Why Scotland’s a showstopper this Christmas
THE weather may be turning colder, but with Chri s t mas events, Hogmanay celebrations and exciting festivals just around the corner, Scotland’s winter calendar is fast hotting up. Created by Visit Scotland, The A to Z of Winter in Scotland is your free guide to things to see and do across the country this season, from winter walks and extreme sports to fire festivals, art exhibitions and more.
New for 2014-15, this 76-page digital guide is packed with suggestions of things to see and do from now until February, with details of activities, attractions and events in each region of Scotland.
No matter which part of the country you choose to visit, you’ll find something to inspire you, from stargazing in Dumfries & Galloway to the incredible fire festival of Up Helly Aa in the Shetland Isles .
Get into the festive spirit with details of what’s going on around Scotland in the run-up to Christmas. Sip on a mulled wine as you browse charming markets, sing along at carol services or discover ice rinks and funfairs in our glittering cities.
Edinburgh’s Christmas offers excitement for little and big kids alike, with festive shows, trips to Santa Land for wee ones and the Star Flyer for anyone brave enough to face the 60m (196ft) high spin!
Keep the children busy over the Christmas holidays with great ideas for things to see and do for families.
Discover which pantomime dames will be taking to a stage near you, find children’s Christmas concerts where they can sing along to Jingle Bells, or get stuck into more than 100 retro video games at the Games Masters exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Of course, no winter in Scotland is complete without the fun and festivities of Hogmanay. Find out about Edinburgh’s world-famous celebrations, from the dazzling Torchlight Procession to the bustling Street Party, discover the Stonehaven Fireballs and other fire festivals, or bring in the New Year to live music and traditional dancing at the An Lanntair Ceilidh Festival in Stornoway, which opens on December 31.
Get 2015 off to a healthy start by challenging yourself to the New Year’s Day Triathlon in Edinburgh or brave a plunge into icy waters at Loony Dooks in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, or Broughty Ferry, near Dundee.
Celtic Connections sees Glasgow regaled by world- class folk and traditional music from January 15 until February 1, while poetry fans across the country raise a glass to Scotland’s National Bard at Burns Night events on January 25.
As the days begin to get longer, admire charming winter flowers as they come into bloom in parks and gardens from Lindores in Fife to Loch Ness at the Scottish Snowdrop Festival which opens on February 1.
Challenge yourself to taxing hikes or dizzying climbs at the Fort William Mountain Festival from February 18 – 22, or get ideas for a special Valentine’s Day… a tandem bungee jump in romantic Perthshire, perhaps?
You’ll also find fun facts about Scotland’s winter traditions – why Christmas has only been a public holiday for 50 years, for example, or why Hogmanay was once celebrated on January 12 – and ideas for things to see and do throughout the season.
Find the best places to see winter birdlife, where you can try ice climbing or curling, or when you’ll have the best chance of glimpsing the Northern Lights.
Download your f r ee copy of Visit-Scotland’s The A to Z of Winter in Scotland from www.visitscotland.com/ winter and make sure this winter is one to remember. www.visitscotland.com/ winter