They say that every 25 years, Faskally Wood steals an hour from time itself. 

Nobody knows where it comes from. Or where it goes. 

But for one magical, fleeting moment, an extra hour appears between the ticks and tocks of everyday life. 

As The Enchanted Forest celebrates its landmark 25th anniversary in 2026, we’re inviting visitors to step into that secret extra hour with the unveiling of this year’s Show theme: Stop The Clock: The 25th Hour. 

Built around the idea that, once every 25 years, the forest unlocks a hidden extra hour in time, this year’s Show will transport visitors into a playful and dreamlike world where clocks misbehave, minutes drift and the ordinary rules of reality begin to unravel. 

For 25 years, The Enchanted Forest has welcomed audiences to leave everyday life behind and immerse themselves in a world of imagination, wonder and shared experiences. This special anniversary Show builds on that tradition, offering visitors a chance to escape the pressures of the outside world and spend time in a place where schedules don’t matter and anything feels possible. 

Visitors can expect spectacular light installations, immersive soundscapes and moments of wonder woven throughout Faskally Wood, all inspired by the magical idea of an extra hour hidden in time itself. 

Commenting on the new Show theme, Gordon Morrison, Chief Executive of The Enchanted Forest, said: 

“For 25 years, The Enchanted Forest has invited people to leave everyday life behind and step into a world of imagination, wonder and shared experiences. As we considered how to mark this special anniversary, the idea of The 25th Hour felt particularly fitting. 

“Life can often feel rushed and demanding, so this is our invitation to pause for a while, escape the pressures of the outside world and fully immerse yourself in something magical. We hope visitors leave feeling refreshed, uplifted and reminded of the importance of making time for a touch of wonder.” 

Since first lighting up Faskally Wood in 2002, The Enchanted Forest has grown into Scotland’s premier sound and light experience, welcoming more than 80,000 visitors each year and attracting audiences from across the UK and beyond. 

Operated by The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, a registered charity, the event continues to create benefits far beyond the forest itself. Every ticket purchased helps support local charities, community groups and projects across Highland Perthshire, ensuring the success of the event delivers a lasting positive impact within the local community. 

The Enchanted Forest 2026 runs from 8 October to 8 November in Faskally Wood, Pitlochry. 

Tickets are on sale now. LINK 

 

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the organisers behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, has appointed culture and tourism industry leader Gordon Morrison as its new Chief Executive, as preparations ramp up for its milestone 25th anniversary year show.  

Gordon joins the Trust bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across Scotland’s tourism and cultural sectors and having held a range of senior leadership roles at both national and UK-wide level.  

Delivering an annual economic impact of £10.7million to Highland Perthshire, The Enchanted Forest is one of Scotland’s most significant cultural events, welcoming an estimated 85,000 visitors every year to the Highland tourist hotspot of Pitlochry, and reinvesting back into the community it calls home.  

Gordon joins the organisation following a distinguished career at the heart of Scotland’s visitor economy, including as Chief Executive of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA). This role saw him increase its membership by nearly 50% and strengthen the organisation’s role as a leading voice in the sector, working closely with government and industry partners, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

He has also held senior leadership positions at OneRen and the Association for Cultural Enterprises, alongside earlier positions with VisitScotland and Edinburgh Museum and Galleries. He has built a reputation for driving sustainable growth, commercial performance and exceptional visitor experiences across a range of cultural organisations.  

Gordon said: “The Enchanted Forest is arguably the most significant and biggest outdoor cultural event in Scotland. It is a hugely respected event, while also being multi-award winning, and extremely popular with visitors from both Scotland and further afield. Nela Popovic, as outgoing CEO, has left a brilliant legacy and I’m fortunate to be taking over from her.  

 “To be stepping in to lead an organisation that brings £10.7 million economic benefit to Highland Perthshire, and also reinvests back into its community, is a dream come true. It’s a real honour to join in such a milestone year for this fantastic event.”  

