CRAFT beer and real ale fans are expected to flock to Cove Burgh Hall this Saturday, September 28, to enjoy the 18th Cove and Kilcreggan Real Ale Festival.

Taking place from 12 noon until 8pm on Saturday, September 28, this year's festival is marking its 'coming of age' by taking on a distinctly Scottish theme, with a 'Highland fling' of mountainous beers and ales.

Martin Cox from the event's organising committee said: "Gathered from breweries across hill and glen, thirsty drinkers are welcome to sample our selection of eighteen ales as well as the popular range of six ciders, ranging from sweet to dry.

"Good ales go with good food, and this year due to the renovation work going on at the Hall we’ve enlisted the help of the folk behind the award winning Lost Bothy: Scottish Street Food based out of The Machair in Glasgow who are putting together a mouth watering menu to accompany the fine ales on offer.

"They have fed many a hungry mouth at events such as The Scottish Open and the Edinburgh Festival so we very much looking forward to having them at our festival this year."

The festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and Craigrownie Park fund-raisers will provide a children’s space with activities, as well as teas, coffees, soft drinks, juices and sweets, and there’s an outdoor tented family area.

Music includes the return of Festival favourites, The Midgierakers and Robert Ryan, and this year there will be two further other live acts – Joe Quinn, from Balloch, and a fine new local band with some familiar faces in The Windjammers.

The festival is organised and staffed by locals, is a major fund-raising event for the community-run Burgh Hall and attracts visitors from all over the country.

You can leave the car behind too – buses on route 316 (Helensburgh-Coulport) run on the hour from Helensburgh Central station, with return buses from Coulport leaving on the hour until 10pm. Those from further afield can also come via the Gourock-Kilcreggan ferry service.

Entry to the event is £5, including a souvenir glass and tasting notes. Pints are a very economical £3.20, half-pints £1.60, while wine and soft drinks are also available.

Find out more at the Festival's Facebook page.