Whether you’re hoping to see Scotland fly solo or stay with the United Kingdom,the 2014 BOWFEST, the Best of the West festival at Inveraray Castle – featuring the best of the west of Scotland’s food, drink and music – could be no better preface to the big day.
BOWfest is back in the beautiful Castw grounds – on its doorstep – on 13th and 14th September, with a two day celebration of traditional music, family fun and the pick of Argyll’s amazing larder .
Only an hour and a half’s drive from Glasgow and with plenty of bus packages on offer, the event is perfect for daytrippers – and, with much of the festival under cover, the fun continues come rain or shine.
The hugely popular event, a favourite with family audiences, will play host to over 121 home-grown musicians including internationally-acclaimed folk legends Capercaillie, Skerryvore and Skipinnish – supported by superb local acts, Caitlin Taylor and Dan Brown, alongside the pick of Argyll’s favourite bands and traditional Gaelic music.
Best of the West’s line-up is destined to get even the stiffest of toes tapping.
The festival will also take your tastebuds on a culinary tour of the West of Scotland, as part of Scotland’s Food and Drink Fortnight. There’s a Scottish delicacy for every palate – from the freshest Loch Fyne oysters to Real Mackay Stovies, delicate Colonsay wildflower honey to Inverawe Smokehouse salmon. Together with a seasonal selection of local growers’ fresh fruit, vegetables and mouth-watering meats, Best of the West will show exactly why Argyll is famed the world over for its abundant first-class produce.
Needless to say, the eating area is a feast for the senses as well as the fuel tank for the event.
Festival–goers will also be getting into the spirit of things at the Loch Fyne Whisky Bar where whisky lovers will be spoilt for choice with an impressive blend of over 17 of the area’s finest distilleries, including Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Lagavulin, Talisker, Laphroaig and Little Mill. If beer is your preferred tipple, you can also raise a pint glass with the award-winning Fyne Ales, the region’s premier craft brewery.
There’s plenty to keep the kids amused too. Intrepid young adventurers can unleash their fearless side in laser blast, archery, bungee trampolines, fly fishing and the four sided climbing wall, while the tinies can enjoy having their face painted or taking a tumble or two in the bouncy castle.
There will be over 30 craft stalls with watercolours, handmade jewellery, glassware, pottery and furniture – all inspired by the dramatic rugged beauty of Argyll.
The Duchess of Argyll, an energetic member of the BOWfest creative team, says: ‘We are delighted to bring Best of the West back to Inveraray this year. This is an area absolutely brimming with passion for good food, live music and community spirit and we look forward to showing off all that is amazing about the West of Scotland to locals and visitors alike.’
Robin Dunlop of Food from Argyll, says: ‘With our rolling hillsides, crystal clear coastal waters and lush, fertile lands, the West of Scotland produces some of the best, and most sought after natural produce in the world. From rich flavoursome venison to world-class salmon and the finest distilleries in the whisky world, Argyll offers a natural larder like nowhere else.’
Daniel Gillespie from Skerryvore, says: ‘Following a 7 week tour in the USA and Europe, we couldn’t think of a better festival to return home to than Best of the West. Being from the west coast of Scotland, we appreciate how much it has to offer with its great music, delicious food and array of drink. Best of the West is a wonderful celebration of all this. And with the setting for this being the iconic Inveraray Castle, it is all set to be another very special weekend in the heart of Argyll.’
Beat that. BOWfest really does offer the best of everything – and this year the Music Tent is bigger and better.
