Fed up with the same old routine? Looking for free or low-cost activities in Scotland that won’t break the bank or require a trek to the Highlands?
You’re in the right place.

At Together TV, we’ve been celebrating the best of Scotland on screen with Richard Wilson's Highland Fling, Royal Road Trip with Darcey Bussell, and Martin Compston’s Scottish Fling. These shows are packed with stunning landscapes, real local stories, and a genuine love for Scotland’s people and places - no overpriced tourist spots, just proper heart.

But you don’t have to just watch others doing something new - you can join in yourself.

Discover Creative Groups and Activities Across Scotland

All across the country, from the Borders to the Highlands, people are finding joy in community groups, creative meetups, and friendly clubs. Whether you’re in a quiet village or a busy town, there’s likely something going on near you.

You could be joining choirs (don't worry, you don't need to sound like Susan Boyle), having a go at painting (stick figures totally count), or simply meeting up for a proper natter over tea and biscuits.

We’ve Done the Searching So You Don’t Have To 

You know how it is – finding these groups can be like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially when half the information seems to live on someone's nephew's Facebook page from 2019. Well, we've sorted that right out.

Our friends at Creative Lives work with thousands of creative communities across Britain, so we have teamed up to shine a spotlight on local groups that are genuinely welcoming – the kind where someone puts the kettle on before you've even hung up your coat. Check out their Creativity Map and you'll discover:

• Men's sheds and woodworking groups (finally, a place where "measure twice, cut once" isn't just about the Sunday roast)
• Crafting circles and knitting groups (where dropped stitches are part of the charm)
• Community choirs and ukulele bands (four chords and you're practically George Formby)
• Storytelling nights and drama clubs (your tales of dealing with the council suddenly become Shakespearean)
• Art classes and photography meetups (because someone needs to take proper photos that aren't just blurry thumbs)

All in Scotland – loads of them in rural villages and smaller towns where everyone still knows their neighbours' names and the postie stops for a chat. 

Below it's a selection of the wider Creativity Map you can find on Creative Lives website.

No Skills Needed – Just Show Up and Join In 

Listen, if you're waiting until you're "good enough" to join something, you'll be waiting until the cows come home (and if you're in rural Scotland, that might be literal). These groups aren't looking for the next Pavarotti or Picasso – they're looking for people who fancy a laugh and maybe want to learn something new.

Never sung in public? Perfect – you'll fit right in with the rest of us who think we sound like angels in the shower and more like rusty gates everywhere else. Can't draw to save your life? Brilliant – abstract art is very fashionable these days, and who's to say your wonky cat isn't a masterpiece?

A craft morning in Kirkcudbright (yes, we looked up how to spell it too), a theatre group in Thurso where everyone helps with the tea rota, or a walking group in Ayr that moves at a "sensible pace" – whatever you're into, there's something out there for you. 

Why Getting Involved Matters 

We're not going to pretend everything's always rosy. Life can get a bit quiet sometimes, especially if you're on your own or live somewhere where the most exciting thing that happens is when the mobile library turns up. But here's what we've learned from chatting to people across Scotland – doing something creative, even just once a week, can proper lift your spirits.

It's not about becoming the next big thing (though if that happens, we'd love to hear about it). It's about having something to look forward to on a Tuesday morning, or finding out that Margaret from down the road is actually hilarious once you get her talking, or discovering you're surprisingly good at making things with your hands.

This summer, why not take a tiny step? Just a wee one. Try something that makes you think "I wonder if I could do that?"

You might surprise yourself. And even if you don't, at least you'll have had a proper cup of tea and maybe a laugh or two.

Because let's be honest – life's too short to spend it all on the sofa, even if we do make excellent telly. 

Try Something New This Week

Go on, we know you'd love to. You are one step away from meeting new people and have a great time! By clicking on the links in the map and on Creative Lives website, you will be able to reach out to these groups and go visit them. 

Not ready to join any of them just yet? Earlier this month, we put together some free activities and places to visit in Scotland for you. Read more here.

Are you in England, Wales or Northern Ireland instead? Check out the Creative Lives Creativity Map and see what’s happening near you.

It could be the start of something just brilliant.

Get more inspiration from Richard Wilson's Highland Fling, Royal Road Trip with Darcey Bussell, and Martin Compston’s Scottish Fling on Together TV. Browse our TV Guide or Watch live.

Together TV – Freeview 83 | Sky 170 | Virgin 136 | Freesat 162

It’s more than telly. It’s your way in.