The Enchanted Forest Calls on Public to Engage with A9 Dualling Exhibitions
The Enchanted Forest, Perthshires multi-award winning sound and light show, has called on the public to fully engage with the public exhibitions taking place this week concerning the A9 Dualling project.
Announcing its clear preference for the proposed routes currently termed 2a and 2b, event organisers fear that selection of the wrong option, currently termed 1, would have a significant impact on the future of the show and on Pitlochrys economy.
Their call for engagement comes following two days of consultation and exhibition of the proposed scheme options with the local community earlier in July, which is set to be repeated again this week.
With more than 55,000 tickets on sale for this years event, VisitScotlands reigning Scottish Thistle Awards Winner for Scotlands Best Event has confirmed that ticket sales are already up 99% on the same period last year. More than half of the visitors who attend the show stay over in the area, contributing an estimated £2 million to the local economy. The event is run by The Enchanted Forest Community Trust who, this year, contributed proceeds from the previous years show to 23 local projects and individuals.
A spokesperson for the Trust commented:
Following a full and frank one to one consultation with Jacobs, as well as attendance at the public exhibition to further review and thoroughly assess the options, it is our considered view that routes 2a and 2b offer the right solution for the area and for the future of the event.
The alternative route will have a significant impact on Faskally Wood and would, therefore, impact negatively on the event, forcing us to significantly review our ability to operate in that location.
We fully appreciate openness of this process and firmly welcome the intention to dual the A9. We also know that there may be many different feelings about the options available. We wanted to ensure that everyone knew and understood our position, as well as its potential impact on the Autumn economy of Highland Perthshire and were very much encouraging people to attend, get engaged and to take part in the consultation its vitally important that local voices are heard.
Faskally Wood attracts around 60,000 visitors every year. In 2015 The Enchanted Forest expects to add a further 55,000 visitors to that number, in effect doubling the visitor numbers. The event garners a strong national and international profile, putting Pitlochry firmly on the map as a key destination. We will be strongly advocating that these factors are fully taken into account when selecting the right route for the town, the area and for the regular users of the A9.
The Enchanted Forest takes place from Thursday 1st October Sunday 1st November at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry. For more information visit
