Strongman brothers Tom and Luke Stoltman confirmed as star attraction at St Duthac Book and Arts Festival in Tain
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AN Easter Ross book and arts festival has landed a couple of heavyweight additions to its star-studded line-up.
The annual St Duthac Book and Arts Festival has gone from strength to strength with a growing array of events across the Easter Ross peninsula.
Organisers have confirmed that the world's strongest brothers – Tom and Luke Stoltman – will be the star attractions at the launch of the event in Tain on Monday, September 11.
The local celebrities joined the literary world with the launch of their autobiography Lifting: Becoming the World which tells their remarkable story
Their appearance will be at the Royal Hotel at Tain 10am on Monday, September 11.
The festival which runs from September 11 to 18 includes 39 events and exhibitions, with over 40 talented authors and artists, history and heritage walks, art and writing workshops, music, children’s events and an arts trail that starts in Tain and ends in the picturesque Seaboard villages.
Each event will take you on a tour of a spectacular area renowned for its beaches, heritage and scenery. The 24 venues will introduce you to some of the area’s fascinating architecture and attractions.
Organisers said: "Soak in the atmosphere of Tain’s historic courthouse with Nicola White sharing developments on some unsolved real life murder cases, revel in the history of the Tarbat Discovery Centre with Sean Lusk, who was longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize, or relax in the wonderful grounds of Balnagown Estate with conservationist Polly Pullar.
"This year art at the festival has grown and now includes art workshops and has stretched down the peninsula to include the historic village of Portmahomack, where it will be hosting the new festival art exhibition and Pro Loco Event, a welcome addition to the pop-up gallery and arts trail."
The exhibition will display work from local, Highland and national artists including Tain born and bred international artist Katie Forbes and award-winning artist and local lad, Finn Robinson.
Pro Loco means of the place. A Pro Loco Event is one that invites artists to a particular location where alongside other artists they create a piece of work inspired by that environment, be it the people, history, labour, landscape, or seascape.
The idea is to create an atmosphere of inspiration, encouragement, camaraderie and learning. All artists, from the professional to the amateur, are invited to participate.
The festival group declared itself delighted with the public response to this year’s line-up, with some events already sold out.
The range of literary talent includes John McLellanwith his debut novel set in Wester Ross, legendary sports commentator Archie Macpherson, Sara Sheridan, James Robertson, T.L. Huchu, Gaelic talent Roddy Maclean and local authors popping up in the festival’s pop-up book shop in the Clan Ross Rooms, Royal Hotel, Tain. It boasts an impressive selection of new and pre-loved books, artwork and children's corner.
The volunteers of the festival group say they are are aware that they are only able to produce such a dynamic and remarkable event because of the huge amount of help and the generous support they receive from all areas of the community, and for which they
are very grateful.
Tickets are on sale online www.stduthacbookfest.comwhere there is a full programme and event information or telephone Ticket Source on 03336663366 to buy tickets.
