7th to 29th August 2009, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh. Scotland's most spectacular yearly outdoor military show set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The Tattoo has been called the most spectacular show in the world and is seen by an international TV audience of 100 million every year. Full details can be found on www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk

8th August 2009, North Berwick International Highland Games, North Berwick, East Lothian. A traditional Highland Games hostomg events such as throwing the Scots hammer, tossing the caber, and many Highland dancing competitions throughout the day. The games also hosts the Lothian and Borders Pipe Band Championships with over 70 bands from all over the world competing. The day ends with a spectacular massed pipe band display. www.northberwickhighlandgames.co.uk  lists full details. 

1st to 9th August 2009, Pittenweem Arts Festival, Pittenweem. This festival was founded in 1982 and since then has grown into one of Scotland's most popular and well known arts events. Each year, 80 plus exhibitions are housed in imaginative exhibition spaces created from artists' studios, garages, courtyards and gardens. Stroll around the village, see the artworks for sale and meet the artists. Details are at website www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

7th and 8th August 2009, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Belladrum Estate, By Beauly, Inverness-shire. A family friendly celebration of music and the performing arts in the form of a two-day open air festival. The festival acts as a stage for young and unsigned bands, anything from cabaret to children's theatre, alternative healing, stalls, charities, kids' entertainments and a tipi reservation. To find out more please visit their website at www.tartanheartfestival .co.uk

13th to 24th August 2009, Marymass Festival, Irvine, Ayrshire. One of the biggest community events of its kind in Scotland which provides a wealth of special events and activities, especially the pageantry of the Marymass Parade with its origins in medieval times. Not to be missed is the torchlit procession. You can find more details of this on www.marymass.org

14th to 16th August 2009, Innerleithen Music Festival, Innerleithen. This festival will suit all ages and tastes and truly has something for all the family. Concerts and music workshops are at the heart of this festival in picturesque Innerleithen. Full details of what is on offer can be found on www.innerleithenmusic festival.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

1st to 8th August 2009, Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Aberdeen. A celebration of the best youth talent from all parts of the world, this event brings Aberdeen to life offering 10 days of dazzling entertainment, music, theatre and dance, starting off with a colourful grand parade through the city centre. Events will be taking place throughout the northeast. From orchestral concerts to steel drums, song recitals, massed choirs, traditional music, ballet, African dance and drumming, opera and special events for children. For further information please visit www.aiyf.org

14th August to 6th September 2009, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh. One of the greatest celebrations of the arts, the Edinburgh International Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of live performance by internationally renowned artists as well as the joy of discovering new and unfamiliar works. A rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance is staged in major theatres and concert halls and smaller venues around the city over a three-week period in late summer. www.eif.co.uk will give you further details.