Great excitement as Scarecrow Festival returns to Seil

Organisers of Seil Scarecrow Festival have called in the professionals to  drum up crowds.

 

Taiko drumming workshops for children and grown-ups are just some of the fun packing the week-long tatty bogle programme, starting this Saturday, July 23, with funds going towards improvements at Seil Island Hall helping it keep up with the changing needs of the community.

 

"attachment_203206" "" "300"] Organisers are hoping there will be a need for sun hats during this year's scarecrow festival.
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"attachment_203211" "" "300"] Now you see him, now you don't -The Invisible Man.

 

As well as following a scarecrow trail across the island, organisers have lined up a whole list of activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy - including the chance to make your own scarecrow.

 

Seil Island Hall chairman Seamus Anderson said: 'We hope that all the residents of Seil and surrounding areas and visitors from near and far will join in the activities during Scarecrow Festival week. This year we have more events and a more varied programme

 

than before, and I would like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support making the festival possible.'

 

A vintage car parade and live music kicks off the proceedings at the Tigh an Truish at 11.30am on the first day before the fun moves down to Ellenabeich for a classic motor display, a brass quintet, the drumming workshops and a Taiko performance later at 7pm at Seil Island Hall.

 

Sunday July 24 bring music in Ellenabeich Square from Slate island-band Fools Gold from 1pm and visitors can have a shot at skimming stones at 2.30pm as part of the festival's own version of neighbouring Easdale's stone skimming world championships.

 

From Monday July 25 to Saturday July 30 there will be a pop-up cafe in the Island Hall. Tigh an Truish presents a traditional music night that  Monday from 7.30pm and on Tuesday July 26 golfers can tee-off at a Texas Scramble competition from 6.30pm at Seil golf course.

 

Mid-week fun sees a seaweed foraging workshop from 10am to 4pm and guided walks and talks led by owner Sheila Downie round  beautiful An Cala, part of the open gardens scheme.

 

All the family can get creative a scarecrow making workshop at the island hall at 10am on Thursday July 28  and anyone in need of relaxation can sign up for a yoga class starting at 6pm. Anyone wanting to be more energetic, can join in the five-a-side football competition also starting at 6pm.

 

Fancy a pottery workshop? Then Friday July 29 is the day for you down in the hall at Ellenabeich and at 8pm The Oyster Bar in the village hosts a scarecrow quiz.

 

Prep your pooch for the dog show on Saturday July 30 as part of the tatty bogle fair on at the hall and in the playing field, featuring a tug of war and try-a-row skiff sessions in the bay.

 

More try-a-row sessions are planned for the Sunday July 31 with a special café-style church service in the island hall at 3.30pm led by people from Kilbrandon and Kilchattan Parish Church, as well as other local churches in celebration of the Scarecrow Festival and our world. The service will be open to everyone of all ages, and of all faiths and none.

 

Booking is essential for the pottery, Taiko drumming, seaweed foraging and scarecrow- making workshops. You can email seilislandhall@gmail.com

 

Festival organisers want to thank the following for their support: NFU Mutual Insurance, The Prince’s Countryside Trust, Seafari Adventures,  The Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Ainsley Smith & Co, Sealife Adventures, Tigh an Truish, Netherlorn Music Scheme, Oban & District Classic Vehicle Club, Mellex Group Ltd, The Oban Times and all the volunteers and helpers.