PRESS STATEMENT

27^thJuly 2015

The Enchanted Forest Calls on Public to Engage with A9 Dualling Exhibitions

The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire's 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 Pitlochry's 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 year's event, VisitScotland's reigning Scottish Thistle Awards Winner for Scotland's 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 we're very much encouraging people to attend, get engaged and to take part in the consultation - it's 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 1^stOctober - Sunday 1^stNovember at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry. For more information visitwww.enchantedforest.org.uk

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For further information contact Tricia Fox on 01738 658187 or mobile 07989 955039

NOTES TO EDITORS

IMAGES:Free to use imagery of this previous shows is available on request by emailt.fox@volpa.co.uk

The Enchanted Forest

Founded:2002

Location:Forestry Commission Scotland's Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.

Ownership & Management:The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, a registered charity

Chairman:Graham Brown

Visitors:Over 45,000 visitors attend annually - up to 55,000 can attend in 2015

Producer:Derek Allan, Allan Associates

Lighting Designers:Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes

Sound Design & Composition: RJ McConnell and Jon Beales

Sound & Lighting Main Contractor:NL Productions

Event Awards & Nominations:

2015:

• WINNER, Best Event, 2015 Scottish Thistle Awards

2014:

• WINNER, Best Cultural Event, 2014 Scottish Event Awards

• WINNER, Best Marketing Campaign, 2014 Scottish Event Awards

2013:

• WINNER, Best Cultural Event, 2013 Scottish Event Awards

• WINNER, Cultural Event of the Year Award (Regional), Scottish Thistle Awards

2012:

• WINNER, VisitBritain Marketing Campaign of the Year Award (Regional), Scottish Thistle Awards

• FINALIST, VisitBritain Marketing Campaign of the Year Award (Regional), Scottish Thistle Awards

• Commendation, Best Marketing Campaign, 2012 Scottish Event Awards

Older:

• WINNER, Event Management Grand Prix, 2011 Scottish Event Awards

• WINNER, Best Cultural Event, 2011 Scottish Event Awards

• Commendation, Best Large Event, 2011 Scottish Event Awards

• WINNER, Event of the Year, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards

• WINNER, Community Award, Perthshire Big Tree Country Awards

• Commendation, Best Marketing Strategy, 2010 Scottish Event Awards

• Finalist, Best Marketing Strategy, 2010 UK Event Awards

• WINNER, Best Marketing Strategy, 2009 Scottish Event Awards

• Commendation, Best Large Event, 2009 Scottish Event Awards

• Commendation, Best Cultural Event, 2009 Scottish Event Awards

• Finalist, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Tourism & Hospitality Star Award 2009

• Finalist, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Marketing Star Award 2009

Key Facts about Faskally Wood

• Faskally was purchased by the Forestry Commission in 1953. It covers 365 hectares and is divided in two by the old and new A9. The area where the Enchanted Forest takes place is approximately 66 hectares in size.

• The forest contains 25 recorded species of tree, of which only a handful are native: Scots Pine, Silver and Downy Birch, Ash, Oak, Rowan, Common Alder, Hazel, and Bird Cherry. The oldest known tree is approximately 200-225 years old.  

• Faskally is derived from the Gaelic for "stance by the ferry" which probably relates to an old ferry crossing on the river Tummel.

• The forest attracts approximately 60,000 visitors a year, excluding those to the Enchanted Forest.