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Aberdeen's 50+ Festival
Date	Location
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. View full details
7 Sep–16 Sep Times vary	Various venues, Aberdeen

Aberdour Festival
Date	Location
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 raft race for adults, to food and wine tastings with twinned towns in Italy and France, as well as sports, magic shows, children's activities and live music over the course of ten days. View full details
20 Jul–29 Jul Times vary	Various Venues, Aberdour

Aberfeldy Festival
Date	Location
A bigger and better version of previous years, with plans to expand the literary strand of this community affair. Saturday features a Family Fun Day and Traders Market, while the rest will be curated by a special guest, following up the work of last year's ideas man: Ian Rankin. View full details
2 Nov–3 Nov Times vary	Various Venues, Aberfeldy

Aboyne and Deeside Festival
Date	Location
A diverse programme from the wee festival, which has covered theatre, comedy – last year featuring Hardeep Singh Kholi – with exhibitions, workshops, music and film all included. Planned acts include the Bingham Quartet and an appearance from children's author Mairi 'Katie Morag' Hedderwick. View full details
13 Jul–29 Jul Times vary Deeside Theatre will act as main venue, but some events will take pace around Deeside.	Deeside CEC Theatre, Aboyne

Active Aboyne
Date	Location
A week of events based around the natural and cultural heritage of Deeside. Daytimes are spent in the great outdoors with mushroom walks, horse riding, hill walks, gliding, kayaking and more, while evenings offer indoor inspiration in the form of a series of talks, which this year are themed around the International Year of Sustainability and the 125th anniversary of mountaineering society the Cairngorm Club. Already booked to appear is Stephen Venables, notable as the first Briton to climb… View full details
15 Sep–24 Sep Times vary	Various Venues, Aboyne & Deeside

African Drumming Village
Date	Location
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. View full details
31 Jul–4 Aug Times vary	Glenisla, Perth

Aberdeen International Youth Festival
Date	Location
Festival celebrating theatre, music and dance, as performed by youth groups from Scotland, the UK and abroad. Among the 2011 highlights were performances of new productions based on Shakespeare, Burns and Dumas, as well as the city centre Festival Parade and live music from the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. Naturally, there's also a dedicated strand of children's events, including hands on workshops in music, percussion, dance and theatre. View full details
1 Aug–11 Aug Times vary	Various venues, Aberdeen

Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival
Date	Location
A quirky film festival which points focus at work relating to the natural world and our relationship with it. Set against the backdrop of Hawick, this year's programme promises a range of short and full-length films, with children's workshops, Q&A sessions and special screenings to share passion for the moving image. Booking is essential. View full details
26 Oct–28 Oct Times vary	Tower Mill, Hawick

aLive Festival
Date	Location
Christian festival with live music, talks, conferences, worship and days out. View full details
16 Jun–23 Jun Times vary	Various Venues, Inverness

Angus Glens Walking Festival
Date	Location
Explore the Angus Glens with a selection of walks led by experienced rangers and mountaineers, with some strenuous numbers for the committed walker and easier jaunts for those just breaking in their boots. Evening events will be laid on for meet-ups after a hard day's hike. New walks for 2012 include Glen Clova and Glen Lethnot to Glen Esk. View full details
31 May–3 Jun Times vary	Angus, Angus

Annick Valley Outdoor Festival
Date	Location
Annual walking festival throughout the beautiful Annick Valley countryside with a mix of guided walks and family events. The event ties in with the region's Doors Open Day, giving visitors and locals alike the opportunity explore Kilmaurs, Stewarton and Dunlop inside and out. View full details
1 Sep–2 Sep Times vary	Various venues

Annuale
Date	Location
A chance for Edinburgh artist-led projects to show off their talents, supported by The Embassy. A celebration of all things grassroots and artist in Auld Reekie. View full details
8 Jun–24 Jun Times vary	Embassy, Edinburgh

Arbroath Sea Fest
Date	Location
Annual festival of maritime heritage, with events this year taking on a WWII theme. There are 1940s vehicle displays, music and song from the wartime era and a journey back in time from Arbroath Abbey Timetheme. On top of this are the usual attractions including the star of the show, the Smokie Trail – around 70 stalls packed with fresh seafood along Arbroath harbour, including the eponymous smoked fish delicacy, plus craft stalls offering everything from jewellery to confectionery. View full details
4 Aug–5 Aug Times vary	Arbroath Harbour, Arbroath

