MAKE 2012 YOUR

Spotlighting, celebrating and promoting Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. With over 7,000 miles of stunning coastline, the opportunities to enjoy culture on the coast in the Year of Creative Scotland are endless! Find out all that this special year has to offer at www.visitscotland.com/creative.

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE . . . Elie Beach, East Neuk of Fife

From the enchanting myths and legends of the western isles to the alluring festivals of the east coast, inspiration abounds along Scotland’s coastline and you don’t have to go far from the city to nd yourself amid inspiring surroundings that will easily tease out your creative side. Just north of the capital in Fife, the charming shing villages that hug the East Neuk coastline come alive with music, theatre and dance e as arts festivals ourish throughout the region. This month welcomes Aberdour Festival and and Pittenweem Arts Festival. Or make a weekend of it and head to Skye to discover the grassy knolls, s, looming branches and circle formations ons that make up the captivating Faerie Glen. Nearby, Dunvegan Castle continues the story of the Faeries. For or an island adventure closer to home, discover sculptures dotted around the he woodland as part of the Calgary Art in in Nature project on the Isle of Mull. Find out more about arts & culture in Scotland at www.visitscotland.com/creative.

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL AL YOUTH FESTIVAL Aberdeen will come alive with colour as a several-hundred strong parade marches through the town’s streets on 4 August in celebration of the festival’s 40th anniversary. The parade takes on the theme of Aberdeen’s port which has been a vital gateway in and out me of Aberdee of Scotland for centuries, and will mainly involve participants of The Port, an arts project set up to engage young people and their communities in sculpture, circus skills, street dance and music. The Port is funded through the Year of Creative Scotland and sponsored by Aberdeen Harbour The festival itself runs from 1–11 August and boasts an enticing programme of theatre, music, workshops and more. www.aiyf.org/port; @AIYF Board.

J U L & A U G EVENTS

There are fantastic events and There are fantastic events and exhibitions happening all over the exhibitions happening all over the country during the Year of Creative country during the Year of Creative Scotland. ABERDOUR FESTIVAL 20–29 July Various venues across Aberdour, Fife Live music, sports, magic shows and a sandcastle for the kids as well as food and wine tasting to please the adults.

EDINBURGH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL 20 -29 July Various venues across Edinburgh Soak up the cool sounds of jazz and blues in venues across the city from artists which will challenge your perception about the genre. New for this year is the Edinburgh Festival Carnival.

INVERNESS BOOK FESTIVAL 25–28 July Eden Court, Inverness ess All you could ever want in a book festival under one roof! Guests include Peter May and David Hewson and great events for kids too. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL 27–29 July Various venues across Perth Live performances from Americana music c artists as well as talks, workshops and d authentic Southern food.