Home > Uniquely Unspoilt Magazine > Issue 13 > Scottish castles

~~ Events at Scottish Castles ~~

Scotland?s castles are some of the finest in the world, and attract thousands of visitors every year. But while they have plenty to offer in their own right ? from the Stone of Destiny to swan ponds and pagodas ? more and more special events are being held in their unique surroundings. Here is a selection of some of the most interesting things to see and do.

If Shakespeare in the outdoors appeals, you have several different locations to choose from during July. A production of ?A Midsummer Night's Dream? is being held at Edinburgh Castle (Thursday 22nd), St Andrews Castle (Friday 23rd) and Stirling Castle (Saturday 24th), so you can combine culture, history and some spectacular views in one fell swoop ? it?s accompanied by specially composed music score and is described as ?the perfect summer evening?.

These three Historic Scotland properties are notorious as some of Scotland?s most recognisable and formidable landmarks - the most famous of all, Edinburgh Castle is no stranger to holding events and holds the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo on its Esplanade.

It has also played host to some rock concerts in the past few years, as has Stirling Castle, which has a similarly impressive location - on a commanding rock outcrop and gardens with incredible views. St Andrew?s Castle is now in ruins, but has a drop to the sea on two sides and you can walk along its maze of damp, mossy tunnels.

The Bard is also making his presence felt across on the West coast, with an outdoor production of ?The Tempest?  planned for Tuesday 6th July at Culzean Castle in Maybole, Ayr. Presented by ILLYRIA, this will be held in the grounds of what is the National Trust for Scotland?s most visited property ? the castle is perched dramatically on a cliff top overlooking the Firth of Clyde to Arran and is set in 282 hectares of grounds.

If you fancy something a little more family friendly, Culzean also plays host to regular events such as Family Days and ?Rockpools Revealed? on Sunday 27th June where you can ?Dip your net in and see what creatures emerge!?

Returning to the Shakespeare theme, Glamis Castle in Tayside was the legendary setting for Macbeth ? but in the next couple of months it will host some rather less bloodthirsty events ? a Classic Car Extravaganza from Sat 10th ? Sun 11th July - when vintage cars of every description and over 200 stands will be on display as well as plenty for children to do. And from Sat 31st July ? Sun 1st August, there will be a craft fair held in its grounds - ranging from handmade clothes and furniture to greetings cards and gifts.

Lastly, on the same weekend, the Traquair Fair is being held at Scotland?s oldest inhabited castle, Traquair in the Borders. In its 25th year, the family event will this year celebrate new emerging cultures in Scotland with music, dance and events from Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, the Kurds and Tibet as well as the usual theatre, dance, music, children's entertainments, crafts and complementary medicine.

The following holiday cottages are situated within easy reach of the locations mentioned above: