What’s On this September

September in the South of Scotland is a time of vibrant transition, where the changing seasons bring a flurry of activities and events that capture the region’s unique charm. Whether you choose to join us to celebrate the written word, explore our incredible landscapes or sample delectable delights at a truly unique food festival there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This month offers visitors the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich heritage, natural beauty, and lively spirit of the South of Scotland.

Wigtown Book Festival

When: 27th September – 6th October

Wigtown Book Festival is a 10-day literary celebration, featuring author talks, music, theatre and family events. This year high profile guests include Scottish actor Alan Cummings, performance poet Pam Ayres, singer Cerys Matthews and novelist Irvine Welsh as well as the much loved Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod. Whether you are coming for the headliners or to check out a debut novelist, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The festivities are kicked off each year with a bagpipe procession and fireworks display and include live music, theatre and a ceilidh taking place through the week. There are plenty of events for children too and is a superb event for young and old alike!

In an exclusive deal for our blog readers, the festival is offering two tickets for the price of one for all events taking place from Sunday 29 September to Saturday 5 October. Offer ends 11.59pm Sunday 8 September. Just book online at wigtownbookfestival.com using the booking code Scotlandstartshere.

Tour of Britain

When: 3rd September

This year’s Tour of Britain kicks off in Kelso with Stage One starting and finishing in this historic Border market town. This 20th edition of the tour will see riders complete a 113 mile (181.9 km) route passing through several communities twice thanks to the inclusion of a loop in the course. Spectators can watch as they pass through Melrose, and over the Dingleton and Scott’s View climbs twice. Even more iconic Scottish Borders sights are along the route as riders pass in the shadow of the Eildon Hills and through Jedburgh and other villages. This is a fabulous opportunity to get up close to this really exciting event in the British Cycling calendar.

Stranraer Oyster Festival

When: 13-15th September

Stranraer Oyster Festival celebrates the opening of the native oyster season in the nearby famous Loch Ryan native oyster bed that has inspired this community-run event. Expect celebrity chef demos, oyster shucking championships, live music, extreme pond dipping, more than 60 market stalls, a packed programme of children’s entertainment and an absolutely enormous oyster bar stocked with sought after native oysters. And while the oysters are the focus of the festivities you don’t need to have a love of the mollusc to enjoy the event. Southern Scotland’s local larder is evident throughout the programme; from local chef demos to artisan produce in the market. Here are 10 reasons to visit!

Music at the Multiverse

When: 31st August – 1st September

Expect two great days of live music, set across three stages and the chance to explore 55-acres of this incredible architectural landscape. Headliners include smash hit legends The Hoosiers, genuine crowd pleasers Toploader, festival favourites Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 and Scottish indie-folk band Tide Lines. In addition to the Big Top Dance Tent which will welcome international acts, there will be the all new Cosmic Lounge, presented by ‘Up Yer Airts’, showcasing some of the best up-and-coming talent in Dumfries and Galloway and beyond.

Moffat Golden Eagle Festival

When: 6-8th September

The Moffat 2024 Golden Eagle Festival returns to Scotland’s first and only ‘Eagle Town’ to celebrate the increasing Golden Eagle population in the South of Scotland. Following a series of groundbreaking translocations of ‘free-flying young golden eagles’ over the winter months, there are now around 47 golden eagles soaring in southern Scottish skies – the highest number recorded here in the past 300 years! This year’s keynote speaker is Hamza Yassin, wildlife cameraman, presenter, author of Be a Birder, and winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2022! The star features within a festival programme of fascinating and fun events for all ages including a chance to meet a real eagle, a farmers’ market with family fun, an eagle ride out on motorbike, a book event, an Eagle Hill Fell Run, live music, and talks by wildlife author Jim Crumley and Peter Cairns from rewilding charity Scotland: The Big Picture.

Walking and Wheeling Festival

When: 5-8th September

This brand new festival combines walking and cycling and is courtesy of the Hike & Bike Hub. A range of events across various locations in the Scottish Borders are on offer. The very keen may want to experience the sunrise over the Eildon Hills from Gala Hill, while others may prefer a speciality walk with the Trimontium Museum, going from the museum to the site of the Roman fort outside Melrose. And if you prefer the relaxing aspect of festivals in general, then book in for an evening of food and song at Cafe ReCharge CIC with Scottish Borders singer song writer Katie Forbes.

Moffat Walking Weekend

When: 27-29th September

From long-distance trails and free and easy ambles, to family-friendly adventures and treks around town this three day walking festival offers a truly diverse programme of guided walks. Take in the history of the town, marvel at the dark skies or opt for an other wordly walk with Mostly Ghostly Tours – all extremely popular at the annual festival. The Dark Sky walks start at 8pm and include a wee dram from the Moffat Distillery, while the Dark Tales of Old Moffat tour focuses on murder and mystery, heroes and history and is a mile long over flat ground.