Scotland Month By Month - Discover Scotland: Experience the Best of Scotland - page 81

Burns an' a' That
Ayrshire towns are the venues for performances of poetry and music, children's events, art
exhibitions and more in celebrations of the Scottish bard. See www.burnsfestival.com .
Spirit of Speyside
Based in the Moray town of Dufftown, this festival of whisky, food and music involves
five days of distillery tours, knocking back the 'water of life', cooking, art and outdoor
activities; held late April to early May in Moray and Speyside. See
www.spiritofspeyside.com .
June
Argyllshire is ablaze with pink rhododendron blooms as the long summer evenings stretch
on till 11pm. Border towns are strung with bunting to mark gala days and Common Rid-
ings.
Common Ridings
Following the age-old tradition that commemorates the ancient conflict with England,
horsemen and -women ride the old boundaries of common lands. There are also parades,
marching bands and street parties. Held in various Border towns; Jedburgh
( www.jethartcallantsfestival.com ) is one of the biggest and best.
Glasgow Festivals
June in Glasgow is equivalent to the ʻfestival month' of August in Edinburgh. The city
hosts three major events - West End Festival ( www.westendfestival.co.uk ), Glasgow's
biggest music and arts event; Glasgow International Jazz Festival ( www.jazzfest.co.uk ) ;
and Glasgow Mela ( www.glasgowmela.com ), a celebration of the city's Asian community.