Arches LIVE
Date	Location
A vibrant programme of new and experimental dance, visual art and theatre events that takes over the myriad nooks and crannies of the Arches. 2011 featured Stef Smith's Jamais Vu, Ross MacKay’s The Medium and a collaboration between Cara Berger and the Flatrate Theatre Company based around the book of Genesis. View full details
17 Sep–29 Sep Times vary	The Arches, Glasgow

Arran Folk Festival
Date	Location
The island known for being Scotland in miniature presents a weekend of folk, with sessions, concerts and ceilidhs centred in Brodick. View full details
14 Jun–17 Jun Times vary	Isle of Arran (various), Isle of Arran

Auchinleck's Alive and Kicking Festival
Date	Location
Concerts by mainstream folk and rock and pop covers bands and a dinner dance in the evenings are complemented at this local festival by a daytime programme of art exhibitions, craft fairs, a football tournament and a funfair. View full details
27 Jul–29 Jul Times vary	Auchinleck, Auchinleck

Auchmithie Arts Festival
Date	Location
Held in the home of the Arbroath Smokie, the Heritage Arts Auchmithie Residents (HAAR) have put together their second annual weekend featuring pottery, paintings, photography, jewellery, and prints from local artists and craft workers. There will also be a tearoom serving up home-baked treats and tea. View full details
18 Aug–19 Aug Times vary	Auchmithie

Auchtermuchty Festival
Date	Location
A selection of formal and informal traditional music events, including ceilidhs, competitions, concerts and workshops set around the historic village of Auchtermuchty. Events include a pageant, featuring local children and a Grand Open Air Dance to end the festival with a whirl. View full details
10 Aug–12 Aug Times vary	Auchtermuchty, Auchtermuchty

Ayrshire Burns Brightly
Date	Location
A series of arty projects taking inspiration from the democratic ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment, and how they inspired Burns. Installation and soundscape experiences take over Ayrshire, and there's also a large cardboard tower that the public are invited to help tear down. Part of Roofless. View full details
31 May–3 Jun Times vary	Various Venues, South Ayrshire

Ballater Victoria Week
Date	Location
The Ballater community has been hosting Victoria Week since 1987, making this year a silver jubilee to go with the Queen's Diamond celebrations. In honour of all those years of royalty, the programme of events includes a film night, book fair, exhibitions, safari and children's disco. View full details
4 Aug–12 Aug Times vary	Various Venues, Ballater

Ballochmyle Outdoor Festival
Date	Location
Get outdoors and explore the scenery, nature and heritage of East Ayrshire with this series of guided walks and family events. View full details
21 Jul–22 Jul Times vary	Various venues

Barrafest
Date	Location
Scotland's most westerly music festival boasts two nights of top quality traditional music. View full details
27 Jul–28 Jul Times vary	Various Venues, Barra

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running
Date	Location
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. Those less inclined to lycra can still enjoy the Event Village at the finish line, with a Food and Drink Fayre and entertainment for all. View full details
29 Sep–30 Sep Times vary	Bught Park, Inverness

Bell Rock Blues Festival
Date	Location
A weekend of jazz and blues music from some of the finest local and visiting musicians, taking over a host of venues around the coastal town. View full details
24 Aug–26 Aug Times vary	Various Venues, Arbroath

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Date	Location
The line-up at Belladrum is always a great mix of (usually) Scottish mainstays and rising stars 2012 features Travis, The Wombats, Beverly Knight, Frightened Rabbit, We Are Scientists, The Bizzcocks, Vintage Trouble, Slow Club, Fink, Treacherous Orchestra and many more. But the line-up almost takes second place to the warm, family-friendly atmosphere in place – every year has a new fancy dress theme, and there's street theatre, spoken word events, craft and puppetry classes and more for a bit… View full details
3 Aug–4 Aug Times vary	Belladrum, Inverness

Best of the West Festival
Date	Location
Held in the grounds of supposedly-haunted Inveraray Castle, this festival offers food from Argyll to sample (Loch Fyne Oysters are a sponsor), whisky and real ale to try, live music, crafts and kids' entertainment. View full details
15 Aug–16 Aug To be confirmed	Inveraray Castle, Argyll

Bfest
Date	Location
Boasting its status as the northernmost mainstream music festival in the UK. For 2012, they’re planning more facilities for families, including kids’ fairground rides and a family viewing area, as well as a little comedy and the usual outdoor and indoor music stages. The Proclaimers headline with La Fontaines, Fatherson, Kazabian, The Imagineers, The Maydays and more. View full details
10 Aug–11 Aug Times vary	Riverside, Wick

