The first ever Skelmorlie Nature Festival has launched with over 50 events lined up over the coming three days. 

The new four-day nature festival will promote the great outdoors and the health benefits it has for us all.

Skelmorlie Nature Festival is being organised by a sub-group of Skelmorlie Environment Trust. 

The volunteers are giving their time, skills and energy for free in the hope of bringing benefit to the village community.

The festival is running from Thursday, August 29 until Sunday, September 1.

Grants funding has been secured from the National Lottery, Nature Scot, and Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire. 

A spokesperson said: "We are very excited to welcome you to Skelmorlie Nature Festival today. We’ve had the last rain shower and now it’s going to be sunny for the rest of the weekend!

"We are in for a treat today with events for all kicking of at 3pm. Here’s a little recap of what you can expect today.

"For the whole family today we have Fishing with Skelmorlie Fishery, Storytelling for the little ones with wee story box, Zumba with Ursula, & Lawn Bowls with Skelmorlie Bolwing Club.

"The adults are in for a real treat with a few fantastic options. A walk up picturesque Knockhill followed by a cold water dip in the Meigle will be perfect for the active and adventurous… or if you’re in more of a chilled vibe enjoy a mini reiki session with Reiki Light Therapies, join our Nature Gaia Goddess Circle with Miss Meditate and finish the day with a Restorative Breath Session by Wimm Hoff trained Joe Prince of Prince Therapies.

"Whatever you do – I bet you have a wonderful nights sleep!"

For more details about the festival, go to their website at www.skelmorlienaturefestival.co.uk.