Destination Guides

Scotland's Year of Homecoming

Recently updated on January 17th, 2020 at 10:08 pm

With National Tartan Day in the offing, we thought it was a fitting time to get kilted-up and talk all things Scotland.

This compact country in the United Kingdom is crammed with cultural and natural treasures, and you don’t have to look far to find them. World-famous castles bound by turbulent history, scenery to rival that of New Zealand’s, and some of the coolest cities in Europe.

The Scots are proud of their culture and heritage, and they love to celebrate it โ€“ particularly so in 2014. It’s Scotland’s Year of Homecoming; a time to showcase all that’s great about their country.

We’ve put together a timeline of upcoming highlights so you can get a flavour of what Scotland has to offer in 2014.

Tartan Day โ€“ April 6

Tartan Day began in Canada in 1998 to recognise the contributions and achievements made by Scottish Americans to the United States. Today, Tartan Day is a Scottish national holiday and has also become a celebration of its creativity, innovation and heritage. Food festivals, pipe band parades and re-enactments take place across Scotland, however the biggest celebrations can be found in Angus.

Scottish Tartan
Scottish Tartan

Commonwealth Games โ€“ July 23 to August 3

Glasgow plays host to one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events in 2014 โ€“ the Commonwealth Games. The games have been a permanent fixture in the sporting calendar since the 1930s. Sportspeople from the Commonwealth of Nations, including Australians, Brits, Canadians and New Zealanders, compete across 17 sports over two weeks. Activities encompass everything from athletics to table tennis.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo โ€“ August 1-23

2014 is the 65th Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle. Daily performances by a 1,000-strong cast will celebrate Scotland’s Year of Homecoming by portraying a journey around the Commonwealth. Think massed military bands, pipers and Highland dancers, plus a fusion of international flavour. Strong influences are being taken from Africa, the Far East, India and the Caribbean to create a truly unique and magical production.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Edinburgh Festival Fringe โ€“ August 1-25

Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. It’s a three-week event that welcomes everyone from amateur artists to world-loved pros to come and showcase their talents. Stand-up and improv comedy, cabaret, children’s shows, spoken word and theatrical productions are just some of the daily goings-on โ€“ and many of them are free to watch.

Forth Bridges Festival โ€“ September 4-13

Famous for its pioneering design, 2014 is the 50th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge. A 10-day celebration of its engineering marvel includes trips up to the bridge’s highest point, a torchlight procession, bridge tour boat trips and the world’s biggest sit-down lunch, all culminating in a dramatic fireworks display.

Forth Bridge
Forth Bridge

Want to be a part of Scotland’s Year of Homecoming? Join us on one of our August 3-21 departures of Best of Scotland and we include tickets to attend Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo. This At Leisure trip leaves plenty of free time to soak up the culture of Scotland’s cities and special events.

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