Cowal Highland Gathering

28 - 30 Aug 2008 (annual)

The Cowal Highland Gathering is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most spectacular Highland Games, having first been held in 1894. Spilling over onto two days at Dunoon Stadium, the event attracts around 3000 competitors and crowds of over 20,000.

Largs Viking Festival

30 Aug - 7 Sep 2008 (annual)

Commemorating the last Viking invasion of Britain - the 1263 Battle of Largs on the west coast of Scotland - the Largs Viking Festival encompasses an opening parade, an authentic Viking village and, to end, the Party at the Pencil, complete with a re-enactment of the battle and a fantastic firework display.

Great Scottish Run

6 - 7 Sep 2008 (annual)

The Great Scottish Run - since 2004 sponsored by freshnlo - is the showpiece of Glasgow City Council's community sport involvement and a high-profile charity event.

Proms in the Park - Glasgow

13 Sep 2008 (annual)

After the eight-week-long Proms at London's Royal Albert Hall, all Britain's principalities join in The Last Night of the Proms, with al fresco parties across the land. The Scottish Proms in the Park is held on Glasgow Green.

Ayrshire Arts & Craft Fair

13 Sep 2008 (various dates)

The Ayrshire Arts & Craft Fair is an indication of the thriving nature of cottage industry in Ayrshire, and takes over Troon Concert Hall for a Saturday in most months. From hand-made jewellery to embroidery, toys, wood turning and stained glass, there is plenty for shoppers to choose from.

Pedal for Scotland

14 Sep 2008 (annual)

Support Leukaemia Research by taking part in the annual Pedal for Scotland charity ride from Glasgow's George Square all the way to Victoria Park in Edinburgh, a total of 50 miles. On yer bike!

Ayr Gold Cup

18 - 20 Sep 2008 (annual)

Horse racing fans from all over Britain converge on Ayr Racecourse for the annual Western Meeting, the highlight being the Ayr Gold Cup. One of the most competitive sprints in the flat racing calendar, it is run over six furlongs.

The Ting Tings

21 Sep 2008

Fresh pop duo The Ting Tings head out on tour after the success of their UK number one album, We Started Nothing. This date is at the Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow.

Sma' Shot Cottages

1 Apr - 30 Sep 2008; Wed and Sat only (annual)

Paisley was a boom town during the 19th century, when scarves, shawls and ties with Paisley patterns were woven by workers who lived in cottages just like Sma' Shot. Opened in 1990, this attraction consists of two traditional workers' cottages, a one-storey cottage, the Weaver's Cottage, built and re-furnished as it was in the 1740s, the other a two-storey version, Sma' Shot Cottage, dating from the 1840s.

Cowalfest

3 - 12 Oct 2008 (annual)

Cowalfest has long been Scotland's biggest walking festival, with breathtaking daytime hiking around the Cowal Peninsula, but now lots of evening entertainment has been added as well.

One Up Bar & Grill

Daily

All glittering chandeliers, One Up in Glasgow's city centre is the place to mingle with footballers and models. Views over Royal Exchange Square and pricey champagne cocktails are the order of the day at this glamorous bar and grill.

Glasgow Cathedral

Daily

The oldest building in the city, Glasgow Cathedral is a perfect example of beautifully restored pre-Reformation Gothic architecture. Visitors can admire the modern stained-glass windows and see the tomb of St Mungo.

Mackintosh Trail

Daily

The Glasgow School of Art is the starting point for the Mackintosh Trail of the work of Art Nouveau architect, designer and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The tour features 12 attractions, including the elegantly baronial Hill House and manicured gardens.

Timorous Beasties

Daily

The surreal and provocative textiles and wallpapers from Timorous Beasties in the West End of Glasgow are eye-popping. The trend-setting designs from Glasgow School of Art graduates have been described as "William Morris on acid".

The Lighthouse

Daily

Glasgow's city-centre Lighthouse is dedicated to architecture and design. These former newspaper offices, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, have six floors of gallery space where today's architects display visions for our cities. Visit the top-floor Doocot for a post-exhibition snack.

Robbie's Drams

Daily

Robbie's Drams is the place to head for the largest range of whiskies in Ayrshire. The shop assistants are whisky enthusiasts, and are only too pleased to recommend a unique or rare bottling or a tasty dram.

