South West Ross Arts and Eats Trail Christmas Fair

Artists and Eating establishments have once again come together in South West Ross to promote the excellent food and creative talent that the area has to offer. A Christmas Fair will be held at Strathcarron from Friday November 25th to Monday November 28th, from 10am until 4.30pm each day.

Following the success of last years ‘Arts and Eats Trail’ and the Christmas Fair -local Artists and eateries published a new leaflet this Easter to promote an extended trail, they also obtained funding from Hi-Arts to develop a new website; www.artsandeatstrail.com. The South West Ross Arts and Eats Trail was launched last year after artists got together to work out how best to promote the local area which is often overlooked as a visitor destination The group is now working together to prepare for their second Christmas Fair.

The Success of the Christmas fair event last November at the stunning new ‘Ceilidh barn’, Strathcarron, had exceeded everyone’s expectations. Many locals and visitors braved the sudden snow fall to come and see what was on offer. The delicious hot food, Christmas fare cooked by local catering company ‘Kishorn Kitchen’ and fantastic venue made for a cosy and relaxing atmosphere which everyone enjoyed. Artists sold a surprising amount of work raising funds for the Hospice in the process. This year there has been a chance for trail visitors to enter a raffle via the leaflet; this will be drawn at the Fair with the winner receiving a luxury hamper from Carron Restaurant.

The owner of the venue, Shaun MacDonald, has very kindly offered The Ceilidh barn again for the group to use. The exhibition will support the Hospice fundraising and features some new artists and makers work. There will be a wide range of paintings, prints, feltmaking, jewellery, pottery and cards available, visitors will also be able to meet some of the artists. A diverse range of art work will be on sale, traditional, modern, affordable, small, large, landscapes, animals, figurative, and fantasy. This is a great opportunity to support local artists, makers and businesses by buying Christmas gifts in a relaxed friendly environment away from the commercialism of the high street.

Artist Vicky Stonebridge said, “It’s wonderful to get the opportunity to show our paintings locally. Previously there has been a lack of exhibition space in the area. The unique scenery of Wester Ross is a source of great inspiration for professional artists, but it’s not often we can display our work in one venue; the Ceilidh Barn is a fantastic space. We all enjoyed the fair last year and the positive response from the public”

The Christmas Fair will be clearly signposted from the Strathcarron junction and Strathcarron.

Details:

South West Ross Arts and Eats Trail Christmas Fair
25th – 28th November 2011 (10am – 4.30pm)
The Ceilidh Barn, New Lodge, Strathcarron, IV54 8YR
Web: www.artsandeatstrail.com