StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival: 17 to 21 March, 2010

With its 2010 programme complete and tickets already on sale, StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival promises a rich mix of events that will appeal to audiences of all ages. From 17-21 March over 50 world-class poets from Scotland, the UK, and beyond these shores will gather to take part in more than 80 events, all based in the historic town of St Andrews.

Poetry is celebrated in all its forms and the 2010 festival presents a plethora of art, music, poetry films and children’s events. Acclaimed artists Brigid Collins and John Bellany are among those showing work in a total of 12 poetry themed art exhibitions. There will be an evening of Shetlandic poetry and music, jazz-inflected poetry from Trio Verso and traditional\ baroque music from Galway band Dordán, who will accompany poets Matthew Sweeney and Moya Cannon in a special St Patrick’s Night celebration at the Byre Theatre.

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Walkers' Paradise

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Walkers' Paradise

Walk down from the hills to a warm and cosy home.

Thousands of people come to Scotland every year to walk in its spectacular hills. Whether you want the challenge of a Munro, or to stroll a lowland slope, it’s a great place to walk this Autumn. And your own holiday cottage can be an ideal base for a wide range of day-long walks, promising you a warm and comfortable place to rest your feet, whatever time you make it back!

With EmbraceScotland you book direct with the owner, giving you access not only to the best prices, but also a wealth of knowledge and advice about the pleasures and pitfalls of the local hills and glens.

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Riding Country

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Riding Country

Explore Scotland’s hills, coast or byways on horseback

Whether you are a rank beginner or a seasoned trekker, you can find superlative riding right across in Scotland. And staying in a holiday home gives you the freedom to prepare for your day, do your own thing with your clothing and equipment, and then relax at your own pace in the evening. And you can choose accommodation which adds something special to your stay, or maybe even has a hitching post outside!

With EmbraceScotland you book direct with the owner, giving you access not only to the best prices, but also a wealth of knowledge and advice about the pleasures of the area, and let you know about any special touches they offer to horse riders and their families.

Scottish Border Event not to be missed - The Mighty Deerstalker: 27 March, 2010

“A roller-coaster run through rivers, up a mountain, across rough ground and into forest, going from day into night”

The Mighty Deerstalker is an eclectic adventure running event with event fringe and boisterous party afterwards. 5km and 10km distance runs, of which the 10km run goes into darkness, adding to the uniqueness of this challenge.

The runs take place in the late afternoon, following a day-time event fringe programme. Post-race, a party is laid on with beer tent, complete with Traquair’s locally brewed draft beer, plus local bands.

Come and have a great time at the largest running event in the Scottish Borders!

In the Dog-House – But Loving It!

We all know that Britain is a nation of dog lovers and, with over 5 million households in the UK owning a dog, organising holidays for the whole family is not always easy.

The EmbraceScotland recognises the fact that more and more people want quality, want freedom, and want to take their dog on holiday with them. EmbraceScotland’s website enables you to search through thousands of self-catering holiday homes (all of which have a tourist board quality assurance ‘star’ grading) that have a huge range of dog friendly properties across the length and breadth of Scotland which can be found with one click.

No more kennels, or leaving the four-legged member of the family with friends or relatives this year, he can enjoy the freedom of the real Scotland with you!

If you don’t own a dog – don’t worry! There’s something for everyone on EmbraceScotland, from country cottages, grand houses and coastal retreats to castles and elegant city apartments. The website puts you in touch directly with the owners if you want to find out more and book, so no agency fees or vague reassurances by call-centre staff. Just log on to the website to see them all.

Edinburgh's Ceilidh Culture 2010: 26 March - 18 April 2009

Ceilidh Culture is Edinburgh's annual showcase of traditional arts, featuring the best of home-grown talent alongside acts from across the world, with local performers as well as international stars from song, music, dance, storytelling and more.

Now in its seventh year, Ceilidh Culture is a great opportunity to get involved with the traditional arts, whether it be music, song, dance or storytelling – right here in the heart of Scotland’s capital city.

Ceilidh Culture brings together contributors from all over Edinburgh and beyond, for three fantastic weeks showcasing local talent alongside international acts.Whether you’re familiar with the traditional arts or not, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Why not try a music workshop and learn about a new instrument, or listen to a story by one of our master storytellers and let your imagination run free.

Inverness Music Festival: 6 March to 17 March, 2010

Inverness Festival Association runs the Inverness Music Festival, a competitive festival, which provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to develop their potential in a wide range of musical events.

The Festival runs each year for 10 days in March. There are competitive classes throughout the Festival, which cover a large number of disciplines. These include: instrumental, vocal, gaelic, speech and scottish. All the classes throughout the Festival are open to the public and are staged in a variety of venues in Eden Court.