Scotland: Events in Scotland - From Highland Games to Hogmanay

I am a Scot. I'm loyal to the end. In 2009, I am going home. Why are you a Scot?

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It is true - the Scots really do know how to enjoy a party. 2008 is packed with events including the well-established Highland Games circuit, Edinburgh's International Festivals and, of course, nationwide Hogmanay revelry. Check out whisky festivals in Islay and Speyside and food festivals in Mull, Loch Lomond, Shetland and Grampian. Glasgow comes alive to the sound of pipes with the Piping Live and the World Pipe Band Championships in August.

No matter what time of year you are planning your trip to Scotland, there is always so much to see and do. Here you can see a list of events where you will always be warmly welcomed in on the celebrations.

Featured Events

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY December 29 - January 1 Celebrate the New Year at the home of Hogmanay. More

The Dancin' December 30-30 Heralding 2009, The Dancin’ celebrates Scotland’s place in the International Dance scene in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. More

Hogmanay December 31-31 Scotland is the place to party! Enjoy Scotland’s world famous Hogmanay celebrations with a variety of events across the country as we herald the year of Homecoming. More

HOGMANAY December 31 New Year celebrations take place in most towns and cities throughout Scotland. More

HOGMANAY BONFIRE December 31 9.30pm The Hogmanay bonfire in the Borders town of Biggar dates back to pagan times when fire was worshipped and believed to ward of evil spirits for the New Year. More

STONEHAVEN FIREBALL CEREMONY December 31 11pm Stonehaven's Fireball Festival is a spectacular sight as local people process along the old town High Street swinging fireballs to ward off the darkness of winter and welcome in the New Year. More

The John Muir Odyssey January 1 - December 31 A new festival celebrating the life and legacy of John Muir, 'the Father of Modern Conservation' More

BBC Scotland - A History of Scotland January 1 - December 31 The second section of BBC Scotland’s ambitious A History of Scotland series will transmit on television in November 2009... More

The Homecoming Dance January 1 - December 31 Celebrating the stirring reels and haunting strathspeys of a social and cultural tradition that today spans continents; the specially commissioned Homecoming Dance will be appearing on dance cards world-wide during the year of Homecoming. More

Royal Scottish National Orchestra January 1 - December 31 The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, a great orchestra for a modern Scotland, begins its year of Homecoming celebrations with the world première of the Homecoming Scotland Suite in January. More

Westering Home to Islay January 1 - December 31 During Homecoming Year, experience a celebration of Islay’s rich culture and heritage through music, storytelling, ancestry and whisky distilling. More

Forest Heritage Scotland January 1 - December 31 Discover your roots in Scotland’s forests. Explore the sites and settlements that lie hidden beneath the trees. More

THE BA' January 1 1030am & 1pm Traditional street rugby played by the Uppies and the Doonies with a much prized locally made leather ba' (ball). The Ba' starts on Broad Street with the boys' game beginning at 10.30am and the men's at 1pm More

Scotland's Wildlife January 1 - December 31 Experience the best of Scotland’s Wildlife Homecoming! More

Robert Burns World Federation January 1 - December 31 The Burns Federation is the worldwide authoritative body regarding all things ‘Burnsian’ More

Border League and Kings of the 7s January 1 - November 30 Witness Scotland’s historic Border towns compete in the World’s oldest rugby tournament. More

Scottish National Portrait Gallery January 1 - November 30 The Scottish National Portrait Gallery provides a unique visual history of Scotland, told through the portraits of those who shaped it. More

Scotland: A Changing Nation January 1 - December 31 Discover our ever-changing nation through the lives of ordinary and not-so-ordinary Scots. More

Drive it Home 2009: Scotland's Biggest Ever Promotion for Visiting Golfers January 1 - December 31 Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrates Scotland as the Home of Golf and sees the launch of Drive It Home, Scotland's biggest ever golf promotion in our leading overseas golf markets: the USA, Canada and Sweden. More

Zig Zag. The Paths of Robert Burns (Edinburgh) January 1 - November 30 For the first time ever, some of the 36,000 objects from Scotland’s national collection of treasures associated with Robert Burns will be brought together in a major touring exhibition. More

