A NEW food festival has been hailed a 'spectacular success' after drawing crowds, boosting trade and earning praise from organisers, traders and visitors alike.
The first-ever Taste Dunoon Food and Drink Festival, held in Dunoon, attracted more than 6,500 people across two days, with chef Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef, officially opening the event on Saturday.
Visitors enjoyed a wide array of locally produced goods including cheeses, sauces, chocolates, cakes, cider, gin and rum.
Mr Maclean said: "It was a pleasure to be part of the first Taste Dunoon Food and Drink Festival.
"The atmosphere was incredible, and it was fantastic to see so many people celebrating local food and drink.
"I was proud to showcase some of the outstanding produce from the region."
Organised by Dunoon Presents, the festival was supported by sponsors including Winston Churchill Venison, Gibsons and Black of Dunoon Bakers.
Feedback from stallholders was equally positive.
Deborah Fleming of Townhead Farm said: "This was the best food and drink festival we have ever taken part in."
Elsewhere, Yolanda Shoemake of Chouxmake’s Cakes said: "Thank you so much for putting this weekend on.
"It was outstanding. Roll on next year!"
The festival also provided a boost for local accommodation providers, with Kenny Togwell of Douglas Park Guest House in Kirn welcoming guests who enjoyed the event.
Margaret Forrest, a visitor from the United States, described it as a 'beautiful event that the whole town could enjoy'.
Dunoon resident Andrew Robertson thanked the organisers for bringing the event to life.
Mr Robertson said: "Thanks to team Dunoon Presents for a wonderful food festival.
"I hope it’s the first of many.
"It was so nice to see so many in Dunoon enjoying themselves and the town felt alive again."
The festival coincided with an ‘Artists and Makers Market’ at Dunoon Pier, which Hans Calvert of the Cowal Art Network said saw 'historically high levels of attendance and sales'.
Colin Moulson, manager of Dunoon Presents, praised the collective effort that made the festival possible and credited board director Ciorsdan Fagan for originating the idea.
Ms Fagan said the event 'couldn’t have gone any better'.
She said: "The event surpassed our expectations and it highlighted Dunoon as a delicious foodie destination.
"We're looking forward to next year and making plans already."
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