Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, along comes September in Scotland’s Islands! Many say it’s the fairest month in the calendar.

And to go with the weather, there’s even more going on this month, from blues and guitar music in Shetland to top class folk and rock on Lewis and Skye, science on Orkney, literature on Islay and truly stunning art in Orkney and at Caledoniart in London’s Mayfair.

Our island people have surpassed themselves thus far, and September is yet another cracker. Take a look at these samples – and don’t forget! It’s two short and easy hops from Mayfair to all the island groups…

Traces in Time – Sylvia Wishart Exhibition, from 1 September ~ Orkney

An exhibition, book and tour of work by the late Orcadian artist Sylvia Wishart.  The artist’s work, which was rarely exhibited during her lifetime, celebrates Orkney’s changing natural environment.

Island of Ideas ~ Where Science Meets People 1 – 7 September ~ Orkney

To mark the Year of Scotland’s Islands, Orkney International Science Festival reaches out across the whole group of islands with talks and activities, organised in collaboration with the various communities.

Arran on Film 2 – 10 September ~ Arran

As part of the year of Scotland’s Islands, the McLellan Art’s Festival will this year host an evening of Arran on Film with Mike Alexander films which will be an interesting addition.

Islay Book Festival 3 – 4 September ~ Islay

A full and varied programme for adults and children alike.  This year’s special guest is the renowned crime writer Ruth Rendell. Other authors include Alistair Moffat, Kenneth Cox, and storyteller, Jess Smith.

Wordplay ~ Shetland’s 10th Annual Book Festival 2 – 4 September ~ Shetland

Welcoming writers of local, national and international renown, Wordplay features a mix of readings, writing workshops, children’s theatre events and book signings offering a unique opportunity for readers and writers to meet with their favourite authors, hear them read their work and answer questions.

Blas 9 – 17 September ~ Skye, Raasay, Eigg

Blas celebrates the Year of Scotland’s Islands with a series of “Island Cèildhs” showcasing some of our best known Gaelic singers from the islands, along with great traditional accompaniment. The taste of a real cèilidh is coming your way!

Bonnie Boat 10 September ~ Skye

The Celeste, a dazzling sailing boat covered in 60,000 inch-square mirror tiles, will be moored in Portree where it will broadcast songs and stories from the island, collected by artists Zoe Walker and Neil Bromwich.

1st Bute International Guitar Festival (The Big F) 16 – 18 September ~ Bute

Presented by Transclyde Music, what promises to be a great festival is to be held at various venues in Rothesay and other locations on the Isle of Bute. Acts include Dick Gaughan, Henry McCullogh, Nick Harper, Panama Red, Johnny Dickinson and Coustie plus many more!

Isle of Harris Mountain Festival 24 Sep – 1 Oct ~ Harris

The inaugural Isle of Harris Mountain Festival will feature an exciting program of guided walks, talks, sea kayaking, mountain films, and more!  Confirmed Guest Speakers are well known TV presenter and lifelong mountain enthusiast Cameron McNeish and Laurie Campbell, Scotland’s best known natural history photographer.

Caledoniart 26 Sep – 1 Oct ~ London

John Lowrie Morrison (Jolomo); Mike Healey; Robert Kelsey; Jamie Hageman; Vega; Alan Anderson; Erni Upton; Willie Fulton; Fiona Macrae; and Laurence Broderick.

Scotland’s Islands

Source: Scotland’s Islands