A FESTIVAL to mark 60 years since the opening of St Peter's Seminary is to be held later this year, the Advertiser can reveal.
The Kilmahew Education Trust is planning multiple days of events including light shows, music and more.
Co-founder, trustee and CEO Stuart Cotton said they had been working on historical research for the wider Kilmahew Estate and looking at access issues before any planning applications are submitted.
He previously told the Advertiser they aimed to start with the West Lodge to benefit Cardross before continuing any other work.
The 60th celebration will run from November 30 to December 9, starting on St David's Day and the official anniversary.
Stuart said the opening would be the trust's official event to showcase the seminary complex, its work and proposals. There will be about 1,000 tickets available.
He said: "We intend to give a lecture and celebrate with food, drink and culture. There will be light and sound installations, and we are planning to construct temporary illuminated structures in the locations where we intend to create new architecture."
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To enable that, he hopes to hear from local businesses with spare scaffolding and covers that could be donated to the trust.
He is also interested in hearing from local musicians or performers to ensure diverse talent throughout the event.
Stuart said during the day, there would be tours of the wider estate as part of early public consultation exercises.
There will be evening events throughout the celebration, each devoted to partner organisations promoting tickets to their members or sponsors.
He said they had three "significant partners" lined up and he would be "touring the UK" to talk about Kilmahew, the seminary and anniversary.
The trust is also looking for more event suppliers and sponsors for the other nights, whether architecture businesses, renewable energy companies or others.
Stuart said they have been doing significant historical research with a view to the estate someday being recognised by UNESCO. That has identified three parts of land, with links from St Mahew to Clan Napier and Kilmahew Castle.
He said: "We have a much better understanding now of what St Mahew was doing on these lands in the 6th century and the strategic importance of Cardross at that time with the Picts on the other side of Carman Hill, The Britons at Dumbarton Rock and the Dal Riats to the west.
"Mahew was attempting to convert all three early kingdoms of Scotland, so the location was extremely strategic for him. Then we have a better understanding of how the Clan Napier occupation of these lands took shape.
"All of this ongoing research is providing significant material for future publications and documentaries but also for interpretation as part of the proposed visitor experience. It also supports our view that this is UNESCO-grade heritage."
Any businesses or performers looking to get in touch about the anniversary can contact Kilmahew at contact@kilmahew.org.
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