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From the Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, to its unforgettable island festivals – music is at the very heart of Scotland. Whether it’s the stirring sound of traditional bagpipes, or the thumping beat of headline acts at a rock festival, the nation is the home of world-famous music events.

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The Fireworks Concert brings the Edinburgh International Festival to a conclusion with music from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Discover Scotland’s unique music scene

For a truly memorable experience, head to one of Scotland’s unique music festivals. There’s always a party in this northern nation, whether its celebrating Hogmanay, or the Edinburgh International Festival. Music has long been a part of Scotland’s heritage, from its famous bagpipes, to its Celtic heart and rock soul. It hosts diverse and dynamic festivals all year round, including ones held in unforgettable locations, such as the magical Kelburn Garden Party in the grounds of a painted 13th century castle and the Tiree Music Festival on a tiny unspoilt Hebridean island. So pack your bag, grab your ticket and prepare to hear some tunes…

Stand-out Scottish festivals

The pick of Scotland’s festival scene

Stromness, Orkney

The tip top of northern Scotland comes alive with international musicians for a four day folk music extravaganza.

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Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh loves a good party - see the celebrations kick off with a huge street carnival.

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Tiree, Hebrides

Taking place in a spectacular location, discover three days of music celebrations on the unspoilt Hebridean Island.

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Largs, Clyde Muirshiel

A magical music festival bringing underground sounds and music genres alongside glen walks, waterfall pools and pop up parties.

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Raehills Estate, Dumfries and Galloway

Head into the woodlands for headliners such as Supergrass and Basement Jaxx including a circus, gardens and cinema.

edenfestival

Eden Festival
Belladrum, Inverness

A three day jam-packed festival full of wacky and exciting attractions, with previous headliners including Van Morrison, Emeli Sande and Nile Rodgers.

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Linlithgow, Scotland

Pump up the party at Linlithgow for a full on two-day celebration in an unmissable location.

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6 uniquely Scottish music experiences

Music is part of Scotland’s soul and as well as the headline events, the nation is home to many unique musical experiences. From its legendary Hogmanay celebrations which kick off the New Year to the Piping Live! festival, here are some ideas how to party all year round…

Keith Valentine

Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Moment c Keith Valentine

Hogmany

Nobody celebrates New Year like the Scots, with their annual Hogmanay parties. In Edinburgh, there’s a parade, street party, ceilidh and concert.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

The arena at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo during a performance of the military event, parade ground and packed spectator seating.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Famous all over the world, the sight and sounds of the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade every August, is unforgettable.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Men wearing kilts standing by the fireplace

Burns Night

Uniquely Scottish, Burns Night takes place on January 25, when the life of the nation’s favourite poet is celebrated over Burns Suppers. Expect bagpipes, haggis, songs and poems – and lots of whisky.

 

VisitScotland

Torchlight Procession, part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations

Up Helly Aa

This fire festival has to be seen to be believed. Up Helly Aa, which takes place in Shetland in January, involves a torchlit procession of 1000 costumed men who set fire to a replica Viking ship, then proceed to have a giant party. The largest event is in Lerwick.

 

Photo by John Slavin @ Designfolk Ltd

Children's pipping band wearing kilts and yellow T-shirts play the bagpipes while marching down the street.

Piping Live!

There’s nothing more Scottish than the sound of bagpipes and Piping Live! celebrates the sound of the nation over a week-long festival in Glasgow in August. Pipers range from traditional to contemporary.

 

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Hebridean Celtic Festival

Hebridean Celtic Festival

Another unique event is the Hebridean Celtic Festival, which takes place on the island of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, in July and is one of Scotland’s flagship festivals.