A much loved village festival has been confirmed as going ahead again this year.

The popular West Kilbride Scarecrow Festival brings the whole area together as locals work hard to produce the best display.

With no local voluntary organisation able to keep the festival going during the pandemic, Timberbooks - the independent high street bookshop - stepped forward to organise and sponsor events.

West Kilbride Community Initiative (organisers of Craft Town Scotland) will be joining them to co-host the 2022’s event, encouraging participants to “let your imaginations run riot”.

The Festival was necessarily scaled back during each of the past two years to ensure that it ran in line with all the relevant Covid restrictions.

Owner of Timberbooks, Michèle, commented on her hopes for this year’s edition.

She said: “We are very hopeful that, as restrictions continue to ease, local families, business and organisations will take an active interest.

"We also look forward with anticipation to welcoming even more visitors to West Kilbride and the surrounding area to enjoy what our community creates and to join in the fun!”

Todd Ferguson, councillor for West Kilbride and Dalry, also made comment on what the festival means to locals.

He added: “I am absolutely thrilled with the news that the 2022 West Kilbride Scarecrow Festival will be taking place.

“The event is one where the whole community can come together to show off the very best of our village to the hundreds of visitors who come to see the displays.

“It is an opportunity for the local schools to get involved and I’d encourage everyone to make this year the biggest one yet.

“It has been a really rough couple of years for everyone due to the pandemic.

“This announcement helps to remind us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"It is hopefully a sign that some semblance of much needed normality is returning to our communities.

“The retail footfall, that events like the Scarecrow Festival attract to the village, will also provide a massive boost to local businesses, many who have been hit hardest of all by the pandemic.”

For the latest updates check the event’s Facebook page, currently named ‘West Kilbride Scarecrows 2021’.