The Homecoming Scottish Cup January 10 - May 31 Scottish football's national cup competition, the Scottish Cup, has been re-named the Homecoming Scottish Cup for the 2008-09 season. Watch Scottish football's top stars in action as they compete to lift the world's oldest national football trophy. More

Burnsfest January 14 - February 3 This Homecoming year, the Scottish Storytelling Centre hosts events for all ages to celebrate the language and legacy of Robert Burns, from nursery songs to poetic epics. More

Be Near Me (Kilmarnock) January 14-17 In an outstanding new adaptation, the National Theatre of Scotland brings Ayrshire novelist Andrew O’Hagan’s gripping book Be Near Me to the stage. More

Robert Burns 1759 - 2009 January 15-17 Marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the newly established Centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow is hosting a three-day conference from 15 to 17 January 2009 celebrating all aspects of Burns’s life and works. More

Celtic Connections Homecoming Celebrations January 15 - February 1 Honouring the influence of Robert Burns on Scottish Music and his importance in preserving the traditions of his own cultural background, the Celtic Connections festival celebrates his legacy with their biggest event to date. More

World Burns Night January 21-21 Traditional Scots music and poetry meets musical traditions from around the world, inspired by Robert Burns’ Internationalism and Humanity. More

As Others See Us January 22 - September 30 An innovative exhibition of contemporary portraiture by Tricia Malley and Ross Gillespie of some of today’s most noteworthy Scots and their response to a chosen Burns’ work. More

World Famous Burns Supper Celebration January 23-25 Help us establish a new World Record for the greatest number of Burns suppers ever held! More

Burns 250th Anniversary Weekend January 23-25 The Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme will formally kick off on the weekend of Robert Burns' 250th anniversary with Burns events planned in key locations across Scotland More

Burns Illuminated January 23-25 Glasgow’s City Chambers will be illuminated with the story of Burns told in sound and light from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th January. More

Auld Lang Syne January 24-24 The cream of Scotland’s folk scene join ‘Homecoming guests’ for a major celebration of Burns and his legacy. More

This Is Who We Are (Aberdeen) January 24 - November 30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland. More

Iconic Burns January 24-24 This very visual tribute to the Bard features work by some of the most original artists, performers and designers working in Scotland today. More

12 Hour Burns Concert January 24-24 Immerse yourself in the work of Burns of simply dip in and out. More

This Is Who We Are (Edinburgh) January 24 - November 30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland. More

This Is Who We Are (Glasgow) January 24-30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland. More

This Is Who We Are (Dumfries) January 24 - November 30 This exhibition demonstrates the strong influence of Scots abroad when they travelled and named 1000 Canadian towns after their homeland. More

Burns Ceilidh Night January 24-24 As the central focus for the Celtic Connections festival, join us for a huge celebration of Burns at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. More

North Carrick Burns Celebrations January 25 - November 30 Join in a celebration of North Carrick's connections with Robert Burns. More

Homecoming Suite January 25-25 The Homecoming Suite reinvigorates the relationship between traditional and classical music in specially-commissioned works from leading composers and musicians, performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and conducted by Garry Walker. More

Jamaican Burns Night January 25-25 A carnival of Scottish and reggae sounds and flavours, this unique Burns night takes inspiration from what might have been had Burns made his planned trip to Jamaica. More

Burns Light January 25-25 A dazzling Burns Night lantern procession winding through the historic heart of Dumfries. More

Famous Scots January 26 - December 31 Have you ever wondered where your Scottish ancestors come from? What fascinating stories they could tell you if they were here today. More

Mackintosh 100 January 29 - November 30 2009 marks the centenary of The Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art, the architectural masterpiece of Glasgow’s outstanding architect, designer and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. More

Sandi Thom's 2009 Homecoming Tour January 29 - February 11 In recognition of Scotland’s Homecoming celebrations, one of Scotland’s top singer songwriters tours the country ... More

Tam O'Shanter January 29 - February 14 Celebrating Burns’ 250th anniversary, the acclaimed theatre maker Gerry Mulgrew brings this colourful canter across the countryside to life and turns Burns’ best loved poem into full blown theatre. More

Bringing It All Back Home January 30-30 Celebrating the traditional songs and tunes which crossed the Atlantic with emigrants over the last 300 years and formed a key bedrock of American roots music... More

