A brand new festival celebrating folklore is set to launch in Upper Nithsdale this Autumn.

The Festival of Folklore, created by award-winning tour creators, Mostly Ghostly, is believed to be Scotland’s first festival focusing on myths, legends and dark history. Upper Nithsdale is well known for its legends of witches, ghosts and wraiths, as well as its history abundant in tales of the Covenanters, mines of lead and streams of gold.

Festival founder, Mostly Ghostly’s Kathleen Cronie, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with colleagues from the Upper Nithsdale Tourism Partnership on the inaugural Festival of Folklore.

The area boasts a relatively undiscovered ‘mythical landscape’ steeped in history, heritage, myth and magic. Coupled with vibrant and welcoming communities, we felt this area would be the perfect location for our new festival.”

Rose Murdoch, chairperson of the Upper Nithsdale Tourism Partnership, said the festival will allow visitors “an opportunity to learn about the rich heritage, history and culture of the area” through a different media, from storytelling, walks, tours and art.

She added: “We hope that this Festival of Folklore will enable us to showcase and share our natural assets, compelling history and proud heritage to visitors to the area, and for them to discover, experience and enjoy all that we have to offer.”

The Festival of Folklore runs from Friday, September 27 until Sunday 29 at locations including Crawick Multiverse, A’ the Airts, Wanlockhead Museum of Lead Mining, the Kirkconnel hills and historic streets of Sanquhar.

Visit www.mostlyghostly.org for more information.