Environment Minister Says Forest Event Shows Off Scotland’s Natural Beauty

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, has stated today that The Enchanted Forest, a Perthshire Big Tree Country event and Scotland’s premier sound and light show, is a must see event for visitors to Scotland.

The statement comes as organisers confirmed that over 38,000 tickets have been now sold for this year’s event, setting new box office records, and selling out in record time.

Visiting the event at the weekend with his family he commented:

“The Enchanted Forest is a spectacular and incredibly popular event, which attracts tens of thousands of people to visit Perthshire each year. I hear it has already surpassed all previous box office records and it’s not hard to see why.

“My family and I had a wonderful time at the Enchanted Forest and it fully demonstrates how Scotland’s magnificent landscape can create wonder and awe.”

The Enchanted Forest now attracts visitors from all over the UK and, indeed, the world and the positive impact on the local area is estimated to be in the region of £2 million economic benefit this year.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment added:

“In this, The Year of Natural Scotland, we have the chance to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s natural strengths and show the world the beauty of our landscapes and forests.

“The success of The Enchanted Forest has a knock-on positive effect on the local economy and I would encourage the local tourism sector to seize the opportunity this provides to showcase to visitors all that this fabulous area has to offer.”

Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest 2013, commented:

“We are simply delighted that this year’s event has surpassed all targets set for it, and has sold out completely. It’s a testimony to the hard work and efforts put in by the local Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company in managing and delivering the event. We are so happy we can play our part in attracting over 38,000 people to the area at this time of year, and in putting Scotland’s magnificent forests firmly on the international map as a must see event.”

The 2013 show “absorb” has been designed by a creative team led by Derek Allan including Scottish lighting designers Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes, music by RJ McConnell, and a specially commissioned orchestral piece in collaboration with composer Jon Beales. Together they have created a dazzling and engaging show which celebrates the stunning woodland setting of the event and appropriately marks the Year of Natural Scotland.

The event runs until Sunday 27th October. For further information about the Enchanted Forest visit the Enchanted Forest website at www.enchantedforest.org.uk