Arran’s McLellan Arts Festival kicks of this week with a programme of literary and musical events.

Robert McLellan – an Arran resident for most of his life – was the most important Scottish dramatist and short story writer to work in living Scots in the twentieth century and his influence on the world of Scottish writing has been crucial.

From 2004–2007, the McLellan Arts Festival sought to raise awareness of the importance of Robert McLellan in the annals of Scottish literature and theatre in preparation for the celebration of his centenary in 2007.

Since then, the aims of the festival have been to honour McLellan’s memory by not only performing McLellan’s work, but providing the means of creating new work in Scottish writing by running poetry and playwriting competitions, helping to develop the creative skills of young people, developing the visual arts, including film, running a music school on the island and forging cultural links with other rural and island communities.

Friday, August 29: An evening of readings led by poet and founder of the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival Michael Laskey with the winners of The Poetry Award 2014. Brodick Hall 8pm. Tickets £6.

Saturday, August 30: Poetry Workshop lead by Michael Laskey, Corrie Hall. 11am-4pm. £10 including lunch. Booking essential on 01770 810640 or 01770 700464.

The Famous McLellan Ceilidh with the Jazz Café Band and other local artistes. Corrie Hall. 7.30pm. £6 including buffet supper. BYOB. Tickets at door.

Sunday, August 31: Church Service with students of The Royal Northern College. Brodick Church. 10.30am. Corrie Church 12 noon.

Monday, September 1: Lev Atlas and Nigel Clark in concert. Whiting Bay Hall. 7.30p. £8.

Tuesday, September 2: Daytime Strings Workshop for adults and young people. Arran High School. 11am-1pm. Free but adult donations welcome. Anyone interested phone Diana Hamilton on 01770 601322.

7.30pm - Sonsie Music and Book Event. Music on a Scottish theme with Mike Alexander talking about Playing For Scotland – the first collection of Robert McLellan’s works published in 2014. Altachorvie, Lamlash. £8.

Wednesday: September 3: Arran And Beyond with award winning poets from Lancashire and Arran contributing to an evening of words and music Brodick Bar. 8pm.

Friday, September 5: Opera gala with musicians from the Royal Northern College, Arran Community Theatre, Arran High School. Lamlash. £10.

Saturday, September 6: Shell. A film by director Scott Graham (Cert 15). Corrie Hall. 8pm. Entry by donation.

Sunday, September 7: Faure Requiem with solo performances by students of The Royal Northern College and McLellan Festival Chorus. Arran Community Theatre, Arran High School. 7.30pm. £5