Organisers of a popular music festival have admitted defeat in their bid to hold the event this year.
The Knockengorroch World Ceilidh is held annually near Carsphairn in May but the 2020 version was pushed back to September due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the festival team has now pulled the plug on holding the gathering in the autumn and is planning for May, 2021.
A spokesman said: “Whilst some things are opening up here in Scotland we have still not had any indication from the Government as regards live events and we cannot know what the situation will look like come September.
“We cannot obtain health and safety permission when nobody knows what the situation will consist of – a licence application is due imminently.
“In addition, we do not want to place anybody at risk. The safety of everyone is our top concern.
“Subsequently we have come to realise that an event of the scale which we are used to will not be possible, either legally or safely.”
The line-up for the 2021 festival is expected to be the same, featuring acts such as Afro Celt Sound System, Shooglenifty and The Poozies.
The spokesman added: “Hang on in there and know that Knockengorroch will be back in all its glory as soon as we can possibly make it happen.
“We as much as any of you want to see these fields and hills alive with music again.
“We cannot wait to see you then.”
