Today (Thursday 9 February) organisers of The Fort William Mountain Festival announced that Dr Adam Watson, biologist, ecologist, mountaineer, author and defender of the environment, is the fifth recipient of the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.

This prestigious annual award recognizes and celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of one inspiring individual and their outstanding contributions to Scotland’s mountains, encompassing sport, theatre, art, photography, film and literature. It was set up in 2008 by the Highland Mountain Culture Association Ltd, organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival, and is sponsored by Rio Tinto Alcan through the Scottish Community Foundation. Previous winners include: Iain Sykes (2011), Jimmy Marshall (2010), Richard Else (2009) and Dr. Hamish McInnes (2008).

Mike Pescod, Chairman of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival, said: ‘Few people, if anyone, can have a better understanding and knowledge of the Scottish mountains than Dr Adam Watson. From the plants and animals that live in them through to our impact and legacy on the mountains, Dr Adam Watson has studied it all and helped us to know our mountains in far greater detail and depth. Dr Adam Watson is a great ambassador for mountain culture.’

Dr Adam Watson, from Aberdeenshire, has spent his life in scientific study of Scotland’s Cairngorm mountains; and in celebrating and defending them. Dubbed ‘Mr Cairngorms’, Dr. Watson is widely acknowledged as Scotland’s pre-eminent authority on this mountain range, and has written extensively about the area.

His unceasing curiosity and thirst for understanding have led him to contribute an astonishing amount to the understanding of mountain landscapes and ecology. It’s said that few people know more about snow and the animals that inhabit it than Dr Watson. His vast academic output and contributions to the understanding of the flora and fauna in Scotland and elsewhere has been internationally recognised in many honours, including the second-ever John Muir Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

Dr Adam Watson has combined a lifetime’s wide-ranging scientific study in the Cairngorms with a passionate devotion to the hills, their wildlife and their people. He is also a natural communicator with an infectious enthusiasm for the sciences. His writings over the last 58 years include 23 books and many hundreds of scientific and other publications. A former JMT Trustee and Adviser, he also served on the Countryside Commission for Scotland and the Cairngorms Partnership, but has always remained staunchly independent in campaigning for the conservation of the Cairngorms, to him ‘the most wonderful place on earth’.

Although retired, Dr Watson has continued to follow his many interests - publishing on the subjects of mountain birds, snow and the place names of Deeside.

Dr Watson’s Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture will be made on Saturday 18 February at the Nevis Centre, Fort William, as part of the Fort William Mountain Festival programme.  It will be preceded by the showing of a short film that includes still photographic highlights of his lifetime achievements and testimonials from friends and admirers.

A spokesperson from Rio Tinto Alcan, said: ‘We are very proud to sponsor the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture through the Scottish Community Foundation. The ethos of this award fits well with Rio Tinto Alcan’s business culture and our drive for sustainable operations within this spectacular mountain environment.’

For full details of the Fort William Mountain Festival programme and to book tickets go to - http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk

Further Information:

Further Information on Dr Adam Watson

Watson was born and educated in Turriff, Aberdeenshire and gained a 1st class honours in Pure Science (Zoology) at the University of Aberdeen. In the same year (1952), he won the MacGillivray Prize, Department of Natural History at Aberdeen University. He gained his PhD in 1956, again at Aberdeen University, for his thesis on the ‘Annual Cycle of Rock Ptarmigan’, a bird that has fascinated Watson all of his adult life. A second doctorate (DSc) was secured in 1967 for scientific papers on populations and behaviour of northern animals.

While a student, he used the first part of the summer vacations to climb in the far north and the second part to work as a deer-stalking gillie in the Cairngorms. He is also one of the pioneers of ski-mountaineering. As a mountaineer and ski-mountaineer since boyhood, he experienced Scotland, Iceland, mainland Canada and Baffin Island on foot and ski, and climbed in Norway, Swedish Lapland, Newfoundland, Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Vancouver Island and Alaska.