Big Tent
Date	Location
Three-day event mixing entertainment with environmentally-minded education. With creative workshops, puppet shows and storytelling for children, exhibitions, displays and debates for adults, and a festive ambience provided by world music artists, the festival will provide serious fun for all ages. This year's line-up includes Karine Polwart, The Treacherous Orchestra, Breabach, The Proclaimers, Alex Reid & Rob van Sante, The Horndog Brass Band and many more. View full details
21 Jul–22 Jul Times vary	Big Tent, Falkland

Biggar Little Festival
Date	Location
The name is something of a red herring as this small Lanarkshire is really punching above its weight with a programme of around 70 varied arts events put on by different community groups and local businesses, plus a couple of big name touring artists booked by the festival committee. Covering comedy, theatre, exhibitions, walks, dance and music of all kinds, the festival offers affordable local access to the arts for all. View full details
18 Oct–28 Oct Times vary	Various Venues, Biggar

Black Isle Words
Date	Location
In the cosy setting of the Old Brewery, this festival places an emphasis on local writers and an informal environment. Events include a ceilidh without dance, where authors are encouraged to freely improvise and collaborate together, as well as a number of literary workshops. View full details
7 Sep–9 Sep Times vary	The Old Brewery, Cromarty

Blas Festival
Date	Location
Attracting thousands of festival-goers for its authenticity, the Blas festival celebrates the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands of Scotland, with international, national and local performers in venues across the region. The festival, which includes a school and community programme, delivers up to 80 events, while also giving opportunities for young musicians and communities in remote areas to experience live music. View full details
7 Sep–15 Sep Times vary	Highlands, The Highlands

Blazin' in Beauly
Date	Location
The brainchild of Blazin' Fiddles, designed to immerse visitors in the music of the Highlands and Islands through concerts, sessions, talks and workshops - making this one of the finest fiddle festivals around. View full details
15 Oct–19 Oct Times vary	Beauly, Beauly

Bloody Scotland
Date	Location
Scotland's first festival dedicated to crime fiction has picked a good time to start – 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes story, the 35th anniversary of William McIlvanney’s Laidlaw (generally reckoned to be the start of Tartan Noir), and the 25th anniversary of the first publication of Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels. More than 40 crime writers will be attending the festival to share their views on the genre. View full details
14 Sep–16 Sep Times vary	Stirling, Stirling

Books, Borders and Bikes
Date	Location
A festival of literature and thought, with a healthy twist. As well as intelligent events which look at important political and cultural themes through literature and other art forms, visitors can also join woodland walks and storytelling cycle rides around the grounds. Past guests include Mark Thomas, Sir Menzies Campbell and David Starkey. View full details
18 Aug–19 Aug Times vary	Traquair House, Innerleithen

Bootstock
Date	Location
The Bootstock Association started this festival to fund projects to help disadvantaged children in Nepal. As well as live music, there are a number of family activities including a raffle, sports and games. Arts and crafts from Nepal will be on sale. View full details
1 Sep 2pm	Resolis Memorial Hall, Dingwall

The Border Gaitherin – Coldstream 2012
Date	Location
The Border Gatherin offers a chance to camp near the River Tweed in Coldstream before taking in a weekend of traditional music and dance. Local talent will be showcased in an open stage competition, plus there are workshops and ceilidhs for those who want to join in the fun. View full details
1 Jun–3 Jun Times vary	Coldstream

Borders Book Festival
Date	Location
Taking place in the National Trust's Georgian Harmony Garden, the Borders Book Festival attracts world-class literary figures, this year featuring Iain Banks, Hilary Mantel, Ian Rankin, Liz Lochhead, Andy McNab and Kathy Lette, as well as stars including Sir David Frost, Rory Bremner and Jeremy Vine. The Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction is also announced, and family events include sessions based on popular books, as well as book printing, writing competitions, and storytime and… View full details
14 Jun–17 Jun Times vary	Harmony Garden, Melrose

Braemar Gathering
Date	Location
A high-profile highland games event – it is often attended by members of the royal family as well as spectators from around the world – the Braemar Gathering features caber tossing, highland dancing, running on the track and the hill, tug of war and both solo and ensemble piping. View full details
1 Sep 9.30am	Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar

British Science Festival
Date	Location
The touring science fest alights in Aberdeen for a week of exhibitions, workshops, talks, activities, film screenings and more, all on a science theme and with something for adults, families and schools alike. View full details
4 Sep–9 Sep Times vary	Various venues, Aberdeen

The Bruce Festival
Date	Location
Dunfermline, home to the story of Robert the Bruce as well as the legendary king's grave, hosts a weekend of historical activities and re-enactments with a strong family feel. The centrepiece is Bruce Live in the Glen, a medieval village teeming with craftsmen, jesters, soldiers and knights, with storytelling, battle demos and plenty of hands-on activities to get involved with (sticking wounded soldiers back together at the medieval hospital being just one rather gruesome example). View full details
24 Aug–26 Aug To be confirmed	Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

