It’s one of the most delightful signs that spring is on its way when snowdrops start to shoot up from the ground this month.

Their arrival usually heralds the end of winter and the return of one of Scotland’s most popular outdoor festivals to gardens and estates across the country.

Showcasing a range of beautiful snowdrop collections, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival runs until March 11, so there’s still time to celebrate the arrival of these pretty little flowers.

More than 60 nationwide events have been organised to celebrate this classic winter flower by garden tourism group Discover Scottish Gardens, with support from VisitScotland.

Catherine Erskine, chair of Discover Scottish Gardens and founder of the Snowdrop Festival in Scotland, said: “Over the years, more of us are falling in love with the dainty winter flower and very much look forward to the festival as gardens open up again for the new year.

“We are very lucky in Scotland to have some truly stunning sites to visit, many of which open their doors for the Snowdrop Festival, showcasing another spectacular side to their gardens.

“As the festival grows in popularity, we encourage the younger generation to discover the world of snowdrops for themselves, as well as stunning landscapes and historic sites.”

If you don’t want to travel too far to find a garden that’s taking part, you could visit Greenbank Garden, which is less than a mile from Glasgow’s bustling Southside suburbs.

They will be providing guided walks on March 9 to show visitors their collection of snowdrops.

Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, visitors will also be able to see a beautiful bronze water nymph statue set in a circular pool with fountains while they are there.

And one of the few wetlands left in West Scotland, the RSPB Scotland Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve in Renfrewshire, is taking part in the festival.

They are showcasing their beautiful snowdrop collection until March 11.