In 1954 he seconded Tom Patey when they climbed most of the rock routes in the Cairngorms during checks for the Scottish Mountaineering Club’s first climbers’ guide there. Later in 1954 he became a member of the SMC and since 1968 author of the Club’s District Guide to the Cairngorms.

In 1971 he was Chief Expert Witness to the Crown in the Cairngorm Disaster Fatal Accident Inquiry. For many years independent scientific monitor at the three ski areas in the Cairngorms, he has also given technical advice at Scotland’s other two ski areas.

His main professional research was on the population biology, behaviour, habitats and environment of northern birds and mammals, and he contributed hundreds of scientific publications on these and other topics. In recognition of this, during 1971 he was promoted to Senior Principal Scientific Officer for Special Merit in Research.

The Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture

The idea for the award has been modelled on ‘The Summit of Excellence Award’ introduced at the Banff Mountain Film Festival in 1987 and awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to mountain life in the Canadian Rockies.

In rewarding the best of the best contributors to mountain culture nominees are required to fill at least two of the following four criteria:

- Has promoted Mountain Culture over a sustained period of time and not less than 5 years. This promotion can take the form of outdoor enthusiast / writer / rescuer / artist / photographer / musician or any combination of the above

- Has encouraged and/or educated others to engage and indulge in Mountain Culture in physical / artistic or musical methods

- Is or has been inspired by Mountain Culture and support it in all its various forms

Has ‘achieved’ within their own field of Mountain Culture & Excellence

Mike Pescod, Chairman of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival, said: ‘To some people, like Dr Adam Watson, the draw of the mountains is so strong that they devote their entire life to them and make a massive contribution to the culture surrounding them in doing so. Recognition of their talent and commitment is rarely sought or given and this award is one opportunity to do so. We feel that this award not only celebrates their achievements and contributions but also represents the recognition of their peers.

‘By awarding one exceptional individual every year we are creating a list of ambassadors who represent the best in Mountain Culture in Scotland and beyond. We believe that the continuing success of the Fort William Mountain Festival, together with an increase in its significance and importance by the annual presentation of this award, will also be reflected in economic and cultural benefits to the people of Scotland, particularly those that are resident in mountain or rural communities.’

The prestigious Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture has its integrity ensured by a further set of criteria. Potential recipients should:

- Have inspired others in their particular field and beyond within the scope of Scottish Mountain Culture

- Have influenced at a national/international level.

Organisers of The Scottish Bike Show (TSBS), Scotland’s consumer cycle show, being staged at the SECC, Glasgow, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 April 2012, have today (Thursday 2 February) announced that Rockstar Energy Drink are to sponsor the BSD BMX Team’s jaw dropping displays and jam sessions all weekend.

Some of the UK’s best BMX riders, including Kriss Kyle, Mike Taylor, Matt Roe, Chaz Mailey, Sean Lafferty, Niki Croft, Alex Donnachie will thrill the crowds with their crazy stunts and tricks on the amazing indoor street park throughout the show.

Gordon Donald, UK Brand Manager of Rockstar Energy Drink, said: “We look forward to showcasing our new 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink product innovation at the Scottish Bike Show as well as working with the BSD BMX team to put on an awesome BMX event.”

Rockstar Energy Drink have also announced that Christian Hatcher, 44 Racing Rockstar MTB team owner and rider in the Schwalbe British 4X Series (masters), will be at the event, together with a number of other Rockstar Energy Drink athletes.

TSBS organisers are also pleased to announce that the exhibitor list for the show continues to grow.   Recent brands and organisations to have signed up include Schwalbe, CTC, Scottish Cycling, Ridelines, Glasgow Sport and Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Rowan Mackie, from event organisers Magdala Media, said: “We are delighted that the list of quality exhibitors for the show keeps growing.  I would like to thank all sponsors, partners and exhibitors for their early and continued backing for The Scottish Bike Show, the best possible platform to showcase cycling in all its forms to the Scottish public and visitors from all over the UK.”