Cruise

Daily

Credit cards should be at the ready for a visit to the main Cruise store in Glasgow's city centre. Find classy togs and accessories from Prada, Gucci and Moschino to Helmut Lang, Boyd and Hussein Chalayan.

Culzean Castle

Daily

Built by one of Scotland's oldest families - the Kennedy family, descendants of Robert the Bruce - Culzean Castle became the family seat from 1759. Nowadays, it is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland.

Burrell Collection

Daily

The Burrell Collection is the former private collection of Glasgow shipping tycoon Sir William Burrell. Housed in tranquil Pollok Park, it contains 9000 precious objets d'art, from Degas watercolours to Islamic art and Epstein sculptures.

Centre for Contemporary Arts

Daily; not Mon or Sun

The Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow's city centre is a high-tech space which showcases experimental performing arts events. Expect innovative film shorts and Scottish folk music. The upstairs bar is lively in the evenings.

Mackintosh House

Daily; not Sun

Now part of the Hunterian Art Gallery, attached to Glasgow University, the Mackintosh House is a faithful reconstruction - with much from the original house - of the home at 78 Southpark Avenue (originally 6 Florentine Terrace) that Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald made for themselves between 1906 and 1914.

Largs

Daily

About 20 miles west of Greenock, Largs is a popular town in which to enjoy a night out, with a wide selection of pubs, bars and two nightclubs. Pubs such as Ye Olde Anchor Inn and The Clachan also present live music.

People's Palace and Winter Gardens

Daily

The People's Palace is a museum tracing the social history of Glasgow from 1750 until the present day. There are exhibits showing home life during the Second World War and a "steamie" (laundrette), as well as more up-to-date displays.

Art in Dunoon

Daily

Dunoon, the largest town in Argyll, has built a reputation as a new gateway to the western highlands and an artistic community with a number of galleries and art studios has now set up in the local area. With regular ferry services across the Clyde to Gourock and the rugged landscapes of the west coast on the doorstep, the town has a perfect combination of accessibility and wildness.

Oran Mor

Daily

Oran Mor offers food, drink and entertainment in a converted church in Glasgow's West End. There's a selection of 250 malts in the Whisky Bar, and a celestial ceiling mural by artist and writer Alasdair Gray.

The Necropolis

Daily

The Necropolis reflects the importance of Glasgow during Victorian times, when the city was a hugely influential shipping centre. The "City of the Dead" contains over 3500 tombs, including one to John Knox that stands atop the Grey Rock.

Rococo

Daily; not Sun

The best Scottish ingredients are served with a twist in fine dining surroundings at Rococo in Glasgow's city centre. Crisp white tablecloths and fresh flowers set the scene for memorable dishes, including Ayrshire pork loin with apple and rosemary risotto, and poached pear and brandy pudding with dark chocolate sorbet.

Gallery of Modern Art

Daily

Works by David Hockney and Andy Warhol feature in the collection at Glasgow's landmark Gallery of Modern Art, a neo-classical building in the city centre. The rooftop area houses artists' workshops and the basement café boasts a free internet connection.

Merchant City

Daily

The Merchant City, east of the city centre, was once Glasgow's financial district. Now it's home to quirky interiors stores and designer fashion, overlooked by glorious Victorian buildings and modern loft apartments.

Paisley Museum & Art Gallery

Daily; not Mon

The neoclassical Paisley Museum & Art Gallery holds the world's finest collection of Paisley fabrics, along with a nationally important collection of contemporary ceramics, a valuable Scottish art collection and a number of items relating to Paisley's social and natural history.

Fifi & Ally

Daily

The main branch of boutique-style department store Fifi & Ally is in Glasgow's Princes Square. Shop here for niche beauty and clothing brands as well as quirky homeware, then have afternoon tea in the Cupping Salon cafe.

Princes Square

Daily

In the prime shopping area of Buchanan Street, Princes Square is a renovated 19th-century warehouse reborn as the place to shop in Glasgow. Jo Malone and Space NK stores sit alongside Scottish favourites like Illuminati and Fifi & Ally.

Turnberry

Daily

One of Scotland's great golf courses, Turnberry - now part of Westin Turnberry Resort - has two championship courses, Ailsa and Kintyre, as well as the nine-hole Arran course, offering excellent training facilities for the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Daily

Escape the city to enjoy fresh air at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The 350km boundary encloses beautiful Scottish countryside - lochs, rivers, forests and dramatic hills - criss-crossed by footpaths, bridle paths and cycle tracks.

