Arran’s all set for summer village galas
Ingrained in the memory of many a visitor and those of village locals, Arran’s summer village galas are steeped in history and eagerly anticipated by many.
A fixture on many a holidaymakers itinerary and firmly established in the calendars of Arran’s children during their school break, the gala’s ensure that their is plenty of summer activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
Villages across Arran have been preparing throughout the year to fill the longer days -many with summer sunshine - with tried and tested activities and events that have been enjoyed by generations.
And while some villages have managed to retain and host week-long activities, others have condensed all of the action into fun filled events that either take place on a single day or over a weekend.
Wherever your location, whatever your preference, the next few weeks are guaranteed to provide families with plenty to see and do all around Arran. Join us as we take a look at some of the top events taking place across villages this summer.
Kildonan Fun Week
Kicking of the gala season are the organisers from the village of Kildonan who have put on an action packed itinerary of events taking place from Saturday July 6 to Saturday July 13. Starting with a jazz night at the village hall on the first evening, the week quickly gathers pace with a guided walk with Bobs Walks the following morning before the taster sessions of the Taiko Drummers takes place on Monday July 8. Soup and sandwiches will provide sustenance to visitors on Tuesday and will undoubtedly provide runners in the round Kildonan fun run with the energy that they need for this family friendly event later that day. On Thursday a number of the popular seal and shore walk sessions, hosted by NTS Rangers, will see children donning their welly boots and exploring outdoors while adults can enjoy cream teas in the village hall. Later that evening, after filling up on delicious treats from the women of the Kildonan WI, the ever-popular car treasure hunt will take place with a barbeque welcoming the entrants back. Still on the subject of food, there will be an oriental fusion tasting event held on Friday July 12 before the physical exertion of the next day. Saturday, the final day of the events, will see adults and children enjoying an afternoon of games and sporting activities taking place on the beach before the activities come to a close with the mystery film night, best enjoyed with friends and tasty snacks.
Brodick Castle Makers Festival
In a first for Brodick Castle, a makers festival will be held over the weekend starting on Friday July 12. Taking place over three days the new event will feature a number of talented makers and artists from across the island. With demonstrations, talks, readings, maker stalls and music and a range of workshops adding to the two exhibitions hosted inside the castle itself, the festival is guaranteed to offer visitors a whole day of entertainment, and who knows, possibly some inspiration for taking
on a new hobby. Joining co-hosts Crafts and Company will be a number of community groups which will include COAST, Eco Savvy, Art in Mind, Spin Off and a new group, Indigo Upcycling. A celebration of all things handmade, the festival is also underpinned by a sustainability theme with a special emphasis placed on reusing, recycling and upcycling.
Lamlash Heather Queen and fun day
An afternoon of fun activities awaits visitors to the traditional activities hosted by the village of Lamlash which will take place on Saturday July 14. The undisputed highlight is undoubtedly the parade from the village clock tower - which starts at 1pm and culminates in the crowing of the Lamlash Heather Queen. Joined by the Heather Queen’s attendants, a number of fun floats and emergency services help to make the parade a sight to behold. Adding to the fun and taking place on the village green will be a refreshment tent along with home baking and a number of stalls and events to entertain the entire family. Visitors can look forward to craft stalls, daft stalls, face painting, a music and dance show, a pet competition, tombola and burgers and not forgetting Murray’s famous dog scurry among many others.
Whiting Bay Fun Week
Taking place from Sunday July 14 to Saturday July 20, Whiting Bay manages to squeeze a huge amount of popular and entertaining activities into just one week. Starting on a high note on Sunday, the exhilarating raft race and barbeque precedes the Bay Queen crowing which is followed by a family bowling competition in the evening. Equally sedate, the teddy bears picnic can be enjoyed the following day with a car treasure hunt taking place in the evening. Wednesday is the popular beach sculpture competition and barbeque which attracts an international audience and competitors from around the island. The mini beach Olympics takes place the following day on Thursday and returns to another indoor activity that evening with the family fun quiz - a hugely popular event which usually fills the village hall. The start of the weekend, on Friday, begins with the putting competition and continues with games and races at Sandbraes Park. Also the venue for the family fun run, this fancy dress run is as non-competitive as it is amusing. Wrapping up a busy week for Whiting Bay, the hugely popular - and attended by hundreds of people - duck race and barbeque and dog agility event will perfectly round off the Whiting Bay fun week.
Save the Children summer fayre
Guaranteed to be bustling with bargains and tasty treats, the annual Save the Children summer fayre is a popular charitable event that will take place at Brodick Hall on Thursday July 11. With tea, coffee, homebaking and a variety of stalls on offer the fayre is a firm favourite for many looking to enjoy a social event while also helping a worthwhile cause.