Arcadia Scotland

Summer is in full swing here, and with the long days comes plenty of time to celebrate Scottish culture and traditions.

There are numerous occasions throughout the year that acknowledge key moments in Scottish history and famous Scots, such as St Andrews Day and Burns night, among others. The summer events, however, seem to take a more holistic approach to celebrating Scottish culture, offering numerous visitors the chance to explore Scottish music, art, architecture, comedy, history, athletics, agriculture and myriad other dimensions of the country's success and heritage.

These sorts of events are taking place all over Scotland, but we've listed a few of them below to get you started as you venture around. We hope that you enjoy the diversity and richness that Scotland has to offer.

Aberdeen

Tartan at the Tivoli

20-23 July, Tivoli Theatre

Scottish Summer Show, Tartan at the Tivoli, traditional Scottish music, comedy and dance starring one of Scotland's best loved Comedians Andy Cameron, guest singer Siobhan Miller and champion fiddler Paul Anderson plus full support.

Old Aberdeen's Architectural Secrets

16 July, University of Aberdeen

Learn about the 'Aultoun' and its buildings, from the medieval Snow Kirk and Kings College to the artisan housing of the 18th and 19th century, and the hidden secrets of the university campus, including the secret Snow Kirk, the Macrobert Memorial Garden, and the delightful 18th century buildings of the Chanonry. Bishop Elphinstone was the founder of Kings College, little did he know at the end of the 15th century that many centuries of building of both sacred and secular kinds would rise up around his new university, and that the Protestant troops of General Monck would destroy St Machar Cathedral with their scavenging for stones to build up their hastily-planned fort on Castlehill in the New Town. For anyone who ever wondered 'if walls could talk…'!

Look Up: Aberdeen's Civic Statues Tour

4 July, Underdog, Aberdeen

Launched as part of the 2015 LookAgain Festival, this tour takes in six of our civic statues which are sited in the centre of town. From Robert Burns and Robert the Bruce to the Mannie Well and Prince Albert, stopping off at General Gordon and William Wallace, the story behind how and why these memorials were erected is as fascinating as the people they represent.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Art Festival

28-31 July, Various venues and times

Scotland’s largest annual celebration of visual art offers work by the best contemporary Scottish artists as well as exhibitions of the most important international artists and movements of the 20th century and other historical periods.

Scottish Real Ale Festival

7-9 July, Corn Exchange

Celebrate the hoppy, malty, tasty world of Scottish brewing. With 170 plus Scottish beers this is the world's greatest showcase of our native brews, brought to you by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. The festival also features a range of traditional cider and perry from small producers based in Scotland, England and Wales.

Building Sites: Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Throughout July

A series of images of celebrities photographed with their favourite Scottish buildings.

Glasgow

Merchant City Festival

30-31 July, Merchant City

A diverse arts festival in Glasgow's swanky part of town. Previous years have seen comedy, theatre and art events cramming themselves into the area's fashionable buildings, while street performers add to the festival atmosphere.

Glasgow Mela

17 July, Kelvingrove Park

For over 25 years this huge outdoor festival has been celebrating the traditions of Glasgow's many and varied immigrant communities with a mix of international music, dance, activities and stalls.

The Wee Food Tour-Let Glasgow Nourish

Tuesdays in July, Buchanan Street

Visit six independent restaurants and sample over 20 foods and snacks made, produced and eaten in Scotland.

St Andrews

Sticks and Stones, Bats and Balls: Sport in St Andrews

Throughout July, St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum

An exhibition on the sporting history of St Andrews.

Oor Wullie Bucket Trail

Throughout July, Various venues in Dundee

A public art trail in and around the city of Dundee made up of 50 giant sculptures of the classic character sat on his upturned bucket. Each sculpture has been designed and painted by local artists.

Crail Festival

20-30 July, Various venues in Crail

As well as musical entertainment, the Crail Festival features art, drama, theatre and outdoor activities including a sandcastle competition and rock pool guddle, for adults and children.

Stirling

Bridge of Allan Makers Market

10 July, Royal Hotel

An artisans' market with work by some of the finest Scottish crafters.

Scotland's National Hero

Wednesdays in July, Wallace National Monument

Presentation by a costumed actor giving an insight into the life of Sir William Wallace – who he was, where he came from, and how he came to lead an army as a defender of freedom from oppression for the people of Scotland.

Saltfishforty

7 July, Tolbooth

Orkney duo playing feisty fiddle and gutsy guitar with free spirited hoarse-edged vocals.

The events listed above are just a brief sample of what's happening across Scotland this month. In addition to these events, which celebrate aspects of Scotland, there are a wide range of other internationally-focussed events, which can lend depth and further understanding to your perspective on Scotland.

We hope you have a great month and that you get out there and explore!