Summer Solstice in Scotland
2025
Some of the best things to do in Scotland in June are focused on the Midsummer Solstice. The celebration of the longest day is a big thing in Scotland when, because of our northern position, it won’t get dark until 10 pm. Many places in Scotland celebrate this occasion with fire processions and events that hark back to pagan rituals. If you would rather do your own thing, head off into the wilderness, find a ring of standing stones or head to the top of a hill to celebrate.
The Kilmartin Glen in Argyll has standing stones that date back to the Neolithic period and attracts visitors for Midsummer, as does the summit of Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh. It is a traditional Solstice ritual to wash your face in the morning dew at the top. The islands are also a great place to celebrate the Summer Solstice. There are standing stones at Calanais on the Isle of Lewis and on Orkney there are the Stones of Stenness or the Ring of Brodgar. There are also standing stones on the Isle of Arran at Machrie Moor. Iona, with its strong Celtic roots, is a popular place to spend the Solstice. If travelling to Iona you will need to leave the campervan in Mull and boat it across.
Music and cultural events in Scotland in June 2025
Scotland
Kirkcudbright is a beautiful town and comes alive with sounds of Jazz from all parts of the world each June. It is well known for a great mix of artists of excellent quality. This year the festival takes place between the 12th and 15th June. Buy tickets online on the Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival website.
Arran Folk Festival
This mixture of concerts, workshops and afternoon and late night traditional music sessions takes place annually in Brodick on the beautiful Isle of Arran. This year the festival runs from the 6th to 8th June. The programme will feature open sessions, concerts and traditional sessions. Full details of the Festival programme and tickets are not yet available so follow the Arran Folk Festival Facebook page for updates.
Solas Festival is a family-friendly festival of music, arts and ideas that takes place every Midsummer in Scotland. This year it is being held in Errol Park, in the grounds of a picturesque estate overlooking the River Tay. It is in the heart of Perthshire, between Perth and Dundee and runs over the weekend of 20th to 22nd June 2024.
Outdoor Things to Do in Scotland in June
What started as a small event to promote the Moray Way has rapidly grown over the years to become one of the most important walking and outdoor activity festivals in Scotland. There will be ten days of guided walks and other outdoor activities exploring the landscape, nature, culture, history and architecture of Moray. Events will be available to book for this years festival from 1st April on the Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival website.
Highland Games
The season for Highland Games and Gatherings across Scotland actually gets underway in May. But you may get a better chance of good weather if you pick one of the Games taking place in June. Choose from Cornhill (June 7th), Markinch in Fife, one of the oldest in Scotland which is always held on the first Sunday in June, Strathmore or Ardrossan (second Sunday in June), Bearsden and Milngavie (June 7th), Drumtochty or Ceres on the 28th.
Experience a taste of Scottish farming and rural life at the Royal Highland Show in Ingliston, Edinburgh between 19th and 22nd June 2025. Along with livestock competitions, expect displays of farming and rural skills such as sheep shearing, falconry and horseshoe making. There will be forestry demonstrations, equestrian events and plenty of interactive things to do for the kids. Children under 15 go free when accompanied by an adult. Friday and Saturday nights are music nights with live performances from musicians.
Wildlife Watching in Scotland
June is one of the best month’s to visit Scotland if you want to get a close up view of wildlife. Many of the islands are homes to colonies of seabirds from April onwards, as they return to Scotland to breed. You can see guillemots, gannets, razorbills and, our favourites, puffins. A boat trip to the Isle of May to see the puffins is an easy day trip from Edinburgh. Or, if you are travelling further afield visit islands on the West Coast such as tranquil Canna. Read our guide to where to see puffins in Scotland for details of the best islands to visit. If heading west, you should also spot orcas and whales in the waters around the islands. Seals will be closer to the shore this time of year so you will be able to see them in many places along the coast of Scotland.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
Thinking of campervanning Scotland in June? Hire one of our luxury, fully inclusive campervan rentals near Edinburgh, Scotland and discover the brilliant things to do in Scotland in June. Visit a Highland Games, go mountain walking or just set off on a wonderful road trip in Scotland and follow your nose. Our top of the range campervans for hire in Scotland come with lots of little luxury touches and no hidden charges.
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