things in life (like flushing loos). Visit connectmusicfestival.com to book your tickets and find out more.

Tiree Wave Classic, Tiree

When you think of windsurfing, you might picture a sunny Californian beach – but it’s the island of Tiree that hosts the longest-running professional windsurfing event in the world. Spectators can try their hand at a variety of watersports, as well as watching world-class professionals showing off their incredible skills on the wild Scottish waves. Pick your spot on one of the island’s numerous beaches to catch the action – it’s a good idea to pack some binoculars. There’s also an event village and some buzzing nightlife to keep you entertained for the whole week. Keep an eye on programme updates at tireewaveclassic.co.uk.

October 8-14

August 26-28

May 21-22

When?

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William

When?

Experience jaw-dropping headline shows, chilled-out craft workshops and off-the-wall lectures

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A family-friendly festival, Doune the Rabbit Hole offers plenty to do for all ages – although kids are definitely not a requirement to have fun. Across the weekend, the main stage on the Cardross Estate will be hosting headliners Patti Smith, Teenage Fanclub, Amy Macdonald and Belle & Sebastian. Explore the rest of the site to find DJ sets, yoga classes, craft workshops, jam sessions and talks at the Douniversity, where you can hear speakers discussing off-the-wall topics from beatboxing to why dogs love music. And, of course, there’s some fantastic food and drink to see you through the weekend. Join in the fun at dounetherabbithole.co.uk.

14-17 July

Doune the Rabbit Hole, Stirlingshire

When?

Throughout August

This year, the Scottish capital celebrates 75 years as the home of some of the finest festivals on Earth. The Edinburgh International Festival is all about music, theatre and dance events, starring artists from across the world, while the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an open-access event that allows anyone with a story and a stage to perform. It means hundreds of venues across the city will be packed with artistes of all kinds. Completing the trio of 75th anniversaries is the Edinburgh International Film Festival, where fans of the silver screen can discover new talent and restored classics. Accommodation in the area tends to get booked up fast, so take a look at the websites of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Film Festival to plan your trip. Can’t make a trip to Edinburgh in August? Then make a note of the city's other festivals that take place throughout the year – click here.

When?

Edinburgh: The World’s Leading Festival City

Prepare yourself, as far as one can, for Otherlands, a music and arts festival held in the grounds of Scone Palace. Guests will be taken on “a sensory trip into the unknown”, with cutting-edge electronic, rap, punk and rock music taking centre stage. Acts this year include DJ duo Bicep, and Jamie xx. Away from the six main stages, you’ll find local artists transporting festivalgoers with multisensory experiences, plus gourmet street food traders and boutique camping (available as an add-on to your ticket). The full programme is still to be announced, so sign up at otherlandsfestival.com for updates.

August 19-21

Otherlands, Perth

When?

August 5-14

If you prefer your music and comedy with a sea breeze thrown in, Fringe by the Sea hosts more than 150 acts over ten days in the stunning town of North Berwick. Entertainment is suitable for all ages, and includes local and international bands, comedy and silent discos, street performers and foodie masterclasses. Highlights this year include music from Texas, Candi Staton and Happy Mondays, comedy presented by Frankie Boyle and a street food hub to keep you fed and watered. The full programme will be released in late spring, so keep an eye on fringebythesea.com for more info.

When?

Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick

Enjoy the VIP treatment, glamping, fancy dress – and see rock royalty in the flesh

The Tartan Heart Festival is a family-friendly celebration of music and arts, held on the Belladrum Estate in the Highlands. This year’s theme is Myths and Legends – so, as well as catching live sets from Nile Rodgers & Chic, Van Morrison and Emeli Sandé, you can take part in the fancy dress parade for the chance to win tickets to next year’s festival. VIP, camping, glamping, campervan and “friendly flush” (posh loos) tickets are available, while the Lov Bella fine dining experience offers a brunch or three-course dinner set against the backdrop of a wooded dell. Find out everything you need to know at tartanheartfestival.co.uk.

July 28-30

Belladrum, Highlands

When?

June 18-19

If you’re interested in all things sailing, this boat festival – one of Scotland’s largest – mustn’t be missed. A celebration of maritime culture, it is steeped in history and makes a great day out for adults and kids alike (it’s pet-friendly, too). Portsoy’s picturesque 17th-century harbour has plenty to keep everyone entertained across the weekend: as well as activities on the water and heritage boats galore, there’s live music and dancing from a variety of performers, plus road races, fun runs, craft stalls and activities – not to mention lashings of fresh local seafood to keep you going. Visit stbfportsoy.org for tickets and information.

When?

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Aberdeenshire

The National Museum of Scotland hosts this science-fuelled fortnight, with events held in locations around the city, including Edinburgh Zoo and City Art Centre. The festival offers hands-on exhibits, talks, events and workshops for adults and children alike – check out Wee Wonder World for the little ones, and Climate Cocktails for those aged 18 and over. The twin centrepieces of the festival are DataSphere, a gallery filled with interactive installations about the world of data, and Consumed, an exhibition that looks at our behaviour as consumers and how we can stop it costing the earth. Take a look at the full programme at sciencefestival.co.uk.

April 9-24

Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh

When?

Also on…

At the Clydebuilt Festival (Glasgow, September 3-4), visitors can watch open-water rowing races and take part in craft activities across two venues. Enjoy year-round events marking Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. Summer finds the Borders Book Festival (Melrose, June 16-19) in full swing, previously hosted by world-famous authors including Ian Rankin and Hilary Mantel, and also offering plenty of fun for book-loving kids. Then, the Dundee Summer (Bash) Streets Festival (Dundee, July 14-24) celebrates Dundee’s status as the home of comics, bringing the city to life with Beano-themed fun. Not wanting autumn to feel left out, the Wigtown Book Festival (September 23 to October 2) invites visitors to Scotland’s national book town for a literary feast for the whole family. Highland games are as iconically Scottish as kilts. Fill up on cabers at the Stirling Highland Games (August 20), Cowal Highland Gathering (August 25-27) or the Braemar Gathering (September 3). Orkney International Science Festival (Orkney, September 1-7) comprises a week of online and live events, including music, workshops and films. Kelburn Garden Party (Kelburn, July 1-4) celebrates music, art and adventure with a magical feel in a “fairytale setting”. Party at the Palace (Linlithgow, West Lothian, August 13-14) is a festival featuring more than 50 acts, including Ocean Colour Scene and Del Amitri.

Reach new heights ... Witness the incredible action at Nevis Range

Down by the sea ... Watch world-class professionals on the water

Nothing like it … The Scottish capital hosts an unrivalled programme of events

Give us a wave … Enjoy class acts on the coast

Time to set sail … Learn about the rich history of maritime culture

At full toss ... Watch feats of strength at a Highland games gathering

Get involved … Geek out with plenty of hands-on activities

On with the show … Legendary and more modern acts complete the line-up this year

Transports of delight ... Otherlands will take you on a 'sensory trip into the unknown'

In a field of its own … From live music to fabulous food, this festival has it all

Plug into this ... There’s nothing like a little bit of live music