Kilmacolm Scarecrow Festival

by Rona Simpson

The brainchild of St Columba’s School’s Holiday Club director, Elise Duncan, this hugely popular event began last year during lockdown and villagers have taken it to their hearts. This year’s event was huge. Over 50 scarecrows appeared creating a spooky spectacle this Halloween. I caught up with Elise to ask her all about it.

What gave you the idea for the Scarecrow Trail? How did it differ from last year?

I developed the idea last year due to Covid. My children always love dressing up and Halloween is a favourite event. I wanted to give them something to do and be able to dress up in a Covid-safe way. So I took the idea to the Holiday Club and I decided to make a scarecrow with the children there. We made Captain Hook. It grew from there and I just kept asking more people to get involved. The feedback was so good last year I decided to do it again. The Kilmacolm community council are very supportive and have been a huge help to all my ideas.

How do you feel it went this year and do you have plans for another one next year?

This year’s event was brilliant. We had well over 50 scarecrows this year made by local families, clubs, societies and businesses. We even had the residents of Abbeyfield’s Campbell Snowdon House in Quarriers Village take part. They made a scarecrow version of Mary Poppins. Then they were driven in their trishaw (three-wheeled bicycle with seats for the elderly) and enjoyed the rest of the trail on Saturday afternoon.

Wow! That’s so lovely. You must be thrilled! Have you been involved in other projects like this one and are there others in the pipeline?

Yes, it was great to hear! I am a Community artist by trade and have spent many years working in arts and events development. I helped to put together the recycled bottle tops art trail that popped up at Easter.

Oh that was a lovely idea and what a great way to showcase creativity with recycled items. What were you most proud of this time?

I think the community spirit that grew from it. My aim was to get as many people involved and walking round the village as possible. We had neighbours working together to create the wonderful Fireman at Broomknowe Terrace and several families on Woodrow Avenue made their street a major destination. Plans are already in place for next year’s festival. And there is something in the pipeline for December too, so watch this space!