Gordon will lead the strategic direction of The Enchanted Forest as it celebrates 25 years, focusing on sustaining its position as a flagship cultural event in Scotland while exploring opportunities for innovation, audience growth and sustained long term impact.  

Karen Bothwell, Chair of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gordon to the Trust, he brings with him exceptional leadership experience across tourism and culture, alongside a proven track record of delivering growth and sector influence. As we mark 25 years of The Enchanted Forest, his appointment puts the organisation in a very strong position to continue our good work and to move forward.”  

The Enchanted Forest was founded in 2002 and is held annually in the autumn, this year’s event is taking place between 8th October to 8th November. For tickets or more information, visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk 

Over 50 people living with sight and hearing loss across rural Perthshire are now feeling less isolated, more confident and better connected to their communities, thanks to support from The Enchanted Forest Community Fund.

A £5,000 grant awarded in 2025 to VisionPK has enabled the charity to deliver over 50 Sensory Connect Group sessions over the last year in Pitlochry, Kinross, Blairgowrie, Comrie and Bridge of Earn, creating welcoming, accessible spaces for people who might otherwise struggle to access vital support.

The groups, which are continuing to meet monthly, have been such a success that VisionPK is now developing a new group in Crieff, extending its reach to even more people across Perth and Kinross.

May, who attends the Pitlochry Sensory Connect Group every month said: “I enjoy coming to the group as it has given me some new friends, a lifeline and the opportunity to meet some people in the same or similar situation to me.  I’ve realised I’m not the only person with eyesight issues and just wish everyone would come along and see what VisionPK can do for them.”

VisionPK is the only sight and hearing loss charity in Perth and Kinross and supports around 1,700 people with sight and hearing loss every year. For many these Sensory Connect gatherings have become a lifeline, offering a safe space where they can meet others who understand their experiences, share advice and reduce feelings of isolation. A 2024 report by Fight for Sight found that 76% of blind or visually impaired people reported feeling lonely some or all of the time.

Sharyn Richie, Community Involvement Co-ordinator at VisionPK said: “For many of the people we support, especially in rural areas, opportunities to connect with others can be very limited. These groups are helping people rebuild confidence, reduce isolation and feel part of their community again. The grant from The Enchanted Forest Community Fund has been vital in making this possible.”

Since 2015, the Enchanted Forest Community Fund has reinvested more than £522,000 into over 185 community projects across Highland Perthshire, supporting initiatives that tackle isolation, poverty, mental health challenges and barriers to opportunity. This has all been made possible by the continued success of The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s favourite sound and light show.

Barry Fisher, a trustee of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “The magic of The Enchanted Forest continues throughout the year because of the impact of the funding awarded through the Enchanted Forest Community Fund. Groups like VisionPK’s Sensory Connect Groups are helping people to reconnect, not just with services, but with each other. We’re delighted this funding has made a significant difference to people who struggle with sight and hearing loss in Highland Perthshire.”

“With the deadline fast approaching, we would encourage charities and CICs operating in Highland Perthshire to apply for funding up to £10,000 and make a difference to their own communities.”

The Enchanted Forest Community Fund 2026 is now open for applications. To download an application form, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.ukCompleted application forms should be returned no later than 27 March 2026.  The successful applications will be announced on 30 April 2026.

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the charitable organisation behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has today opened applications for its 2026 Community Fund, inviting charities and community organisations (CICs) across Highland Perthshire to apply for vital funding.  

Since launching in 2015, the Fund has reinvested more than £522,000 into the Highland Perthshire area, supporting over 185 local charities, community groups, projects and transforming the success of one of Scotland’s best-known cultural events into a lasting community legacy.  

Applications are now open to registered charities and community interest companies (CICs) based or operating in Highland Perthshire with organisations able to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support projects that make a tangible difference to people’s lives.  

