A CLYDEBANK based art group have been invited to Italy to fly the flag for the area at an arts festival next month.

The Wee Scottish Arts Group will be heading to Calabria in May to attend the event on behalf of Scotland.

Chairman Salvatore Volpe, who came to live in Clydebank from Corigliano-Rossano in the Calabria region of Italy ten-years-ago, has been tasked with the curation and organising of an exhibition featuring professional Scottish artists together with artists from the Wee Scottish Arts Group.

Read more: Open invitation for new members to join Old Kilpatrick Seniors Club

The group are looking for sponsorship and donations of produce from local businesses which they can showcase in Calabria.

Local MSP Gil Paterson said: “This is an ideal opportunity and an ideal time to showcase what West Dunbartonshire and Scotland has to offer. Because we live here we sometimes take things for granted however Scottish produce is of great quality and is world renowned.

“We also have a rich culture and heritage making an ideal vehicle to strengthen our ties with our European friends and let everyone know that Scotland is open for business and is still very European.”

Last year’s festival attracted a record number of visitors, with more than 50,000 people attending.

There will be art, photographic shows with projections, theatrical performances, music from a Scottish piper, dancing, and traditional Scottish food and drink.

Read more Clydebank news stories

The European festival, which first began in 2017, promotes the culture, history and traditions history, food, wine and other produce, from different cities throughout Europe.

Every year five European cities are showcased in the ancient 15th century monastery of San Bernardino and Ducal Castle – an 11th century Norman castle.

Any business wishing to support the Wee Scottish Arts Group can contact them by emailing salvinoart@gmail.com.