1st to 3rd May 2009, Gymfest 2009, Magnum Leisure Centre, Harbourside, Irvine. Gymfest is an annual gymnastics display event run by Scottish Gymnastics. It is a non-competitive, professionally run display festival which promotes gymnastics for all and encompasses the sheer enjoyment of it. Everyone is invited to enter Gymfest from the beginner to the advanced gymnast. Further detals can be found at www.scottishgymnastics.org

2nd to 9th May 2009, Caithness and Sutherland Walking Festival, North of Inverness. This far flung corner 120 miles north of Inverness can sometimes be overlooked by visitors yet it offers a wealth of archaeology, history, wildlife, visitor attractions, accommodation, restaurants and above all great walking and facilities for the great outdoors in general. Details can be found at www.activities.iberacal.com

1st to 10th May 2009, The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Speyside area North Scotland. Held each year during the first long weekend in May, it offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a visit to Speyside prior to the start of the main tourism season. The Festival invites visitors to celebrate Scotland’s national drink through an inventive and wide ranging programme of whisky inspired events, some educational, all of them fun. www.spiritofspeyside.com lists full programme of what you can do.

12th to 24th May 2009, World Mountain Bike Conference, Dumfries. Blacksmith, Kirkpatrick Macmillan invented the bike in Dumfries in 1839 and 170 years later this major international conference on mountain-bike sustainability is coming to town in May. There will also be a series of public events in Dumfries from 12th to 24th May to celebrate the bike's place in our culture. All information on this event is at www.worldmountainbikeconference .com

15th to 17th May 2009, Writer's Festival Word09, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen. The Word 09 line-up has been finalised! With over 120 events, this year’s packed programme offers something for everyone. Word 09 covers readings from some of the world’s finest writers as well as music events, art exhibitions, workshops and film screenings at King's College and across the city. www.abdn.ac.uk lists all relevant information

15th to 26th May 2009, Borders Festival of the Horse, Scottish Borders. Forty events are taking place over twelve days throughout the Borders area for both horse riders and spectators. There are 'try-your-hand' events, an art exhibition, stable visits, demonstrations and much, much more to enjoy with or without a horse.The Borders is renowned for having some of the best horse riding in Britain. www.bordersfestival horse.org

Throughout the year, The Scottish Storytelling Centre, John Knox House High Street, Edinburgh. The Centre is a unique venue the home of Scotland's stories on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The autumn and winter programme reflects the seasons and celebrations of St. Andrew's Day, Yule and the turning of the year, with live storytelling, theatre and family events. Please visit their web address www.scottishstory tellingcentre.co.uk for all the relevant details.

Throughout the year Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh, provides an abundance of interesting events to suit the whole family from experiencing what it was like to be a servant in the castle in days gone by to art classes and discovering the exotic blooms which can be found in the gardens there is something for everyone. Full details can be found on their website www.cac.org.uk

Continuing until 23rd May 2009, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen. Prints and watercolours by the renowned Scottish artist John Bellany ranging from his famous hospital scenes of the 1980s to examples from suites of prints made at Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen. Further details can be found on www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

30th to 31st May 2009, Park Live, North Ayrshire. Taking place in the beautiful and historic setting of Eglinton Country Park, this festival features live music, children's play activities, food stalls, sporting activities and more. With so much to do, see and hear, you can easily spend the whole day at ParkLive. You will find the full details at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk