19th to 21st March 2010, The Annual Niel Gow Festival, Dunkeld and Birnam, Perthshire. The Festival was established in 2004 to celebrate the life and music of Perthshire's fiddle legend. It is envisaged that through time the festival and other activities will gather enough funds to erect a fitting memorial to Niel Gow in Dunkeld and Birnam. www.niel-gow.co.uk lists full programme of events.

5th to 13th March 2010, Aye Write! Bank of Scotland Book Festival, Glasgow. This Book Festival celebrates the rich variety of Glaswegian writing and also brings the best of Scottish and international writers to the city. Carol Ann Duffy, the current poet laureate will attend the 2010 Aye Write! for the first time. The festival, which is sponsored by the Bank of Scotland, the Scottish Arts Council and has a media partnership with The Herald, is now in its fifth year and takes place annually at the Mitchell Library in the heart of Glasgow. Details can be found at www.ayewrite.com

19th and 20th March 2010, New Start Scotland Exhibition, SECC, Glasgow. Open any newspaper or turn on your television and you might get the impression that this is the worst time to be starting your own business in four hundred years. There is more funding out there than ever. Suppliers are bending over backwards to find new customers, and support organisations are under constant pressure to demonstrate that are actively helping entrepreneurs. Register for your free ticket now! at www.newstartexhibitions.com

Throughout March and until 10th April 2010, Aberdeen Art Gallery, School Hill, Aberdeen. The Gallery presents a major exhibition of work by one of Scotland’s most highly regarded artists, Frances Walker, in celebration of her 80th birthday. Full details of opening times can be found at www.aberdeencityandshire.com

20th March 2010, The Mighty Deerstalker, Traquair House, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders. The Mighty Deerstalker celebrates the heritage of the Scottish Borders with an Adventure Run of 10k/5k, along with a host of entertainment at Traquair House, including falconry, clay pigeon shooting, local live bands, mud wrestling, plus the famous Traquair Ale on tap. www.themightydeerstalker .com lists full details.

25th to 26th March 2010, Glasgow Art Fair, George Square, Glasgow. The biggest art fair in the UK outside London returns to George Square in Glasgow featuring over 40 galleries from around Britain and Europe, with over 1000 national and internationally renowned artists' work for sale. Full details can be found at www.glasgow artfair.com

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 scottishstorytellingcentre 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

11th to 28th March, Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival. 2010 is a great year for the festival, artists already signed up to appear include Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, Stewart Lee and Jenny Eclair. For further details about the Comedy Festival please visit www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Throughout March to 11th April 2010, The Heart of the Great Alone: Scott, Shackleton & Antarctic, Photography, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. This exhibition of Antarctic photography by Herbert George Ponting and Frank Hurley celebrates the 100th anniversary of Captain Scott’s ill fated journey to the South Pole. Full details can be found at www.royalcollection.org.uk