Bringing It All Back Home February 1-1 Celebrating the traditional songs and tunes which crossed the Atlantic with emigrants over the last 300 years and formed a key bedrock of American roots music... More

Scottish Tides - Polish Spring February 1 - April 30 Take 400 years of interwoven culture, add a twist of rock, drama, jazz and digital art, and shake. Horsecross invite you to join them for a season of cultural events reflecting the common history of Scotland and Poland. More

Galloway Gatherings February 4-25 Galloway Gatherings’ offers a series of lectures at the brand new CatStrand Arts Centre in New Galloway... More

Glasgow Film Festival - Great Scots! February 12-22 Great Scots! is a season of films and special events during the Glasgow Film Festival that celebrates the dazzling achievements of Scotland’s top actors and filmmakers. More

Creative Burns February 14 - May 16 This exhibition will explore both Burns' own creative output and his legacy to the present day. More

somebodyelse - Graham Fagen Exhibition February 14 - April 11 Graham Fagen’s exhibition of photographic portraits are brought together for the first time for Homecoming year. More

Precious Cargo Exhibition February 14 - August 1 Following the Homecoming Advent Calendar, Precious Cargo is a touring exhibition based on the theme of migration, boats and the sea... More

Zig Zag. The Paths of Robert Burns (Aberdeen) February 20 - May 15 For the first time ever, some of the 36,000 objects from Scotland's national collection of treasures associated with Robert Burns will be brought together in a major touring exhibition. More

Homecoming Trad Music Sessions March 1 - November 30 Traditional Music Sessions will take place across the country throughout the year celebrating the contribution of traditional music to Scottish culture. More

Come Home to Museums in Fife March 1 - December 31 Come Home to Museums in Fife. Whether it’s golf, Robert Burns or your Ancestors that inspire you, you’ll find a museum in Fife with an exhibition or event to catch your eye. More

Scots Music Abroad March 6 - May 23 From Handel’s arrangements of Scottish tunes to the roots of African American Blues and Soul More

Aye Write! The Bank of Scotland Book Festival March 6-14 Aye Write! is an annual literature festival which in 2009 will celebrate the best of Scottish and international writers. More

Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival March 12-29 Come home to Glasgow for a laugh at Europe's largest comedy festival. More

I Murder Hate March 14-14 Inspired by the poems of Robert Burns, I Murder Hate is a new music commission written and produced by Adrian Sherwood, especially for Homecoming year, in collaboration with Graham Fagen. More

Caithness International Science Festival March 16-20 The Caithness International Science Festival involves workshops, science, drama, motivational speakers and competitions. More

StAnza: Scotland's Poetry Festival March 18-22 Held in the historic town of St Andrews, StAnza is recognised as Scotland’s only established festival devoted to poetry. More

Be Near Me (Glasgow) March 25 - April 4 In an outstanding new adaptation, the National Theatre of Scotland brings Ayrshire novelist Andrew O’Hagan’s gripping book Be Near Me to the stage. More

Hawick Reivers Festival March 27-29 Names like Scott, Elliot, Armstrong and Turnbull are famous the world over but what of their roots... More

Mauchline Ploughing Match March 29-29 Mossgiel Farm, Mauchline, was home to Robert Burns, the Ploughman Poet, from 1782-1784. More

Smith in Glasgow '09 March 31 - April 2 Contributing to Homecoming Scotland’s celebration of great Scottish minds and innovations, Smith in Glasgow '09, held at the University of Glasgow, marks the 250th anniversary of the publication of Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments. More

Stirling's Tartan Day March 31 - April 6 In 2009 Stirling celebrates Tartan Day with a week long programme showcasing the best of Scottish arts, dance, film, music, fashion and food in a Homecoming extravaganza. More

Following in the Family Footsteps April 1 - September 31 Follow in your family’s footsteps during Homecoming year by exploring one or more of 15 family trails across Scotland’s greatest heritage attractions. More

Scotch Whisky Experience April 1 - December 31 Visit The Scotch Whisky Experience and enter the fascinating world of Scotch Whisky. More

Edinburgh International Harp Festival April 3-8 The Edinburgh International Harp Festival brings together some of the finest performers in the world for Homecoming year, in 10 concerts, 20 workshops and 35 classes. More

