1st to 3rd March 2007, Fort William Mountain Festival, Fort William. Two weeks of celebration of mountains and culture that surrounds them! Experience the best winter walking and climbing conditions of the year, the Festival offers a varied and very full programme of lectures, films, activities, exhibitions, plays and music to entertain visitors to the UK's outdoor capital. www.mountainfilmfestival.co.uk lists full programme of events

7th to 11th March 2007, Aberdeen Jazz Festival, Aberdeen. Organisers of the festival have secured a highly impressive roster of artists for this year’s event, with the likes of world-famous Scottish sax star Tommy Smith and internationally acclaimed guitar virtuoso Martin Taylor alongside leading lights of the contemporary jazz scene Polar Bear and The Neil Cowley Trio. The festival is being broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. To contact the ticket hotline and programme of events visit www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com

22nd to 25th March 2007, Country Living Magazine Spring Fair, Glasgow. The annual Country Living Magazine Spring Fair which spams four days brings together the very best in British crafts, garden and home accessories, jewellery and clothing, and homemade food and drink not available in the high street. Full details can be found at www.countrylivingfair.com

31st March to 15th April 2007, Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Festival, Across Dumfries & Galloway. The Dumfries & Galloway Wildlife Festival hosts events arranged to allow you to see some of the region's special wildlife. So if you have never seen a red squirrel, red kte or badger, now is your chance. Experienced wildlife watchers and beginners will both find something of interest in the festival. www.wildlifefestival.org.uk  list all the details.

28th to 30th April 2007, Feis Rois Inbhich, Ullapool, Ross & Cromarty, Highlands. Feis Rois Inbhich, is a unique and marvellous three day traditional cultural feast, offering daily tuition in the many traditional instruments, Gaelic language, Gaelic song, step dancing & reels, Highland culture and group playing. The Feis provides a first-class tutor team, sessions and ceilidhs set against the backdrop of stunning Highland scenery and a friendly atmosphere. www.feisean.org.uk

Throughout May, Every Friday 5pm to 8pm Live Jazz, Snafu, Aberdeen. Meet Simon Gall and his pack of jazz cats when they are let loose for some fine jazz music every Friday early evening. If you've just finished work and want to relax this is the place for you. Free entry, complimentary nibbles and if booking parties of over four a free bottle of house wine. To book a table visit www.clubsnafu.com

Throughout May 2007 at The Bein Inn, Glenfarg, nr Perth, Perthshire. A favourite venue for live music lovers. The Bein Inn plays host to a wide selection of different artistes. For full programme details please visit www.beininn.com.

3rd to 7th May 2007, Speyside Whisky Festival, Speyside, North East Scotland. A celebration of our national drink in one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. Almost fifty world-famous distilleries are located on Speyside. You can visit and tour most during the festival which also features a gala dinner, ceilidh, tasting sessions and exhibitions. Visit distilleries not usually open to the public. Heaven for whisky lovers. Full detialos can be found at www.spiritofspeyside.com

4th to 6th May 2007, Maggie's Monster Bike & Hike, Inverness/Fort William. Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres' 24-hour fundraising event along the Great Glen Way with around 1000 anticipated competitors in 2007. 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.

12th & 13th May 2007, Motorfair & the Scottish Motor Show, Knockhill Racing Circuit, Fife. Motorfair is Scotland's live, interactive motoring show. There are loads to see and do, with something for everyone, cars to see and be seen in, stunt shows, and special zones. Kids, 4x4s, road-safety, truck and supercar, as well as free track demos. Free 4x4 rambles and skid pan demos. A Formula 1 Ferrari! Racing and Rally cars will be in the feature marquees. www.knockhill.com lists full programme.

16th to 26th May 2007, Big Big Country, Glasgow. Glasgow's festival of Americana with its' established reputation for showcasing talents who have gone on to become big favourites with Americana followers both locally and internationally, welcomes performers of Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Jazz and Blues music to Glasgow. Big Big Country brings live Americana performance to a wider audience. Programme of performances can be found at www.soundsfine.co.uk

21st to 27th May 2007, Four Nations Football Tournament, Dingwall, Inverness & Nairn. A yearly tournament organised by the Football Associations of Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales for international teams made up from semi professional leagues. The Scotland team will comprise players from the Highland, East and South of Scotland Leagues. www.scottishfa.co.uk list full details of the games.

24th to 28th May 2007, 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.