There is plenty on in Scotland this summer.placeholder image
There is plenty on in Scotland this summer. | Canva/Getty Images/Contributed

Scotland Summer Events 2025: Here are 10 unique events taking place from the Borders to the Highlands - including Fringe by the Sea

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 26th May 2025, 15:34 GMT

Looking for something to do this summer? We have a few ideas.

Scotland is home to festivals of all types and sizes year-round, but it’s during the summer when hardly a day goes by without some great event getting underway.

Everybody knows about Edinburgh’s festivals in August, led by the enormous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and some of the world’s biggest acts playing Glasgow Green at the TRNSMT music festival.

But there are loads of other unique events that are creative, welcoming, and bursting with personality taking place over the summer months.

From book festivals in blooming gardens, to live music by the sea, and weekends dedicated to delicious local food and drink - there’s something for everybody.

Here are 10 to get booked up before they sell out - to discover more summer events in Scotland, check out VisitScotland here.

Now in its second year, Rising North Festival returns to Shetland with an expanded four-day programme celebrating homegrown talent and live music. Kicking off with fringe events across Lerwick on Thursday, the festival builds to two nights of main-stage action at Clickimin Leisure Centre, including a Saturday daytime family-friendly session. The 2025 lineup includes rising Scottish star Callum Beattie, alongside a packed bill of local artists. The weekend wraps with a chilled finale at Mareel on Sunday, a fitting close to a vibrant celebration of Shetland’s music scene.

9. Rising North Festival, August 15-17

Now in its second year, Rising North Festival returns to Shetland with an expanded four-day programme celebrating homegrown talent and live music. Kicking off with fringe events across Lerwick on Thursday, the festival builds to two nights of main-stage action at Clickimin Leisure Centre, including a Saturday daytime family-friendly session. The 2025 lineup includes rising Scottish star Callum Beattie, alongside a packed bill of local artists. The weekend wraps with a chilled finale at Mareel on Sunday, a fitting close to a vibrant celebration of Shetland’s music scene. | Canva/Getty Images

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Wrap up summer with a trip to the Stranraer Oyster Festival, a weekend packed with great food, local flavour and plenty for families to enjoy. It’s a tribute to seafood and coastal culture, with highlights including the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships, live cooking demos from top chefs, music, markets, and family activities. All of it is proudly rooted in the local community, making it a fun and authentic way to experience the spirit of the south west.

10. Stranraer Oyster Festival, September 12-14

Wrap up summer with a trip to the Stranraer Oyster Festival, a weekend packed with great food, local flavour and plenty for families to enjoy. It’s a tribute to seafood and coastal culture, with highlights including the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships, live cooking demos from top chefs, music, markets, and family activities. All of it is proudly rooted in the local community, making it a fun and authentic way to experience the spirit of the south west. | Canva/Getty Images

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