The lovely temperate weather begins and there are lots of wonderful things to do in Scotland in May. Scotland is just on the cusp of peak tourist season in May, so it can be a really good time to visit Scotland. Travelling into the Highlands or heading to the coast will be wonderful as the landscape begins to resemble a colourful patchwork of purples, golds, browns and greens.
Music and Cultural Festivals
Things to do in Scotland in May 2025
The Shetland Folk Festival is now in its 43rd year last year. This year the UK’s most northernly folk festival takes place between the 1st-4th May in venues across Shetland. See the full line up of local and international performers at the Shetland Folk Festival. It’s worth buying a membership if you want to go to the festival. Tickets are released to members first and it will entitle you to discounted tickets for concerts and entrance to the Festival club at Islesburgh.
The 10th Skye Live Festival will be held between 8th – 10th May 2025. With 3 days of live music in Portree on the Isle of Skye this festival does sell out, so book ahead if you want to attend. There is only very limited capacity for campervans at the site but nearby Portree Campsite takes campervans.
The long running Orkney Folk Festival returns between 22nd and 25th May, 2025. Leading artists from around the world and Orkney performers will be playing in various Orkney venues. Alongside the concerts there will also be ceilidhs, workshops and family events. You’ll find all the details in the Orkney Folk Festival programme. Tickets are on sale to Friends from 29th March. The Friends programme gives you discounts and invitations to special events as well as early access tickets. Tickets for general release are on sale from 2nd April.
Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival. Over 9 days each May Islay’s population jumps from 3,000 to 15,000. People travel from all around the world for a unique mix of whisky, music, cultural events and a celebration of island life. Islay comes alive with traditional and contemporary Gaelic and folk music, Gaelic lessons, whisky tastings, distillery visits and more. The 2025 Festival runs from Friday 23rd to 31st May. This is a festival in high demand, with accommodation selling out at least two years in advance, and the Festival on the bucket list of whisky lovers around the globe.
If folk is not your thing then maybe Bonfest will be. This annual celebration of the late AC/DC frontman Bon Scott is held each year in the town where he was born – Kirriemuir, Angus. This year it takes place on the 2nd-4th May. Details of the full line up and tickets are available on the Bonfest website.
This new, mixed genre, boutique music festival definitely punches above its weight and has been dubbed the ‘biggest little festival in Scotland’. We’re awaiting confirmation that the festival is taking place again in 2025. Pitlochry is not only a beautiful town but one rich in culture and it is worth hanging on for a few more days to make the most of everything the town has to offer.
Other Things to do in Scotland in May
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from the 30th April – 5th May 2025. This is one of the largest events of its kind in the world. Hundreds of whisky related events are held throughout Speyside as the distilleries open their doors to whisky fans. There will be food events, distillery tours, live music and whisky tastings and talks.
Outdoor Things to Do in Scotland in May
A series of fantastic events learning about and celebrating the wildlife and natural Orcadian environment. The Orkney Nature Festival runs from May 12th to May 18th 2025. Expect guided walks and wildlife watching, snorkelling and kayaking safaris, talks about the natural environment and conservation, creative arts workshops celebrating the natural environment and family events like scavenger hunts and rockpooling.
The Arran Mountain Festival takes place between 16th and 19th May 2025. It’s a festival of climbing, hill walking, runs, wildlife watching and social events. Take to the mountains in guided small groups to learn much about what Arran has to offer. Bookings for guided walks are now being taken and events are filling up fast so if you want to attend any events you should book as soon as possible. View the full Arran Mountain Festival programme of walks and events.
Jura Fell Race is one of the toughest hill running challenges in the UK. This 28km race takes in 7 summits, climbing nearly 2500 km. Only 200 competitors – a mixture of visitors and locals – take part on Saturday 24th May 2025. This is a spectacular one-of-a-kind event, however the organisers are asking for people not to bring campervans over to the island for the event as the island struggles to accommodate the numbers.
The Melrose Rugby Sevens
The Melrose Rugby Sevens is one of the most famous rugby seven-a-side in Scotland if not the UK. This variant of the game was actually invented in Scotland. It is a professional and dynamic rugby event with plenty of post match fun in the local bars and eateries. The Melrose Rugby Sevens takes place 22nd – 25th May 2025.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
Hire a top of the range, VW campervan from Big Sky Campers and discover all the things to do in Scotland in May. Our campervan hire is based just outside Edinburgh, Scotland. All our campervans for hire come fully equipped with everything you will need to go campervanning in Scotland. We don’t charge for camping accessories, towels, bedding or gas bottles and there is unlimited mileage. Everything is included in the price, including extra sets of bedding if requested.
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