An impressive array of internationally acclaimed acts will descend on Scotland this autumn for Dougie MacLean”s Perthshire Amber festival.
Organisers say tickets are already “flying out of the door” ahead of the musical extravaganza, set to run from October 27 to November 6.
Last year 17 countries were represented at the festival and audience numbers hit a record high.
It is envisaged that this year’s events will again provide a boost to the local economy at what can traditionally be a quieter time for the tourist trade.
Among those taking part will be Karen Matheson and Donald Shaw from Scottish “supergroup” Capercaillie.
Acts from as far afield as Japan, USA and New Zealand have also signed up.
Now in its sixth year, Perthshire Amber has continued to go from strength to strength.
“Tickets are flying out the door for this year’s event,” a spokeswoman said.
“Visitors are planning their trips to Scotland from new territories as diverse as Japan, New Zealand, Norway and Alaska.
“Others will travel from around Scotland, England, the rest of the USA, Denmark, The Netherlands, Germany and Australia.”
The festival has helped to cement renowned singer songwriter Mr MacLean’s international reputation.
“Perthshire Amber shares his (MacLean’s) inspiring music, celebrates the history and culture of his Perthshire home and showcases its beautiful scenery,” the spokeswoman said.
“The concerts are staged in a variety of wonderful venues, from a prestigious theatre to a grand concert hall, historic castles, the atmospheric Dunkeld Cathedral, an Iron Age Crannog and even an event at Edradour Distillery-Scotland’s smallest whisky distillery.”
The spokeswoman insists there will be something for everyone evening cabarets, open mike sessions, master classes, workshops, talks and guided walks.
Among those eagerly anticipating the festival is Mr MacLean himself, who believes it will be the best ever.
“We have set ourselves a very high bar, but by further developing and refining our ‘best bits’, adding a couple of new venues and sprinkling in some of the top musicians from around the world, we know our winning formula will further establish Perthshire Amber as a must-attend festival for audiences and performers alike,” he said.
“The trial last year of live streaming and the on-demand site both proved very popular, so they are to be developed and made even more accessible and comprehensive.”
He said footage would be sold to television contractors “around the world,” further boosting Perthshire’s profile.