As the weather gets warmer and days get longer, Scotland is the perfect stage for things to do this spring and summer. EventScotland supports a diverse and vibrant range of events taking place across the whole of Scotland; and from major music festivals to world-class sporting competitions and traditional Highland games, there’s something for all ages and interests.

It’s hard to believe but Falkirk's iconic Kelpies will turn double-digits old this year. They’ll be celebrating their 10th birthday on 27 April with a number of free family activities. Later – for the first time at the venue – they’re putting on a live concert, featuring performances from Callum Beattie and the Red Hot Chili Pipers. On the Moray Firth coast, the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (Portsoy, 21–23 June) features a flotilla of heritage boats plus music, food and drink events for the whole family. It all kicks off with the Big Gig on the Back Green, headlined by Scottish trad act Skipinnish.

With tradition at its heart, the Inverness Highland Games (13 July) is a fantastic family day out in a perfect setting, with competition, music, stalls and more. Or for history of a very different kind, head to Thirlestane Castle for the 49th edition of the BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring (Lauder, 2 June) to check out the vintage cars in the beautiful castle grounds.

Always a highlight on Scotland’s sporting calendar, the best riders in the world will be back in Fort William for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series (3–5 May). Expect three days of thrilling action on what is regarded as one of the best downhill tracks in the world.

Golf fans can look forward to the Genesis Scottish Open (North Berwick, 10–14 July) where former world number one Rory McIlroy will defend his title on the East Lothian course. Expect a big family atmosphere with golf-themed activities for all ages and interests. Then, on the other side of the country, South Ayrshire welcomes visitors to the 152nd Open Championship (Troon, 14–21 July). Later this summer, the historic “Home of Golf” itself in St Andrews plays host to the AIG Women’s Open (St Andrews, 21–25 August). This will be the third time the iconic links course has hosted this prestigious tournament since its inception in 1976.

Ahead of the capital’s vast August festivities, the World Orienteering Championships (Edinburgh, 12–16 July) will be in town, giving athletes the chance to weave their way around the nooks and crannies of the historic city, with plenty of buzz for spectators to enjoy.

Scotland is a nation that really loves its festivals, and fans have plenty to look forward to in the first half of the year. The Orkney Folk Festival (23–26 May) is in fine fettle; last year it turned 40 and it also won Event of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Expect a mixture of folk, country, bluegrass and Americana. On the west coast, Kelburn Garden Party (Fairlie, Largs, 4–8 July) features a diverse range of music and arts events set in the stunning surroundings of Kelburn Castle and its majestic gardens.

Other music festivals include Scotland’s largest free youth music festival, Youth Beatz (Dumfries, 29 & 30 June); on Orkney, St Magnus (21–28 June) is a multi-arts celebration in a magical setting; HebCelt (17–20 July) is a uniquely Scottish event that takes place in the heartland of Gaelic language and culture in the Outer Hebrides; while Tiree Music Festival (12–14 July) is an adventurous weekend in the Hawaii of the North. Another musical highlight of the summer is sure to be Young Fathers' massive headline show in Stirling. The Scottish legends are set to take the stage at City Park on Saturday 29 June.

So whatever you fancy doing or seeing this spring and summer, Scotland is the place to be.

Find out more on the VisitScotland site; main picture: Scottish Traditional Boat Festival / Picture: Allan Robertson.