Spinning, weaving and crafts on the go at farm day

Over 200 residents and visitors enjoyed a break in the weather to take part in Carron Valley community open day held at Craigend Farm, Auchenbowie, on Saturday.

The theme was ‘Heritage and Crafts’and there was a large variety of stalls including spinning on three separate wheels, willow weaving, mosaics, flower arranging, and jewellery.

Childrens’ activities included making flags and there were stalls selling local produce. There was also recycling and verge side planting for bees. There were talks on companion planting, developing a local heritage and history group and centre, and plans for a community woodland in Carron Valley.

A special feature was highlighting the Heritage Lottery-funded project for archaeological investigation and training at two key, but relatively overlooked sites, in Carron Valley: Kirk o’Muir graveyard and John de Graham’s Castle.

There was a display at which people could sign up to take in the investigation from September 6-12 and a presentation on the sites by Murray Cook, Stirling Council archaeologist, and associates.

The Forestry Commission had an exhibit and Stirling Cycle Hub demonstrated electric bicycles.

There was also a barbecue, exotic chocolate drinks, and live music. The event is organised by Valley Renewables Group –the development trust for the area.