Close Menu
Graeme DeyGraeme Dey
  • News
    • Angus South
    • Holyrood
    • Westminster
    • Education
  • About
    • Graeme Dey MSP
    • GDPR
      • Privacy Policy
      • Child Data Protection
      • Cookies
  • Surgeries
  • Issues
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Law & Order
    • Social Security
    • Transport
    • Devolved and Reserved Powers
  • Gallery
    • 2021 –
      • 2024
      • 2023
      • 2022
      • 2021
    • 2016 – 2020
      • 2020
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
    • 2011 – 2015
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
  • Videos
    • Members’ Business
    • Questions
      • First Minister’s Questions
      • General Questions
      • Portfolio Questions
      • Topical Questions
  • Contact
    • Contact Graeme
    • Generic Consent Form
    • NHS Consent Form
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Tuesday, May 13
Graeme DeyGraeme Dey
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
  • News
    1. Angus South
    2. Holyrood
    3. Westminster
    4. Education
    5. View All

    Graeme’s Column

    18th April 2025

    14 Years of free prescriptions under the SNP Government

    2nd April 2025

    Pension Age Disability Payment opens in Angus

    24th March 2025

    Graeme’s Column

    21st March 2025

    One Year Until Scottish Parliament Election

    9th May 2025

    Labour Will Never Scrap 2-Child Cap

    30th April 2025

    Commitment to Safeguarding Democracy

    25th April 2025

    Rent Control Consultation Published

    23rd April 2025

    Delay RTS Shutdown or Compensate Scots

    9th May 2025

    Grangemouth Stops Refining Oil

    30th April 2025

    Call for Grangemouth Nationalisation

    10th April 2025

    Labour Must Ditch Tax on Jobs

    9th April 2025

    Education Secretary visits University of Dundee

    15th April 2025

    Improving outdoor play

    24th March 2025

    Widening Access to University Education

    20th March 2025

    £4,900+ a Year for Student Carers

    20th March 2025

    Minister condemns ‘devastating’ UK migration proposals

    12th May 2025

    New fund to prevent homelessness

    12th May 2025

    First Minister’s cost of living guarantee

    12th May 2025

    Delay RTS Shutdown or Compensate Scots

    9th May 2025
  • About
    • Graeme Dey MSP
    • GDPR
      • Privacy Policy
      • Child Data Protection
      • Cookies
  • Surgeries
  • Issues
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Law & Order
    • Social Security
    • Transport
    • Devolved and Reserved Powers
  • Gallery
    • 2021 –
      • 2024
      • 2023
      • 2022
      • 2021
    • 2016 – 2020
      • 2020
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
    • 2011 – 2015
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
  • Videos
    • Members’ Business
    • Questions
      • First Minister’s Questions
      • General Questions
      • Portfolio Questions
      • Topical Questions
  • Contact
    • Contact Graeme
    • Generic Consent Form
    • NHS Consent Form
Graeme DeyGraeme Dey
You are at:Home»Angus South»Graeme’s Column

Graeme’s Column

GraemeBy Graeme12th May 202351 Views3 Mins Read Angus South
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp

Kirriemuir has much to recommend it.

From the Wee Red Toon’s links to JM Barrie through to the amazing range of activities undertaken by the community for the community, it has good reason to be proud of itself.

And in amongst all of that is the unique niche it has carved out globally amongst rock fans.

The way in which Kirrie has become a mecca for followers of Bon Scott of AC/DC is a truly remarkable achievement.

Not only do fans flock to Angus for the weekend of Bonfest, they also travel throughout the year to be pictured with the iconic statue of Ronald Belford ‘Bon’ Scott, whose life and legacy is celebrated at the festival. There is only one other statue of Scott, and that’s in Fremantle, Western Australia where his family eventually settled after emigrating.

I’ll confess, I’m not a fan of AC/DC. My musical tastes lie more in the punk era.

But you don’t have to be a follower of the band to recognise what an astonishing event Bonfest is.

I was in the town on the Friday of the Festival for a constituency surgery. It was positively bouncing. And the sight of rock fans congregating around the Peter Pan statue in the middle of the town, belting out AC/DC songs was a sight to behold.

The way in which this event is hosted by Kirriemuir says much about the folk of the town and the pride they take in one of their sons. Bonfest would not be the success it is without the many local volunteers who ensure its delivery.

The manner in which Bonfest has grown since its inception in 2007 speaks volumes for the vision and dedication of its founder, lifelong AC/DC fan, Graham Galloway. Graham, his colleague, John Crawford and the rest of the crew do this entirely for the love of Bon Scott and the music.

And let’s not forget that the income raised by the festival is invested back into the local community, in particular with the upkeep of the DD8  Music, its studio which is available to the public as a rehearsal space and recording studio, and to burgeoning youth groups around Angus.

Without the opportunities that DD8 Music and Bonfest give to locals, a lot of youngsters with a love for music would not have the confidence within themselves that they have now.

The festival also helps to put Kirriemuir on the festival map, boosting the town’s profile and attracting visitors who might not otherwise have discovered its many charms.

And beyond all of that, Bonfest brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the life and music of one of Kirriemuir’s most famous sons.

So well done everyone concerned. You all rock!

Bonfest column Kirriemuir
Previous ArticleLabour is not a real alternative
Next Article More Help for More families
Graeme

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Angus South Constituency. Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans.

Related Posts

Graeme’s Column

18th April 2025

14 Years of free prescriptions under the SNP Government

2nd April 2025

Pension Age Disability Payment opens in Angus

24th March 2025
latest news

Minister condemns ‘devastating’ UK migration proposals

New fund to prevent homelessness

First Minister’s cost of living guarantee

Delay RTS Shutdown or Compensate Scots

About
About

Graeme Dey is the the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Angus South Constituency.

Having worked for The Courier newspaper for 26 years, Graeme was elected to Holyrood in 2011.

In March 2023, Graeme was chosen by First Minister Humza Yousaf to be Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Latest Posts

Minister condemns ‘devastating’ UK migration proposals

New fund to prevent homelessness

First Minister’s cost of living guarantee

Delay RTS Shutdown or Compensate Scots

Flickr Photos
Transport Police
RM Condor Parliament 2
D&A College (Apprenticeship Week) 6
Deaf Hub 3
DofE3
Humza and Graeme close up pro
Humza Graeme Sign
Independence Convention
July7 Surgery 2]
CWA Parl 3
20230712_104835
20230712_110433
Banking Hub 1
SSERC
Ayrshire College
Poverty Alliance
© 2025 Graeme Dey MSP. No parliamentary funds have been used to create and maintain this website. Promoted by G. Dey, 282 High St, DD11 1JF.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.