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust particularly welcomes applications from local projects that are unable to access funds from other bodies. The projects should be focused on helping people in need with the cost-of-living crisis in the Highland Perthshire area, help with battling child poverty and focus on child welfare and increase inclusion, enablement, independence, mental health and wellbeing. The Trust will also be looking for projects which increase access to employment, volunteering, learning, culture, sport, and leisure opportunities and aim to improve infrastructure which benefits the community and promotes sustainability through best practices.  

Last year, 27 organisations shared £84,000 from the fund, including the Highland Perthshire Community Partnership (HPCP), which received £10,000 to help fund essential upgrades to Pitlochry Pavilion. The improvements include repairs to the lower floor used by sports teams and installation of a new public toilet for park users, supporting other major events in the area such as the Pitlochry Highland Games, Heartland Festival and Etape Caledonia, as well as local sports clubs including The Vale of Atholl AFC, Scotland’s oldest amateur football team.  

Bruce Patterson of HPCP said: “This funding has allowed us to match and leverage other financing, which will enable us, in turn, to complete the Pavilion upgrades. This will provide a valuable community resource capable of creating its own income stream, ensuring financial longevity.”  

The 1st Perthshire Pitlochry Scouts Group also benefitted from the Fund in 2025, receiving £1,500 to reduce the cost of a group camping trip in May 2025 for 56 young people aged six to fourteen. Dougie Woodrow of 1st Perthshire Pitlochry Scouts Group said: “The Enchanted Forest funding allowed us to make the weekend affordable for all the members of our Scout group, and enabled us to offer more challenges, more adventure and more fun for the young people in our community.” 

Meanwhile, Social Flock, a community clothing and climate charity, received £2,000 to expand its work into Highland Perthshire, redistributing free clothing to families in need.   

Founder of Social Flock, Rachael Esdale, said: “Thanks to the Enchanted Forest Community Fund, we delivered 58 additional clothing packs, easing pressure on families and saving them an estimated £8,000 – £9,000 in living costs. The packs do more than meet a practical need, they reduce stress, strengthen mental wellbeing, whilst also creating a wonderful circle of local volunteering and donations that allows us to support event more families across Perthshire and Highland Perthshire.”  

Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Every year, the Enchanted Forest Community Fund turns the magic of our event into meaningful, lasting change for the community that hosts us. From tackling the cost-of-living crisis to supporting children, families and mental wellbeing, these grants create ripples of benefit far beyond the initial award. As applications open for 2026, we are especially keen to hear from charities and CICs working on the frontline of need across Highland Perthshire.” 

Application forms are available to download at www.enchantedforest.org.uk. Completed applications must be submitted by 27 March 2026, with successful applicants announced on 30 April 2026.

After five successful years at the helm, Nela Popovic, Chief Executive Officer of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, has announced her departure from the charity behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, ushering in a carefully planned leadership transition and the search for a new Chief Enchantment Officer ahead of the award-winning show’s twenty-fifth anniversary in 2026.

Nela will continue to support the charity during the transition period, remaining in post until 31 March 2026, ensuring continuity as the Trust prepares for its next chapter. During her tenure, Nela has been a steady and visionary force through some of the most pivotal moments in The Enchanted Forest’s history. The show has been running at Faskally Wood, Pitlochry since 2002, welcoming over 950,000 visitors since it first began and brings in over £10 million to the local economy every year.

As CEO, Nela delivered significant transformation, embedding robust governance, strengthening financial controls, and introducing new ways of working that have future-proofed the delivery of the event for the Trust. Under Nela’s leadership, the charity successfully navigated post-Covid recovery, delivering the most visited and highest grossing shows in the event’s history, increasing charitable giving and improving reserves.

A key focal point for Nela has been deepening the relationship with the local Pitlochry community, culminating in the Celebrating Thriving Communities Award win at the 2024 Visit Scotland Scottish Thistle Regional Awards. During this time, the Enchanted Forest Community Fund also reached record levels of giving, extending much needed support to charities and community interest companies operating in Highland Perthshire.

