A DUMBARTON band is set to bring a local flavour to this summer's hotly anticipated Loch Lomond Boat Party.

In May, the Reporter revealed the popular event was returning this year with a host of DJs and bands taking to the stage on the Maid of the Loch.

Now fresh off its appearance at Eden Festival in Moffat, Dumbarton band Holy Pistol Club will be bringing its own unique brand of swaggering rock n roll to the event. The band's lead singer James says the lads can't wait to appear. He told the Reporter: "We were meant to do it a couple of years ago but we'd had a change of line-up at the time so weren't ready.

"At the moment we're in the studio practising with a brass section so we've not got a lot on by way of gigs, it's down our way and it's right up our street so we thought 'why not'.

"It's really just so we can go and get together with the local bands, it'll be like an Eden reunion almost for everyone." The band are in the process of recording songs for a new EP, which should be released in September and James says it's important to play events like the Boat Party, to keep their fanbase interested. He added: "I certainly think it's important to play locally to build up a fanbase so when you go to a place like Glasgow you can fill up larger venues.

"A lot of your fans can't get to Glasgow because of work or because money's tight so it's important to play these gigs for them.

James added: "At Eden it was amazing the support we had, the tent was packed for us and I stayed around for the other local bands over the weekend and it was the same.

"It's really refreshing to see the local bands develop the way they are, I think the scene is very healthy just now, even in terms of the different styles each band plays.

"You could organise a festival based purely on local bands from around here and their different styles. which can only be a positive thing.

"Everyone's really supportive of each other, we all push each other on to do well." The Boat Party takes place on Saturday, July 13 from 3pm to 1am. Tickets must be bought beforehand and are available from www.tickets-scotland.com.