Orkney’s latest festival puts nature in the spotlight

The first Orkney Nature Festival starts this weekend, with nine days of events across the county.

Festival organiser, Anne Bignall, explained: “We’ve worked really hard to come up with a diversity of ways which show off Orkney’s wildlife at its best, from guided walks and boat trips to chances to enjoy sustainably-produced local food, extending to exhibitions of wildlife art, poetry and photography.”

For the latest programme, and any last few places on booked events, see www.orkneynaturefestival.org or ring the local RSPB office on 850176.

Hopes are high that the Nature Festival will prove a valuable addition to Orkney’s festival calendar.

As Gareth Crichton, chairman of the Orkney Tourism Group, said: “Our many member tourism businesses have been very enthusiastic about the Festival. We see it as an important boost to the early season in Orkney, and indeed something which will highlight wildlife as a reason to visit Orkney at any time of year.”