Sun sets on another fantastic Best of the West
SMILING faces said it all at Best of the West 2016.
The weather was kind for the twoday festival of music, food, arts and crafts – and fun. People came from near and far and across the generations to enjoy some of the best Argyll has to offer.
An intimate festival set in the shadow of Inveraray’s magnificent gothic castle, the event is hosted annually by the Duke and Duchess of Argyll.
The sixth Best of the West featured top- class music from headliners Manran on Saturday and Skipinnish the following day. But there was talent everywhere you looked, and listened, across both main stage and the more intimate whisky stage.
From Mid Argyll, youngsters Tiegan Holroyd and Holly Renton performed beautifully, their pitch- perfect voices leaving hardly a dry eye in the marquee. Across in the whisky tent, Bar None community choir from Mid Argyll gave a rousing recital under musical director Stephen Povey.
Quality is the watchword at Best of the West, with nary a paste- burger or plastic cheese slice in sight in a food tent bursting with flavour. Every taste, every dietary requirement was catered for in an array of stalls from a wide range of food outlets – from Loch Fyne Oysters to Bumble Puddings. Hearty locally- produced food from Real MacKay stovies vied with Cowal producers Winston Churchill venison and Shellfield Farm for festival- goers’ tastebuds. A big attraction was the Ar
gyllshire Advertiser and Oban Times- sponsored Festival Kitchen, where some of Argyll’s finest chefs demonstrated their skills, creating some mouth-watering dishes for enthusiastic audiences.
There were free activities for the kids. Bungee trampolines, a bucking bronco, climbing wall, face- painting and plenty more kept them happy. For those of a more mature vintage, the George Hotel ran a popular bar to keep thirst at bay.
After all that eating, drinking and falling off broncos, there was always the craft tent to soothe the soul. The talent in Argyll and the Isles never ceases to amaze. Skilled crafts people from all corners of the region showed off their wares, featuring ceramics, jewellery, textiles, paintings and woodwork.
As she thanked main sponsors, Caledonian MacBrayne and Clan Campbell Whisky, as well as the event’s many more sponsors and supporters, Eleanor, Duchess of Argyll, said: ‘ Best of the West 2016 has been a fantastic weekend, with a great atmosphere from start to finish. The crowd made the most of the delicious local food, drink and children’s entertainment, while our top music acts provided an excellent soundtrack to the festival throughout the weekend.’