Festival

From puffins to killer whales, otters to Britain's rarest flowers, Shetland is a cornucopia of wildlife and this festival wants everybody to know – and experience it first hand – with a series of guided walks, family days out and evening talks.

Scotland’s festival of American roots music covers all the American Roots music bases, including blues, country, cajun, gospel, swing and soul. Artists appearing this year include the Mavericks, Patty Griffin, Shelby Lynne, Bettye LaVette, Darrell Scott and the McCrary Sisters. Fill up on workshops, free gigs, local bands…

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.

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.

Do more than listen to the stories of the bards – go on a meandering, story-filled journey of your own. Leave from Edinburgh and reach Glendale two days later, followed by a day of walks, talks and a ceilidh on Skye. Then, head back south, your lute skills now perfected (note: lute lessons not included). Led by George…

The picturesque seaside town plays host to an action-packed family-friendly festival. There's something for all ages and all tastes, from a beach day with a sandcastle competition for children and fun run for adults, to a food market and picnic day, as well as sports, magic shows, children's activities and live music over…

Scotland's only festival dedicated to drumming, with African beats echoing around the landscape of Glenisla. With the emphasis on friendly, relaxed fun, workshops are provided for all the family to learn how to sing, play and dance African style.

Christian festival with live music, talks, conferences, worship and days out. This year's events include a Ladies' Night at Drumossie with author Liz Curtis Higgs and Phillipa Hanna (who has just supported Lionel Ritchie on tour), a concert at the Ironworks with LZ7, Empire Nation and Ben Cantelon and band, and a…

A evening in the company of stage and screen actor Tom Conti, who has a wealth of experience in the world of theatre to talk about his experiences.

Twenty-eight walks over four days from gentle coastal strolls to exhilarating hikes, all guided by experienced mountain leaders. The evening programme is crowned by a popular ceilidh on the Saturday night.

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

This instalment brings members of the New York House & Ballroom community to Glasgow, along with queer theorists, performance artists, archivists, theologians and filmmakers, to explore Voguing, drag, clubbing, and the politics of race, class and gender.

Traditional music and folk are the focusses of this festival, which offers ceilidhs, concerts, dances, competitions and workshops with a line-up of prestigious guests and local, up-and-coming talent. Informal sessions allow visitors and musicians of all abilities to join in, so bring along your instrument of choice.

Initiated in 1987 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession and to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Victoria and Albert Halls, Ballater's Victoria Week brings together numerous sections of the community to lay on a host of fun activities for all ages.

Get outdoors and explore the scenery, nature and heritage of East Ayrshire with this series of guided walks and family events.

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.

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

Now in its tenth year, this favourite of the music festival scene is back with a carnival-themed birthday celebration. As well as the music expect a family-friendly atmosphere, theatre and spoken word events, ceilidhs, arts and crafts workshops and fancy dress. Line-up for 2013 includes Twin Atlantic, James, The Straits…

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 world-famous headline music acts, the programme offers something for…

The most northerly music festival on mainland UK is one of the friendliest with a programme of activities for all ages, world class food suppliers and a bar stocked with care and attention.

One of Europe's oldest festivals, this annual eight day celebration features over 300 dancers, musicians, singers and craftsmen promoting their artistic work. In addition to the main concert programme there are street performances, dance and music workshops and a children's club.