The tiny island of Cumbrae, in the Firth of Clyde, is set to ring to the tones of Nashville USA later this year as the Millport Country and Western Festival hits town.

Cowboys and cowgirls will be moseying on down to Millport for three days of music, dance and entertainment between Friday 31st August and Sunday 2nd September.

The event is being supported by Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, with a grant worth £7,264. This is helping the Festival committee meet the costs of hiring a marquee in which to host some of the weekend's events after a previous venue became unavailable. The money will also help set up a temporary campsite to cope with the large numbers of visitors attending this increasingly popular event.

Angela Giorgetti, one of the organisers of the Millport Country and Western Festival said: "When we discovered there were only two venues in which to hold events as opposed to three as in previous years, we thought we might have to down-size the Festival. However, with funding from AIE, we have succeeded in preserving the future of the Millport Country and Western Festival and will concentrate on maintaining its reputation as being the best festival of its kind in Scotland.

"Central to the weekend is the music, however there is fun for all ages with a spectacular parade, fast draw shoot-out, western wear stalls and line-dance workshops."

The Millport Country and Western Festival provides the area with a huge economic and social boost. Figures from ferry operators Caledonian MacBrayne show that the Festival attracts 20,000 visitors over that particular weekend compared to just 3,000 before the Festival was established seven years ago.

Ken Abernethy, chief executive at AIE said: "Festivals of all descriptions are extremely important to communities across the region, helping to boost visitor numbers and encouraging return visits.

Among the acts appearing at the 7th Millport Country and Western Festival are singer Amanda Norman - a 'Stars in their Eyes' winner as country singing legend Patsy Cline and 'Eagles' tribute band, 'The B'Eagles'. Another highlight at this year's Festival is the re-enactment of 'The gunfight at the OK Corral' on Millport's seafront!