All set for a bumper holiday weekend
It is the last big weekend of the summer season. Visitors will flock to Arran for the September weekend and businesses on the island have been gearing up for a bumper holiday bonanza. With the second boat, the MV Isle of Arran, finishing on Monday, it really feels like autumn is approaching. However, Arran is increasingly becoming a year-round destination so the island will still have a busy feel.
There is a lot going on this weekend with one of the main events the Burning the Circle prehistoric fire festival at Brodick Country Park (see page two), where the new Isle be Wild adventure playground also is sure to be extremely popular.
Elsewhere, there is music galore, including a concert by some of the most talented young musicians from Arran who will be perform- ing at the community theatre in Lamlash tonight (Saturday) at 7.30pm. As reported in last week’s
Banner, they include Iain Clarke on piano, singer Olivia Barket, Finlay Murchie on sax, Mungo Paul on guitar and Lucy Walsh on the flute.
The aim of the concert is to encourage young people to aspire to performance or even professional music and is showcasing young musicians of 20 years old or under, some of whom have become very successful musicians professionally while others are on their way.
Some of the performers from the concert will also be playing at the PHT in Lamlash from 4pm on Sunday along with other young musicians of all ages. All young people are welcome to take part.
The fun continues all weekend and includes a gourmet pizza night on Sunday being run by George Grassie at the Blackwater Bakehouse in Blackwaterfoot.
The Old Byre Visitor Centre and the popular Cafe Thyme is a highly rated and award-winning family run business. It has something to offer everyone, from relaxed shopping to the well equipped children’s play area safely situated in the manicured grounds overlooking the sea.
With the varied range of items in the showroom which includes children’s and adults clothing and a large range of quality branded products - specialising in good quality items at affordable prices, the emphasis in Cafe Thyme is on home-made and locally sourced produce. All of the meals are freshly prepared on site by the chef who has created a unique and tempting menu featuring old favourites and tempting treats
Meanwhile, residents and visitors are being advised that GP practices of the Arran Medical Group will be closed on Monday. However, the Brodick Pharmacy in Shore Road, Brodick will be open from 9am to 4pm on the day. If you need a doctor urgently and the GP’s surgery is closed, call NHS 24 on 111.