29th April to 3rd May 2010, 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.

14th to 16th May 2010, Writer's Festival Word10, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen. The Word 10 line-up has been finalised! With over 120 events, this year’s packed programme offers something for everyone. Word 10 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

19th to 31st May 2010, 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

1st and 2nd May 2010, Maggie's Monster Bike & Hike, Cancer Caring Centres' 24-hour fundraising event along the Great Glen Way with around 1000 anticipated competitors in 2010. Participants cycle 30 miles and then choose to walk 8 miles, 23 miles or 40 miles to complete their Monster at either Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Anyone interested in joining this worthwhile experience can find full details at www.maggiescentres.org.

15th to 16th May 2010, Loch Fyne Food Fair, Inveraray Castle, Argyll. An abundance of West Coast food next to the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. Along with fine wines, local ales, and live music all day, there will be a wide assortment of foods showcased, sold by the producers, ready to eat or to take home. A craft tent with over 20 craft producers and children?s will also be accessible entertainment. Full details are on www.lochfyne.com

27th to 30th May 2010, Burns an' a' That! Various venues, Ayrshire. A wide-ranging programme of music, song, poetry and art celebrating the life and contemporary culture of Scotland. Set against a backdrop of, and interweaving with, the life and work of our national bard. In and around Ayr, the festival features world-class acts from across the musical spectrum matched to an ambitious and innovative programme showcasing the best of contemporary and traditional Scottish culture. www.burns.visitscotland.com gives full list of events.

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 site scottistorytellingcentre 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

27th to 30th May 2010, Orkney Folk Festival, Various venues, Orkney. An internationally renowned celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music. Talented local musicians are billed with more famous names in one of the most vibrant festivals of its type. Concerts and sessions will take place in seven locations. Programme details are on www.orkneyfolkfestival.com

29th to 30th May 2010, 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