May in Scotland
Weather
Touring Scotland in May is still going to show snow only on the highest hilltops. However, towards the end of the month, it is a good bit warmer and the daylight hours are only a few weeks from the longest of summer. It’s still Scotland so you’re likely to still need warm clothes in the evenings and waterproof jacket and boots for sure. We offer tours throughout the year and typically find May in Scotland is a busy month, get in touch here before we’re fully booked!
Flora and Fauna
Every summer, clients declare on tours ‘it’s so green’. The green comes from our climate, a great mixture of wet and warm weather. By the end of May every plant is well into the growing season and we’re starting to see early summer flowers coming out. Early in the month we should see some cherry blossom, and the bright yellow flowers of gorse and broom bushes . Keep an eye out for the wild Orchid too especially in long grass and meadows.
Everything is out of hibernation by the end of the month so we can expect to see all of Scotlands summer creatures. The Red Deer will be at the higher levels on the hills. We run tours all year round, May is a fantastic month to visit Scotland and we’re already very busy! Enquire here before we’re fully booked!
Events
The summer season of events is working its way towards full swing, with events in nearly every town and city. We’ve listed a few of our favourites below! If you’re looking to attend a highland games have a look at http://www.shga.co.uk
Early in the month (1st to 6th) is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. A fantastic time to visit Speyside to experience the distilleries, some as you’ve never seen them before.
Over the same period of time the Bandstand Beer and Music festival is on in Nairn. Staying in Nairn makes Speyside easily accessible and the beer festival is a great complimentary event!
For those that like the outdoors, The Arran Mountain Festival is from the 17th to 20th; make your own way to the island and enjoy the guided walks on the hills of this lovely island.
That same weekend and for those with more agricultural interest. The Fife Show, held since 1821 is an annual livestock show. Along with machines, vehicles and trade stands this popular one day show is held on the 3rd Saturday of May.
The 19th of May is host to the first Highland Games of the season. Gordon Castle Highland Games followed by the Blackford Highland Games the following week.
Toward the end of the month is the fantastic Orkney Folk Festival; 4 days of tunes and culture, as if there weren’t enough reasons to visit Orkney!!
The 24th May see’s the beginning of Feis Isle. A week long festival of music and whisky on the fantastic island of Islay (I-La).
Seasonal Food
From the farm, we’re starting to get more in the way of fresh fruit, for example the raspberries, strawberries and other soft fruit that Scotland is well known for. Rhubarb is just coming into season and makes a great Crumble! Along side that there should be new potatoes and fresh asparagus. New season lamb is solidly available and Scottish Lamb is unbeatable. From the sea, shell fish is still a good option with Lobster, Scallops and razor clams some of our favourites. Fresh Sea caught Scottish Wild Salmon and Sea Trout should be making it into the market from the start of the month.
Tours
If you’d like to find out more or book with us for a tour in May, please get in touch here!
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