The rest of South Lanarkshire is wel jel because The Only Way Is Strathaven this month. The glamour kittens of the town have set their sight on a glitzy fundraiser in aid of Kilbryde Hospice. The community have come together to show they are just as glamorous, if not even more, so than the characters from the hit TV show, The Only Way Is Essex.  

For a one off photo shoot promoting the glitzy charity event the group of friends have ditched their usual waterproofs, jeans and wellies for a makeover of fake lashes, tans and big hair. Big, big hair. Strathaven-based Lisbon Lion and football legend Bertie Auld overlooked the photo shoot featuring staff from Neigh Whips Riding School, LS Smellies and Peppermint Divas Party Planning. The pictures will feature on promotional posters for the charity party “The Only Way Is Stra’ven,” which will be held at The Strathaven Hotel on Saturday, February 25 in aid of the hospice.   

Local business Strathaven Ales has offered support by specially brewing “The only way is Stra’ven” ale, which will be available at The Weaver’s Pub, Strathaven.     

Event co-organiser and Neigh Whips Riding School owner Lyndsey Sneddon said, “When I told my friends of the glitzy event in the town, they giggled and asked if they should come wearing wellies. This was the inspiration – as we do wear wellies working in the rural industry, but we can also rock in a pair of killer heels. I thought everyone looked gorgeous.”  

Co-organiser Hannah Graham commented on the phenomenal local support, “The encouragement we have received from everyone in Strathaven and the surrounding area has been tremendous.” She added, “This event has grown from a mere idea into a fun-filled night for everyone to enjoy – and all in aid of a fabulous local charity. Everyone we have spoken to has wanted to get involved with their ideas and contributions – we cannot thank them enough for their support – without it, this night wouldn’t be possible.”  

Kilbryde Hospice Fundraising Manager, Stuart Glen praised the efforts of everyone involved, “Fair play to Bertie and the good folk of Strahaven. What a marvellous event this will undoubtedly be. I am sure those involved will completely upstage their Essex counterparts.” He then went on to say, “This is a momentous year for Kilbryde Hospice. In a matter of months, construction of South Lanarkshire’s first in-patient hospice will begin, which would not have been possible without the efforts of thousands of local supporters like Lyndsey, Hannah and the rest of the organising committee. Thank you. Your donation is funding bricks and mortar right now, and helping make the new Kilbryde Hospice a reality.”  

For more information on the event, how to attend or donate, visit www.neighwhips.com or www.kilbrydehospice.org.uk Or check out the event page on Kilbryde Hospice’s Facebook page and #TheOnlyWayIsStraven on Twitter.