The Craignish Arts Festival which took place between 23rd July and August 7th 2011 is what can only be described as a major achievement, given the wide range of events held and considering it is all brought together by voluntary organisers on a peninsular on the West Coast of Scotland.

The origins of this festival perhaps go back to the original ‘Ardfern Day’, but latterly started in 2000 as the Elemental Arts Festival,  a collection of local artists, businesses and inspirers who work together to support and publicise our art and the local area.

Dreamt up one evening in May 2000 around a kitchen table in Ardfern; nurtured with tea, coffee, food and good humour the first seed was planted. The Elemental Arts group base their work in and around the community of Craignish, a stunning peninsula that juts into the inner sounds of the Atlantic Ocean on the West Coast of Scotland in Mid Argyll.

The Festival continues to grow each year and in 2011 the aims of bringing together the best of all things artistic for a fantastic fun packed fortnight were undoubtedly achieved. There were dozens of artists exhibiting in an array of venues, as well as an assortment of other more intimate exhibitions. There were sculpture garden 'walks and trails', guided walks, walking theatre and of course our legendary pirate parade. In addition, a re-enactment of a historic Viking battle and three Sunday markets showcasing local produce adding to the rich variety of outdoor activities available. Other events ranged from gospel singing, mini Olympics, and a community wide scarecrow display, to an attempt to enter the Guinness book of records for the largest Reel of the 51st ever undertaken.

The Galley of Lorne Inn played its part in this festival, hosting many musical evenings and being the centre of the festival's main day, ‘The Pirate’s Parade’.

Below are pictures and video of this year’s event. WATCH OUT FOR DETAILS OF THE CRAIGNISH ARTS FESTIVAL 2012...