Almost a decade ago a weekend of small concerts took place in a bid to celebrate Scots folk music and attract out-of-season tourism to Perthshire.
At the heart of the event, called Perthshire Amber, were much-loved singer/songwriter Dougie MacLean and his wife, Jennifer, so it is perhaps no surprise that it proved so popular.
Now, as it celebrates its 10th outing, it is one of the key musical events in Scotland’s second Year of Homecoming.
This year’s birthday bash looks likely to be the biggest yet, with record ticket sales and a staggering array of talent.
More than 9,000 visitors are expected to make their way to venues across Highland Perthshire from all over the UK and already 22 countries worldwide.
They will enjoy 10 days of entertainment from more than 350 stars, including an array of returning favourites.
In addition to the afternoon and evening concerts, the festival also runs its Amber Discoveries, an increasingly diverse series of walks and talks, workshops, cabaret, open mic sessions and pub sessions in and around Dunkeld and Birnam.
Festival director Jennifer MacLean is delighted that the programme has been so well received.
“I can hardly believe that this year we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of the festival,” she said.
“When we first put on a weekend of concerts back in 2005 I had a feeling that we had a special concept, combining the beauty of autumnal Perthshire in the heart of Scotland with the music of Dougie and his talented musical friends.
“Nonetheless, I couldn’t have imagined this mushrooming effect and I’m really pleased with the growing numbers and enthusiasm for the festival year-on-year.
“I’m really thrilled also with the audience’s reaction to this year’s programme.
“We have brought some of the festival favourites from over the years back to the festival, including Eddi Reader, the Paperboys, Duncan Chisholm and Emily Smith, as well as inviting great new talent to join the Perthshire Amber Festival family.”
Dougie himself has had a huge 2014 celebrating 40 years as a touring musician by featuring at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
He said: “It’s been a fantastic year with many highlights and I am really looking forward to this year’s Perthshire Amber.
“I’m thrilled that the RSNO will be joining me for a very special concert at Perth Concert Hall on October 31 and I am also pleased that we are having two evening concerts in Blairgowrie as that’s where I played some of my first gigs over 40 years ago.”
Perthshire Amber Festival takes place between October 24 and November 2. For details visit www.perthshireamber.com or call the box office on 01350 724261.