The Barrowland Ballroom

Daily

The Barrowland in the East End is a faded ballroom with glitzy neon sign, where legends like Iggy Pop once performed. These days major bands like U2 and The Zutons entertain less than 2000 fans in this relatively intimate venue.

Corinthian

Daily

Corinthian, housed in the former sheriff's court building in Glasgow city centre, is popular with local celebrities. There's a mighty 30-foot domed ceiling and twinkling chandeliers. The three bars include intimate booths, a louche piano lounge and buzzy cocktail bar.

Kelburn Country Centre

Daily

The Kelburn Country Centre is set in the grounds of a 13th-century castle and offers adults and children a multitude of exciting and unusual activities. The castle is thought to be the oldest in the country continually inhabited by the same family, the Boyles, who settled in the area in 1140. The family was granted the title Earl of Glasgow in 1703.

Museum of Transport

Daily

Glasgow's Museum of Transport takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the city's past, with 250 models of ships built in the famous shipyards on the Clyde and a large collection of vehicles ranging from horse-drawn carriages to fire engines.

Braehead Shopping Centre

Daily

Braehead Shopping Centre is part of the largest privately-funded waterside regeneration project in Scotland. It cost £285m to build and features a vast IKEA shopping complex as well as the main shopping centre with all the high street favourites, plus restaurants and an entertainment complex.

Brel

Daily

This Belgian bar, named after singer Jacques Brel, is set in a former stable block down the cobbled mews of Ashton Lane in Glasgow's West End. The cool clientele come for the beers, mussels and live music in the conservatory.

Orro Contemporary Jewellery

Daily; not Mon or Sun

Orro, in the Merchant City, showcases pieces by European jewellery designers and also produces one-off items. Using a wide variety of materials and innovative ideas, the shop is popular with those looking for something a little bit different.

Wee People's City

Daily

Find out whether your offspring are going to be architects when they grow up by bringing them along to the Wee People's City, a play adventure area aimed at 3 to 8 year-olds and the mainstay of Glasgow's education initiative, The Lighthouse.

Brigs of Ayr

Daily

Immortalised in one of Rabbie Burns' most famous poems, The Brigs of Ayr, the two bridges of Ayr are both architecturally impressive in their own right.

Pubbing in Dunoon

Daily

With its charming village atmosphere, served by a number of local pubs and hotel bars, Dunoon offers visitors a variety of options. While it may not be the most rock and roll night out in the country, the combination of small-town friendliness and a wide range of drinking options that defy its small size make it a unique place to spend an evening out.

Ayr Racecourse

Daily

Scotland's premier racecourse - home to both the Ayr Gold Cup and Scottish Grand National - Ayr hosts both flat and National Hunt racing throughout the year.

Ayr Central

Daily

Ayr Central is Ayr's largest shopping area, located on Kyle Street. Built at a cost of £75 million, the centre features high-street favourites including Debenhams, River Island, H&M, Next, HMV, Primark and JD Sports.

Botanic Gardens

Daily

The Botanic Gardens are a haven of peace and tranquillity in the busy West End of Glasgow. The national collection of begonias resides here, as does Kibble Palace, a Victorian glasshouse filled with towering ferns and orchids.

Carling Academy

Daily

Carling Academy on Eglinton Street in Glasgow's South Side is a popular venue for live touring bands. An ex-cinema, this restored auditorium holds 2000 people, and has hosted bands such as The Inspiral Carpets and Massive Attack.

Hunterian Art Gallery

Daily; not Sun

The Hunterian Art Gallery - the art collection wing of the wider William Hunter bequest to the University of Glasgow - is housed a short walk from the main museum, on the opposite side of University Avenue. Famous for its bequests of James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903) and Charles Rennie Macintosh (1868-1928), it also has fine collections of Scottish Colourists as well as local artists, collectively known as the Glasgow Boys. The Museum is reopening in May 2007 after extensive renovations. However, the Art Gallery, Mackintosh House and Zoology Museum are all still open as usual.

