THE CURTAIN has come down on the fourth Winter Words Festival in Pitlochry after another successful four-day event.

The festival was launched by veteran broadcaster and former MP Martin Bell, along with author sponsors Jane Grimley of Dewar’s World of Whisky, and Rory MacDonald, proprietor of MacDonalds Butchers and Delicatessen.

They were welcomed to Pitlochry Festival Theatre by chief executive and artistic director John Durnin.

Speakers taking part included former MP Michael Portillo, Mr Bell and BBC Radio 2 presenter Stuart Maconie.

Mid Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Murdo Fraser took part in the Scottish Any Questions event yesterday.

He said, “Pitlochry is a special setting for the Winter Words Festival as it is an inspiring place to be, making the town perfect for a literary festival.

“The festival has once again attracted some famous names and this just underlines the importance of the Winter Words Festival in the literary calendar after only starting four years ago.

“The festival gives a real boost to Pitlochry at a time when tourism is traditionally quieter and it is well supported by the local community.

“Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a fantastic venue, with its stunning backdrop of Highland Perthshire.

“The theatre does a lot for the local arts and culture tourism and is a magnet for attracting people to Pitlochry. I wish the Winter Words Festival continued success.”