Burns an' a' That! Festival
Date	Location
One of Scotland's prized festivals, celebrating the life and times of our Robert Burns. Literary events, music, talks and films are joined by more unusual events, all linked to Burns. View full details
30 May–3 Jun Times vary	Various Venues, Ayrshire

Bute Linedance Festival
Date	Location
The 21st annual line dance festival on Bute, offering the chance to dance to country, blues, Irish and Latin tunes from bands like Calico and Magill. The weekend is open to all dancers, no matter what level of expertise. View full details
21 Sep–23 Sep Times vary	Isle of Bute, Isle Of Bute

Callander Jazz and Blues Festival
Date	Location
Scotland's largest rural jazz and blues festival features more than 50 live performances, from open mic sessions to headline sessions in the Theatre Yurt and the afternoon Jazz Cruise on Loch Katrine. Highlights from 2011 included Russia's Pervoe Solnce, America's Kent Duchaine and Scotland's own Sound of Seventeen Big Band. View full details
28 Sep–30 Sep Times vary	Various Venues, Callander

CAMRA Aberdeen Grampian and Northern Isles Beer Festival
Date	Location
The Campaign for Real Ale's most northerly festival features a range of real cider, perry and bottled continental beers alongside its massive selection of 100 real ales from around the UK. Among the events in the 2012 edition is the Olympic-themed 'Thirst Among Equals' session. View full details
31 May–2 Jun Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat noon–11pm	Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen

Cantilena Festival on Islay
Date	Location
A celebration of classical music that has been going for over 30 years, this week of concerts aims to bring together audiences and artists of diverse backgrounds in a grand Hebridean setting to enjoy works by traditional composers. Professional musicians rehearse and perform with a pool of young musicians in informal surroundings, as a way of breaking down musical barriers and making the music available to the people of Islay. View full details
1 Jul–6 Jul Times vary	Various Venues, Isle Of Islay

Ceol Cholasa
Date	Location
With a population of only 120, the island of Colonsay is one of the most secluded areas in Scotland, so it makes sense that it should be the setting for an extremely intimate folk festival. Artists who have performed here in the past include Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, Karine Polwart, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Roddy Woomble and Heidi Talbot. View full details
13 Sep–16 Sep Times vary	Colonsay, Isle of Colonsay

Ceolas
Date	Location
Run in tandem with a summer school offering tuition in Scottish music and dance, the Ceolas concerts showcase the finest in Gaelic performing arts traditions, with ceilidhs, dances and music from tutors and guest artists. Piping quartet Seudan and singers Rona Lightfoot, Mairead Stewart and Kathleen MacInnes were among the highlights in 2011. View full details
1 Jul–6 Jul Times vary	Various venues, South Uist

Coloursfest
Date	Location
Coloursfest is Scotland's longest running dance event and each year brings together 10,000 clubbers and a roster of superstar DJs. This year's line-up includes Paul van Dyk, Laidback Luke, Paul Oakenfold, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Bryan Kearney, John O'Callaghan, Artic Moon, Indecent Noise and John Askew. View full details
2 Jun–3 Jun 5pm	Braehead Arena, Glasgow

Cowalfest
Date	Location
Walking festival that takes place amid the natural splendour of the Cowal peninsula. As well as an extensive range of guided walks for all ages and abilities, there are also live music performances, bike and horse rides and art exhibitions and workshops. View full details
5 Oct–14 Oct Times vary	Cowal, Cowal Peninsula

Craignish Arts Festival
Date	Location
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, in particular a range of arts workshops and the incredibly popular Pirate Parade. View full details
21 Jul–5 Aug Times vary	Various venues, Craignish

Crail Festival
Date	Location
A series of events around the fishing village of Crail. This year promises an abundance of activities for children, a full workshop programme, a jammed concert series and a bit of open air Gilbert and Sullivan to counterbalance the planned ABBA night. View full details
18 Jul–28 Jul Times vary	Crail, Anstruther

Crail Food Festival
Date	Location
A celebration of food from Fife, including local producer’s markets, food sampling, cookery demonstrations and workshops. The thing that raises this above other food fests of its ilk, though, is the top-notch musical entertainment that takes place in the evening – 2011 featured local lad (and Mercury Prize nominee) King Creosote. View full details
15 Jun–17 Jun Times vary	Crail, Anstruther

