What’s On This March in the South of Scotland

As the winter frost begins to thaw, the South of Scotland bursts into life. March unveils a dynamic array of events, blending cultural richness with nature’s glorious displays across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. Venture out to catch the final displays of delicate snowdrops and catch the first glimpses of cheery yellow daffodils – perhaps while celebrating Mother’s Day with a family day out. There is certainly a diverse array of experiences to delight locals and visitors alike in the enchanting landscapes across the South of Scotland.

Whether you are looking for local heritage, contemporary art, or live music, here is your essential guide to what’s on this month.

Blooms, Heritage & Scenic Tours

Spring is officially on its way, and there is no better place to witness the seasonal shift than within the region’s historic estates. On 1st March, Kailzie Gardens near Peebles opens its gates for the first of two charity days under Scotland’s Garden Scheme. Visitors can enjoy early-season woodland walks, with proceeds supporting local group Tweed Togs.

There is still time to get out and enjoy the carpets of white snowdrops alongside woodland trails. There are opportunities to explore at both Logan Botanic Garden near Portpatrick and Dawyck Botanic Garden, near Stobo. Castle Kennedy Gardens near Stranraer is also participating in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival which runs through most of March. And at Cringletie Estate enthusiasts can pop in for a warming hot drink once after wandering the grounds and woodland admiring these little bulbs that came back from the Crimean War with local soldiers.  

For those looking to celebrate Mother’s Day, on 15th March Drumlanrig Castle offers a refined retreat with a special dining menu at its tearoom, featuring everything from afternoon tea to a full two-course lunch. Easterbrook Bistro at The Crichton also offers a special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. There is even a special open day with treats and free entry at Floors Castle & Estate near Kelso. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander the grounds and gardens.

If you prefer a guided perspective of the region’s history, the Border Abbeys Guided Tour on 14th March provides an intimate journey through the heart of the Borders, exploring iconic medieval ruins with award-winning storyteller Stewart Wilson.

Art Exhibitions & Cultural Highlights

Creativity is flourishing across the Borders this month, headlined by the massive Borders Art Fair in Kelso from 13th–15th March. This annual event is a highlight for art lovers across the country, transforming the Borders Events Centre into a vibrant gallery space with over 70 stands.

Over in the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright, creativity is being celebrated with a special event at The Selkirk Arms. Well-known art curator Amanda Herries takes attendees on a bird watching journey through art from the 6th of March.

In Hawick, the museum scene is particularly busy this month: Martha Ellis’s exhibition Flora uses laser-cut drawings to explore the delicate structure of local wildflowers. Meanwhile, a collective of artists responds to the pressing theme of environmental change through textiles and photography in Passion. Those with a love for fashion will enjoy Made by Mary Beck: A decades-spanning look at the intricate art of dressmaking and fashion history. At the end of the month, works inspired by Scotland’s Nature take over Halliwell’s House Museum in Selkirk. Here, Artist Ausra Kristina Kojelaviciute reflects on personal encounters with the natural world in her new home.

Live Music, Comedy & Nightlife

The evenings are looking lively with a diverse programme of touring acts. Folk fans can catch Norrie MacIver, lead singer of Skipinnish, in Langholm on 5th March, while those craving high-energy punk should head to Galashiels on 7th March for Ferocious Dog’s farewell tour. The same night, country music fans can enjoy the Nashville Country Experience in Dumfries, or head to Newton Stewart for the bombastic rock of Sour Tusk and the Barstool Rebels. If you are in the mood for nostalgia, the middle of the month offers a Britpop throwback with The Essential Oasis in Galashiels and Could it be Take That in Hawick at the end of the month.

For comedy lovers, Ray Bradshaw brings his funny, heartwarming show CODA about growing up as a child of deaf parents to Melrose (14th March), while the king of the surreal one-liner, Milton Jones, brings his unique brand of stand-up to Dumfries on 21st March.

Mystery, Magic & The Macabre

For those who prefer their entertainment with a side of the supernatural, March offers several spine-chilling events. The month starts underground with The Crichton Crypt Tour in Dumfries on 3rd March, uncovering the hidden history of the estate’s earliest residents. Paranormal investigators Mostly Ghostly also lead an investigation-led ghost hunt at the historic Gilnockie Tower (14th–15th March) and a session on Poltergeists in Dumfries on 28th March.

In Whithorn, Scotland’s smallest theatre has a varied line-up of shows throughout the month: Literature fans shouldn’t miss One Man Poe, where Stephen Smith performs The Black Cat and The Raven. Finally, the month closes at The Swallow Theatre with the provocative play The City for Incurable Women (30th–31st March), a powerful tale of medical history and misogyny.