IN ASSOCIATION WITH Going to uni in Scotland is no easy feat, what with all the glorious cultural distractions on offer all year. It is, of course, important that you work hard, but we gured you probably deserve some downtime, too. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best events and festivals for you to look forward to before the end of 2017

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SPREE FESTIVAL The Paisley arts, music and comedy festival has a cracking programme planned this year with special guests including Emma Pollock and RM Hubbert, Frightened Rabbit with the RSNO and Paisley’s own Paolo Nutini. Paisley, Fri 13–Sun 22 Oct.

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Twelve days of storytelling events with workshops, performances and talks drawing attention to storytelling talent from all over the world. Expect guests from New Zealand, India, Russia and more. Edinburgh, Fri 20–Tue 31 Oct. MEATS AND BEATS FESTIVAL Meat and music lovers, this is your chance to shine. Enjoy steak, burgers, ribs and wings at communal feasting tables while you’re serenaded by regularly changing music from the past five decades. Edinburgh, Fri 20–Sun 22 Oct.

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festival with musicians, artists and filmmakers showing off their works. Edinburgh, May.

TRNSMT Glasgow’s new music festival is set to return for its second year with another superb lineup expected. Glasgow Green, Fri 6–Sun 8 Jul. EDINBURGH’S FESTIVALS Summer in Edinburgh is a mecca for culture with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, International Festival, Jazz & Blues Festival, Art Festival and more. Edinburgh, Jul & Aug.

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SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL Beltane Fire Society’s legendary Fire Festival marks the transition from summer to winter with a stunning torchlit performance, epic street theatre and fireworks right in the heart of Edinburgh's atmospheric Old Town. Edinburgh, Tue 31 Oct. HOGMANAY There’s no party quite like Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. This year, take in an extended fireworks display, a fantastic lineup of bands, DJs and performers and plenty of events in the run-up to the street party itself, including the iconic Torchlight Procession on Sat 30 Dec. Edinburgh, Sun 31 Dec.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 99