This week’s vote for Scottish independence turned out to be a big relief for many Scottish businesses as the majority ‘No’ vote means shelving any plans to shift operations.
Financial services including the Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, TSB, Standard Life and Clydesdale had all suggested moving headquarters down South had Scotland voted ‘Yes’ to independence.
So whether you’re relieved or disappointed at the outcome of the vote, we’re celebrating the continued unity with a look at some of the best in Scottish events and entertainment.
Top 6 Scottish Events & Festivals
#1 Burn’s Night Celebrations
This annual celebration takes place on the 25th January in honor of the great poet Robert Burns. Many will celebrate in their own homes with a family get together and a ‘Burns’ supper’ but it is also a marked by a host of organized celebrations across the country. Burns Cottage celebrates Burns’ songs with their Alloway Sessions in Ayr, the International Burns Concert at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow and the Perth Burns Annual Dinner at the Salutation Hotel in Inverness to name a few.
#2 Up Helly Aa
Every January brings the fire up in Scotland with a long-standing tradition known as Up Helly Aa. Up Helly Aa celebrations take place in the Shetlands with a series of spectacular fire displays.
To commemorate the end of the Yuletide season, many locals will dress up to celebrate the countries Viking heritage and parade through the streets before burning a replica Viking gallery.
#3 Royal Highland Show
Scotlands annual farming and countryside showcase, the Royal Highland Show takes place in Edinburgh in mid-June every year. With Sports and Music entertainment, school visits & children’s activities, shopping & stalls, food & drink as well as the agricultural show and awards, there’s something for everyone at Scotland’s Royal Highland Show.
#4 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Known as the largest Arts festival in the world, the Endinburgh Fringe takes place every August over a three-week period. With thousands of performances including theatre, comedy, dance, circus, children’s shows, cabaret, opera, spoken word, exhibitions and events, the Edinburgh Fringe is no stranger to big names in the world of entertainment.
#5 St Andrew’s Day Celebrations
November sees the start of St Andrews day celebrations, which is Scotland’s National Day. To celebrate the Patron Saint of Scotland in style, you can go to Ediburgh where a week’s worth of celebrations take place focusing on traditional ceilidh dancing (a tradition involving couples dancing in circles) and musical entertainment. Glasgow will also host big celebrations at this time of year with large parties, traditional music and ceilidh dancing.
#6 Hogmanay
Winter is the time to celebrate Scottish with St Andrews, Hogmanay and Burn’s night celebrations all rounding off a Winter of fun and festivity. New Years Eve is best celebrated in Scotland with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party. Live bands, DJs, festivities and fireworks all go towards making the Hogmanay celebrations one of the world’s most sought after New Year’s events.