The full list of sponsors, partners and exhibitors include: 7Stanes, Alpine Bikes, Batribike, BSD , Continental, CTC, Cycle Law Scotland, Cycling Scotland, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Dig BMX Magazine, FreeFlow Bikes, Future Publishing, Glasgow Life, Highland Perthshire Cycling, Hooked on Cycling, Intrepid Apparel, Milano Pro-Sport, Pedal Power, Pocket Mountains, Purple Harry, Rock Star Energy Drin, Ronde, Schwalbe UK, Scottish Cycling, Singletrack Magazine, Sustrans, The Bike Chain, The Bike Station, Trakke, Upgrade Bikes Ltd, Unit 23, VisitScotland, Walkers Cycling, Wheelsmith.co.uk.

Entries for the Scottish Bike Show Sportive, Scotland’s newest long distance mass participation road cycling event, being staged in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park on Sunday 15 April 2012 are rising fast..  450 cyclists from all over the UK have already signed up for one of two routes offered- a 100-mile Sportive ride and a 65-mile Challenge ride. Cyclists can enter the Sportive online and claim a free ticket to The Scottish Bike Show by visiting: http://www.thescottishbikeshow.com/sportive.

To celebrate the inaugural Scottish Bike Show Sportive thecyclejersey.com have designed a striking retro cycle jersey and some t-shirts.  These can be purchased  direct  from www.thecyclejersey.com.

Following the huge success of TSBS in 2011 organisers, Magdala Media, have added an extra day to next year’s show.  They have also increased the exhibition space by more than 1200 square metres allowing for more exhibitors, more brands, more challenges and promotions, more displays and features and bigger test tracks to keep the projected 10,000 visitors entertained all weekend.

For the second year running Scotland’s growing cycling community - road, mountain bike, bmx and leisure riders and commuters - will have an all encompassing cycle show right on their door step.  With an expanded number of independent bike shops, distributors and manufacturers selling a huge range of the latest bikes, cycle gear, clothing and accessories; a central arena hosting jaw dropping cycle stunt displays, from among others the BSD BMX stunt team; have a go bike test sessions and Scotland’s cycling organisations and cycle centres offering expert advice, there will be something for everyone.

Tickets prices for the Scottish Bike Show are great value for money and remain at the 2011 prices - £7.50 adults, £5.50 kids and £20 for a family ticket - 2 adults, 2 kids - if you book online in advance. Tickets on the door:  £10.00 adults, £7.50 kids and £27.00 family ticket.

For the latest updates visit thescottishbikeshow.com;

or facebook: www.facebook.com/thescottishbikeshow or twitter: @ScottBikeShow - email: info@thescottishbikeshow.com

Plus, prepare for your jaw to hit the floor as MTBcut’s Stu Thomson presents his latest film collaboration, ‘Industrial Revolutions’ with the incredible street trials riding star Danny Mackaskill.  This time out, Danny shows off those incredible bike skills in an industrial train yard and some derelict buildings. You’ll never look at an industrial landscape in the same way again!  ‘Industrial Revolutions’ has just won ‘Best Tube Length video in the ‘Best Shorts’ awards in California USA; and has had 4,512,951 views on You Tube.

That’s not all – we’ll also be treated to films of other top riders doing things that the rest of us wish we could in ‘3 Minute Gaps’ in which acclaimed film-maker Clay Porter follows the global journey of the very best of World Cup Riders as they train, race, live and make history!

The Mountain Festival is also proud to première the new film from local biking heroes, ‘The Dudes of Hazzard’.  Check out their facebook page to find out more.  One of the Dudes, Jo Barnes, who rides for the MTBcut Race Team, will also be on hand for a Q & A session.

The bike evening will be compѐred by Andy McKenna, founder of Go-Where Scotland mountain bike company.

The bike night is proudly supported by Alpine Bikes.

The 2012 Fort William Mountain Festival, presented by the Outdoor Capital of the UK, has now been announced and it’s set to be a fantastic five-day celebration of mountain culture, based in the bustling Highland town of Fort William from Wednesday 15 - Sunday 19 February 2012. This year’s festival includes a superb line-up of lectures from top climbers and mountaineers, mountain bikers, and mountain filmmakers; and film screenings from cutting edge outdoor athletes and adventurers.

To find out more and to buy your festival tickets go to - www.mountainfestival.co.uk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-William-Mountain-Festival/154775561231188

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/FWMOUNTAINFEST

Mary Ann is a multi-award winning singer, composer, classical musician, and radio and TV presenter. Originally from a Gaelic-speaking musical family in Glasgow, Mary Ann now lives and works from her base at Watercolour Music Studios, a residential recording studios and creative retreat developed by herself and husband Nick Turner, near Fort William.

Mary Ann and accompanying singers will perform a very special contemporary piece called Bliadhna an t-Sneachd Dhuibh, ‘Black Snow’. This wonderful evening showcases the beauty and power of uplifting Highland music that’s like no other.

Originally written for a commission giving the Scottish perspective on snow and ice, Mary Ann turned to her Gaelic-speaking background for inspiration to create a work contemporary in nature but informed and inspired by the relationship between Gaels and the natural world around them, as illustrated in poetry, song and lore. It interplays between a recorded background of natural, synthesised and manipulated sounds, and four female singers to dramatic effect.  ‘Black Snow’ will be a tasty cultural treat to kick off the 2012 Fort William Mountain Festival in style.

Mary Ann Kennedy is also a well-known voice on BBC Radio Scotland and Radio 3. Her profile as a world/roots music presenter on radio and television was recognised in 2007, when she was named ‘Radio Presenter of the Year’ at the international Celtic Media Awards.

For full details of the commission ‘Black Snow’ and on Mary Ann Kennedy visit - http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk/programme/wednesday-15th-february/

To find out more about Mary Ann Kennedy’s music visit www.maryannkennedy.co.uk

Tickets: £45 per person - ticket includes 4-course meal and concert (black tie event)

The 2012 Fort William Mountain Festival, presented by the Outdoor Capital of the UK, has now been announced and it’s set to be a fantastic five-day celebration of mountain culture, based in the bustling Highland town of Fort William from Wednesday 15 - Sunday 19 February 2012. This year’s festival includes a superb line-up of lectures from top climbers and mountaineers, mountain bikers, and mountain filmmakers; and film screenings from cutting edge outdoor athletes and adventurers.

To find out more and to buy your festival tickets go to - www.mountainfestival.co.uk/

Get ready for a mountain party! The full programme for the 2012 Fort William Mountain Festival, presented by the Outdoor Capital of the UK, has now been announced and it’s set to be a fantastic five-day celebration of mountain culture, based in the bustling Highland town of Fort William from Wednesday 15 - Sunday 19 February 2012.

From armchair adventurers to weekend warriors, to the international mountain community, the enthusiastic audience coming to Fort William for the 2012 festival will be inspired, energized and entertained by  a superb line-up of lectures from top climbers and mountaineers, mountain bikers, and mountain filmmakers; and film screenings from cutting edge outdoor athletes and adventurers.

Opening Night - Join the mountain festival revellers for a sumptuous four-course dinner at Nevis Range’s new Pinemarten Restaurant and enjoy a special musical performance from award-winning Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy and singers who will perform a unique, contemporary piece called ‘Black Snow’. This wonderful evening showcases the beauty and power of uplifting Highland music that’s like no other.

Bike Night - Get ready for a full-on evening of mountain bike action in the company of British mountain-bike legend Steve Peat as he talks about his riding, career and what’s next for Peaty. Plus feel your jaw drop as MTB Cut’s Stu Thomson presents his latest collaboration, ‘Industrial Revolutions’ with the incredible street trials riding star Danny Mackaskill.  That’s not all - we’ll also be treated to films of other top riders doing those things they do that the rest of us wish we could!

