Whisky is as much a part of Scotland as Shetland ponies in jumpers, horizontal rain, and John Barrowman atop a tartan bus bellowing the Commonwealth Games' opening song.

As Scotland continues to celebrate the Year of Food and Drink 2015, this May sees the return of Whisky Month: a unique programme of events celebrating Scotland's national drink and the people and landscapes behind it.

The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival kicks off the Whisky Month festivities from 30 April to 4 May with a packed schedule hosting everything from comedy to ceilidhs, and master-classes to music.

Whisky Month will also see events taking place right across the country, including immersive experiences, food pairings, and traditional events.

Highlights include:

  • Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Highlands - 30 April - 4 May

The festival is one of Scotland's most popular whisky events, inviting visitors to celebrate Scotland's national drink through an inventive and wide-ranging choice of whisky-inspired happenings.

  • Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival, Stirling - 9 May

Returning for the second time to the Stirling Highland Hotel, the festival organisers invite the great and the good from the whisky industry in Scotland to Stirling to exhibit and share their whiskies for fans of the dram to enjoy.

  • Create:Eat:Whisky,  Edinburgh - 14-17 May

Create:Eat:Whisky is back. Innovative venture Jelly & Gin has teamed with Haig Club (launched in 2014 by David Beckham) to create an immersive experience that puts whisky cocktails centre stage. Guests will take a journey through different multi-sensory settings and drink cocktails, each designed to match its environment. Using sound, light, small edible items, aroma and other environmental factors, guests will be transported from mountain top to roaring fire, with an unexpected final destination.

  • The Hive and the Stillat the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - 15 May

A unique event that pairs botany and whisky, visitors can taste some of Scotland's best produce with whisky and honey tastings as well as a choice of street food, learn the science behind whisky, and enjoy entertainment including live music, a silent disco and craft activities.

  • World Whisky Day, worldwide - 16 May

World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life. Events are taking place all over the globe.  Join the party on Twitter using the hashtag  #worldwhiskyday.

  • Whisky Stramash, Edinburgh - 23-24 May

Described as 'an event of mystery, entertainment, comicality and madcap pioneering', visitors can expect the unexpected at this event in Scotland's Capital and a huge array of whiskies to sample from Scotland and abroad is guaranteed.

  • Mhor Festival, Perthshire - 23-24 May

Mhor Festival presents food, drink, music and theatre and will bring together producers including Glengoyne, Deanston and Auchentoshan distilleries in the grounds of Monachyle Mhor Hotel.  Spread over two days the festival will encompass foraging walks along the Rob Roy Way, lunch in Mhor Barn with whisky sampling and a whisky pairing evening at the Great Scottish Feast with food prepared by star Scottish chefs.  The festival also offers family activities, live music, a ceilidh, a bake-off competition, a raft race and a market.

  • Islay Malt and Music Festival, Islay -  22-30 May

Each year the Islay Malt and Music Festival offers a diverse programme featuring traditional music, ceilidhs, Gaelic lessons, golf, bowling and whisky tasting. All of the Islay distilleries have open days throughout the week of the festival offering the ideal opportunity for visitors to indulge in a taste of whisky.