Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a special place at all times of the year. Last weekend saw the inaugural Winter Words Festival, Highland Perthshire’s first ever literature festival, take place over 4 busy, programme packed days. The prospect of getting an audience with Michael Palin, Quintin Jardine, Catherine MacPhail, Magnus Linklater, Jess Smith, Richard Holloway, Mike Cawthorne, Rosamunde Pilcher (and the list goes on… ) brought book lovers into Pitlochry in numbers, no doubt boosted by the glorious weather and the prospect of rubbing shoulders with literary stars, as well as taking the chance to browse the book fair and soak up the atmosphere. This level of interest and excitement boasts well for the future of this Festival. Pitlochry and the local area enjoyed brisk trade over the weekend, with accommodation providers reporting visitors from as far away as Portsmouth & Norwich, as well as parts of Northern England.  In what is the quietest time of the year for visitors, this is a welcome boost for Perthshire.

Launched by Patricia Ferguson, Culture Minister and supported by EventScotland, the Festival got off to a record breaking start with Michael Palin selling out within 2 days - the fastest selling event in the history of the Theatre. Another highlight was the remarkable John Cairney, who chose PFT for his final performance of the Robert Louis Stevenson Story – a performance that has taken him around in the world for the last four decades. The fact that Cairney (pictured) was given his first job in theatre by the founder of PFT –John Stuart, meant the New Zealand based author and actor, like Palin, travelled across the globe, to come full circle. It was an emotional farewell.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Chief Executive Nikki Axford (pictured with John Durnin, Artistic Director, and Michael Palin) said: “The level of enthusiasm from visitors was fantastic – they were drawn here by the breadth of authors and activities scheduled, with some already planning to  return again next year. Many of the authors were equally thrilled to be here.  This is an internationally renowned theatre in a beautiful Perthshire location.  The fact we can attract authors of this calibre - and audiences - in January, speaks volumes.” 

The festival had 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 featured strongly.  There was also opportunities for budding writers out there to hone their skills with Active Arts workshops in playwriting and short stories plus two Business of Writing seminars organised by the Society of Authors.