Inspired April 4 - September 20 Inspired is an exhibition of contemporary art inspired by the life, poetry and songs of Robert Burns, featuring work by a distinguished group of artists from the UK and overseas. More

Edinburgh International Science Festival April 6-18 The 21st Edinburgh International Science Festival showcases the great contributions Scots have made to scientific and technological advances, both at home and abroad. More

Be Near Me (Inverness) April 7-11 In an outstanding new adaptation, the National Theatre of Scotland brings Ayrshire novelist Andrew O’Hagan’s gripping book Be Near Me to the stage. More

Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival April 10-12 Join us in Homecoming year for the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival, an international festival of country music. More

Melrose 7s April 10-12 Amongst Scotland’s premier sporting events, the Melrose Sevens hosts a glittering line up of guest sides from around the world to challenge the best teams in Scotland. More

Be Near Me (Edinburgh) April 15-18 In an outstanding new adaptation, the National Theatre of Scotland brings Ayrshire novelist Andrew O’Hagan’s gripping book Be Near Me to the stage. More

Be Near Me (Perth) April 21-25 In an outstanding new adaptation, the National Theatre of Scotland brings Ayrshire novelist Andrew O’Hagan’s gripping book Be Near Me to the stage. More

REME Association Reunion Scotland 2009 April 24-27 The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association (REME) will reunite in Ayr in 2009 to take part in a 3 day event in the heart of Burns country. More

Scottish Family History Fair and SAFHS Conference April 25-25 An opportunity for anyone with interest in their Scottish ancestry to spend an enjoyable and rewarding day meeting fellow enthusiasts and learning more about how to find that elusive ancestor through a programme of talks and a wide selection of stalls, exhibitions and displays offering advice and information. More

Beltane Fire Festival April 30-30 Celebrate the start of the summer of Homecoming at The Beltane Fire Festival: a unique and wild procession of fire, drumming and revelry on Calton Hill. Witness this spectacular revival of the ancient Celtic fertility festival in the heart of the Scottish capital city. More

Enthusiasm for Scotch May 1-31 Guided tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience followed by a dram and Scottish Tapas. More

Whisky Month May 1-31 Throughout the month of May Homecoming Scotland 2009 invites you to explore and appreciate the expertise of the stillsmen and master blenders whose diligence has created one of Scotland’s biggest exports and extensions of our culture. More

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival May 1-10 Celebrate whisky, music, food and fun at the biggest ever Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. More

Scottish Mining Mayfest May 1-4 Join Midlothian’s unique Mayfest community celebrations. More

Scottish Games Association May 1 - September 30 Highland Games offer a unique spectacle of sporting, cultural and traditional events. More

Roots and Boughs: Summer in the Straths May 1 - October 31 In 2009 Homecomers are invited by the communities of Mackay Country to explore its exceptional landscapes, beauty and history. More

Scottish Homecoming Golf Classics May 1 - October 31 The Scottish Homecoming Golf Classics couples this with prizegiving banquets fit for kings, a skirl of the bagpipes, a taste of Scotland’s cuisine and traditional entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience in the Home of Golf. More

The Magic Weekend May 2-3 Rugby League returns to Scotland in 2009 as part of the national Homecoming celebrations. More

Big in Falkirk May 2-3 Come home and join us for Big in Falkirk’s tenth anniversary. More

Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival May 2-9 A series of walks and tours showcasing what Caithness and Sutherland has to offer to encourage Scots who have moved to other areas to return to their roots as well as inviting visitors to the area. More

Adventurers, Statesmen and Inventors: Local Impact on Global Lives May 2 - October 17 Play the emigration game and see how local lives made global connections in this new exhibition in the Large Gallery, Callendar House. More

Bupa Great Edinburgh Run May 3-3 An invitation is extended to Scots around the world to return to Edinburgh in the Homecoming year and take part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run. More

Ullapool Book Festival May 8-10 Ullapool Book Festival invites writers and poets to celebrate a variety of Gaelic, English and Scots literature during Homecoming year. More

The Drambuie Pursuit May 8-10 Inspired by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s flight from Culloden in 1746, The Drambuie Pursuit encapsulates a spirit of adventure and rebellion against the ordinary and the everyday in an adrenalin charged race across the Highlands of Scotland. More

Culloden - From Battle to Exile May 9-10 Culloden is the battlefield that intimately connects us with our ancestors. More

