Patricia Ferguson, MSP for Tourism, Culture and Sport, today launched Winter Words, Highland Perthshire's first ever literature festival.  The Minister said "Winter Words is an exciting addition to Pitlochry Festival Theatre's Winter Season. I am particularly pleased that the Theatre is now able to open all year round as it is an important focus for both the arts and tourism in Highland Perthshire.

Our writers and artists are lauded both at home and internationally and are producing work that is both critically and popularly acclaimed. Edinburgh city of literature award confirms the status and quality of Scottish writing and culture in international terms, and Pitlochry Winter Words will show that this accolade is a model for other parts of Scotland."

This new festival, which will draw visitors from across Scotland and the UK, is supported by EventScotland's Regional Events Programme.  David Williams, EventScotland's Chief Executive said "Winter Words is an innovative event designed to support tourism at one of the quieter times of the year. EventScotland funds will help Pitlochry Festival Theatre promote the festival across Scotland in its launch year."

Winter Words takes place from 27th to 30th January 2005.  Running from Thursday to Sunday evening, there will be a variety of events that will to appeal to book lovers of all ages.  The festival has a particular emphasis on work by Scottish-based authors and on subjects relevant to the area - the environment, conservation, hill-walking, mountaineering, wildlife, theatre and the arts all feature strongly.  With 3 action-packed days it's a great chance to escape the winter blues and visit other worlds in the heart of Perthshire.

With writers such as travel writer and ex-Python Michael Palin, novelist Rosamunde Pilcher, poet and playwright Liz Lochead and crime writer Quintin Jardine already confirmed for the Evening Encounters and Richard Holloway and John Lister-Kaye lined up to host Literary Lunches, the programme is already looking very exciting.  Meet the Author sessions will offer opportunities to listen and put questions to writers such as award-winning poets Don Paterson and Carl MacDougall, presenter of the current BBC hit series Writing Scotland, Ronald Frame, whose interwoven stories in Time in Carnbeg are close to Perthshire hearts and minds, and photographer Craig McMaster.

There are events for children and families throughout the weekend under the KidzLit banner and children's favourites Catherine McPhail, Mazda Munn, traveller and storyteller Jess Smith and Hugh Scott will be reading and running workshops for younger readers and writers.

There are also opportunities for budding writers out there to hone their skills with Active Arts workshops in playwrighting, poetry, short stories and children's literature, plus two Business of Writing seminars organised by the Society of Authors. 

A Book Fair will take over the theatre's foyer on Saturday and Sunday, with a wide range of both new and second hand books, covering both specialist and general topics, all available to buy.

Full details of Winter Words 2005 will be available shortly in brochure form - call Box Office on 01796 484626 to get your copy or email boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk