Eaglesham and beer is the perfect marriage

The first Eaglesham Beer Festival takes place on June 6, organised by writer Fraser Wilson — author of The Foodies’ Guide to Glasgow and the West, in aid of charity Mary’s Meals — as a nod to wife Laura.

Fraser told The Extra: “Laura is from Eaglesham, and the idea actually started as a way to mark our wedding anniversary. Last summer was so amazing, for us and for Scotland, because there was such a huge party atmosphere with everything going on. We wanted that kind of celebration to mark our first anniversary too.

“Then I started looking into organising a beer festival.I’m a true food and drink enthusiast with a passion to share the very best of everything Scottish, and it made sense to make the progression from writing about what I love to trying to do it myself.”

The event, sponsored by Whole Foods and Yelp Glasgow, will focus on the craft beer revolution of recent years, celebrating the best of Scottish produce alongside food, live music and pub quizzes.

Fraser explained: “Like food, drinking has changed massively in Scotland.

“Until a few years ago, a desire to try new beers and ciders was seen as very much an old man thing to do. But now people want a beer with flavour, with a story. For me, it seemed silly to miss out on taking part.”

Eaglesham was an easy choice of venue, with nothing like it having taken place there before.

Fraser added: “East Renfrewshire Council have been absolutely brilliant in supporting the venture, as have the Eaglesham Fair Committee, without whom I wouldn’t have managed to get the idea off the ground.

“The day will run alongside Eaglesham Fair on the common across from the Eglinton Arms.

“The sake of a few miles from the westend, the Barras, Merchant City etc shouldn’t prevent spreading the word, and Eaglesham is an idyllic place — why not showcase the village and the best of Scottish at the same time? It’s the perfect marriage.”

Entry is free to the June 6 beer fest (running 11am-8pm) - to find out more, follow twitter.com/EagBeerFest.