The arrival of Andy Scott’s Kelpies Maquettes in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway last night heralds the start of this year’s Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts trail, which has previously been voted as the best visitor attraction in South West Scotland. Taking place from the 29th July until the 1st of August the trail will attract around 5000 people over the weekend. It is also estimated that the Kelpies will attract another 5000 during their month long stay at Fisherman’s Green.
Regular visitors to the trail will notice a number of new venues such as 32 Cochran Hall in the grounds of Kirkcudbright academy, a miniature yellow submarine situated on the High Street will point art lovers in the right direction. Staying with the nautical theme Kirkcudbright Sea Cadets have joined the trail for the first time and will be based at the Marina. The museum corner and Soaparie Gardens have expanded their venue for this year and have become almost a mini trail in it’s own right.
Over one hundred venues will house craft workers, fashion designers, photographers , ceramicists, musicians and other assorted artists during the trail weekend. Free brochures will be available with venue details as will free buses for those wanting to take the weight of their feet.
Pauline Saul who organises the event alongside Vivien Dania and Colin Saul commented “ Over the last thirteen years the trail has grown and grown, we have been recognised via a number of national awards and we seem to attract more artists and visitors every summer, this year will be the biggest to date and the new venues alongside the Kelpie instillation has attracted huge interest on our website and social networks, all l can say is that visitors will not be disappointed and if they want to pop in and say hello we can be found at venues 52 and 25.”
Multi coloured beach huts, Rapunzal at Maclellan’s castle, giant images of the Black Pearl pirate ship and live outdoor music will ensure that even the casual visitor and shopper will get caught up in festive atmosphere this weekend. Trail attendees are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting the event website on http://www.artandcraftstrail.com/
