The Mearns Connections festival, planned as a celebration of a land that inspired the cultural icons of Robert Burns, James Leslie Mitchell better known as Lewis Grassic Gibbon and Joan Eardley kicks off next week with a marquee dinner.
Guest speaker Mearns artist David Johnston will give a talk on the work of Eardley while fiddler Patsy Reid and traditional Scots singer Christine Kydd will provide entertainment.
Highlights of the weekend-long event will also include a heritage event on Saturday, August 7.
Organisers promise a great line-up of performers including Tom and Maggie Spiers, Danny Couper, Dave Ramsay, Grainne Smith, Jan and Malcolm Reavell and pupils from Gourdon Primary School
The same day a special Ballad Bus led by Dennis Collie and Marion Robson will follow the Grassic Gibbon trail stopping off at certain points for poetry, music and readings from the author’s works.
Following Sunday service with the Rev Douglas Lamb in the Arbuthnott hall marquee, Fiona Kennedy will be in conversation with Jim Brown before singing many of her favourite Scottish songs.
For further information and tickets, the Grassic Gibbon centre manager Isabella Williamson can be contacted on 01561 361 668. A full programme is available at www.mearnsconnections.com.