Relive our Year of Creative Scotland Advert

Surprising ways to see Scotland

Alba Ballooning offers hot air balloon flights over some of Scotland's most scenic regions from Edinburgh & the Lothians to Perthshire. Their balloons can accommodate up to 12 passengers for a truly memorable way to see Scotland.

Here are more of Scotland's amazing sights...

Visit the dramatic Fingal's Cave on the ancient isle of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides and discover why it has been the inspiration for writers and composers.

Land on a cockle shell runway on the isle of Barra, the smallest of the Hebridean islands.

Glamis Castle 

Glamis Castle is probably best known as the setting for Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. The castle continues to provide a stunning backdrop for many exciting events throughout the year, such as the Macbeth Oudoor Picnic Play and Glamis Prom in August.

Find out more about Glamis Castle's exciting events.

Here is another unique event to take part in...

NVA's fantastic Speed of Light festival is an intriguing night-time light show happening between 9 August - 1 September involving hundreds of runners wearing specially designed light suits galloping over Arthurs Seat blazing trails of patterned light over the hillside.

Striding Arches

We don't just keep our art in museums - Andy Goldsworthy's incredible Striding Arches can be found in the heart of a glen in Dumfries & Galloway. Discover more amazing artwork, both natural and man-made, in unexpected places during the Year of Creative Scotland.

Here is some more art in unexpected places...

The Callanish Standing Stones are some of the Hebrides' most famous natural artworks and date back further than the Egyptian pyramids.

Uncover an ornate Italian Chapel on the tiny island of Lamb Holm in Orkney and admire the beautiful pillars, frescoes and stained glass windows.

Discover Glasgow's connections to Charles Rennie Mackintosh at some of the city's fascinating art spaces.

Pittenweem Arts Festival

Pittenweem has inspired many artists and the pretty fishing village has been the subjest of many paintings. The residents of the East Neuk and Fife will make sure you're well looked after at their annual Pittenweem Arts Festival from 28 July - 5 August. 

Here are some more places you'll be well looked after...

Enjoy live concerts ranging from the music world's big names to world-class classical musicians at Perth Festival of the Arts.

Immerse yourself in Scottish heritage and culture at Heb Celtic Festival in July.

Edinburgh Festival fireworks

Edinburgh International Festival draws tens of thousands of people to the city every summer with a fantastic programme of fringe events. The city certainly knows how to put on a show with a spectacular firework display above Edinburgh Castle marking the festival's finale.

Here are some more spectacular shows...

Discover the best of Celtic music from traditional to Indie interpretations at Celtic Connections.

Spend a fantastic weekend at one of Scotland's premier music festivals, RockNess or T in the Park.

The Northern Lights

You don't always need a ticket to experience creative events - the aurora borealis are a unique natural phenomena that light up the sky with a colourful display. So if the meteorological conditions are right and you are one of the lucky ones, Orkney, the Shetland isles and the far north of Scotland are the best places in the UK to have a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Here are some more events that you won't need a ticket for...

Experience unrivalled stargazing in Europe's only Dark Sky Park at Galloway Forest Park.

Admire some of the world's finest treasure at Glasgow's fantastic free Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.