Organisers of the first ever Outsider Festival today spoke of the outstanding success of the event that took place from Friday to Sunday on the Rothiemurchus Estate this weekend, meeting the ambition of the organisers that it would be a festival like no other.

Over 9,000 people participated in a range of activities on each of the three days of the festival – an impressive programme featured mountain biking, hill skills, orienteering, astronomy, bushcraft, nature walks, gorge walking, rafting, and also included comedy for adults and kids, films such as An Inconvenient Truth, debates hosted by Kirsty Wark and Lord David Steel, displays by mountain bikers. And all to the backdrop of spectacular Highland scenery and music from KT Tunstall, Crowded House, Justin Currie, Peatbog Faeries, Carpercaillie, and a range of other superb artists.

Pete Irvine of Unique Events said: “Although the rain fell over much of Saturday and Sunday, it did nothing to dampen the spirit and unique atmosphere of the Outsider which was established as soon as we opened the gates on a dry Friday night. The unanimous positive response from festival goers and all artists without exception has been extraordinary. While we cannot announce next year’s dates at this early stage we are, as we had always intended, beginning to talk to our partners and supporters to look at the potential for next year’s event. There seems to be an overwhelming enthusiasm for it to happen again. In only its first year we feel we have created a new and very different festival. Despite some speculation in this morning’s media, everyone understands what we are trying to do and want us to do it again; we’d be mad not to!”

Fiona Hampton of Highland 2007 said: “We have been delighted with the positive reaction to The Outsider festival which took place this weekend amid the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms near Aviemore. In this first festival of its kind focussing on the environment here in the Highlands, there was a massive take up of outdoor activities offered as part of the programme. It was fantastic to see marquees full to overflowing with festival-goers contributing to the debates, watching films on related topics and enjoying some of the UK’s top class comedy acts. The music was fabulous, the atmosphere relaxed and happy and everyone seemed to be having a great time despite the weather. The Outsider was everything we hoped it would be and has been a wonderful addition to the Highland 2007 celebrations.

Nick Carr, Global Director Classic Malts said: “Classic Malts were delighted to support such an innovative and green focussed event in the home of Scotch Whisky. Hundreds of our employees enjoyed the great music and participated in many of the exciting activities - and we mustn't forget there would be no Whisky without water so the rain certainly didn't dampen our spirits."

The Outsider, celebrating and enjoying the important relationship between people, nature and the environment in the Highlands, was funded by Highland 2007 with main sponsors being the Scottish Executive’s It’s Our Future sustainable development campaign and Classic Malts. HIE Inverness and East Highland, The Highland Council, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Rothiemurchus Arts Community Group also supported the event and Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland were location advisers.