Throughout July 2009, ScotlandsPeople Centre, East End Princes Street, Edinburgh. Visitors can view digitised key Scottish resources such as birth, marriage and death records, wills, census records and coats of arms, going back almost 500 years. Staff are on hand to offer help and advice. Visit www.scotlandspeoplehub.gov.uk for full 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

July 2009 and throughout the year, Loch Rannoch Watersports Centre, Kinloch Rannoch. A multitude of activities are available to groups and individuals. Taster sessions for beginners are available all week, while those with more experience can benefit from further training or simply hire one of their boats. All activities are under the supervision of qualified staff, and all necessary equipment can be provided for a safe and enjoyable day, weekend or week away. You can choose from Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Boat Hire, Mountain Biking, Quad Biking, Off Road Driving and Safari’s, Climbing, Abseiling, Archery, and multi-activity courses. www.goforth.co.uk

On until 4th July 2009, Mendelssohn on Mull Festival, Isle of Mull. A program of open rehearsals, recitals and concerts given by a group of young musicians on the brink of starting their professional careers. The week-long festival plays to packed houses on the island Mendelssohn himself admired so much. www.mullfest.org.uk lists full details.

9th to 12th July 2009, Barclays Scottish Open, Loch Lomond. An event which forms part of the European PGA golf tour, Barclays Bank Scottish Open draws an outstanding selection of players from around the world. The competition takes place on the beautiful and exclusive Loch Lomond course, recently ranked 21 in the world's top 100 courses. Full programme details can be found at www.barclaysscottishopen.co.uk

19th to 20th July 2008, The Rat Race, Edinburgh. Hundreds of competitors from all over the UK and abroad will use the facilities of streets, waterways and hills in and around Edinburgh for this year's Rat Race. The two-day adventure race will challenge the most decerning of athletes in teamwork and endurance over a varied course. Full details of events can be found at www.ratraceadventure.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 address www.scottishstorytellingcentre .co.uk for all the relevant details.

24th and 25th July 2009, The Wickerman Festival, Dumfries & Galloway. An alternative music festival in Scotland offers a celebration of cult music and cult cinema within a relaxed, laidback family-friendly atmosphere, targeted at the more contemporary music fan. The Festival climaxes with the burning of a giant traditional willow and straw effigy. www.thewickerman festival.co.uk

18th and 19th July 2009, The City of Inverness Highland Games, Inverness. The largest and spectacular Highland Games taking place in the Scottish Highlands plays host to the World Championship for Heavies aged 40 years and over, Scotland has never seen so many heavies gathered in one place at one time. Add a full programme of pipe band competitions, solo piping, Highland dancing and traditional music, together with the Scotland's biggest inter-clan gathering and you will discover why Inverness is the must see games of the year! A full list of events is at www.invernesshighlandgames.com

24th to 26th July 2009, Lomond Folk Festival, Loch Lomond. This annually held traditional and folk-music festival can be found at Balloch on the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond. It includes sessions, singing, instrument workshops, craft fairs, street entertainment and children's show. For details please visit www.lomondfolk festival.com