Scotland is preparing for a busy late summer and autumn season, with the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, a packed festival calendar and a wave of new tourism developments set to drive visitor interest across the country.
VisitScotland is highlighting a mix of major international events, regional festivals, screen tourism opportunities and new accommodation openings as the destination continues to build momentum heading into the second half of 2026.
Commonwealth Games and festival season take centre stage
Glasgow is set to host the Commonwealth Games in July, with the city-wide Glasgow 2026 Festival running from 23 May to 9 August. The 10-week celebration will feature hundreds of cultural events, performances and community experiences inspired by the Games.
Beyond Glasgow and Edinburgh, destinations across Scotland will host a range of events showcasing local culture and traditions. Highlights include the Pittenweem Arts Festival in Fife from 1-8 August, the International Ayr Show on 4-5 September, the Stranraer Oyster Festival from 11-13 September and the Wigtown Book Festival from 25 September to 4 October.
Other major events include Shetland Wool Week from 27 September to 3 October, the Findhorn Bay Festival in Moray Speyside and the Cowal Gathering, one of the world’s largest Highland Games events, taking place from 27-29 August.
Screen tourism continues to drive interest
Scotland’s role as a filming destination remains a major drawcard for visitors.
While television series Outlander concluded earlier this year, VisitScotland expects continued demand for visits to filming locations featured throughout the show’s eight-season run. New Outlander-themed carriages on the Caledonian Sleeper train are also helping keep interest alive among fans.
Looking ahead, Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, due for release on 17 July, features filming locations across Moray and Aberdeenshire. Meanwhile, Glasgow will appear on the big screen in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, scheduled for release on 31 July 2026, with several city-centre locations used during filming.
New accommodation openings across Scotland
A number of new hotel projects and upgrades are also expanding Scotland’s tourism offering.
Among the latest developments is the reopening of five-star property Cromlix in Dunblane following a major redevelopment, while Glasgow is welcoming two new city hotels: The Arthouse and The Address Wren.
In Edinburgh, Perle Hotels is preparing to open Edinburgh 1620, a 28-room townhouse retreat in the city centre, while Crossbasket Cabins near Glasgow will introduce 12 luxury nature-focused retreats from October.
The additions are part of ongoing investment in Scotland’s accommodation sector as destinations seek to capitalise on growing international visitation and event-driven demand.