Crieff & Strathearn Drovers' Tryst
Date	Location
Held annually during Michaelmas week, the Tryst is celebrated in memory of the labourers and farm-hands who made Crieff their cattle-driving crossroads in the 1700s. While much of the festival consist of walks in the Strathearn countryside surrounding the town, there are also pipe band displays, a country market, mountain bike races and a variety of music, drama, film and dancing events. View full details
6 Oct–13 Oct Times vary	Strathearn, Strathearn

Crieff Berry Festival
Date	Location
A festival to taste the bounty of berries (or practice your self defence against fresh fruit) at the height of Perthshire's soft fruit season. Last year saw appearances by Struan the giant walking strawberry, seasonal berry creations by local restaurants, and a berry-centric family fun day at the market. View full details
11 Aug Times vary	James Square, Crieff

Cromarty Film Festival
Date	Location
A film festival grounded in a genuine passion for all things cinematic. Otherwise known as 'My Favourite Film' Festival, industry personalities are invited to select their film picks and then discuss their choice after the screening. The festival also prides itself on unusual locations, with past screenings taking place in a lighthouse, a garden and onto the end of a house. Children's films and activities also available. View full details
7 Dec–9 Dec Times vary	Cromarty, Black Isle

Culross Festival
Date	Location
A varied, classy festival set in the grounds of a historic family home – a fact which seeps into the cosy family feel of the programming, which crosses from opera to blues with a sidestep at theatre and a medieval fair. View full details and ticket info
1 Jun–3 Jun Times vary	Abbey House, Culross

Cumnock Music Festival
Date	Location
A family friendly weekend offering music in the evenings and a carnival on Saturday. Friday features The Tremeloes and The Fortunes, while Saturday offers The Troggs, Ballroom Blitz, and an old school music night. Choral evenings with local artists are held earlier in the week leading up to Friday's kick off. View full details
9 Jun–16 Jun Times vary	Cumnock, Cumnock

DanceLive
Date	Location
Contemporary dance festival based in Aberdeen, including performances, film screenings, masterclasses and educational workshops. The 2012 festival will open with a world premiere choreographed by artistic director Andy Howitt, and will feature new choreography and commissions from Scottish based artists, as well as leading dance companies including Scottish Dance Theatre, Rosie Kay Dance Company and Company Chameleon. View full details
15 Oct–28 Oct Times vary	Various venues, Aberdeen

Deep Fried Film Festival
Date	Location
Now in its sixth year, the festival is going international for the first time, with simultaneous events taking place in Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway and the USA. By promoting stronger and better relationships between filmmakers and production organisations the festival aims to make filmmaking more accessible to local communities. There are also dedicated children's events to give young people an insight into the industry. View full details
11 Aug–18 Aug Times vary	The Conforti Institute, Coatbridge

Denholm Folk Festival
Date	Location
A wee folk festival for a wee village. The weekend's programme includes evening concerts, workshops and an open stage competition. The main events are joined by continual sessions for uninterrupted foot-tapping. View full details
2 Nov–4 Nov Times vary	Various Venues, Denholm

Discovery Film Festival
Date	Location
Scotland's international film festival for children and young people features a whole range of international treats, including films from as far afield as Japan, Russia and Africa. There's also the chance to get involved in workshops, industry master classes and lots of fun film events. View full details
2 Oct–4 Nov Times vary	Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee

Document 10 Film Festival
Date	Location
This documentary film festival uses international film to raise the profile of human rights and social issues that are not exposed in the mainstream media. This year is the festival's tenth anniversary, so there are a number of special events including a retrospective of the best films from the last decade as well as the usual wide range of films from reportage to cinematic essays, investigative journalism to left-field experiments, plus an accompanying programme of art, live music and talks. View full details
20 Oct–23 Oct Times vary	CCA, Glasgow

Doon Valley Outdoor Festival
Date	Location
Taking in the beautiful countryside around the Doon valley, this walking festival features a mixture of guided walks and family events, including a Bat Walk and the Rhinns O’Kells Challenge – a seven hour trek over the Nine Tops range. View full details
17 Aug–19 Aug Times vary	Doon Valley, Dalmellington

Doors Open Days
Date	Location
A chance to look inside over 900 of the most interesting and significant pieces of architecture around Scotland, completely free of charge. Previous highlights have included Hampden Park, a Red Road community flat (now demolished), Donaldson’s College in Edinburgh (now private residences) and Edinburgh University’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre. View full details
1 Sep–30 Sep Times vary	Various Venues, Scotland

The Doric Festival
Date	Location
Community-organised festival held in the north-east of Scotland, celebrating the area's Doric traditions and heritage. Storytelling, song, drama and musical concerts and recitals form the backbone of the events programme, with the sustenance of the Doric language supported through prose, poetry and drama-writing competitions. View full details
28 Sep–14 Oct Times vary	Various venues

