ONE of Scotland’s newest music festivals opens its gates at Mugdock Country Park today.

The MugStock Festival, will host a range of live music across the weekend as well as offering family-friendly activities.

The line-up includes Californian experimental world fusion group Beats Antique - making their very first Scottish appearance - festival favourites Dodgy, heavy rock trio The Amorettes, solo guitar wizard Preston Reed, hi-octane fusion outfit Orkestra del Sol, folk sensation Siobhan Wilson and more.

A team of volunteers run the not-for-profit festival which will also include theatre, circus and children’s activities - such as woodland walks, pond-dipping and crafts.

Councillor Eric Gotts, chairman of Mugdock Country Park Joint Management Committee, said: "We are very pleased that the organisers have chosen the wonderful surrounds of Mugdock to host this very special event.

"It's an exciting idea and, as well as boosting visitor numbers, I'm sure it will introduce a whole new audience to the park - one of the jewels in Scotland's crown - where there's a wealth of activities, attractions and events all year round.

"I believe MugStock will be a great success - encouraging people to visit and enjoy East Dunbartonshire, and helping to boost the local economy."

Organisers say there will also be a third (outdoor) stage, impromptu happenings around the site, guided walks, woodland rambles, storytelling, mountain biking, willow weaving and archery.

Alan Govan, Festival Director, said: “The weather this summer has been so erratic that we have made some changes in the main entertainment areas - literally covering ourselves against all possibilities.”

"We’ve moved our two main stages into marquees - presenting MugStock as the best 'Scottish-summer-proof' festival you can get.

“There’s been a big spike in ticket sales, with 25%of festival-goers booking in the last seven days.

Tickets are still available from www.mugstock.org or at the doors and kids under 12 go free.