Seventh Perthshire Amber goes outdoor green

Sep 9 2011 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SINGER-songwriter Dougie MacLean’s successful music festival, Perthshire Amber, adds a flavour of the outdoors to the line-up this autumn.

The team at Perthshire Amber – The Dougie MacLean Festival has devised their new Perthshire Amber Outdoors, a programme of outdoor events and activities which will run alongside the 10-day music festival (October 28 to November 6).

This new venture will include a highland horse trek, fishing, wildlife walks, a mountain safari and the opportunity to try out new activities including shinty.

Perthshire Amber has partnered up with some of the top activity providers in the region to create a diverse and exciting calendar of events.

Perthshire Amber Outdoors was created by festival director Jenny MacLean, who explained: “Our guided walks have always been a big hit with visitors to the festival and I really wanted to build on that and take the chance to further show off this stunning region. It’s my favourite season and the perfect time to enjoy the autumn colours.”

Dougie added: “So much of my music is inspired by this wonderful part of the world, so the idea of linking the concerts with the chance to enjoy the countryside is inspired. I’m really looking forward to this year’s festival and I just hope that I can fit in one or two of the Perthshire Amber Outdoors activities between rehearsals and the hectic music line-up.”

Some Amber Outdoors highlights are:

Sunday, October 30: An energetic guided walk to the summit of Schiehallion, in association with the John Muir Trust.

Tuesday, November 1: Fishing at picturesque Butterstone Loch when a team of experts will introduce all aspects of fly fishing, bait fishing for trout and pike and spinning. Held in association with Cardney Estate and Butterstone Loch Fishing.

Wednesday, November 2: A Land Rover Mountain Safari, in association with Highland Safaris.

Friday, November 4: A Photographic Walk Experience with photographer Graham Lumsden who will lead a woodland and loch-side walk, in association with Highland Photo.

The full diary of Perthshire Amber and Perthshire Amber Outdoors are available on www.perthshireamber.com or call 01350 724281.