Douglasdale Folk Festival
Date	Location
Small-scale festival celebrating all varieties of acoustic music, with a competition for up and coming artists (winners get a guaranteed slot on the main stage in 2013). There are also workshops in various instruments and more intimate pub sessions. The 2012 line-up includes the Tannahill Weavers, Pilgrim's Way, Heather Young and 2011 Open Stage winners The Daddy Naggins and Gordon Neil. View full details
14 Sep–16 Sep Times vary	Douglas, Douglas

Doune the Rabbit Hole
Date	Location
Boutique music festival with a lovely woodland setting and additional forays into theatre, comedy and spoken word performances. 2012's line-up includes King Creosote, Hidden Orchestra, The Phantom Band, Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat, JD Twitch (Optimo), Malcolm Middleton, Kid Canaveral, Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard, Pram, Josie Long, Withered Hand, The Lovely Eggs, Three Blind Wolves, The Cosmic Dead, The Stagger Rats, Loch Awe, Sophie Ramsay, Pumajaw, John Knox Sex Club, Laura J Martin… View full details
24 Aug–26 Aug Times vary	DunCarron Fort

Downhill Downtown
Date	Location
Two nights of live music as part of UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Friday features Stanley Odd with more tbc while Saturday sees performances from King Creosote, The Phantom Band, Admiral Fallow, Bwani Junction, The Little Kicks, Homework and more. View full details and ticket info
8 Jun–9 Jun To be confirmed	Nevis Centre, Fort William

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival
Date	Location
To say the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival ticks a few boxes would be an understatement. Established in 1979 with a view to bring world-class artists to a mainly rural area, it has grown in confidence and sale year on year. The nine-day family-friendly multi-arts Borders-based festival boasts everything from theatre, dance and music to literature, film and art. Acts appearing last year included Opera Wow, Dick Gaughan, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The jamboree culminated in Streets… View full details
25 May–2 Jun Times vary	Various Venues

Dumfries Folk 'n Ale Festival
Date	Location
Bringing together two of Scotland's finest exports, the cheekily named Folk'n'Ale festival infuses the erstwhile CAMRA Beer Festival with music and song from around the country. As well as over 50 cask ales being sold in bars around Dumfries, there's a street folk concert, a busking competition and several music sessions in the pubs themselves. View full details
13 Jul–14 Jul Times vary	Various venues, Dumfries

Dunbar Traditional Music Festival
Date	Location
As it approaches its silver anniversary, the DTMF has 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. View full details
28 Sep–30 Sep Times vary	Dunbar, Various venues, Dunbar

The Dundee Blues Bonanza
Date	Location
Over 130 local and international blues artists play, and watching is completely free of charge. 2011's highlights included Vigilantes, Three Card Trick, Street Dog Andersen, Doc Brown & The Groovecats, Baby Isaac, Al Hughes and the Black Cat Jook Band. There's also a dedicated junior workshops strand, covering tuition in harmonica, slide guitar, piano, drumming and more. View full details
29 Jun–1 Jul Times vary	Various venues, Dundee

Dundee Flower and Food Festival
Date	Location
A delicious staple in the Dundee calendar, with food and drink tastings, chef demonstrations, live music and competitions including the World Jampionships. Once they've had enough to eat, shows and face-painting are on hand to entertain the kids. View full details
31 Aug–2 Sep Times vary	Camperdown Country Park, Dundee

Dundee Mountain Film Festival
Date	Location
Leading a small but popular corner of the market, the Dundee Mountain Film Festival is the UK's longest running mountain film fest, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012. The programme consists of films by local filmmakers, presentations and book signings by world renowned mountaineers, adventurers and expedition leaders, and art and photography exhibitions. View full details
23 Nov–24 Nov Times vary	Bonar Hall, Dundee

Dundee Rotary Oktoberfest
Date	Location
Throughout the long weekend a host of live bands provide a soundtrack to the main event: 30 real ales and ten continental biers, which are housed in the atmospheric surrounds of Dundee's Discovery Quay. View full details
28 Sep–30 Sep Times vary	Discovery Quay, Dundee

Dundee Science Festival
Date	Location
Family-friendly science fest with a diverse programme, featuring hands-on workshops, science shows, lectures, debates, talent contests, exhibitions, school programmes, and events that fuse science with comedy, dance, art and history. The events also cover a broad range of scientific disciplines, including robotics, biodiversity, space, digital arts and the more technical sides to cookery and filmmaking. View full details
3 Nov–18 Nov Times vary	Various venues, Dundee

