Thousands flocked to join in the weekend fun in the sun at the Doune and Dunblane Fling 2009.  This year the theme was International Harmony which took in Fair Trade, World Music and Sustainability.   

Fling@the Braeport

It all began on Friday night at the Braeport Centre, Dunblane, with a rip-roaring ceilidh led by the Skelpit Lug Ceilidh Band in one hall and cool, eclectic jazz from the best jazz musicians in the Central Belt in the other hall. 

Fling by the River

A spectacular afternoon of fire eating, fashion and fun was had by all on Saturday.  Bruce Crawford MSP led the Alloa Pipe Band from the cathedral to the Drying Green in Dunblane and then officially opened the event and Stuart Hepburn, a writer of the Taggart series, emceed the afternoon.   Children were transported by the magical and ecological storytelling of local group Gas and Air, the juggling and illusions of Master Jack and the energetic African drumming workshop led by Nathaniel Chalamanda.  The Liltin’ Lassies wowed the crowds with stunning harmonies and vibrant outfits, specially worn to fit in with the Fling’s ‘International Harmony’ theme – a perfect lead in to the wonderful sounds from Malawi with Nathaniel’s band Moyenda.   

Dunblane’s first Fair Trade fashion show was a hit with everyone.  The dance troupe from the Queen Victoria School kicked off proceedings with a spectacular show inspired by Indian rhythms and ended it with an amazing display which was positively acrobatic.  Both dances were choreographed by the girls themselves: eat your heart out Fred and Ginger!  The models strutted their stuff on the catwalk with panache and glamour, showing that Fair Trade Fashion can make you feel great and look fantastic.  Click here to see the photos taken by Andy Freeland.

Fling Concert

The Fling Concert on Saturday evening in the Victoria Halls, Dunblane, was a sell-out success.  The traditional and contemporary sounds of Stushie, a talented young band of 12 to 17 year-olds, began the evening and immediately had the audience in the palms of their hands.  There was no doubt as to why they won the group competitions at both the Aberfeldy and National Mods!  The headline act, Karine Polwart, Corrina Hewat and Annie Grace, gave an exceptional performance.  Their lilting and lovely, bolshy and bawdy, hopeful and happy, and just a little bit dark and discordant sounds were a rare treat for the ears.  Definitely a Fling favourite! 

Fling @ Doune Castle

The celebrations culminated at Doune Castle with a vibrant festival of world music on Sunday afternoon.  The energetic mixture of Scottish and world music had everyone tapping their toes and flinging their partners.  The fun kicked off with the Callander Pipe Band marching from Doune Cross to the Castle. The main attraction, Moyenda, brought the ‘castle’ down with their sunny Malawian music.  There was also spicy Indian music from the South Asian Arts Collective, the fabulous songs of the Gill Stewart-East Trio, lively Scottish songs from the Skelpit Lug Ceilidh Band, captivating stories told by Paraig MacNeil, colourful Greek Dancers and Cluaran, a young Highland dance troupe. People were able to join in with the circle dancers in the courtyard.  The magic tricks and circus skills of Master Jack were a particular hit with the kids as were the face painting and the family Treasure Hunt with its irresistible prizes of Fairtrade goodies which included chocolates, footballs and t-shirts.  A ceilidh led by the Skelpit Lug Ceilidh Band rounded off the afternoon fun in the Great Hall. 

Final Fling @ The Westlands

For those who had survived all this and still wanted more, there was the great acoustic music, craic and company at Dunblane Folk Club at the Westlands Hotel on Sunday evening. 

Fling Music Sessions

Cracking music sessions took place in the Tappit Hen in Dunblane on Saturday and in the Red Lion in Doune on Sunday.

Our Sponsors

This year’s Fling was generously sponsored by Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER, the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, Stirling Council, Historic Scotland, Dunblane Hydro, Marshall Construction and Airtricity.  Thanks to all of them!