Gourock Highland Games 2009 May 10-10 Return to Gourock in 2009 for the 53rd Gourock Highland Games! More

The World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability and the Original Bicycle Festival May 12-24 The bike is coming home, to one of the best mountain bike areas in the world. More

Word 09 - University of Aberdeen Writers Festival May 12-17 As Scotland’s second largest annual literary festival, Word is an inspirational celebration of the written word. More

Whisky Galore - A Musical! May 15 - October 17 Join us in 2009 for the World Première of a new musical adaptation of Whisky Galore. More

Borders Festival of the Horse May 15-26 The sound of hoof beats will be heard all over the Scottish Borders, heralding the start of the 8th Borders Festival of the Horse from 15th-26th May 2009. More

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2009 May 16-16 This annual award, presented to someone who puts humanitarian concerns above all others, promises to be even more special during the year which celebrates the birthday of its namesake. More

The Scottish Pipe Band Championships May 16-16 Welcoming bands from around the world, the Scottish Pipe Band Championships is the first of the year’s championship-ranked events. More

Spirit of the West May 16-17 Spirit of the West is a weekend-long celebration of the culture and heritage that dominates the West Coast of Scotland, with whisky being the major attraction. More

Burns an' a' that Festival (East Ayrshire) May 16-24 The 8th Burns an’ a’ That! Festival will be the biggest ever as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Rabbie Burns in style. More

Burns an' a' that Festival (North Ayrshire) May 16-24 The 8th Burns an’ a’ That! Festival will be the biggest ever as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Rabbie Burns in style. More

Burns an' a' that Festival (South Ayrshire) May 16-24 The 8th Burns an’ a’ That! Festival will be the biggest ever as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Rabbie Burns in style. More

Etape Caledonia May 17-17 Come to Scotland in 2009 for the only closed road cycle event which winds its way through 81 miles of Highland Perthshire. More

Cape Wrath Challenge May 17-23 The Cape Wrath Challenge could be regarded as the toughest Marathon in the UK. More

All-Energy '09 May 20-21 All-Energy ‘09 is the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference, at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in Aberdeen... More

Loch Lomond Quilt Show May 20-23 New for 2009, an inspiring showcase of Homecoming Quilts to celebrate Scotland’s unique textile heritage. More

Edinburgh 2009 Heineken Cup Final May 23-23 Edinburgh has won the right to host the 14th Heineken Cup final in May 2009 – the second time European club rugby’s showpiece match will be staged in the Scottish capital. More

Party at the Palace 1503 May 23-24 Celebrate the rich and vibrant history of the Stewart Royal Court at Linlithgow Palace and become guests of King James IV and his new bride, Queen Margaret. More

Mauchline Holy Fair May 23-23 This 18th century community Festival pays tribute to one of Robert Burns’ most famous poems: The Holy Fair, a poem written in Mauchline where Burns lived with Jean Armour between 1784 – 1786. More

Alexander Stoddart: Drawings and Models May 23 - September 12 Robert Burns, Adam Smith and James Clerk Maxwell are among the Great Scots celebrated in the work of Scottish sculptor, Alexander Stoddart. More

Traquair Medieval Fayre May 23-24 Travel back to an age of chivalry, pageantry and romance in Homecoming year at the Traquair Medieval Fayre. More

Gardening Scotland 2009 May 29-31 Gardening Scotland, Scotland’s national celebration of gardening and outdoor living, will burst into bloom from 29 - 31 May at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. More

Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens May 30-31 Back in Scotland for a third successive year, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s is the final leg of the IRB World Sevens Series. More

Ayrshire Innovators May 30 - September 12 Ayrshire Innovators will explore the profound impact of key innovators that lived, worked or were born in the area.ï¿½ More

Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon May 31-31 The UK’s second largest marathon takes place in arguably Britain’s most scenic city. More

Where Tomorrow Begins June 1 - August 31 The Sunday Herald’s award winning photographer Kirsty Anderson captures the spirit of innovation and progress in Scotland’s internationally renowned universities which will transform the way we live. More

Return to the Ridings June 1 - August 8 The annual Border Common Ridings are a stunning mounted spectacle packed with heart-stirring music and song. More

