Outdoors: Dumfries and Galloway Spring Fling

Published on Sunday 23 May 2010 12:06

Willie and Catriona Dickson take great pride in making their guests feel relaxed in their elegant Grade II listed Georgian B&B. With two luxurious rooms available, a stay at Chipperkyle in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway feels more like visiting old friends. Welcomed in with coffee and home-made biscuits, we took a seat in the drawing room. The roaring log fire was particularly welcome after our long drive.

Sharing their 200 acres of rolling farmland with three donkeys, two spaniels, three cats, six chickens (that we counted), and numerous sheep and cattle, Catriona and Willie certainly have their hands full.

As we relaxed on the patio watching the sun turn from orange to red, this peaceful setting was the ideal haven amid the whirlwind of the arts extravaganza, Spring Fling, when thousands of visitors descend on this tranquil part of the world.

For three days at the end of May, Dumfries and Galloway hosts the most successful open studios event of its kind in Scotland.

Now in its eighth year, with 96 artists either opening their doors, hiring out village halls or even, like potter David Alexander in Kirkpatrick Durham, lining the roadside with his work, Spring Fling gives the public a chance to bypass sometimes intimidating galleries and shops, and meet the creative minds behind the art in person.

My wife and I arrived a couple of weeks in advance of the event, and already Castle Douglas was a buzz of activity and anticipation. The opening Saturday of Spring Fling coincides with the town's food festival when the main street is closed to traffic, and filled with craft and food stalls, chefs' demos and live entertainment. A hog roast at the town hall aims to provide revellers with the fuel to ceilidh the night away.

With so many artists involved, planning is key, so pick up a brochure from one of the many shops and galleries in the area and plot your route. For those wanting to leave the car behind, there is a bus service to ferry passengers around studios, priced at 10 per adult.

If, however, like my wife and I, you are looking for a more energetic form of transport, hire a bicycle for the day.

Robin Hogg, at Galloway Holidays, can provide bicycles and a route around the studios in the area. Thoroughly kitted out with the essentials, we set off.

Passing swans on the loch, we rode out of the town, and although we found our route quite hilly, with every climb came a freewheeling descent through beautiful countryside.

Slagnaw Farm was our first stop, and cycling through the farmyard we passed newborn calves lazing in the sunshine.

Leaning the bicyles against a stone wall, we entered the studio of Hazel Campbell, a watercolour painter and one of the stars of the event. "Last year I had over 1,000 visitors through the door," she told us.

Before we left we admired the flowering garden Hazel uses as inspiration for her work, and where she runs her summer classes. Bidding her goodbye, we rode off through the sleepy village of Kelton until we reached an old steading, home to a trio of diverse artists.

Willow sculptor Lizzie Farey creates shapes, ranging from intricate baskets to beautiful swallows, from willow harvested on site. Next door, potter Hannah McAndrew proudly shows a wide selection of earthenware. Strong lines and imaginative decoration reveal a highly talented slipware specialist. Painter Bea Last occupies the largest of the three studios. Visitors can see both completed paintings and works in progress as she prepares for an upcoming solo exhibition at The Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries, between 25 September and 6 November.

The cycle back to Castle Douglas helped us to work up an appetite, so we made for The Selkirk Arms in nearby Kirkcudbright. After dinner, a stroll by the marina is the perfect end to a busy day.

The following morning, after a locally sourced breakfast, partly thanks to the chickens we met, we headed to the quiet village of Kirkpatrick Durham. Claire Dawdry, of We Make Pots, (www.wemakepots.com) usually sells her wares to retailers at trade fairs, but for her the coming weekend is very important. "Spring Fling is a chance to meet customers face-to-face and get feedback," she said.

And it's fantastic for members of the public to hear artists speak passionately about their work, which can in turn give a new dimension to any piece of art.

The Facts

Spring Fling runs from 29-31 May (www.spring-fling.co.uk).

A night at Chipperkyle country house B&B costs 94 per room, (www.chipperkyle-countryhousescotland.co.uk).

For cycling holidays see www.gallowaycycling.co.uk

&#149 This article was first published in The Scotsman on 22 May.