Around Scotland
Chainsaw Carving, Nairn Book And Arts Festival, various venues, September 11-16. Headlining this year’s festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary, is TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham. www.nairnfestival.co.uk
Ceol Cholasa Colonsay, September 13-16. The island’s annual music festival, with artists including The Young Uns, Hamish Napier and Innes Watson. Festival pass for all events costs £80. www.ceolcholasa.co.uk
Skyrunning World Championships, Kinlochleven, September 13-15. Hill racing event with 27 medals in three categories – vertical, sky and ultra – with a world championship in each discipline at stake. www. skyrunning.com/2018-skyrunningworld-championships Lammermuir Festival, various venues, September 14-23. Classical music festival featuring world-famous artists, orchestras and ensembles. The opening concert is provided by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk
Lagavulin Islay Jazz festival, September 14-16. Enjoy a weekend of high-quality jazz with Scottish and international musicians playing in venues throughout Islay, from bird sanctuaries to distilleries.
Camanachd Cup Final, Oban, September 15. Two top teams compete for shinty’s most prized possession and one of Scotland’s oldest sporting trophies. Newtonmore are the current holders, having defeated Lovat 3-2 in last year’s final in Inverness. Biggar Science Festival, various venues, September 21-24. Family festival with 30 events, including a screening of Before The Flood presented by Leonardo Di Caprio.
Dunbar Traditional Music Festival, September 21-23. A range of trad music, with a family concert on the Sunday and workshops for all ages.
The Scottish Adventure Travel Film Festival, Poolewe, September 21-23. This film festival showcases the best in adventure travel films from 1930s to the present day.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival Of Running, September 23. An opportunity for all kinds of runners, from full marathon to any one of the associated running events. Phone 0844 875 1411.