BALMAHA'S Braw Weekend will be hosted on the banks of Loch Lomond at the end of next week.

The event, which attracted 5000 visitors last year, is even bigger and better this time around. The weekend starts next Friday, September 30, with a five-course meal, designed by some of Scotland's leading chefs.

A range of family entertainment, live music, theatre, food and drink demonstrations as well as rides and attractions will be available for free during Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 5pm.

Highlights will include a free whisky and chocolate pairing session by Glengoyne Distillery, magic shows for the children, a Lego bus, funfair rides and craft stalls along with competitions and plenty of food and drink.

There will also be live music night on Saturday, featuring Dave Acari, Have Mercy Las Vegas, Mark McGowand and the Miracle Glass Company from 7pm – tickets are £5 and are available on the door.

The weekend is being organised by local business The Oak Tree Inn and is supported by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and EventScotland.

Stuart Fraser from The Oak Tree said: “We’ve got a tough act to follow after the success of the first ever Balmaha’s Braw Weekend last year, however this year we have arranged even more entertainment and attractions, plus much of the festival will be undercover so you can enjoy the Braw weekend rain or shine.”

This year, visitors will be able to travel to Balmaha by train and boat during the day from Glasgow. A special waterbus service is being provided by Sweeney's Cruises, timed to link with trains arriving and departing Balloch Train Station.

Mairi Bell, head of visitor experience at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, added: “It’s fantastic to see this new event grow in popularity so quickly, cementing its place in the growing calendar of high quality family friendly events in the national park.

“We were pleased to be able to support Balmaha’s Braw Weekend this year and it’s great to see boat services linking up with the event, allowing visitors to really experience the best of Loch Lomond while they’re here.”