Dundee WestFest
Date	Location
Community arts festival based in the west end of Dundee, starting with a gala day, Big Sunday, on Magdalen Green that features live music and entertainment, kids' activities, stalls, food and drink. Throughout the week there's a mix of walks, talks, literary events, music, dance, theatre, art and film. View full details
10 Jun–18 Jun Times vary	Various venues, Dundee

Dundonald Music Festival
Date	Location
A folk/rock weekender with a concert each night and performances from Penetrations, Fu' Pelt and Stone Pony. There are also music workshops and competitions for children and camping with a bonfire where festivalgoers enjoy themselves into the night. View full details
22 Jun–24 Jun Times vary	Dundonald, Dundonald

Dunfermline Folk Weekend
Date	Location
Run by a folk club that's been in existence now for over 50 years and attracting dozens of ceilidh bands, fiddle groups and solo artists from all over Scotland, this festival appeals to a mixture of club regulars and families. As well as sessions, ceilidhs, concerts and songwriting workshops, there are family stories and songs often with a Hallowe'en theme. View full details
26 Oct–28 Oct Times vary	Dunfermline, Dunfermline

Early Years Festival
Date	Location
Dedicated to babies and toddlers, this two year old, week-long festival takes a diverse approach to engaging the wee ones with visual art, theatre, movement, sport, film, and more. This year features workshops with Starcatchers and fun kids theatre including Hairy Maclary and The Magic Porridge Pot. View full details
1 Jul–8 Jul Times vary	Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow

East Neuk Festival
Date	Location
An appreciation of classical music, excellence in writing and visual art, held in the scenic East Neuk of Fife. Visitors can expect to find musicians both local and international in attendance, including this year the Hagen Quartet, the Leipzig String Quartet and various ensembles from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, while the wordy strand includes nature writer Richard Mabey, poet Tom Pow and novelist Andrew Greig. View full details
27 Jun–1 Jul Times vary	Various venues, East Neuk

East Renfrewshire Winter Festival
Date	Location
This one-day spectacular will be host to a dry ski slope, festive arts and crafts fair in Carmichael Hall with dozens of stalls selling homemade gifts and treats, decoration making with the country park rangers, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, live music and more. In short, everything you need to fill you with festive cheer. View full details
2 Dec 11am	Eastwood Park, Giffnock

The Eden Festival
Date	Location
A classy wee boutique festival, 2012's line-up includes Badly Drawn Boy, A Skillz, Slamboree, Sicknote, Mungos Hi Fi, King Porter Stomp, Bombskare, The Undercover Hippy, John Langan and Beans on Toast. The music is supported by family-friendly activities, exhibitions and cabaret and comedy tents. View full details
15 Jun–17 Jun Times vary	Raehills Meadows, Moffat