Rozelle House Galleries

Daily

The Rozelle House Galleries comprise the Maclaurin Gallery, Ayrshire Yeomanry Museum, Rozelle Craft House and a tea room, and are one of Ayrshire's premier venues for art.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Daily

In Glasgow's West End, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is the biggest in Scotland. It is home to a vast natural history section, and permanent exhibitions of the works of Glasgow designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Scottish Colourists.

Oak Mall

Daily

With more than 85 high street names and specialist shops gathered together in the centre of Greenock, Oak Mall provides the best shopping in Inverclyde. With tenants including popular chains such as Primark, New Look and Marks & Spencer and a variety of places to get a bite to eat or a coffee, it is a good place to spend a rainy day.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Daily

Scotland's largest regional park provides the people of Strathclyde and Ayrshire with a wealth of healthy outdoor activities on land and water. With free parking and a number of clearly marked walks and nature trails, Clyde Muirshiel offers visitors the chance to enjoy a hike or cycle ride, sailing, canoeing and orienteering. Visitor centres are located at Castle Semple, Cornalees and Muirshiel and Castle Semple has an outdoor pursuits centre where it's possible to hire mountain bikes, row boats, kayaks and fun boats.

Craft Daft

Daily

To while away a rainy afternoon with the kids, head to Craft Daft in Ayr for shopping with a difference. Choose a piece of art from the shop and then use the on-site studio and materials to customise it.

Vikingar!

Daily

The award-winning Vikingar!, in the coastal resort of Largs, tells the story of 500 years of Viking history in Scotland. The "Viking Experience" takes you to a Viking longhouse and Valhalla, where you can meet and learn about the Viking Gods and Valkyries. There is also an five-screen film presentation that shows the trials and tribulations of one Viking family over a number of generations up until the Battle of Largs in 1263 that signalled the beginning of the end for Scotland's Vikings. The final exhibit is the Hall of Knowledge, where multimedia displays finish the story.

House of Fraser

Daily

Known simply by its previous name, Frasers, this landmark department store in Glasgow's city centre has been the place to shop for the finer things in life for the past century. Get everything here from a suit to a sofa.

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

Daily; not Sat

The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, home to a unique exhibition of Kinemats (kinetic sculptures), is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Glasgow. Tiny carved figures and pieces of old scrap dance to haunting music and synchronised lighting, as machinery and shadows come alive.

Hunterian Museum

Daily; not Sun

The Hunterian Museum is Scotland's oldest museum. Its collections include Asante weights from Nigeria, coins, tokens and medals from Inca to Greek, Roman, Renaissance and Scottish sources, rare Scottish dinosaur fossils from Skye and collections of Egyptian and Roman antiquities.

Caffe Latte

Daily

A cafe that serves the suited community during the day and is predominantly mixed gay/lesbian in the evening, Caffe Latte is a popular choice for hip Glaswegians.

City Sightseeing Tours

Daily

Tours of Glasgow's sights operate in unmissable red open-top buses, complete with multilingual audio guides. They run from George Square in the city centre. Hop on and off as the tour goes from Glasgow Green in the East End to the university in the West End.

James Watt Pub

Daily

The James Watt Pub in central Greenock is named after the town's most famous former resident, the inventor and engineer whose work on steam engines helped fuel the industrial revolution. Housed in the impressive building that used to serve as the town's post office, the pub is one of the most popular in Greenock and attracts a lively crowd each and every weekend.

Fencebay

Daily

Fencebay sells a wide variety of fish and shellfish, with the emphasis on freshness. Lobster and crabs are kept on-site in seawater tanks, while langoustines and squat lobsters are landed daily. Oysters are brought from nearby Cumbrae and the on-site smokehouse means you can even pick up something to take back home.

Burns National Heritage Park

Daily

Founded in 1995, the Burns National Heritage Park comprises a number of separate entities celebrating the birth, life and works of Scotland's most famous poet, Robert - Rabbie - Burns (1759-1796).

The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour

Daily

The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour in the West End is a working lesson in the city's shipping history. Step back in time as you explore onboard, learning about how ships were run and trade conducted in the 19th century.

Paisley Abbey

Daily

One of the finest churches in Scotland, Paisley Abbey's fortunes have waxed and waned over the centuries. After extensive restoration, the ancient church buildings have never looked better. There is a famous choir attached to the church, so try and time your visit to coincide with a service for an uplifting experience.

