2014 is a very busy year for Scotland. The Year of the Homecoming will inlcude Glasgow hosting both the Commonwealth Games and the MTV Europe Music Awards.
To ensure you don't miss anything, here are some of the events happening across Scotland this year.
We've also put together a list of some of the year's best film, music, literature and theatre highlights. To see these click on the links below.
The XX Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014
The long-awaited event will finally come together in mid-summer with a packed schedule of sports across twelve days at various venues between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Whether you're volunteering, spectating or just enjoying it from the comfort of your own home this will undoubtedly be Scotland's biggest event in 2014.
When and Where: The events will take place in both Glasgow and Edinburgh over July and August
The 2014 Ryder Cup, Gleneagles
One of golf's most anticipated events returns to Scotland, the Home of Golf, this year against the stunning backdrop of the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.
When and Where: Gleneagles, September
2014 MTV Europe Music Awards
Music's biggest starts will be descending upon Glasgow's SSE Hydro this November, the first time Scotland has hosted these awards since 2003. Expect stars such as Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.
When and Where: Glasgow SSE Hydro, November
Creative Mackintosh Festival 2014
One of Scotland's most recognisable artists, Charles Rennie Mackintosh's work and legacy are celebrated within Mackintosh buildings across Glasgow in Autumn. With food and drink from the city, as well as architecture and artwork displays, this two week event will offer something for everyone.
When and Where: Around Glasgow, October
Harris Tweed Hebrides Tattoo
Pipe-bands, dancers and even ponies will come together in one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland for a two-day event that will bring the islands together through concerts and parades. Despite the potential for a choppy crossing on the ferry over, this weekend could well be the highlight of your summer and no doubt leave you as much in love with the island as with the music.
When and Where: Stornoway, August
Doors Open Days
From distilleries to castles, more than 1,000 normally-private buildings across the country will open their doors and invite you to explore the inner-workings and hidden secrets that lie within. A history lesson, a cultural insight and a celebration of architecture, all free of charge. This is a great opportunity for a family day out.
When and Where: Various Locations, September
MCE British Superbikes 40th Anniversary
Knockhill will be alive with the sound of cheering crowds and roaring engines when the motor bike racing championship takes place in June. If you missed out on tickets for the Commonwealth Games and you desire a faster pace than the Ryder Cup can offer, this could be the sporting event of the summer for you.
When and Where: Dunfermline, June
Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2014
Including the UKs second biggest marathon, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival is a much-loved combination of competitive drive and charitable fun stretching across the city in May. With eight races to choose between from junior races to the full marathon, tens of thousands of runners and many more spectators gather in the capital for this event.
When and Where: Edinburgh, May
Ayrshire Real Ale Festival
This three-day event will feature over a hundred different beers, food and live entertainment to round off the weekend leaving you with Sunday to relax and recover. With craft beers and breweries spreading across the country in recent years festivals such as this one are becoming more and more popular and becoming bigger and better every year.
When and Where: Troon, October
Whisky Month
Including the Spirit of Speyside Festival and World Whisky Day on the 17th, this month-long celebration of Scotland's national drink will feature events across the country with whisky from each of Scotland's traditional whisky regions, the perfect opportunity for you to discover your new favourite tipple or learn more about the traditional processes involved in producing the "water of life".
When and Where: Various venues, May
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The largest arts festival in the world will take place again in August 2014. Around 3000 shows were performed in 2013 including theatre, comedy, dance, opera, musicals, spoken word, cabaret and children's shows will be on offer. Happening at the same time as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Festival, this is truly the perfect time to visit Edinburgh.
When and Where: Edinburgh, August
Top Scots on TV in 2014: What to Watch
Top Films for 2014: Scots in Cinema
Top Gigs in Scotland in 2014: The Best Concerts
Top Scottish Gigs in 2014: Must See Shows
Top Scottish Albums in 2014: Releases to Look Forward To
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