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust board has now begun the search for an inspiring new Chief Executive – or a Chief Enchantment Officer, if you will – who will be able to combine strategic acumen with a magical touch, leading one of Scotland’s most loved cultural events into its next quarter century.

The role offers a rare opportunity to lead a nationally important event with deep community roots, balancing artistic ambition, commercial success, social purpose, and creating magic for tens of thousands of visitors to the beautiful Faskally Wood.

Nela Popovic, outgoing CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Leading The Enchanted Forest has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Together with an extraordinary team, Board of trustees, and creative partners, we have navigated challenges, transformation, and growth while staying true to the values that make this charity, and The Enchanted Forest event, so special.

“As I step aside, I do so with immense pride in what we have achieved and have complete confidence in the Trust’s future. The Enchanted Forest, which will celebrate twenty-five years in 2026 and welcome its millionth visitor, is in a strong position to continue to delight audiences and deliver meaningful impact for the Highland Perthshire community.”

Karen Bothwell, Chair of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust said: “Nela’s leadership over the past five years has been exceptional. She has guided the charity through periods of significant change with clarity, resilience, and creativity. She leaves The Enchanted Forest stronger, more sustainable, and even more rooted in the community it calls home. As we begin our search for our next Chief Executive Officer, we are looking forward to welcoming a new leader who can bring both the enchantment to this role as well as build upon Nela’s strong legacy to help shape the next chapter of our story.”

Full details of the Chief Executive Officer role and how to apply can be found here: https://bta.current.jobs/job/chief-executive-officer-the-enchanted-forest-499.aspx

Using 360 degree video kit from a boat in the middle of Loch Dunmore, here’s a rare view of Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, as never seen before: from the view of a duck!  

Thanks to Tim Berridge of Drone by Drone, this interactive video shows the award-winning immersive art spectacular from an entirely different point of view, and expertly captures the show’s first fully immersive panoramic moment, The Pulse of Luminara 

To view the video in 360 degrees visit: Exclusive 360 Degree View of The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry 

The Enchanted Forest runs until 2nd November and tickets are still available for this year’s show, Luminara. For more info, or to book, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk 

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The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s award-winning sound and light spectacular opened its 2025 show Luminara in the majestic surroundings of Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, tonight (1 October).   

This year marks a bold new chapter for the trailblazing event with the introduction of its first ever fully immersive panoramic moment, The Pulse of Luminara, a show-stopping, choreographed, synchronised light and sound spectacle that sweeps across the entire forest and every installation, uniting thousands of visitors in a single breathtaking shared experience.   

Luminara invites audiences to step into its ethereal world where nature and technology intertwine. Through impressive larger-than-life installations, immersive soundscapes and storytelling, visitors follow the journey of a fading ‘Living Network’ and play their part in rekindling its light. Set in stunning autumnal Highland Perthshire, Luminara is a timely reminder that nature and innovation can thrive in unison when we reconnect with the world around us, especially by stepping outside and immersing ourselves in places that inspire and restore.    

Opening installation Nexus forms the heart of this year’s magical world and sets the tone for the entire show. Nexus is the creation of Dan Sutherland, associate dean of Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, and is a floating network of illuminated fibres and orbs suspended high between the trees. Combing cutting-edge design with immersive 360° audio to create a gravity-defying spectacle that draws visitors directly into the show’s story, visitors are invited to enter the network and look up through a pulsing structure of light and sound.   

Well known Faskally Wood landmark, The Boathouse, has been reimagined as a digital beehive, Nectaropolis, buzzing with light and energy. Reignite delivers the show’s climactic moment, a spectacular digital bonfire, with towering bursts of light in gold, blue and orange erupting like flames.   

Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Luminara is more than a show, it’s a celebration of connection, between people, between technology and nature, and between this event and the community it calls home. Every year we set out to be bolder in our creativity and this year we’re bringing an experience to Scotland that has never been seen before, and which is as technically challenging as it is stunning. The forest-wide spectacle is a unifying heartbeat of sound and light that will leave audiences in awe; it is not to be missed. The Enchanted Forest is not just about a magical time in the forest; it’s also about legacy. Every ticket sold helps us to reinvest back into Highland Perthshire, and over the last decade we’ve channelled more than half a million pounds into charities operating in Highland Perthshire and local projects. This makes Luminara, the giver of light, both a meaningful and creative event, one which is firmly rooted in supporting the essence of our world: community.”   

The Enchanted Forest continues to be a vital economic driver for the Perthshire region, bringing in over £10 million annually into the local economy. Since 2015, the Enchanted Forest Community Fund has reinvested more than £522,000 back into the local economy, benefitting over 185 local organisations. Regatta Great Outdoors is the Official Uniform Supplier of the event.  

 

This year’s show will run until 2 November and tickets, while selling quickly, are still available. To find out more information, or to book, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk 

Scotland’s trailblazing sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, is set to become the first major light trail in the country to introduce specialist communication boards, designed to help children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) engage more fully with the award winning magical experience, which this year kicks off on 2 October and runs through to 2 November.

According to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy’s 2025 report, Transforming Support for Children and Young People in Scotland, around 275,000 children and young people in Scotland are predicted to have a speech, language or communication need, with 10% experiencing persistent challenges. This is approximately two to three children in every classroom. Since the pandemic, nurseries and early years staff have reported a surge in cases, with 89% seeing an increase in both the numbers and complexity of children requiring support.

The NHS Tayside Child Health Profile report 2023/24 highlights that the most common developmental concern raised at child health reviews is speech, language, and communication.

The specially designed communication boards, created in partnership with NHS Tayside, will be placed at each of the lighting installations throughout The Enchanted Forest event. NHS Tayside, in conjunction with Enable Communities, has developed a standard core set of symbols and words, which are displayed on the boards. These give children a visual way to express themselves, making the event a truly communication-friendly environment for families.

There are a number of communication boards in local community settings across Tayside, including within a community run park in Methven.

Joanna Ford, NHS Tayside Speech and Language Therapy Lead, said: “Communication difficulties are often invisible, but they can have a profound effect on children and families. By introducing communication boards at Scotland’s largest sound and light show, we are raising awareness and providing a practical tool that makes inclusion real. It’s simple, effective, and helps every child engage more fully with the magic of the event.”

Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, added: “The Enchanted Forest has always been about wonder, storytelling, and bringing people together. We are proud to be the first major light trail to champion communication boards in partnership with NHS Tayside. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusion and child wellbeing, values at the heart of our Community Trust. Just as the show lights up the forest, we hope this small but powerful addition will light up new ways for children to connect, express themselves, and be part of the shared joy.”

The initiative has also been supported by MacKinnon Slater, the family-run print company that produced the boards, further underlining the community spirit behind the project.

A spectacular, multi-award-winning immersive art experience, this year’s Enchanted Forest organisers are inviting visitors to explore the ethereal world of Luminara, a celebration of the unseen connections between nature and technology.

For further information and to book tickets, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the charity behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has announced Regatta Great Outdoors as the official uniform supplier for this year’s event, taking place at Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire, from 2 October to 2 November.

Now in its 24th year, The Enchanted Forest will welcome around 85,000 visitors for its multi-award winning spectacular outdoor immersive art experience, which this year is themed Luminara. As part of the partnership, Regatta has provided 150 uniforms for staff and stewards, including a full kit of hats, jackets, and fleeces to keep them warm, dry, and comfortable while working at the event.

In addition to supporting staff and volunteers, Regatta is also giving back to the community by donating 100 complimentary tickets to local community groups. To further enhance the visitor experience, ticket holders will receive 20% off Regatta products, ensuring they’re fully equipped for their own outdoor adventures this autumn and winter.