Meet Your Ancestors in Clackmannanshire June 1 - November 30 Discover your roots in Clackmannanshire More

Whole in One Golf Exhibition June 1 - August 31 This exhibition will be staged to coincide with The Open played at Turnberry in South Ayrshire in July 2009. More

25th Summer Season of Scottish Country Dance June 4 - August 20 Get your dancing shoes on! More

Nairn Book and Arts Festival June 5-13 An Open Art Competition, themed “Homecoming” will be the highlight of this year’s spectacular Nairn Book and Arts Festival. More

Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup June 6-7 The Mountain Bike World Cup welcomes competitors and spectators from many nations, including countries with strong Scottish links back to the land where the bike was invented. More

Shotts Highland Games June 6-6 Join us to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of these world famous Highland Games. More

Forbes CEO Conference June 14-16 Representing the true entrepreneurial spirit of the ancestral Scots the Forbes family are renowned in business circles across the world. More

The Crossing June 16-20 A Celebration of the Caledonian Canal to mark the Caledonian’s historic innovative engineering, its contribution to Scottish history and its place in the story of the Scottish Enlightenment More

Edinburgh International Film Festival June 17-28 The renowned Edinburgh International Film Festival presents an enlightening programme of films of all shapes and sizes More

Borders Book Festival June 18-21 Add over 40 world-class events with some of today’s finest writers, one of the most stunning backdrops in Scotland and you have all the ingredients for the perfect book festival. More

Small Islands Film Festival June 18-21 Don't miss The Small Islands Film Festival 2009! More

Helensburgh Bi-Centenary Pipe Band and Highland Dancing Competition June 19-21 Experience Homecoming Year with pipe band championships, Highland dancing competitions, street parades, massed pipes and drums, a Burns supper, a heritage display and a ceilidh More

'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor' - Routes to Your Scottish Roots June 19-21 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor' is a family history conference that focuses on Stirling records and sources but which contains information and tips that could equally be applicable anywhere in the world. More

The Outsider June 20-21 The Outsider, Scotland's groundbreaking open-air festival makes a welcome return in 2009. More

City of Aberdeen Highland Games June 21-21 The City of Aberdeen Highland Games celebrates the culture, heritage and contribution of Scotland to the world. More

Zig Zag. The Paths of Robert Burns (Dumfries) June 24 - August 29 For the first time ever, some of the 36,000 objects from Scotland's national collection of treasures associated with Robert Burns will be brought together in a major touring exhibition. More

Royal Highland Show June 25-28 One of the UK's iconic Agricultural Shows,The Royal Highland Show is a 4 day festival attracting over 155,000 visitors. More

A Home Away from Home: The Scottish Emigration Experience June 26 - October 11 The National Library of Scotland celebrates Homecoming year by inviting you to follow the experiences of the ordinary Scots who over the centuries left their homeland to find a better life abroad. More

Dumfries Family History Homecoming Fair June 27-27 Dumfries Family History Homecoming Fair explores local heritage with a day of stalls, heritage groups, talks and a local library and archive service. More

Scottish Perthshire Hill Rally July 1-31 The 15th year of the UK’s now premier Cross Country vehicle rally will draw numerous international competitors to come home to Perthshire this Summer. More

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival July 2-5 Over four spectacular days in picturesque Portsoy, explore your roots and take part in a colourful celebration of Scotland's great maritime heritage. More

The Scottish Game Fair July 3-5 The Scottish Games Fair held in the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace provides a wide range of entertainment for all the family during Homecoming year. More

Cupar Highland Games July 5-5 Cupar Highland Games provides an afternoon of ‘Scottish’ entertainment for Homecoming year. More

I kent his faither: Musselburgh's People Past and Present July 6-25 “I kent his faither” celebrates the contribution that Musselburgh’s people have made to major events through the ages. More

The Barclays Scottish Open July 9-12 For a week in July the eyes of the golfing world focus on one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet. More

T in the Park July 10-12 Scotland’s biggest music festival hosts a spectacularly eclectic bill of over 180 home-grown and international artists who play over 12 stages. More

The Famous Alva Games July 11-11 The Famous Alva Games, the last surviving games and sports in Clackmannanshire, is proud to support Homecoming. More

Classic Malts Cruise July 11-25 The annual 'Classic Malts' Cruise attracts sailors from around the world to the famous scenery and distilleries of Scotland’s West Coast. More