Mountaineering Night - Join highly experienced Arctic explorer Bob Shepton for the film of his breathtaking sailing and big-wall climbing expedition among Greenland’s fjords. The plan: load a 33-ft sailing boat with climbers, take them to some of the most remote and highest big walls in the world and watch them go! This amazing adventure culminated in an ascent of an 850-metre sea wall straight from the sea.  Plus a screening of award-winning film ‘The Long Hope’ by Paul Diffley featuring the incomparable Dave MacLeod and his 1000ft ascent of St John’s Head on the Island of Hoy in only one day!

Climbing Night - A lecture from the maverick master of climbing Johnny Dawes. This quirky show involves unseen video, award-winning film, writings, drawings and Dawes’s notorious approach to communicating using metaphor and humour. What lies at the centre of genius and how do you find it? Where does the limit lie? Come along for an entertaining evening exploring the links between climbing and art, the universe and everything!

The Best of Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Film Night - Always a sell-out, this is your chance to see the best in inspiring mountain films from around the world. This year’s selection includes incredible films about skiing, ice-climbing, slack-lining, mountain rescues and, oh yes, one Australian’s quest to follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan. Don’t miss it!

There will also be plenty of opportunity for both novices and experts to hone their skills through inspirational workshops in mountain skills, avalanche awareness, winter walking and winter climbing in the Outdoor Capital; as well as both indoor climbing and ice climbing at Kinlochleven’s Ice Factor Indoor Climbing Centre.

To find out more and to buy your festival tickets go to - www.mountainfestival.co.uk/

The Fort William Mountain festival wish to thank the following sponsors and supporters: Outdoor Capital of the UK, Ellis-Brigham, Alpine Bikes, Marine Harvest, Nevis Range, Hotscot, Nevis Cycles, Tiso, John Muir Trust, Allround Signs, Crannog Restaurant, Highland Wood Energy, Nevissport, No Fuss Events, Big Tree Campervans, Nevispix, Highland Activities, Abacus Mountain guides, Trailab, Granite House, Bill Scott Architects.

Ends

Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-William-Mountain-Festival/154775561231188

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/FWMOUNTAINFEST

Useful Websites:

Fort William Mountain Festival 2011 - http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk

Outdoor Capital of the UK- http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/

You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/user/FortWilliamFestival

Sponsor and Supporters: The Fort William Mountain festival wish to thank the following sponsors and supporters: Outdoor Capital of the UK, Ellis-Brigham, Alpine Bikes, Marine Harvest, Nevis Range, Hotscot, Nevis Cycles, Tiso, John Muir Trust, Allround Signs, Crannog Restaurant, Highland Wood Energy, Nevissport, No Fuss Events, Big Tree Campervans, Nevispix, Highland Activities, Abacus Mountain guides, Trailab, Granite House, Bill Scott Architects.

Presenting Partner: The Outdoor capital of the UK - http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/.

Formed in 2003, the Outdoor Capital is a not-for-profit community company established to promote Fort William and Lochaber as the best place to experience the outdoors in the UK; with the vision: To establish and maintain Fort William and Lochaber as the UK’s premier destination for outdoor pursuits and adventure tourism in an exceptional natural environment.

Visitors interested in the outdoors are increasingly important to economy and community of Lochaber. There are over 65 different activities to choose from in an amazing landscape that encompasses the small isles to Ben Nevis with white water rivers, sea, lochs, beaches, forest, glens, cliffs and mountains in between.

Festival Organisers: The Highland Mountain Culture Association Limited, is a not for profit organisation, whose aim is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places and people, by creating opportunities for people of all ages to share their mountain experiences, ideas and visions. To showcase these ideals, it stages annually a programme of events within the Lochaber area, called The Fort William Mountain Festival.

TweedLove, the ten day Bike Festival set in the very bike-friendly Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders, has announced a major new all-mountain enduro race to be staged at Forestry Commission Scotland’s Glentress on 27 May 2012.

In a new take on the gravity enduro format The King and Queen of the Hill, the first UK event to be sponsored by Swedish kit brand POC, will see riders compete to be crowned the ‘official ruler’ of Glentress, widely recognised as Britain’s best trail centre.