Edinburgh Art Festival
Date	Location
A celebration of visual art across the capital, with exhibitions, artist talks, special events, tours and live music. EAF encompasses the full spectrum of the visual arts world, from repurposed warehouses and historic masterpieces to the best cutting edge work. Its programme of commissions shows the best of contemporary Scottish art in unexpected places. View full details
2 Aug–2 Sep Times vary	Various venues, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Book Fringe
Date	Location
Hosted by Word Power Books, this festival gives a platform to local publishers and writers, whether polemicists or comedians, during the capital's festival month. The Word Power bookshop is an intimate venue where authors can engage with their audience. View full details (Edinburgh Festival Guide)
10 Aug–24 Aug Times vary	Word Power Bookshop, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Date	Location
The big daddy of arts festivals, the Fringe has it all. The facts and figures speak for themselves: nearly 1.9 million tickets sold in 2011 for 41,689 performances of 2,542 shows in 258 venues. It's the biggest celebration of theatre, comedy, cabaret, children's shows, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, exhibitions and music in all its forms in the world. View full details
3 Aug–27 Aug Times vary	Various venues, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Independent & Radical Book Fair
Date	Location
The Independent and Radical Book Fair hosts another plethora (over 70 publishers were present at the last festival) of left-field stalls, as well as exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, creative writing events and author talks. View full details
24 Oct–28 Oct Times vary	Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Interactive
Date	Location
An annual conference for those in the interactive entertainment and media sectors has given rise to an accompanying public programme which features screenings of brand new video game excerpts, gameplay sessions, workshops and industry talks and advice (making this a particularly unmissable event for those looking to get a job in video games). View full details
9 Aug–11 Aug Times vary	Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Book Festival
Date	Location
One of the world's biggest and most prestigious book festivals, the EIBF annually welcomes over 750 writers, poets, artists, politicians, journalists and thinkers from around the world to discuss, debate and review the world in which we live. With readings, debates, workshops every day, visitors can engage with world renowned authors and debut novelists, Nobel prize winners and children's illustrators. View full details
11 Aug–27 Aug Times vary	Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Festival
Date	Location
Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, with performers this year drawn from Australia, America, Russia, Japan, Europe and the Middle East. Already announced for 2012 are two innovative adaptations of Shakespeare: TR Warszawa’s 2007: Macbeth and Dmitry Krymov’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (As You Like It). And in Britain's Olypmic summer Edinburgh’s iconic mountain, Arthur’s Seat, is to be spectacularly… View full details and ticket info
9 Aug–2 Sep Times vary	Various venues, Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Film Festival
Date	Location
Now 66 years old, the EIFF is facing a period of change, with a new director at the helm and a reputation to regain as one of the most important film festivals in the UK. We don't yet know what format this year's festival will take, but expect UK and international premieres, retrospectives, short film programmes, panel discussions, live talks, educational and training sessions. View full details
20 Jun–1 Jul Times vary	Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Date	Location
This magical new player on the Edinburgh festival scene returns for a third year in 2012 and is sure to have an even bigger array of performances, live illusions, close-up magic, films and children's shows. The festival is a not-for-profit venture also incorporating a grand trick-off contest, a gala show and speakers from the world of magical entertainment who might have a trick or two up their sleeves. Last year's event included appearances from female magician Romany and The Real Hustle 's R… View full details
29 Jun–6 Jul Times vary	Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
Date	Location
Scotland's biggest jazz festival presents over 100 concerts in ten days all over the capital, in parks, churches, clubs and concert halls. The 2012 festival will take an Italian focus,with a programme featuring all jazz styles from early jazz to the avant garde, and several world premières, new bands, and new collaborations. View full details
20 Jul–29 Jul Times vary	Various venues, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Mela
Date	Location
A celebration of international diversity, this year themed around Asian and world dance. Now in its 17th year, the Mela has become an integral part of Edinburgh's Festivals programme, and a bit of colourful sunshine on Leith. View full details
31 Aug–2 Sep Times vary	Leith Links, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Date	Location
On the floodlit esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, the annual Tattoo puts on three weeks of glittering military entertainment, and this year promises to be extra special as the assembled armed forces celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Top of the bill are the sensational percussionists of Switzerland's Top Secret Drum Corps, who are joined by the Norwegian Armed Forces, performers from Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as pipers, drummers and dancers from closer to home. View full details (Edinburgh Festival Guide)
3 Aug–25 Aug Mon–Fri 9pm; Sat 7.30pm & 10.30pm	Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival
Date	Location
Now in its tenth year, the EMFF continues to celebrate the best aspects of mountain culture, and the high quality filmmaking that goes along with it. The principle focus throughout the programme is adventure, whether it be skiing, snowboarding, base jumping, mountain biking, kayaking or exploration. View full details
25 Oct–28 Oct Times vary	Various venues, Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Christmas
Date	Location
Six weeks of winter wonderland in Edinburgh, with the west side of Princes Street transformed by a fairground, ice rink, a host of colourful lights and the fabled German Christmas market with dozens of stalls selling traditional trinkets and crafts as well as delicious Teutonic treats (and, of course, glühwein). View full details
22 Nov 2012–2 Jan 2013 Times vary	Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Date	Location
Edinburgh's world-famous New Year's celebrations, comprising four days of events, five stages of bands and DJs and over 60,000 revellers on Princes Street for the big night. As well as the stunning fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle and the perennially sell-out Concert in the Gardens (which in 2011 featured Primal Scream, Sons & Daughters and Bombay Bicycle Club), the festivities also include the Torchlight Procession and the Loony Dook on New Year's Day. View full details
30 Dec 2012–2 Jan 2013 Times vary	Various venues, Edinburgh

EDINDOCS
Date	Location
A tribute to the art of independent documentaries which, along with screenings, offers prizes for best short and best feature. The festival is sponsored by the National Library of Scotland, which will preserve the winning docs as part of its Scottish Screen Archive. View full details
19 Oct–21 Oct Times vary	Cameo, Edinburgh

Enchanted Forest
Date	Location
Perthshire's Enchanted Forest attracts over 20,000 visitors annually. Essentially an outdoor sound and light show, it uses the natural surroundings of the Explorer's Garden to take all ages on a journey in which the landscape is re-imagined as a mythical, trippy wonderland. View full details
5 Oct–27 Oct To be confirmed	Faskally Wood, Pitlochry

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