Celebrate Scotland’s natural delights throughout Homecoming 2014

Harriers, sharks, sheepdogs and stone skimming!

Here are just some of the events taking place across the country during Homecoming Scotland 2014.

Orkney Nature Festival (May 10 to 18, various locations on Orkney)

Savour wonderful wildlife highlights including hills full of harriers, lochs abounding with trout, waders and wildfowl, and bays awash with seals and seabirds in this much-loved festival. There will be walks, talks, tours, demonstrations, concerts, markets, workshops and more during this celebration of Orkney’s diverse nature. Some events are free and un-ticketed. For ticketed events, book online at orkneynaturefestival.org.

Coll of the Sharks (August 21 to 26, Isle of Coll)

Make your way to the Isle of Coll for this very snappy festival! The waters off the island are home to basking sharks aplenty, as well as lots of other sea life and birds. Go scuba-diving or take a boat trip to see the sharks up close or stay on land and take part in six days of activities. Plus some events are free! For more information and tickets go to baskingsharkscotland.co.uk/coll-of-the-sharks-festival.

World Sheepdog Trials (September 3 to 6, Ross-shire)

The World Sheepdog Trials is being staged in Scotland for the very first time. There will be attractions throughout the event including children’s entertainment, a display of dogs, and a ceilidh. Tickets cost from £10pp. Book online at worldsheepdogtrials.org.

World Stone Skimming Championships (September 28, Easdale Island near Oban)

Easdale was once famous for its slate quarrying, but now it has an abundance of perfect skimming stones and the flooded quarry provides the ideal arena for the championships. The event is fun for all the family. Competitors can enter for £4 adults and £2 for children, with up to 350 taking part. Entry is free for spectators. Get more details at stoneskimming.org.

For more information on all these events and more go to visitscotland.com.