Glasgow Letter
AS THE summer festival season gets under way in earnest, this coming weekend sees the second annual Gig in the Goil (GITG) – a festival in Lochgoilhead which would appear to have a great future ahead of it.
GITG, which takes place on the beautiful Drimsynie Estate, Lochgoilhead, burst onto the scene last year with resounding success.
Its family-friendly atmosphere and unique location (not far from Glasgow yet blessed with some of the loveliest scenery in Argyll) led to the 2017 event selling out very soon after tickets went on sale in January.
This ticketing success is particularly admirable considering the festival has undergone something of an ambitious expansion for its second year.
I performed at last year’s debut festival as a duo with Ross Wilson, alongside Heron Valley. It was a great carry on, but the organisers have increased the scale massively this year, and I think it will be almost incomparable to last year’s miniature, ceilidh-style event.
Across three days and two stages, some very exciting acts will perform, including Skerryvore, Trail West, Gunna Sound, Heron Valley, Rollin’ Drones, Clann an Druma, The Hur and the Graham Brown Band.
I am greatly looking forward to returning – this time with the rest of the Tide Lines boys. To top it all off, we are all going to be staying in a chalet in the grounds of the estate which is bound to be a laugh.
The festival is run by Argyll Holidays, so the excellent accommodation (either in the chalets, the camping facilities, the rentable caravans, or the luxury hotel) is a huge part of the event. Another crucial aspect of GITG is the food – and local cuisine will be available to festival goers all weekend.
If you are a seasoned Scottish festival goer, you will notice something else unique about Gig in the Goil – there is no need to take your wellies!
One stage is indoors and the outdoor stage is next to the hotel where the ground is tarmac. With this in mind, the organisers have been utilising the slogan #ditchthemud – which is perhaps another reason tickets have sold like hot cakes.
Come rain, hail or shine, the party will carry on regardless in Lochgoilhead this weekend – and I don’t imagine I am the only one who simply cannot wait.
What’s on
Thursday May 11: Comunn-an-
Taobh-an-Iar annual general meeting in the Ellangowan Social Club, Milngavie.
Thursday May 18: Donald Black album launch in the College of Piping, Otago Street.
Friday May 26: The Uist and Barra Association annual general meeting in Lourdes Secondary School.
Wednesday June 7: The Glasgow Skye Association annual general meeting in Partick Burgh Hall.
Friday June 9: The Glasgow Skye Association end of session social in the Redhurst Hotel, Giffnock.
Pub scene Islay Inn
Friday May 5: Twist of Fate. Saturday May 6: The Keelies. Sunday May 7: The Deke McGee Band.