Polo Lounge

Daily

Polo Lounge in Glasgow's Merchant City is one of the most popular gay clubs in the city. A laid back cocktail hour gives way to attitude-free clubbing among the sweeping drapes and leather banquettes.

Fruitfly

Sep 2008 (monthly)

On the third Saturday of the month, the Arches invites you to come and play at the fun and very flamboyant Fruitfly.

The Funk Room

Sep 2008 (monthly)

Get back to the funk with this monthly night at The Arches, which will feature the best international funk DJs and artists, with live music from some legends of the soul and funk scene.

Colours

Sep 2008 (monthly)

Get your glad rags on and get ready to party as the Colours bandwagon rolls into town and pulls into the Arches on the second Saturday of every month.

Kinky Afro

Sep 2008 (monthly)

Kinky Afro provides a wide range of funky dance music, playing the best funkin' and soulful deep house, together with tribalistic techno and afro-electro. The aim is to mix the live aspect of drumming together with the best dance music, to give a unique, exciting and very danceable vibe.

Sunday Social

Sep 2008 (monthly)

Feel in need of a rest, a chat, some good music, food, the papers? The Sunday Social aims to bring you all the things you like to do on a Sunday. With some atmospheric engineering the Arches is transformed into a comfort zone with a pavement café, multi-media gallery and club. The vibe is relaxed, the seating generous. The primary concerns are good conversation, good music, exploring and unwinding in a deadline desert. This is converse clubbing, mixed-media style.

Freefall

Sep 2008 (monthly)

Due to public demand and in the interests of human decency, Inside Out residents Simon Foy and Alan Belshaw have been given free musical reign to showcase their turntable wizadry. On the first Saturday of the month the boys can be found blasting out their familiar hard, uplifting euphoric sounds to a very animated yet intimate crowd at the Arches.

Inside Out

Aug 2008 (monthly)

Launched in December 1996, Inside Out is one of the most popular nights in the UK on the superstar DJ circuit, held at The Arches on the final Saturday of the month.

Pressure

Aug 2008 (monthly)

Always a cut above, Pressure is on the last Friday of the month, delivering top tunes and damn fine guests each and every time. Pressure residents, techno messiahs Orde Meikle and Stuart McMillan, always pull in a crowd that expect nothing less than perfection every time.

World Stone Skimming Championships

28 Sep 2008 (annual)

Each year the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Inner Hebrides, Easdale Island, hosts the World Stone Skimming Championships, a chance for allcomers to skim three pieces of the island's famous slate and win the prestigious "Bertie" award.

World Pipe Band Championships

Aug 2009 (annual)

The world's biggest bagpipe event is held in the centre of Glasgow, bringing together traditional pipe bands from around the world. Drummers and dancers also compete.

West End Festival

Jun 2009 (annual)

The West End Festival brings over 200 music, film, art and performance events to the venues and communities that make up the West End of Glasgow. It all started in 1996, after the sad demise of Mayfest, but proves beyond all doubt that the arts are alive and kicking in the city.

Triptych

Apr 2009 (annual)

An enviable mix of gigs and DJ sets in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen makes up Scotland's Triptych Festival, which has been running since 2001. Among this year's highlights are local boys, Mogwai, Wu Tang Clan legend, the Rza and Radio 1's Gilles Peterson.

The Tenement House

1 Mar - 31 Oct 2008 (annual)

This early-20th century tenement house was formerly the home of shorthand typist Miss Agnes Toward. The original kitchen range, bathroom, coal bunker and bed recesses remain and helpful guides explain its history.

The Great Scottish Walk Glasgow

May 2009 (annual)

The Great Scottish Walk Glasgow commences at 11am from Bellahouston Park and offers routes over 1, 6 or 12 miles for all ages and ability levels, taking in some scenic parkland sights of this historic city.

Swamp Soccer World Championships

Jun 2009 (annual)

Ever fancied playing a game of football in a swamp? No? Well a growing number of people do and each year they gather at the Swamp Soccer Arena in Strachur to attend the Swamp Soccer World Championships.

