Top 5 must see events in Scotland
You will agree that Scotland is a place full of culture and tradition, formerly famous for its kilts, bag pipes and Celtic music it has so much more to offer than you may realise. Although these must see events take place throughout the year the majority of them will be held outdoors so if possible, visit Scotland during the summer months for the best experience.
5. Ceilidh
If you are into traditional Celtic music then you can’t afford to not attend a Ceilidh, you will get to sample some of the finest Scottish music to end the perfect visit. A Ceilidh is just a concert or informal event to allow people to socialise with friends and listen to live Celtic music, it often includes a lot of dancing but don’t worry – the dance is easy to learn so everybody will be able to relax and have fun at this event.
You will find all of the classic Celtic instruments being played at each Ceilidh such as the bodhran, accordion, flute, fiddle, bagpipes and tin whistles. The great thing about these is that the main hotels or clubs organise them every weekend so you can be confident one will be hosted during your visit.
If you are visiting Scotland during a special occasion such as Burns Night or Hogmanay, exceptional Ceilidhs will be organised so be sure to attend them!
4. World Pipe Band Championships
Typically held during the month of August in Glasgow you can expect to see the World Pipe Band Championships take place. If you are a fan of bagpipes then this is an event you will love, hundreds of bands from all over the world will travel to Scotland to take part in this extraordinary event that lasts the whole day. You will also see a large number of tourists attending because not many people can admit they have seen a live bagpipe championship take place.
Aside from other events such as the Tartan Day Parade or Pipefest you can guarantee that it will be the biggest bagpipe event you will ever see in your life.
If you have never heard a bagpipe then you will not realise how loud they actually are, imagine a number of bands rehearsing their song at the same time prior to performing live! It’s not something you see or hear on a normal holiday you can be sure of that.
3. Up Helly Aa
Although this event can be classed as more Norwegian than Scottish, if you are visiting Scotland during January it’s definitely one to attend. Held in Shetland it has gone down in history as the largest fire event in the whole of Europe, it celebrates when the Vikings no longer had influence over the people in Shetland.
If you are unable to attend the Up Helly Aa in January there is something similar that you can attend, the Torchlight Procession which is part of the Hogmanay event, Edinburgh. This is just a much smaller version of the real Up Helly Aa event but will have a lot of similarities such as the burning of the Viking ship, costumes and a mass amount of people joining in the fun!
I would strongly recommend trying to attend the original event in January if possible, it will be a day to remember
2. Highland Games
If you are visiting Scotland throughout the summer then you have no excuse not to visit the highland games, being held in most Scottish cities on the weekends you won’t be too far from this event during the peak season. For those who are not sure what the highland games are, it’s basically a set of unique Scottish events ranging from bagpipe playing, dancing and various athletic games.
Some of the most famous games that are included are The Braemar Gathering and The Cowal Highland Gathering. The Cowal Highland Gathering is always held in Dunoon and has been names the largest event of its kind whereas The Braemar Gathering has become famous due to one or more member of the British royal family attending it on a regular basis.
With that in mind if you are able to visit one of the larger highland games you will not be disappointed, I mean how can you not fine watching grown men performing athletic events wearing kilts funny? The highland games in the smaller cities will still be enjoyable for the whole family so it’s definitely worth attending at least on whilst you are visiting Scotland.
1. Edinburgh Military Tattoo
One of the most sought after events in Scotland is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, tickets for this event actually sell out as far as 9 months prior to starting which would be understandable if it was a once a year event. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held most evenings throughout the month of August so if you are interesting in attending, buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.
The event itself is held at the esplanade castle in Edinburgh and it’s a fact that this event on its own will attract tens of thousands of people each and every year. It said that around 9,000 people visit the show each night it’s performed which is on the increase every year. In the near future you can expect the tickets to instantly be sold out within just a few days of going on sale.
One of the reasons I think it’s so popular is the location of the event, it’s adds a great sense of tradition being held in a real castle in Edinburgh. The event itself involves a performance from hundreds of bagpipers, drummers and other musical instruments playing songs with military precision – it’s a unique performance that will be probably the best one you’ve seen in your life! The other reason why it’s becoming more popular each year is the fact of foreign military bands starting to take part in the show, this will obviously attract people from all over the world to come and watch it.
