1st to 23rd August 2008, 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

2nd August 2008, Date to be confirmed Tartan Day, Aberdeen. This event gives local citizens and visitors to the city an opportunity to participate in a wide range of free activities including walking tours, music events and art exhibitions focussing on traditional local and Scottish culture and heritage. The full programme still to bo published

2nd to 10th August 2008, 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

8th and 9th August 2008, 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

14th to 17th August 2008, Thirlestane Castle Scottish Championship Horse Trials, Lauder, Borders. Scotland's premier equestrian event features dressage, show jumping and cross country over three days. The programme includes horse trials, carriage driving, dog contests, children's entertainment and a shopping village. www.thirlestane.org has full details.

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.scottishstorytellingcentre .co.uk for all the relevant details.

15th to 17th August 2008, 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

7th August to 28th October 2007, Gaelforce, Dumfries & Galloway. A multiple arts festival offering something for everyone. With country, Celtic, traditional and world-music events, which also includes book festivals, poetry, theatre performances, exhibitions and street processions. Please visit www.gaelforceevents.co.uk for their full programme.

14th to 25th August 2008, 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