GINFLATION hit new heights in Dunfermline as a sparkling festival in the Glen Pavilion raised around £15,000 for local charities.

And the party atmosphere at the two-day event – which featured 43 different kinds of the spirit – proved such a tonic that it's already in the diary for next year.

Ralph McCran, who helped organise the Dunfermline Gin Festival, said: "It went tremendously well, very smoothly and we had great feedback from everyone who attended.

"We had 43 gins, as well as four rums, two beers and some wine and Prosecco for those who wanted it, so it was an impressive selection.

"We've been doing our sums and hope it's going to be around £15,000 that's been raised for local charities.

"Over the two nights, we had about 700 people there, similar numbers to 2019 when we did it before."

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Dunfermline and held last Friday and Saturday night.

The first Gin Festival in 2019 was a big success but COVID-19 meant its return was delayed until this year.

Ralph continued: "Rotary members near the entrance, who were all wearing their bright green t-shirts, heard a lot of people as they left saying what a fabulous night it was, which was brilliant to hear.

"We've got it in the diary for next year – May 12 and 13. With the tremendous feedback we received, we're looking to make it an annual event.

"That was always our intention but the pandemic hit and we couldn't hold it again until now.

"We're really pleased with how it went. There were 46 Rotarians, members of their families and friends involved in putting the event on. 

"We had the band Copycats, who were brilliant, and a DJ playing between their sets who was putting on all the party tunes.

"It was predominantly a female audience and the dance floor was packed for hours, everyone really bought into it.

"Summing up? We enjoyed it, there was great feedback, we've raised a lot of funds for charity and we're going to do it all again next year. How's that?"