IF you had an encounter with a Blonde, a Scottish Heavy and, erm, a Pale Armadillo over the weekend the chances are it was one to remember.

Rather than the start of a bad joke they were some of the splendidly-named Scottish cask ales and lagers on offer at the Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival that made sure punters weren't Bitter and Twisted.

Held in the Glen Pavilion on Friday and Saturday, the event is a central part of the city's social calendar and even the stormy weather couldn't dampen spirits as hundreds of party people raised a glass and funds for local good causes.

Dunfermline Press: A glass act. The Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival proved a big draw.A glass act. The Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival proved a big draw. (Image: David Wardle)

Craig Smith, from Dunfermline Round Table, which organised the October fest alongside Dunfermline Rugby Club, said: "We're really pleased with how it went and we'll count up and see how much we've raised.

"Hopefully the punters have done us proud. I'm sure they did as we certainly sold a lot of beer!

"It's a big effort from a lot of volunteers and local businesses.

"We had to lift 74 casks onto the racks on Wednesday, I can still feel it in my arms, so we're delighted it paid off."

It was all hail to the ale as eight breweries offered a selection of 29 beers, from old favourites such as Schiehallion and Bitter and Twisted through to Crossfire, Louis Louis Porter (named in memory of one of the park's famous peacocks), Clocktower, Bonnie and Blonde and the reassuring Don't worry about nothing.

Dunfermline Press: There were 29 beers from eight breweries on offer at the Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival.There were 29 beers from eight breweries on offer at the Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival. (Image: David Wardle)

There was also a gin bar, sponsored by Darnley's of Kingsbarns, as well as cider, Prosecco, wine, vodka and even a mead lemonade.

He added: "It was as good a selection as we've had for a long time and the feedback we received was positive.

"The weather definitely affected numbers on Friday night in particular, and I think the travel disruption on Saturday meant some who had bought tickets weren't able to make it.

"But there were decent numbers and everyone had a good time which, as well as raising funds for good causes, is what we're there for.

"The bands were great and the Saturday afternoon session was brilliant, with almost 200 people through the door."

Dunfermline Press: Having fun at the October beer fest.Having fun at the October beer fest. (Image: David Wardle)

Harviestoun and Stewart Brewing were main sponsors, backed by local firms Inner Bay, Beath Brewing and Salt Rock, with special guests Tempest Brewing from Galashiels, Loch Lomond Brewery in Dumbarton and the Falkirk-based Not That California Brewing Company.

And the addition of a chilled dispenser meant they were able to offer cold pints of Schiehallion - which went down very well.

Craig said: "That was a brilliant addition and we went through five 50 litre kegs of it.

"For years we've always had people saying they'd like a nice cold pint and with cask ales that wasn't something we could really offer but hopefully we're going to veer more towards that in future, maybe 50-50.

Dunfermline Press: Punters raised glasses - and funds for good causes - at the Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival.- Punters raised glasses - and funds for good causes - at the Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival.- (Image: David Wardle)

"We'd like to thank everyone that came out and now we're getting ready to do it all again next year!

"We're already looking at dates and hope we can increase numbers again and raise as much as we can for local good causes and charities."