This new partnership has also been supported by the Culture & Business Scotland Fund, which provides investment of £1 for every £2 of business sponsorship of cultural activity. The funding has enabled Regatta to extend the impact of the partnership, creating more opportunities for collaboration with The Enchanted Forest.

Joanne Black, Co-owner and Retail Director of Regatta, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with The Enchanted Forest this year. Supporting the team behind the scenes with our technical outdoor clothing, while also giving back to the community, is a natural fit for Regatta. The event brings people together to celebrate the outdoors in such a magical way, and we’re proud to play a part in that experience.”

Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust , added:
“The support from Regatta as our official uniform supplier is invaluable. Their clothing ensures our stewards can look after visitors in comfort throughout the event, whatever the weather. We’re also grateful for their generosity in gifting tickets to local community groups and enhancing the visitor experience through exclusive discounts.”

David Nelson, Interim Director at Culture & Business Scotland, added: “We’re very pleased to support Regatta’s sponsorship of The Enchanted Forest’s Luminara show in the beautiful 19th century Faskally Forest. It is fantastic to see such an imaginative collaboration, not only in the transformation of the woodland but also the partnership itself.”

To find out more or to book tickets for The Enchanted Forest, please visit:  www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the charity behind Scotland’s multi award-winning sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has appointed four new trustees to its board, each bringing a wealth of experience gained across a range of major events, hospitality, and tourism organisations including The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland.   

Joining the board are Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo; Andrew Penker, an independent People consultant and founder of XSectorMentor.com; Gemma Connor, an HR Director and Jacob Brydon, an events and marketing professional.   

Their appointments come just weeks before the award-winning annual event is due to take place, giving the tourism economy of Highland Perthshire a much anticipated £10million boost. The appointments are expected to further enable the Trust to enhance its legacy by continuing to develop its charitable community initiatives in Highland Perthshire.  

Alan Lane is an award-winning theatre director and Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. He spent two decades as Artistic Director of Slung Low, an acclaimed theatre company specialising in large-scale outdoor productions. His work has spanned collaborations with the BBC, Hull UK City of Culture, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and international festivals. Alan was awarded a BEM in 2022 for services to the Holbeck community in South Leeds.  

Alan said: “The Enchanted Forest captivated me and my young son from the moment we stepped into Faskally Wood last year. We both became fast fans! I’m really excited to join the board and champion this brilliant organisation.”   

Andrew Penker is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and an experienced People leader whose career spans global roles in hospitality, banking, and professional services and was recently a Trustee with Southeast Scotland Scouts. Founder of XSectorMentor.com, Andrew is also a certified coach and accredited mentor. He brings strong governance and people-focused insight to the board. Originally from Pitlochry, where the event is based, he is deeply committed to giving back to his Highland Perthshire roots. He commented: “It’s a real privilege to contribute to an event that brings cultural and economic vitality to the region where I grew up. I look forward to supporting the Trust’s charitable mission and the continued success of this extraordinary show.”   

Gemma Connor, an experienced Group Human Resources Director in the whisky industry, brings extensive HR and governance expertise from both the private and public sectors. Her appointment adds a crucial HR perspective to the board, strengthening its approach to people, culture and organisational development. Jacob Brydon brings hands-on events and marketing expertise, having worked in operational roles with major festivals such as Glastonbury, as well as a number of Scottish cultural organisations, including the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, to deliver high-impact campaigns and audience experiences.   

Karen Bothwell, Chair of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re so pleased to welcome Alan, Andrew, Gemma and Jacob to the board. Each brings invaluable skills, fresh perspectives, and a shared passion for The Enchanted Forest, not just as a beloved event but as a force for good in Highland Perthshire. Their combined experience will ensure the Trust is well placed to grow its impact and continue supporting local communities.”   

The Enchanted Forest’s 2025 ‘Luminara’ show will take place 2 October to 2 November. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.