Blackwaterfoot Beer Festival

SATURDAY 9 JULY - KINLOCH HOTEL

A food and drink festival on the west coast will be the biggest and best it has ever been this year.

Started three years ago at the Kinloch Hotel, the event has grown so much that the Blackwaterfoot Beer Festival is now firmly established, not only on the island summer calendar, but as a date to head to the island from the mainland.

It has already attracted loyal followers who are already planning buses to come over specially for the festival, where the focus is on family fun for visitors and locals alike.

Saturday July 9 is the date for your diaries and organiser Fraser Hendrie of the Kinloch Hotel promises festival goers won’t be disappointed.

This year there are even more real ales, ciders, wines and champagne to try from all over the UK. and, of course, the Kinloch’s own Usige Dubh beer.

There will be food marquees and fresh local produce for sale thanks to the backing of a host of island businesses, including hog roast by Robin Gray and speciality breads from the Blackwaterfoot Bakehouse, while the burger stall is being run by bourbon producer Jim Beam to promote a range of new sauces.

The event is on from 11.30am to 7pm and there will be a whole host of entertainment throughout the day, from the Arran Brass Band and the Arran Jazz Cafe Band with special guests this year the Perth duo The Mad Ferret Band.

The band are known on the folk scene for their hard-hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with ‘blister-

ingly fast mandolin solos’, tight harmonies, driving cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds. The influence from both Scottish and Irish folk music has helped shape their unique sound.

The duo features Chris Woods on mandolin, guitar and vocals and Sandy Stirton on guitar, cajon and vocals.

But for many the day is all about tasting the beers and ciders they may otherwise not get the chance to savour. This year there will be a wide range of beers and ciders from acoss the country, many of which Fraser said have not been at the festival before.

There will be beers from Wolverhampton and Nottingham, as well as closer to home from Ayr Brewery and Edinburgh’s Caledonian Brewery. Strongbow will also be showcasing its new cloudy cider.

There will also be a wine and champagne tent and the Famous Grouse will be hosting a free whisky tasting while afternoon teas with home baking will be supplied by Shiskine SWI.

There will also be loads to do for kids including a magic show by Scotland’s magician Scott Cuthbertson and a special appearance by Shadow the Rabbit.

There will also be a children’s corner, face painting and balloon modelling and aqua zorbing. Entry is £1 per person and the child entry fee includes admission to the magic shows at 2pm and 4pm.

Fraser said: ‘It is all shaping up to be a terrific day. There is already a bus-load of 50 coming from Ayr and loads from the central belt. In previous years we have had both sunshine and rain. So I believe, whatever the weather, everyone is set for a great day out.’