Food festival bites the dust

But Ballantrae bids to bring it back

The two- day Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink has been axed after local funding cash was not handed over.

The shock decision was taken with less than a month to the opening.

More than 2000 people attended last year as the village put itself on the foodies’ map of Scotland.

It would have been the fourth festival and fed- up volunteers behind it are hoping they can bring it back next year.

But organisers are refusing to name the mystery local funder who pulled out at the last minute.

Andy McAlpine, chairman of The Ballantrae Trust, said this week: “There is no blame attached to this. We just have to listen to the message.

“I don’t really want to go in to which funder rejected us.”

Plans had been advanced for the event over the weekend of June 9 and 10.

Last year’s funding came from EventScotland; Carrick Futures with funding from Scottish Power Renewables Mark Hill and Arecleoch wind farms; South Ayrshire Council; Craigiemains Home and Garden Centre, SCOTMID; and ScotRail.

Andy said: “It is disappointing, but we are picking ourselves up and planning for 2019.

“The festival is very popular and each year we have been trying to improve the customer experience.

“Our hoped for funding was not secured, it is just as straightforward as that.

“We do understand funders have lots of requests. We need to explore what we need to do differently so we can come back next year.

“There is already a group working on that just now as we are committed to ensuring Ballantrae is a food and drink destination.”

Ballantrae Development Group was a sub- group of Ballantrae Community Council and has been operating for seven years but has now been renamed The Ballantrae Community Trust.

The Trust said it regretted “the very difficult decision to cancel”.

A statement added: “There was an unexpected shortfall in the funds needed to ensure its success.

“We are sorry for disappointing both stallholders and visitors who were looking forward to participating.”

Ballantrae has been hailed as a vibrant village and punches above its weight to attract visitors.

It has lured a farmers market and puts on events such as a village fireworks display.