Bridge of Allan, Callander, Killin and Stirling Highland Games July 12 - August 2 Situated in spectacular settings, the Stirling area plays host to an annual selection of high quality Highland Games throughout the summer months. More

Hebridean Celtic Festival July 15-18 The Hebridean Celtic Festival is a flagship Scottish cultural event that has earned an international reputation for quality cutting edge programming. More

The Open Championship July 16-19 Scotland is recognised as the birthplace of Golf and The Open will provide one of the focal points for the year of Homecoming in 2009. More

Art on the Map 2009 July 17 - August 16 Visit our stunning Hebridean islands and follow the art trail. More

The Hidden Jewel July 17-23 Walk with the drama as it unfolds in the gathering evening against the stunning medieval backdrop of Dunollie Castle in Oban. More

North East Clan Fortnight and Aberdeen's Tartan Day July 18 - August 3 The North East Clan Fortnight starts off with the welcoming clan ball held in Haddo House. More

Masters World Championships at Inverness Highland Games July 18-19 Join us at the Inverness Highland Games for one of the most spectacular Games ever staged in the Scottish Highlands. More

Blas na Fasaich (Taste of the Wilderness) July 18-18 Taste of the Wilderness festival highlights the best of local Highland food production from croft, farm, moor, loch and sea. More

Highlander Challenge World Championships July 18-19 In Homecoming year, witness an event that echoes the war games of our Highland ancestors, from wrestling, shiltron jousting and stone carrying to the traditional highland throws. More

The Loch Lomond Highland Games July 18-18 Taking place on the banks of Loch Lomond at one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland, the Balloch Loch Lomond Highland Games offers a hearty taste of iconic Highland culture and a warm welcome to Homecomers from around the world. More

International Junior Curling Camp July 19-25 Scotland’s first International Curling Camp will be led by elite coaches from around the world. More

International Youth Curling Camp July 19-25 In 2009, to mark the European Curling Championships taking place in Aberdeen in December, young people from across Scotland and Europe will be inspired to improve their game at a curling camp assisted by top coaches and athletes. More

Burns Summer School July 21-25 The Burns Summer School will celebrate the life, works and legacy of Robert Burns, particularly in Dumfries, during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of his birth. More

International Genealogy Festival July 21-24 In celebration of the Year of Homecoming, University of Strathclyde hosts Scotland’s first International Genealogy Festival. More

Mauchline Homecoming Marquee July 24-26 Held at the farm where Burns penned some of the world’s best poems, this 3 day community event celebrates Burns’ outstanding contributions to poetry. More

The Wickerman Festival July 24-25 The Wickerman Festival has developed a national reputation for offering something more than simply a ‘gig in a field’. More

The Gathering 2009 July 25-26 Be a part of history; join clan members from around the world to witness Scotland’s largest ever Highland Games in the inspiring Holyrood Park. More

The Big Tent July 25-26 Big Tent extends an invitation to Scots around the world to visit in 2009. More

Doon Hame with Burns Conference July 25-25 Doon Hame with Robert Burns will celebrate the life, works and legacy of the poet at Ellisland and Dumfries during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of his birth. More

European Pipe Band Championships July 25-25 The 2009 European Pipe Band Championships will be held in Battery Park, Greenock on July 25 2009. Greenock was the place where many people left Scotland for a new life abroad. More

The Scottish Diaspora Forum July 25-25 The first Scottish Diaspora Forum, held in the Scottish Parliament, will explore the rich potential of the global Scots family. More

Aberdeen International Youth Festival July 27 - August 8 Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) is a multi-arts festival in Aberdeen and across the North East of Scotland welcoming around 1000 young people from across the UK and the World. More

Edinburgh Art Festival July 30 - September 6 During Homecoming Year, spend time with the visual literati and experience why the 21st Century is the dawn of the visual Enlightenment. More

Guildtown Bluegrass Music Festival 2009 July 31 - August 3 Bill Monroe, the ‘father of Bluegrass music’ credited his own Scottish ancestry and Celtic musical inheritance as key influences upon his playing. More

Hydro Connect

August 1 - September 31

Celebrate the last weekend of summer at Scotland’s most beautiful festival held in the stunning grounds of Inveraray Ca