Five things to do in rural Scotland in October

Lights shining in forest
Norette Ferns

Here are just some of the great events taking place in rural Scotland this October. For more events, check out our Events Calendar.

The Enchanted Forest

  • When: 1 October - 1 November
  • Where: Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry

Perthshire Big Tree Country’s multi-award winning Enchanted Forest uses Faskally Wood as a natural backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show each year. This year's event sees dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score, including a new orchestral piece. Due to their popularity in the 2014 show, the aerial artists from All or Nothing will be returning to the forest this year to perform amid the tree tops.

Luminate

  • When: 1 - 31 October
  • Where: Events taking place across the country

Luminate, Scotland's creative ageing festival, brings together older people and people from across the generations to celebrate our creativity as we age, share stories of ageing and explore what growing older means to all of us. Now in its fourth year, the festival features over 400 creative events from the Scottish Borders to Shetland including film showings, afternoon teas and storytelling workshops.

Haddo Arts Festival

  • When: 3 - 8 October
  • Where: Haddo House, near Aberdeen

A six-day festival of the arts featuring classical concerts, art exhibitions, talks and school workshops at the beautiful and historic Haddo House near Aberdeen. The theme for the festival is 'Echoes'.

Shetland Food Fair

  • When: 30 October - 1 November
  • Where: Clickimin Leisure Centre, Lerwick

The Shetland Food Fair is an annual celebration of Shetland’s finest produce. Browse stalls, chat with local food producers, enjoy the samples and stock up on some of the fantastic food and drink Shetland has to offer.

Celtic Samhain Festival

  • When: 31 October
  • Where: Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, Loch Tay

Visit the Scottish Crannog Centre in 'guise' to celebrate Samhain, the Celtic Festival marking the end of harvest and the predecessor to Halloween. There will be flaming torches, bonfires, storytelling and much more at this evening event.