Scotland is fairly reputed as mecca of the bright folk celebrations and festivals of different ranges – from art to military. Hogmanay, Shetland’s Viking Fire Festival (Up Helly Aa) or Edinburg Festival Fringe are known far from coasts of Scotland. Every year millions of tourists come to Scotland to learn its distinctive culture and original traditions during these famous events.

But there are a number of festivals, both in Edinburgh and in Scotland, that are less famous, but not less fascinating ones. About some of them we would like to tell you here.

* Scottish Snowdrop Festival *

In the beginning of February, when winter is still in its force, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival opens doors of dozens of gardens throughout the country. 

The Snowdrop Festival lasts until the middle of March. During these one and a half months, people come to gardens to enjoy beautiful delicate flowers, to step into winter nature and to feel forthcoming spring in the air. In 2010 more than 50 gardens and woodland parks invited visitors to walk through snow-covered landscapes and to warm themselves with a cup of hot tea and traditional shortbreads in hospitable Scottish tearooms. 

* Mary King’s Ghost Festival *

Annual ghostly festival uncovers the tales of Edinburgh’s dark and mysterious past. Thrilling entertainment is promised for all ghost hunters during a week in March.

Every day of the festival is full of amusing events – from Horrible Histories Bus Tour to the Ultimate Supernatural Tour and the “So You Want To Be A Ghost Hunter” workshop. Visitors can attend a lot of new and favourite locations such as Newhailes, or Lauriston Castle, or Blair Street Vaults and many others.

* The burns an’ a’ that! Festival *

This festival is declared as the largest art and cultural festival in the West of Scotland. It is held in Ayrshire - in the homeland of Robert Burns, the famous poet and iconic figure in Scottish culture.

The festival gathers best artists and visitors not only from Scotland, but from around the world. For 4 days in the end of May a mix of various musical genres – from classics to pop, from folk to jazz - is presented in Ayr Town Hall.

* Scottish Traditional Boat Festival *

Each year in June Portsoy village and harbour, it’s between Inverness and Aberdeen, invite parents and children to fish and boat in the North East of Scotland. There are about 100 traditional boats, some of which are dating back to the 19th century.

Children will be interested in boat building and craft demonstration, whereas parents can enjoy visual arts, theatre and music. And undoubtedly all visitors will be pleased of maritime activities, road run and raft racing. The programme of the holiday includes Food Fayre as well.

* Hebridean Celtic Festival *

The Outer Hebrides is a group of islands on the North West coast of Scotland. It includes Barra, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Harris and Lewis. Over 15 years, in the middle of July, people from the various ends of the earth come to the Hebrides to celebrate the Scotland’s top summer folk festival. It is a unique 4-days event, which is notable thanks to the incredible music and the most fascinating location in Scotland.

The main festival activities are being held in Lews Castle, Stornoway, which is famous by its vast wooded area and capability to accommodate up to 5000 guests. In addition, a variety of events takes place around the islands of Lewis and Harris.

* Dundee Flower and Food Festival *

This bright and tasty festival brings together gardeners and gourmets from around the world. During three days in September visitors can feast on the enormous number of delicacies, mouth-watering and high quality products – from fruits and jams to meat, cheese and wines.

The best Scottish chefs and gardening experts present master classes in cooking, handcrafts and floral art. If you are going to attend the Dundee Festival, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular colour and fragrance of autumn flowers and vegetables at the Floral Marquee!

You can learn more about other festivals in Scotland on VisitScotland.com web-site