Sma' Shot Cottages

1 Apr - 30 Sep 2008; Wed and Sat only (annual)

Paisley was a boom town during the 19th century, when scarves, shawls and ties with Paisley patterns were woven by workers who lived in cottages just like Sma' Shot. Opened in 1990, this attraction consists of two traditional workers' cottages, a one-storey cottage, the Weaver's Cottage, built and re-furnished as it was in the 1740s, the other a two-storey version, Sma' Shot Cottage, dating from the 1840s.

Scottish Soil Association Organic Food Festival

20 - 21 Nov 2008 (annual)

The Scottish Soil Association holds its Organic Food Festival in Glasgow's newly-refurbished Old Fruitmarket. One of Scotland's largest celebrations of organic food and drink, it offers a generous variety of different produce to try and to buy.

Scottish Masters

Jul 2009 (annual)

Every year Masters Football pits teams of six against each other and builds to a national final. The Scottish Masters leg is held at Glasgow's Braehead Arena.

Scottish Grand National

Apr 2009 (annual)

Ayr Racecourse is the venue for the Scottish Grand National, one of the most popular events in the Scottish racing calendar. New in 2007 is sponsor Coral, so henceforward it will be known as the Coral Scottish Grand National.

Royal Troon Golf Course

1 May - 31 Oct 2008 (annual)

One of the world's most famous golf courses, Royal Troon has two 18-hole courses - the Old Course and the Portland Course (named after the club's first Honorary President) - and has hosted the Open Championships eight times.

RSNO's New Year Messiah

Jan 2009 (annual)

Start the New Year with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus' annual performance of Handel's great choral masterpiece, Messiah, at home in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

RSNO New Year Viennese Gala

Jan 2009 (annual)

Start the New Year with this traditional Viennese Gala - this year with a French twist - played by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at home at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

RSNO Christmas Concert

27 Dec 2008 (annual)

Join in the festive spirit with popular seasonal classics and carols in this special concert at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall. Joining the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are conductor Christopher Bell and the RSNO Chorus.

Proms in the Park - Glasgow

13 Sep 2008 (annual)

After the eight-week-long Proms at London's Royal Albert Hall, all Britain's principalities join in The Last Night of the Proms, with al fresco parties across the land. The Scottish Proms in the Park is held on Glasgow Green.

Pedal for Scotland

14 Sep 2008 (annual)

Support Leukaemia Research by taking part in the annual Pedal for Scotland charity ride from Glasgow's George Square all the way to Victoria Park in Edinburgh, a total of 50 miles. On yer bike!

Partick Folk Festival

Nov 2008 (annual)

Partick's Folk Festival is a three-day bonanza for folk fans, with a varied line-up of free and ticketed events at Burgh Halls and The Annexe.

Mini French Film Festival UK

Mar 2009 (annual)

Britain's only film festival devoted exclusively to French cinema, Glasgow, Dundee, London and Edinburgh share a short mini-festival for Francophile lovers of film.

Luss (Loch Lomond) Highland Gathering

Jul 2009 (annual)

Luss, often described as the prettiest village in Scotland, is situated on the western shores of Loch Lomond and is famous as the setting for the UK TV soap opera, Take the High Road. If any additional excuse is needed for making a visit, then try its annual Highland Gathering.

Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival

May - Jun 2009 (annual)

The shores of Loch Lomond make an awe-inspiring backdrop for this Food and Drink Festival, a celebration of Scottish cooking and local produce featuring cookery demos, a food hall, a kids' kitchen, whisky tent, beer festival and wine tastings.

Largs Viking Festival

30 Aug - 7 Sep 2008 (annual)

Commemorating the last Viking invasion of Britain - the 1263 Battle of Largs on the west coast of Scotland - the Largs Viking Festival encompasses an opening parade, an authentic Viking village and, to end, the Party at the Pencil, complete with a re-enactment of the battle and a fantastic firework display.

Inveraray Traditional Highland Games

Jul 2009 (annual)

With its beautiful location at the head of Loch Fyne, the Inveraray Highland Games in the grounds of Inveraray Castle are particularly noted as the "friendly games."

Inveraray Castle

1 Apr - 31 Oct 2008; not Sun (annual)

Inveraray Castle is the home of the Clan Campbell Chief, the 12th Duke of Argyll, MacCailien Mor. The land was a gift to the Campbells in the 11th century, from Baron MacVicar of the Kintyre MacVicars, and the Campbells have been Dukes of Argyll since 1701.

