Revellers are expected to raise a glass to a special whisky festival which is getting underway this weekend. 

Spirit of the West, part of Homecoming Scotland 2009's whisky month, aims to celebrate west coast whisky culture at Inveraray Castle.

The world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers open the show on Saturday.

A number of family events are due to take place, including the sheepdog and duck display team Drakes of Hazard.

Across the weekend, more than 20 local producers will be serving up food, including celebrity chef Nick Nairn on Sunday.

The organisers say the star attraction will be whisky from 16 world-famous west coast distillers in the Dram Room.

There will also be a Whisky Theatre which will stage masterclasses.