The course will take riders to near the very top of Glentress Forest’s big hill, and then right back down again, by way of a series of timed race and linking stages, with riders required to have at least one uphill stage included in their overall points score. The King and Queen of the Hill also features a massive final descent stage, running from near Spooky Wood all the way back down to Peebles, with a big proportion of natural trails along the route.

Event organiser Neil Dalgleish said: “If you’re going to be the King or Queen of Glentress, you’ve got to rule the whole hill, which means you need to be decent going up as well as a ripper coming down. The final descent is going to be a real challenge for all the riders with a mix of Glentress signature man-made track as well as off-camber roots, natural, tight technical and fast open sections all the way from the top of the hill, right down to the bottom.”

With Alpine Bikes already in place as sponsor of the whole TweedLove bike festival, the organisers reckon they have scored another coup by attracting Swedish helmets, armour and clothing brand, POC, as headline event sponsor. (To find out more about POC visit http://pocsports.com)

Neil Dalgleish said: “We’re totally delighted to be working with POC - it’s the perfect brand for this event.  This is the first UK race that POC has got on board with. They’re one of the coolest brands in the world of bikes right now, and we’re going to make sure this event totally rocks. Winners of the race will be crowned with the POC Trabec, the perfect enduro helmet fit for any King or Queen of the Hill.”

Another first for the ‘King and Queen of the Hill’ is that it will start and finish in the town of Peebles, in the grounds of the renowned Peebles Hotel Hydro.

Neil Dalgleish said: “The Peebles Hotel Hydro is a beautiful hotel, with amazing grounds all round it - and the trails roll right down to their door.  It’s the perfect spot for the event HQ.”

Entries for the race are now open on the TweedLove website - http://tweedlove.com/ -  which has more info on the race and the whole TweedLove programme - ten days of good times on and off the bike.

TweedLove would like to thank: Forestry Commission Scotland, Peebles Hotel Hydro, POC, Alpine Bikes, 2pure and EventScotland for their help and support.

Website: http://tweedlove.com/

Twiiter - @tweedlovefest

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/TweedLove/138953616122719

POC King & Queen of the Hill is sponsored by POC - POC is a Swedish company, built on a strong mission; to do everything they possibly can to save lives and reduce consequences of accidents for gravity sports athletes by developing and renewing what personal protection is all about. POC has, in many ways, already set a new standard when it comes to technical solutions, construction, material combinations and engineering. Their clean, minimal and bright helmets, armour, clothing, goggles and sunglasses are a breath of fresh air to the market.  To find out more about POC visit http://pocsports.com.   POC are distributed in the UK by 2pure. T: 0844 811 2001 | E: info@2pure.com

TweedLove 2012 is sponsored by Alpine Bikes - http://www.alpinebikes.com/

Peebles Hotel Hydro special offer - Book during January - 50% off a 2012 break, June rate is £62.50 per person per night and includes dinner, bed & breakfast, leisure club facilities. At weekends it is usually a minimum 2-night stay.  The special offer mountain bikers’ rate is £49 per person per night in a single bedroom and includes bed & breakfast.  http://www.peebleshydro.co.uk/

TweedLove 2012 is supported by EventScotland - EventScotland is the national events agency.  EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org.

The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage and is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.

Scottish Borders Council - http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/

Entries for Glentress Seven (GT7), the seven-hour endurance mtb event at the UK’s best trail centre on Saturday 2 June 2012, have been dramatically reduced; even lower than 2011 prices.

Solo Entry - January Sale: £32 / Standard 2012 Price: £40

Pair Entry - January Sale: £60 / Standard 2012 Price: £70

Trio Entry - January Sale: £85 / Standard 2012 Price: £100

Entries now open - http://glentress7.eventbrite.co.uk/ - January Sale ends 14 January 2012

The first Glentrees Seven, the flagship event of the TweedLove bike festival, was a huge success, with much praise on leading mountain bike forums for the impressive amount of normally unavailable natural trails and new sections in the mix:

‘Immense course - no let up - either up or down - loved it! Organisation was excellent - got to be definite for next year.’

