Doune festival supremo praises "heart-warming" response as revamped event looms
The brains behind the revamped Back Doune the Rabbit Hole admits it has been a 'long road' back for the once-famous festival - but the excitement is building as the event takes shape.
The festival takes place back at the Cardross Estate near Port of Menteith from August 1-3, with new ownership after the previous event collapsed amid controversial circumstances.
Helensburgh businessman and musician Brian Harkin has been busy at the festival site coordinating the various stages and amenities as the final preparations kick into gear.
Speaking to the Observer this week, he reflected on the support offered by both music fans online and the local community - as well as the body blow of headliners The Fratellis being forced to pull out after the third-party promoters in charge of their booking fell into liquidation.
He said: 'We're all buzzing for things to get underway and everyone involved within the local community has been so friendly and supportive which is a really heart-warming thing.
'The build hasn't been without its issues because of the problems with the previous event, but it feels as if we've surpassed that.
'The ticket sales so far have been very good and as good as we expected them to be.
'We kept the brand of Doune The Rabbit Hole because it was much-loved for some time, while recognising how things were handled previously were obviously questionable and not done very well at all, to say the least.
'I know a lot of people who came to this festival before - all of my kids have been for example - and it saddens me that it all got so tarnished, but I know there is a lot of excitement about next week.'
The line-up includes some big beasts in the music world, such as Liverpool indie favourites The Zutons, who top the bill on the Sunday evening, and Marc Almond - who headlines on Friday.
Scouting for Girls, the Bay City Rollers, The Skids and Newton Faulkner will also be performing.
But the Saturday evening showcase was forced to be changed after third-party promoter Wannasee Ltd entered financial trouble - leading to the 'Chelsea Dagger'-hitmakers cancelling four planned summer appearances - including at BDTRH.
That spot has been filled by legendary space rockers Hawkwind, with the London group set to delight fans in attendance with a blend of styles from the progressive to the psychedelic.
'Getting Hawkwind in as a legends set was a bit of a blinder for us,' Mr Harkin adds.
'They're on fire at the moment and since it's been about 35 years since I've seen them live, I've told the team that I'll be tapping out when that set is on, although I won't be able to enjoy a pint.
'The first I knew on the Fratellis situation was straight after the liquidation was announced and it was an awful hurdle to overcome for us.
'We were injured by the Wannasee liquidation, just the same as the promoters and a long line of suppliers.
'Being honest, my heart sunk at that point but the online community really rallied behind us and our social team were really honest with the statement we put out and pointing out that we were victims and it wasn't anything to do with us.'
As those dramas are finally put in the rear view mirror and the countdown ticking away, Mr Harkin is promising a return to the warm vibe associated with the Doune festival in the past.
'It's all about the family-friendly vibe and the programme we have on site for people is amazing.
'It will be a great event for those coming along - I've got a large family myself and all of my kids and grandkids are coming along, they've been buzzing about it as much as me!'
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