Torrential rain is not usually something that deters the hardy locals and visitors to Argyll from enjoying themselves, and last Sunday’s Big Picnic at Glenfinart Walled Garden, Ardentinny was no exception.

Although, as expected, the garden had a smaller attendance than usual, the event was still a great day out. Despite the challenging weather (which actually cleared later in the afternoon), the Elderly Brothers, along with their guests – Ambrose Harper from Dunoon; Tom McIver from Hunter’s Quay; Benmore’s Sharon Erskine; and Ardentinny’s very own Liz Kohlmeyer – provided an excellent musical backdrop to the day.

Where else in Cowal can you enjoy a free concert with such a range of talent on a rainy Sunday afternoon?

The garden was looking resplendent in its July colours and the tea cabin with its delicious home baking, generously created by volunteers, did brisk business.

Local environmental group AFFtheClyde were also in attendance and added more signatures to their petition opposing the proposed Ardentinny fish farm.

So, all in all, a good day out. The Walled Garden’s next event is the Harvest Fair on 22 September. Fingers crossed it will be blessed with better weather!

 

 

 

… and not necessarily in that order at Glenfinart Walled Garden’s first table sale on Saturday.

The Pipes and Drum of Archie and Tom AKA the Hauf Pint Pipe Band opened proceedings and kept us foot tapping through sun and torrential rain. A place in the Harvest Fair’s Quickest Quackers Duck Derby was ensured by sponsoring one or more of Maryjane’s (plastic) ducks; and flower pots Jill, Ben and Buster were just some of the kids’ attractions.

The serious business of buying and selling was covered by a wide range of stalls offering new and second-hand items while the burger bar and tea room kept us all sustained.

Despite the couple of downpours, the day was judged a success and so could be the first of many.