Outwith Festival: Sixth year comes to a close at weekend

There was plenty on offer this year with an abundance of firsts.

Kicking off the packed programme was a first visit to Outwith by the National Theatre of Scotland, who along with Grid Iron staged a sold out play about June Carter Cash.

The cast of Gregory’s Girl reunited for the first time since filming the iconic movie, in what was an emotional reunion, while Big Country played a hometown gig.

Staying with the music, one of the big attractions is the all-dayer - with more than 30 bands and artists playing across seven venues in the city. 

One wristband gave access to all with the likes of Das Koolies, Beatnic Prestige, Nati, Kirsten Adamson, Foreignfox, Dovv, The Castros, Sunstinger and the Deep Blue all playing sets.

During an In Conversation event with BBC Scotland broadcaster Nicola Meighan, Dunfermline's own singer-songwriter Barbara Dickson spoke of how important it is for Fife to stage its own cultural events.

There was plenty on offer this year with an abundance of firsts at the festival. (Image: David Wardle)

There was also the opportunity to hear about author Alasdair Gray, whose book Poor Things was recently made into a film starring actress Emma Stone.

There were more gentler pursuits too with some 'Glen bathing' taking place in Pittencrieff Park. This form of relaxation is Dunfermline’s answer to forest bathing, a practice of being calm, quiet and relaxing amongst the trees.

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Jane Livingstone, co-founder of the festival, said the organisers are thrilled with this year's festival. (Image: David Wardle)

Jane Livingstone, co-founder of the festival, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s festival, our most ambitious yet and with more sold out events than ever before.

"It was a privilege to welcome the National Theatre of Scotland and the cast of Gregory’s Girl to the line up along with very special homecoming performances by Barbara Dickson and Big Country.

“At the same time we’re delighted to see audiences for smaller events such as spoken word poetry grow year on year.

This year was the festival's sixth. (Image: David Wardle)

“The Outwith team is made up entirely of volunteers and, as with the arts everywhere, funding is limited, so when you see so many people having a brilliant time together engaging with art, live music and film in Dunfermline, it feels fantastic.

“We’re already looking forward to Outwith 25!”

The festival ran from September 3 to 8, and was supported by the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and Fife Council.