Now that summer is almost upon us, it is time to start thinking about the summer holidays.
With the cost of living crisis affecting household budgets across the country, many will be unable to afford overseas trips. That's fine though, as Scotland has so much to see and do that it makes for the perfect staycation spot.
If you're a music fan, you might want to consider heading to Orkney later this month for the Orkney Folk Festival. Held between May 25 and May 28, it is one of the most beloved festivals of its kind across the UK — if not further — and this year marks its 40th anniversary.
According to the festival's website, it had small beginnings when it was first formed in 1983. Back then, the summer tourist season on the archipelago was shrinking and folk and traditional music was seen as "unfashionable" — so the Orkney Tourist Board and BBC Radio Orkney brought together the first Orkney Folk Festival committee in 1982.
In the years since, the festival has grown substantially and now welcomes dozens of acts from around the world to perform. Leading folk artists from the USA, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, England, Wales, and throughout Scotland join local musicians across four days.
Among the highlights of the lineup this year are globally-renowned Scottish folk group Capercaillie, as well as Hot Club of Cowtown, Eric Wright, Mairi Rankin, Mo Kenney, Breabach, Spiers & Boden, and the Nordic Fiddlers Bloc.
Since its beginning, one of the main draws of the Orkney Folk Festival has been its inclusion of artists from all over the world. It has become a desirable stage for international acts and a great opportunity for visitors to experience music from different cultures.
As well as dozens of ticketed events, the festival includes countless pub sessions and free events in its base of Stromness. Around two thirds of the programme takes place in its west mainland base, with other events dotted around other Orcadian parishes and a few outer islands.
As well as enjoying some world-class music, Orkney is among the most scenic destinations in all of Scotland. From historic sites to one-of-a-kind landscapes, it's a perfect holiday destination.
The full Orkney Folk Festival programme can be viewed on its official website, with tickets available now.
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