Arcadia Scotland

The 22nd of September marked the Fall Equinox and we are starting to feel the cooler temperatures and shorter days of the approaching winter.  While the Equinox, which acknowledges the point in each year where day and night are virtually equal in length, might be a more official way of acknowledging the transition from the long days of summer to abbreviated winter days, there are a number of more mythical traditions and seasonal events across Scotland which mark the change in the season.

One of the most dramatic of these events is the Samhuinn Fire Festival, which is held in Edinburgh every year on the 31st of October.  This festival marks Summer's overthrowing of Winter, which is played out by painted performers who dance, chant and process their way through the Celtic narrative.  Torch processions, the burning of effigies and elaborate costumes all play important roles in this event, making it one of the more exciting ways to acknowledge the transition between seasons.   

The Samhuinn Fire Festival, which is completely free of charge, starts at 9pm in West Parliament Square on the Royal Mile. Bundle up, bring your camera and be prepared for a show!

In addition to Samhuinn there are a number of other events around Scotland, which celebrate the autumn and offer spooky insights into Scotland's past.  We've compiled a list of a few seasonal happenings near you, which might be of interest! 

Aberdeen

the black kalendar of aberdeen: dark and deadly deeds

14 october, the tea zone, 8pm

The Black Kalendar was Aberdeen's list of court proceedings, and documented some of the city's most alarming crimes.  Join in on this tour, which will take you around some of the spookiest spots in Aberdeen!

burkers and bodysnatchers

12 october, marischal college, 8pm

Getting into the spirit of Halloween, Marischal College at Aberdeen University offers tales of students, surgeons and professional resurrectionists from throughout the city's history.

Scottish ballet: autumn double bill

14 and 15 october, his majesty's theatre, 7:30pm

A multi-sensory experience, these performances of Emergence and Siblo are two great autumnal offerings from the Scottish ballet.

Edinburgh

apple day

2 october, royal botanic gardens, 12-5pm

There are few experiences more autumnal than biting into a crisp apple.  Celebrate this fall-time fruit with Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

oktoberfest

5-9 October, Princes Street Gardens

Certainly an event to be enjoyed in moderation, this Bavarian tradition is a way of experiencing a little bit of Germany in Edinburgh. 

halloween underground

28-31 october, mercat cross, 5pm

Edinburgh is a famously haunted city, and if you're feeling brave, these tours are a great way to experience the most haunted of locations!

Glasgow

great Scottish run

1 & 2 October, Glasgow city center

Whether you're running or cheering, the Great Scottish Run is a prime opportunity to experience the crisp autumn weather and celebrate the city of Glasgow!

halloween drive-in movie night

30 october, riverside museum, 6pm

Catch the Halloween classics, Hocus Pocus and Friday the 13th in this fun outdoor setting!

Tam o shanter's Halloween evening

31 October, the bothy, 7pm

Enjoy dinner, music, stories and poems with a Halloween twist!

St Andrews

Halloween takeover tour

28-31 October, Verdant Works Dundee, varying times

If you're in the mood for something spooky, this tour offers plenty of true ghastly tales of Dundee's past.

hell's gate bunker tour

28 and 31 October, crown buildings, 6pm

Taking place 100-feet underground in Scotland's "secret" nuclear bunker, this spooky tour will get you in the mood for Halloween while showing you a part of Scotland you might not have even known existed!

rocky horror picture show

30 and 31 October, byre theatre, 8:30pm

Crazy and interactive, this live-action screening promises lots of Halloween fun!

Stirling

a conjuration of spirits

31 October, Smith art gallery & museum, 8pm

Venture around the museum and hear the story of Helen Duncan, who was tried for witchcraft!

Frankenstein

25 October, macrobert theatre, 7:30pm

A new production of Mary Shelley's classic Gothic horror story.

witches, devils and the fairy folk in Scottish records of the 16th and 17th centuries

 31 October, Smith art gallery & museum, 7:30pm

This talk will delve into some of the scary parts of Scotland's history.