40,000 people take part in John Muir Festival

The festival celebrates the opening of the new 134-mile, coast-to-coast John Muir Way, and is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Homecoming Scotland and Creative Scotland.

Scotland’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:

“John Muir was one of Scotland’s most well-known naturalists, and a founding father of the national parks movement, so it is only fitting that we draw a close to a festival in his honour here in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

“This Festival has been a phenomenal success and with the opening of the John Muir Way, which I saw for myself, I’m delighted that more and more Scots will be able to learn more about John Muir and the influence he had across the world, as well as getting out into the outdoors and walk and cycle in this area of natural beauty. The Way will draw in visitors from far and wide, bringing a boost to the local economy.

“The John Muir Way extends for 134 miles across the heartland of Scotland and is accessible to a massive 3.2 million people in central Scotland or some 60 per cent of the Scottish population. I hope it will encourage many people to get out into the outdoors, take some exercise and enjoy the scenery of Muir's country of birth. The benefits of exercise, on physical and mental health, are well known. It is fitting therefore that the Way has opened during the Scottish Government's Physical Activity Awareness Week, which encourages people to take more exercise in the run up to the Commonwealth Games.”

The festival finale on Saturday 26 April promises something for everyone.

Early ramblers can carry a flag for John Muir to Helenburgh from either Croftamie, Wayfarers Pub or Balloch Castle, setting off at 10am. The Helensburgh Afternoon Finale begins at The Hill House at 12.30pm – when everyone is invited to join the procession of John Muir Flags, led by Helensburgh and District Pipe Band, to Hermitage Park. At the park, there will be commissioned artworks, walkabout theatre, a choir performance, and delicious food stalls from 2pm – 4pm.

The festival draws to a fitting close in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, with an evening of music, street theatre, artistic installations, food stalls and bespoke fireworks from 7.45pm - 11.30pm. The outdoor festival finale is free and unticketed. The indoor concert at the Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, with Scottish contemporary folk band Breabach requires free tickets available from johnmuirfestival.com.

SNH chairman Ian Ross said: “The John Muir Festival has been a great success, and I hope plenty of people will come out on Saturday to join in the final celebration. John Muir certainly deserves to be better known in Scotland, and this festival and the John Muir Way itself have let Scots know about his roots in our country and his environmental ideals, which have spread around the world and inspired thousands of people.”

Fiona Logan, chief executive of Loch Lomond &The Trossachs National Park, added: “As John Muir is widely regarded as the father of National Parks, we’re delighted that the festival finale is being held here in Scotland’s first national park and very close to the new John Muir Way. We’re looking forward to welcoming people on Saturday for a fun evening set against the scenic splendour of Loch Lomond.”

The festival started with a bang with the spectacular pyrotechnic launch of the Kelpies sculptures. First Minister Alex Salmond officially opened the John Muir Way in Muir’s hometown of Dunbar on Monday, 21 April. Over the next four days, communities en route participated directly in the festival by carrying bespoke flags and enjoying a variety of Muir-themed artworks.

The new John Muir Way, the concept of the Central Scotland Green Network Partnership Board, is designed to give people in the central belt the opportunity to engage with nature and gain a better understanding of Muir the man and his legacy.

Produced by UZ Arts, The John Muir Festival is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, Homecoming Scotland and Creative Scotland. Home is also supported by Big Lottery Fund, Falkirk Council, Scottish Canals and Falkirk Community Trust.

For full programme details and tickets, see www.johnmuirfestival.com

ENDS