‘The best mtb enduro course I have ridden… [including] races at Eastnor, Sandwell, Trentham, Catton Park, Kirroughtree and Nevis Range.’

‘The best mtb enduro course I have ridden and that’s comparing it to Wiggle enduro 6, SITS, Mountain Mayhem and various others’;

‘I loved the course. Plenty of technical interest and some tough climbs. This was no muddy field!’

TweedLove organiser Neil Dalgleish said: ‘Times are tough for lots of us, and we’ve done our best to keep the Glentress Seven prices low. In comparison to similar mountain bike endurance events our standard prices are looking extremely competitive and great value.  So our January sale is a great chance to enter a top quality event and save lots of dosh. After all, everyone loves a bargain in the sales!’

The extended ten-day TweedLove bike festival programme of open races, big guided rides (both on and off road), film (including a film-making competition) and concert nights, dual slalom and barbecue and a series of informal ride-outs will run from 26 May to 5 June 2012.  It will include the double bank holiday in early June.

Neil Dalgleish added: ‘TweedLove will be bigger and better than ever.  We’re building on all events within the programme that worked well and  we’re developing lots more exciting new events to attract even more riders of all ages and experience levels to the area.  And as we’re including the double bank holiday weekend, it looks like being a bit of a party!’

More info on TweedLove bike festival can be found on the website at: http://tweedlove.com/

HPC, a voluntary group set up in November 2009 to promote and develop cycling in Highland Perthshire, will announce the full details of next year’s Festival programme in January 2012.  However highlights of the programme that will showcase the fantastic opportunities for cycling on and off road throughout the area include:

The BIG Day with Graeme Obree; Aberfeldy - A community and family focused event with Scottish cycling legend Graeme Obree - Free and fun

All Ability Cycling Event - An opportunity for locals and visitors with disabilities and learning difficulties to have a go at cycling on specially adapted bike

Women’s Cycle Workshop - A day workshop for women to improve skills and confidence run by Mission WOW

Cyclo Cross Event - An after school Cyclo Cross competition for young people

Tay Titans Highland Perthshire Cross Country - A youth cross country competition

Dunkeld Cycle Fun Day - An opportunity for families to try out the new cycle course and obstacle course with coaching and bike hire

Cycling Polo Competition

Various Schools Events

Skills courses including Etape Caledonia training, coaching sessions, promotions and a programme of ride outs with local riders across the regions

Highland Perthshire Cycling

HPC aim to promote and facilitate more cycling in Highland Perthshire and to

make the area a Cycle Friendly Community:

To support, develop and promote cycling as a sport, and as a leisure activity within Highland Perthshire, particularly in schools, community groups and youth groups

To organise and run events as part of the annual Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival

To improve, and to encourage and support others to improve, the cycling infrastructure in the area

To promote cycle tourism within Highland Perthshire

To support local cycle clubs and other cycling organisations where appropriate

Cycle Routes for mountain bikes in Highland Perthshire

HPC have highlighted 16 accessible cycle routes throughout Highland perthshire, ranging from easy flat riverside paths to more challenging treks into the hills. They are ideal for families and visitors to the area who enjoy getting out on their bike, but may be unsure about where to go. What makes these routes different is that the relevant landowners have been contacted and have approved the routes as cycle trails; and provided cyclists read and act on the information specific to each route regarding access, they will be welcomed as responsible cyclists.

To download the route maps go to:

http://www.cyclehighlandperthshire.com/home/routes---facilities/mountain-bike-routes/16-off-road-route-cards-to-down-load.aspx

The programme for the 2012 Fort William Mountain Festival, presented by the Outdoor Capital of the UK, will take place throughout Fort William and Lochaber from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 February 2012.