Hydro Connect

29 - 31 Aug 2008 (annual)

The Hydro Connect music festival presents an excellent line-up of international bands performing in the beautiful grounds of Inveraray Castle, on the bank of Loch Fyne on Scotland's west coast.

Holiday & Travel Show

Jan 2009 (annual)

The Holiday & Travel Show comes to Glasgow's SECC. More than 800 exhibitors from over 100 countries are expected to attend, from tour operators and travel agents to tourist information organisations and representatives from places of special interest.

Hogmanay Gala

31 Dec 2008 (annual)

Welcome the New Year in with this traditional Scottish Hogmanay Gala at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Richard Balcombe. The "riotous celebration" is introduced by popular Scottish comedienne and tv star Joyce Falconer.

Hogmanay Bonfire in Biggar

Dec 2008 (annual)

The locals of Biggar celebrate Hogmanay with an enormous bonfire in the middle of the High Street. The tradition apparently dates back to when fire was worshipped as a purification rite to ward off evil spirits for the New Year.

Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Festival

May 2009 (annual)

The Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival is a celebration of traditional Scottish culture, based in Oban, combining both invitational and open events. It was first held in 1984 and has now reached its third decade with its infectious mix of traditional dance and music.

Great Scottish Run

6 - 7 Sep 2008 (annual)

The Great Scottish Run - since 2004 sponsored by freshnlo - is the showpiece of Glasgow City Council's community sport involvement and a high-profile charity event.

Gourock Highland Games

May 2009 (annual)

Gourock, on the southern shore of the River Clyde as it widens into the Firth of Clyde, has the distinction of the first in the calendar to host a traditional Highland Games.

Glasgow's Hogmanay

31 Dec 2008 (annual)

Over 100,000 revellers take to the streets of Glasgow on New Year's Eve, including 25,000 who are lucky enough (or organised enough) to get tickets for George Square, where the main celebration in the city take place.

Glasgow Warriors Rugby Season - Magners League

5 Sep 2008 - 15 May 2009 (annual)

Rugby union side Glasgow Warriors welcome Magners League teams to Firhill Stadium Stadium for the 2007/2008 season. Please visit the club's website for full details of all fixtures.

Glasgow International Jazz Festival

Jun 2009 (annual)

The Glasgow International Jazz Festival is widely regarded as one of the UK's top jazz events. Performances take place at venues including the Old Fruitmarket, the Tron Theatre and the refurbished City Halls.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Mar 2009 (annual)

First held in 2002, the Glasgow International Comedy Festival rapidly established itself as the biggest laugh in Scotland. Each year it features nearly 200 laughter-filled events in venues throughout the city, with stand-up comedians, sketch shows, comedy film and drama, workshops, talks and events for kids.

Glasgow Fireworks Night

Nov 2008 (annual)

Every year Glasgow celebrates Bonfire Night with a spectacular show including fireworks, lasers, live bands and a funfair on Glasgow Green.

Glasgow Art Fair

Mar 2009 (annual)

The Glasgow Art Fair is held in a specially-designed pavilion in George Square in the middle of the city. It began as part of Glasgow City Council's Year of Visual Arts in 1996 and has rapidly become an annual institution in its own right. It is now one of the UK's largest art fairs, popular with both collectors and casual visitors, featuring work from 53 of the city's galleries.

Glasgay!

1 Oct - 9 Nov 2008 (annual)

First held in 1994, Glasgow's queer arts festival - wittily entitled Glasgay! - is now well and truly into its second decade and continues to expand.

Doors Open Day Ayrshire

Sep 2008 (annual)

This day, also celebrated in other counties in Scotland throughout September, marks the only day of the year when a number of historic houses and buildings throw their doors open to the public, with free entrance.

Culzean Autoclassica

Aug 2009 (annual)

This launch event comes in advance of the official first Culzean Autoclassica - announced for late summer 2008 - and on its last day is open to the public. It brings historic vehicles to Culzean castle, overlooking the Firth of Clyde on the South Ayrshire coast, and is set to become an annual event for every car-lover for miles around.

Cowalfest

3 - 12 Oct 2008 (annual)

Cowalfest has long been Scotland's biggest walking festival, with breathtaking daytime hiking around the Cowal Peninsula, but now lots of evening entertainment has been added as well.

