When to Go

January

Burns Night. Naturally, during the celebrations to honor Robert Burns, there's much toasting with whisky and the eating of haggis, the arrival of which is announced by a bagpipe. January 25.

March

Whuppity Scourie, Lanark. Residents in this town south of Glasgow get so tired of winter that they stage this traditional ceremony to chase it away. March 1.

Ceilidh Culture, Edinburgh. A showcase of traditional Scottish arts, whether song, storytelling, or dance. Held in 30 venues across the city. Call tel. 0131/228-1155. Late March to mid-April.

April

Triptych. As the name implies, this is a contemporary and avant-garde music festival that takes place in three cities: Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. Last weekend in April.

Beltane Fire Festival, Edinburgh. This one celebrates paganism and the alleged arrival of summer on Calton Hill with primal drums and dancing. A bit of nudity is almost guaranteed. April 30.

May

Burns and A' That, Ayr, south of Glasgow. A celebration of the life of Robert Burns with contemporary artists and performers -- mainly in music. For details, call tel. 0129/229-0300. Late May.

June

Royal Highland Show, at the Ingliston Showground, outskirts of Edinburgh. This show is devoted to agriculture and commerce. For details, call tel. 0131/335-6200. Mid- to late June.

Pride, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Scotland's annual gay celebration alternates between Edinburgh and Glasgow. You'll see a quirky, boisterous parade through the heart of Glasgow or along Princes Street in Edinburgh. Sometime in June.

July

Scottish Open, Loch Lomond, northwest of Glasgow. Traditionally played on the weekend before the Open tournament in Britain, drawing many of the stars of international golf. Mid-July.

Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival. Of the various events that dominate the Edinburgh social calendar in summer, this one is the first to kick off. End of July into August.

August

Edinburgh Festival. Scotland's best-known event is actually various festivals -- Jazz, Book, International, and Fringe -- taking place concurrently in the Scottish capital. The Fringe alone encompasses some 1,800 performances. An arts bonanza, it draws major talent from around the world. Log onto www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk. Throughout August.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo. A spectacular every evening at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, featuring precision marching and army bands from across the globe. Call tel. 0870/755-5118. Throughout August.

September

Doors Open Day, Edinburgh and Glasgow. One weekend in the month, the public is given unique access to landmark buildings that are normally off limits.

October

Darvel Music Festival, Ayrshire, south of Glasgow. A recent addition to the Strathclyde cultural calendar with an eclectic array of musicians, focusing on folk and up-and-coming talent. First week of October.

International Story Telling Festival, Edinburgh. Events at various venues in the capital help to celebrate the oral tradition of Scotland and other nations. Call tel. 0131/556-9579. Last 2 weeks in October.

Edinburgh Christmas. The capital gets an early start on the holiday season with outdoors markets and fairground rides. Late November through Christmas.

December

Hogmanay, Edinburgh and Glasgow. New Year's Eve -- Hogmanay -- is traditionally bigger for the Scots than Christmas. Events in the capital include a torchlight procession, a fire festival along Princes Street, a carnival, and a street theater spectacular. Both cities stage outdoor concerts on Hogmanay. The celebration in Edinburgh begins in the last week of December and continues past New Year's Day.