From armchair adventurers to weekend warriors, to the international mountain community, the enthusiastic audience coming to Fort William for the 2012 festival will be inspired, energized and entertained by the diverse programme that promotes the mountains as an attractive, accessible and above all enjoyable place to be.  It includes a superb line up of lectures from top climbers and mountaineers, mountain bikers, and mountain filmmakers; and film screenings from cutting edge outdoor athletes and adventurers.

The full details of the eleventh festival programme will not be announced until January 2012.  However organisers have promised a five-day feast of lectures, film screenings and workshops for residents and visitors who want to learn about and celebrate mountain culture and the true spirit of adventure; during the best winter walking and climbing conditions of the year.

Programme highlights include:

Opening Night - A dinner at Nevis Range’s new Pinemarten Restaurant with a special musical performance from Mary Ann Kennedy who will perform a unique, contemporary piece called “Black Snows”.

Bike Night - An evening in the company of mountain bike legend Steve Peat and The Dudes of Hazzard.  Film Screenings and Q & A sessions.

Mountaineering Night - A lecture from Bob Shepton, a highly experienced Arctic explorer.  It follows his breathtaking sailing and big wall climbing expedition in Greenland.  A screening of ‘The Long Hope’ a film by Paul Diffley featuring Dave MacLeod and his 1000ft ascent of St John’s Head on the Island of Hoy in a day!

Climbing Night - Lecture with the master of climbing Johnny Dawes.  This is an unusual show involving unseen video, award winning film, writings, drawings and his notorious approach to communicating using metaphor and humour. What lies at the centre of genius and how to find it? Where does the limit lie? How will climbing involve art, rehabilitation, and invention? These are the subjects that a lifetime of pushing and pulling have left behind.

The Best of Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Film Night - The most inspiring mountain films from around the world will once again be the festival hot ticket

The winner of the 2012 Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture will be announced during the festival.  Previous winners who have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to mountain culture include: Ian Sykes (Spike) (2011), Jimmy Marshall (2010), Richard Else (2009) and Dr. Hamish McInnes (2008).

The Fort William Mountain Festival Film Competition is open for entries.  Budding outdoor and adventure filmmakers are invited to enter their mountain culture related work into the competition that champions outdoor adventure, breathtaking mountain landscape and the culture that surrounds it.  Entries are open until 16 January 2012 and the winners will be announced during the festival in February.  For full details of the film competition and entry details go to; http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk/film-competition-2012/

There will also be plenty of opportunity for both novices and experts to hone their skills through inspirational workshops in mountain skills, avalanche awareness, winter walking and winter climbing in the Outdoor Capital; as well as both indoor climbing and ice climbing at Kinlochleven’s Ice Factor Indoor Climbing Centre.

To be kept up to date with the Fort William Mountain Festival programme go to - http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk/

It is hoped tickets will be on sale by early January 2012 - please visit the http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk for updates.

Ends

Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-William-Mountain-Festival/154775561231188

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/FWMOUNTAINFEST

Useful Websites:

Fort William Mountain Festival 2011 - http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk

Outdoor Capital of the UK- http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/

You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/user/FortWilliamFestival

Sponsor and Supporters:

The Fort William Mountain festival wish to thank the following sponsors and supporters: Outdoor Capital of the UK, Ellis-Brigham, Alpine Bikes, Marine Harvest, Nevis Range, Nevis Cycles, Hotscot, Crannog Restaurant, Highland Wood Energy, No Fuss Events, Big Tree Campervans, Nevispix.

Santa takes a break from getting ready for Christmas to talk about how he loves riding in the Tweed Valley.

Dates for next year’s TweedLove bike festival have also been announced.  The extended ten-day programme of open races, big guided rides (both on and off road), film (including a film-making competition) and concert nights, dual slalom and barbecue and a series of informal ride-outs will run from 26 May to 5 June.  It also includes the double bank holiday in early June.

The programme will again include the hugely successful Glentress Seven endurance event to be staged at Forestry Commission Scotland’s 7stanes Glentress on Saturday 2 June. There are also plans to include other new events including an ‘all-mountain’ enduro event.

For more information on TweedLove bike festival 2012 please visit the website - http://tweedlove.com/