THE first of Scotland’s highly-anticipated festivals taking place on the beautiful banks of Loch Ness this weekend marks the start of what looks set to be a monster summer of great music. In our second feature focusing on the country’s biggest and best festivals, we give you a taste of what’s on where. And, if that’s not enough, we’ll give you the lowdown on what you’ll need to survive the weekend, whatever the weather. Keep your eyes peeled for our reviews looking at the best bits from Rockness, T in the Park, Live at Loch Lomond and Hydro Connect. We’ve still got a pair of weekend camping tickets for Live at Loch Lomond and Hydro Connect to give away. Live at Loch Lomond — August 2 and 3. Balloch Castle Country Park. Live at Loch Lomond is only in its second year but, if 2007 was anything to go by, this year’s festival will be a blinder. Despite some horrendous rain last year — and the rivers of mud that ensued — tens of thousands of music lovers flocked to the bonny, bonny banks to see all manner of artists ranging from Feeder to Faithless. And this year, some of the biggest names in music including 90s legends The Happy Mondays and Ocean Colour Scene, punk gods The Sex Pistols, as well as Groove Armada and Roger Sanchez for the dance fans, are set to descend on Scotland’s first national park for what is set to be another cracking festival. Tickets cost from £49 for a Day ticket and £139 for a VIP weekend camping pass. Visit www.liveatlochlomond.com for more information. Hydro Connect - August 29 to 31. Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, Argyll. In 2007, 20,000 music fans made their way to what was dubbed the more chilled summer festival with a laid-back vibe on the banks of Loch Fyne. Complete with gourmet food, spa treatments and, of course, top acts and entertainment, Hydro Connect is back with a vengence. Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand, Manic Street Preachers and the Gossip are some of the spectacular acts lined up for this year’s festival, set against the stunning back drop of Inveraray Castle. And where else would you be able to sample food from the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, real ales and whisky or get a manicure or massage at a spa tent? Don’t miss the Circuses and Bread Field, Unknown Pleasures tent, Club Noir burlesque night or The Speakeasy Cafe for acoustic performances, storytelling and a bit of comedy. Tickets priced from £120 for a weekend ticket (£60 for children under 11) to £195 for a Weekend Package, including bus ticket. Visit www.connectmusicfestival.com or call Ticketmaster on 08444 999 990. | 
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