Cowalfest

3 - 12 Oct 2008 (annual)

Cowalfest, the Cowal Walking and Arts Festival, offers visitors an unrivalled chance to explore Argyll, from the Kyles of Bute to the head of Loch Fyne.

Cowal Highland Gathering

28 - 30 Aug 2008 (annual)

The Cowal Highland Gathering is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most spectacular Highland Games, having first been held in 1894. Spilling over onto two days at Dunoon Stadium, the event attracts around 3000 competitors and crowds of over 20,000.

Coloursfest

Jun 2009 (annual)

First held in 2002, Glasgow's Coloursfest has since grown to fill the city's Braehead International Arena, with 50 DJs spinning tunes in six different arenas to a crowd of 10,000 people.

Celtic Connections

Jan - Feb 2009 (annual)

The UK's premier Celtic festival sweeps over the city of Glasgow with performances from big name artists and new talent alike. From its inception in 1994 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (which still organises the whole event), the festival now reaches out to various venues across the city.

Burns an a' That Festival

May 2009 (annual)

Since 2002 Ayrshire has hosted the Burns an a' That Festival, which celebrates Ayr's most famous son - Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. Alongside the poetry, the event brings top bands to Scotland's west coast.

Burns Night at the Burns National Heritage Park

Jan 2009 (annual)

While celebrated across the world, Robert Burns' birthday - 25 January - is no more appropriately toasted than at his birthplace, Alloway and, more explicitly, the Tam O'Shanter Experience which is part of the Burns National Heritage Centre. Usually held on the nearest Thursday, this celebratory dinner features all the traditions, including Burns' specific poetic blessings for the five-course meal. If previous years are anything to go by, entertainment will feature the Bachelors Club Entertainers accompanied by the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra.

Benmore Botanic Garden

1 Mar - 31 Oct 2008 (annual)

Benmore is a magnificent woodland garden set in the mountains of the Cowal Peninsula. Over 140 acres are planted with unusual shrubs and rare trees, including over 250 species of rhododendron (best late April/May). It is a place of rare serenity and great beauty which captures a sense of the spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas.

Barclays Scottish Open

Jul 2009 (annual)

The Barclays Scottish Open is played at Loch Lomond. Many players see it as the perfect preparation for the British Open the following week and it attracts the leading players on the European Tour as well as a host of stars from the US. Grégory Havret of France was the winner in 2007.

Balloch (Loch Lomond) Highland Games

Jul 2009 (annual)

Held on the banks of Loch Lomond at Balloch Castle Country Park - one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland - the Balloch Loch Lomond Highland Games offer a slice of Highland life.

BBC Good Food Show Scotland

31 Oct - 2 Nov 2008 (annual)

The BBC Good Food Show Scotland returns to the SECC in Glasgow with everything you could want to either introduce you to cooking for the first time or simply hone those skills.

Ayrshire Golf Classic

Apr 2009 (annual)

The Ayrshire Golf Classic offers four glorious days of golf over four entirely different courses around Scotland's beautiful Ayrshire, west Strathclyde: Barassie, Bogside, St Nicholas and Western Gailes.

Ayr Gold Cup

18 - 20 Sep 2008 (annual)

Horse racing fans from all over Britain converge on Ayr Racecourse for the annual Western Meeting, the highlight being the Ayr Gold Cup. One of the most competitive sprints in the flat racing calendar, it is run over six furlongs.

Ayr Flower Show

Aug 2009 (annual)

First staged in 1961, the Ayr Flower Show is held on the Rozelle Estate, whose centrepiece is the Rozelle Mansion House and Galleries, and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Scotland and abroad.

ArtsFeast Cowal

Jun 2009 (annual)

Happening across the whole of the Cowal peninsula, with its main centre at Dunoon, the first ArtsFeast Cowal took place in 2007. Visitors could follow an artistic and food trail across the whole peninsula, with many artists' studios open to the public for the first time.

Argyllshire Highland Gathering (Oban Games)

Oct 2008 (annual)

Dating back to 1873, the Argyllshire Highland Gathering at Oban's Mossfield Park is one of the elder statesmen of the Highland Games calendar. It takes place over two days, the first devoted to Ceol Mor ("the great music"), a day of competition among the world's best pipers, while the second offers a spectacular display of traditional highland competition in the Oban Games.

No biennial events available.