NATURALLY AWE-INSPIRING
Come March, spring is calling, and boy, she's magnificent! As the frost-bitten landscape begins to thaw, snowdrops, crocuses and rhododendrons begin to bloom, adding a welcome burst of long-absent colour to the Scottish countryside. See these delicate, pretty blooms at the Scottish Snowdrop Festival.
Another unmistakable sign that spring is on its way is the return of the ospreys from Africa to their Scottish nests at the end of March and throughout April. Pay them a visit at the Loch Garten Nature Centre and Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre.
EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS
The milder weather and longer days of spring are great for walking, cycling and hiking. At the start of May, it's time to get into the swing of things when the Scottish golf season officially gets underway. Also in May, take to Scotland's gravel tracks and trails with Muck n' Mack Fest, also featuring talks, film, live music and family activities. This is also a fantastic time for canoeing and kayaking as trickling rivers swell with heavy rainfall and melted mountain snow and ice. Then there's salmon fishing; Scotland is one if not the best country in the world for catching Atlantic salmon, with the season peaking in early April and again in early autumn.
EXPERIENCE UNMISSABLE EVENTS
Delve into Scottish poetry and literature with StAnza, Scotland's International Poetry Festival, in March. Expect lots of laughter at The Glasgow International Comedy Festival in March, followed swiftly by the pagan spectacle of the Beltane Fire Festival in April. For the family, why not plan an easter egg hunt in the grounds of a Scottish castle? Follow one of the National Trust for Scotland easter egg trails taking place across the country for tasty treats and prizes.