In pictures: Strathaven Balloon Festival brightens skies

Image source, Michael Kent

Image caption, This vibrant image of three balloons waiting to launch at the festival was taken by Michael Kent, who said it was his "first time seeing these awesome hot air balloons".

27 August 2022

Thousands of people have been treated to the sight of hot air balloons drifting across South Lanarkshire.

People have been gathering at Strathaven Park for the town's annual ballooning festival.

Strathaven Balloon Festival is the only one of its kind in Scotland.

Flights on Friday evening were called off after "unprecedented rain" earlier in the day made landing sites unusable, but perfect weather on Saturday saw launches begin at 06:30.

The free festival, which finishes on Sunday, includes skydiving, live music, a funfair and an "evening glow" display of lit balloons as the sun sets.

Image source, Brian Closs Photography

Image caption, Photographer Brian Closs was there for 06:30 to watch the balloon launch. "Well worth the early rise," he said.

Image source, Tom Barbour

Image caption, Tom Barbour took this image of the hot air balloons rising over the streets of Strathaven from the vantage point of the war memorial.

Image source, Brian Closs

Image caption, Brian Closs captured this silhouette of a hopper balloon, which carries just one pilot on a seat instead of a traditional basket.

Image source, Kate Mitchell

Image caption, Kate Mitchell took this photo of some early risers out in their pyjamas to watch the balloons.

Image source, Kate Mitchell

Image source, Gary Thomson

Image caption, Gary Thomson was treated to this view of the hot air balloons from his back door.