Highland twist gives Loch Ness Knit Fest best year yet in Inverness
MORE than 2000 visitors from 23 countries attended this year’s Loch Ness Knit Fest making the yarn festival with a Highland twist a success for another year.
A number of popular Inverness venues were used – including the leisure centre, Mercure Hotel and Bogbain Farm – and attendees were able to take part in craft workshops, listen to insightful presentations and browse an impressive marketplace.
Saturday’s main stage also hosted a fashion show which inspired many as the autumn season arrived.
Christina Macdonald, who had travelled all the way from Massachusetts in the USA, said the city festival really stood out among others and added: “It’s more than the event, it’s the different place, people, food and experiences the event brings you to. Knit Fest has taken me to a part of Scotland I had never been to before.”
Cairan Macleod, one of the organisers, said it had gone really well and part of its success was the friendly atmosphere. She added: “They like to come to this one because it’s still got the homely feel.”
She said one of the highlights was a concert at Bogbain Farm. She said: “We finished it off singing Auld Lang Syne – for me that was a real highlight.”
Exhibitors from Shilasdair Yarns and Sealy Macwheely also commented on the involvement of Highland culture at the event and how friendly everyone was, and noted the community presence at the festival.
Next year marks Loch Ness Knit Fest’s fifth birthday and organisers have claimed it will be one not to be missed, with a number of major announcements expected over the next two weeks.
See yesterday's Courier and tomorrow's Highland News for more photos.
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