By Alan Richardson

THE EXPANSION of an ambitious 10-day music festival has pumped an estimated £200,000 of business into rural Perthshire’s economy, it has been claimed.

Perthshire Amber 2007, which started on October 28, brought in visitors from across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the US who spent money on accommodation, food and products in what is traditionally a quiet period of the year.

Over 4200 people packed venues as diverse as the Crannog on Loch Tay to Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

The Perthshire crowds were boosted by hundreds watching the events across the globe via live internet streaming, in turn promoting the region to an even wider audience.

Based around eight concerts by international star Dougie MacLean, this year’s event brought together over 100 musicians at venues across Highland Perthshire.

The extravaganza culminated in front of another full house at Pitlochry Festival Theatre with a lively finale concert.

Over the 10 days, Perthshire Amber’s concert programme was supported by a host of daytime events including workshops, walks, talks and open mic sessions giving visitors plenty to keep them involved throughout the festival.

Dougie said, “We’ve had a great event and have successfully extended it to 10 days which makes it a serious festival in the Scottish calendar.

“The ‘creation’ of Perthshire Amber has been quite an adventure so far. In just three years it has grown from an idea hatched over a bottle of wine around our living room table to being an extremely exciting 10-day festival.

“It’s been great to welcome old and new friends to Perthshire. The quality of the musicians and the fantastic venues have made this a truly memorable event.

“It’s been tiring and my mind is scrambled with remembering the lyrics to over 120 songs but Perthshire Amber is a treat for me. I got to play with and listen to so many of my musical friends.

“I have also enjoyed the support events which took place throughout the festival, particularly our new idea for early evening free music, Cabaret Amber, hosted by good friends Gina MacLeod and Alan Jordan.

“Also the clarsach tuition, open mic and countryside walks showcased some amazing new musical talents, supported the development of traditional music and allowed me to share the beautiful countryside which is such an inspiration in my music.”

Jenny MacLean, co-ordinator of the Perthshire Amber festival, added, “It’s fantastic that our event has made such an impact on the local economy.

“It has attracted music fans, not just from the local area but from further a field, many who have stayed in local hotels, spent time in local pubs and restaurants and money in the shops.

“I have heard that it was very difficult to get anywhere to stay locally on the night of the finale.”

Next year’s Perthshire Amber takes place from October 24 to November 2.