As part of the Year of Scotland’s Islands, Arran and Bute are hosting key events in order to showcase islands’ rich culture and heritage to both locals and visitors.

On 1 to 3 July Brodick, Arran, will be festooned with stunning floral displays as part of the Arran Flower Festival. This free event welcomes visitors between 11am and 4pm in order to enjoy the visually eye-catching and fragrant displays. The Isle of Arran has a rich variety of plant life, with around 50 species of wild flower including Marsh Marigold, Wood Anemone, Bluebells and Yellow Iris.

Later on this summer, between 2 – 10 September, Arran’s McLellan Arts Festival will highlight the best of visual, literary and performing arts from the island. On 8 September the festival will present an evening of Arran on Film in Corrie with celebrated film director Mike Alexander, who has close family links to the isle.

The first Bute International Guitar Festival will launch on 16 – 18 September, celebrating the guitar sounds of the Isle of Bute. This event is a must for folk fans with a chance to see top international folk guitarists Jon Strong, Michael Chapman and Rod Clements, plus a line up of local support acts, free open mic sessions and guitar workshops. Held in a variety of venues in Rothesay and other parts of Bute, a range of ticket options are available including just one session, Day Rovers and Weekend Passes.

Murdo Mackay, project leader for Western Isles council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said:  “Arran and Bute are making a fantastic contribution to the programme of events to celebrate this Year of Scotland’s Islands.  The local community support for these events and Scotland’s Islands overall has been fantastic.

“In the 12 months that this initiative is running, Scotland’s Islands is supporting over 100 events with a combined budget of more than £4 million.  The diversity and quality of events that have secured funding support has been very high, and with music, art, dance, literature, theatre, and gourmet events galore, whatever your interests this is truly a year to visit Scotland’s Islands.”

The Year of Scotland’s Islands initiative aims to raise the profile of the islands across the UK and internationally, attract more visitors, bolster economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations.  The programme, which includes over 100 events across 42 islands, will showcase the music, arts, food, sport and history of the islands, as well as highlight their unique beauty as visitor destinations.

The Scotland’s Islands initiative has been developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities – Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Other supporters who have contributed to funding the programme include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, EventScotland, European Regional Development Fund, VisitScotland and Awards for All.

For more information on the Scotland’s Islands initiative visit: www.scotlandsislands.com

Source: Scotland’s Islands