The Enchanted Forest Community Fund opens for 2026

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the organisers behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, has appointed culture and tourism industry leader Gordon Morrison as its new Chief Executive, as preparations ramp up for its milestone 25th anniversary year show.

Gordon joins the Trust bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across Scotland’s tourism and cultural sectors and having held a range of senior leadership roles at both national and UK-wide level.

Delivering an annual economic impact of £10.7million to Highland Perthshire, The Enchanted Forest is one of Scotland’s most significant cultural events, welcoming an estimated 85,000 visitors every year to the Highland tourist hotspot of Pitlochry, and reinvesting back into the community it calls home.

Gordon joins the organisation following a distinguished career at the heart of Scotland’s visitor economy, including as Chief Executive of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA). This role saw him increase its membership by nearly 50% and strengthen the organisation’s role as a leading voice in the sector, working closely with government and industry partners, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has also held senior leadership positions at OneRen and the Association for Cultural Enterprises, alongside earlier positions with VisitScotland and Edinburgh Museum and Galleries. He has built a reputation for driving sustainable growth, commercial performance and exceptional visitor experiences across a range of cultural organisations.

Gordon said: “The Enchanted Forest is arguably the most significant and biggest outdoor cultural event in Scotland. It is a hugely respected event, while also being multi-award winning, and extremely popular with visitors from both Scotland and further afield. Nela Popovic, as outgoing CEO, has left a brilliant legacy and I’m fortunate to be taking over from her.

“To be stepping in to lead an organisation that brings £10.7 million economic benefit to Highland Perthshire, and also reinvests back into its community, is a dream come true. It’s a real honour to join in such a milestone year for this fantastic event.”

Gordon will lead the strategic direction of The Enchanted Forest as it celebrates 25 years, focusing on sustaining its position as a flagship cultural event in Scotland while exploring opportunities for innovation, audience growth and sustained long term impact.

Karen Bothwell, Chair of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gordon to the Trust, he brings with him exceptional leadership experience across tourism and culture, alongside a proven track record of delivering growth and sector influence. As we mark 25 years of The Enchanted Forest, his appointment puts the organisation in a very strong position to continue our good work and to move forward.”

The Enchanted Forest was founded in 2002 and is held annually in the autumn, this year’s event is taking place between 8th October to 8th November. For tickets or more information, visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.