Leisure & Tourism |

Burns Night 
January 25 
January 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of ScotlandÕs most famous poet, Robert Burns. Burns Suppers, a traditional dinner including haggis, neeps and tatties, are shared annually in his honour across the country and around the UK in homes, pub and bars. Special events are scheduled across Scotland to mark the anniversary. 
www.homecomingscotland2009.com 
Ceilidh Culture 
March-April 
EdinburghÕs annual showcase of traditional arts, including performances from the best of ScotlandÕs home-grown talent alongside international artists. 
www.ceilidhculture.co.uk 
Edinburgh Spring Festival 
Easter holidays 
A three-day festival including BritainÕs largest Easter event Ð ideal for family fun, the majority of events are also free of charge. 
www.edinburgheaster.co.uk 
Edinburgh International Science Festival 

April 
Meet real life scientists and explore everything from the Milky Way to cyberspace, engineering to human health at this festival that celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008. 
www.sciencefestival.co.uk 
Bank of Scotland ChildrenÕs International Theatre Festival 

End of May 
The UKÕs largest festival for children and young people, described by The Herald as a Òtreasure trove of imaginative surprises.Ó Children as young as six months can enjoy the performances and many of the acts are also on tour. 
www.imaginate.org.uk 
Edinburgh International Film Festival 

June 

Home of innovative and exciting cinema, the EIFF is the longest continuously running film festival in the world and has presented some of cinemaÕs most important and exciting moments and played host to the worldÕs greatest filmmakers. 
www.edfilmfest.org.uk 
Royal Highland Show 
July 

Held over four days the Royal Highland Show is ScotlandÕs premier agricultural show, showcasing all aspects of farming and rural life. Situated right next to Edinburgh airport, 2008Õs event attracted 1,700 exhibitors and over 161,000 visitors. 
www.royalhighlandshow.org 
Edinburgh Art Festival 
July Ð September 

The festival showcases some of the best international and Scottish visual arts, from blockbuster exhibitions to grassroots, artist-led projects and takes place right in the heart of festival season. 
www.edinburghartfestival.org 



Ò 
Did you know?
Edinburgh is the UKÕs place to visit for the perfect night out, according to an Amstel/Virgin Radio poll - thanks to the rich diversity and vibrancy 
of its venues 
Ó