Scottish events of the week

Get out and about and enjoy the summer sunshine. Here are five of the best events taking place around Scotland this week.

Friday until 5 June - Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival

This year’s Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival features a really good mix of local, national and international performers and attractions.

It all kicks off this Friday with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra at Castle Douglas Town Hall. Their show will be a celebration of Scotland’s natural riches through music and song, featuring popular soprano Lorna Anderson. The concert opens with the best-known musical celebration of Scotland’s magnificent scenery: Mendelssohn’s dramatic Hebrides Overture. Also playing on the opening night is Dutch virtuoso violinist Tim Kliphuis.

Saturday and Sunday - The Atholl Gathering and Highland Games

The two day Atholl Gathering weekend consists of The Atholl Highlanders’ Parade on Saturday followed by the Highland Games on Sunday, it all takes place in and around the magnificent Blair Castle.

The Atholl Highlanders’ Talk, (11am Saturday) where you’re invited to learn more about the fascinating history of the Atholl Highlanders then its the Atholl Highlanders Parade in the afternoon, where the army will parade throught the courtyard of historic Blair Castle accompanied by the sounds of their pipes and drums.

Then on Sunday the Highland games event starts at 11am on Sunday, strong men from around Scotland take centre stage to battle it out in all the traditional events such as tossing the caber, putting the shot and throwing the hammer. There’s plenty of other attractions on offer too, such as highland dancing events, tug o’ war, solo piping, and refreshments to make it a fun day out for everyone.

Saturday and Sunday - The Edinburgh Marathon

The Edinburgh Marathon starts at 10am on Regent Road, Edinburgh. Scotland’s largest marathon is well known for its breath-taking views of the capital. There’s plenty of good spots to watch from around the route, but if you’re feeling really brave there’s still time to enter. There’s a half marathon too, if you’re only feeling half brave. There’s also 5k and 10k races on Saturday that start at Dynamic Earth on Holyrood Road.

All week - Caithness and Sutherland Walking festival

Make the most of the summer weather this week at the 9th Caithness and Sutherland Walking festival, they have a full programme of some great looking guided walks around the North Highlands area, taking in breath-taking scenery and wildlife in one of the wildest and most beautiful areas of the country.

Saturday - Aberdeen Country Fair

The last Saturday of the month means it’s time for the Aberdeen Country Fair. The fair is held in the city centre on Belmont Street, running from Union Street to Schoolhill. The very popular market provides local farmers and crafters the opportunity to showcase their home-grown and handcrafted products to the shoppers and visitors in Aberdeen city centre.