Wild Connections in Perthshire

Wildlife walks will be taking place as part of the festival

Perthshire's wildlife will be in the spotlight this weekend when the area hosts a nature festival.

Wild Connections runs from 9 to 17 October and will feature a series of walks, talks and activities.

Award-winning wildlife photographer Peter Cairns will share his skills and enthusiasm with participants in a photography masterclass.

The Tayside Raptor Study Group will lead walks discovering the birds of prey to be found in the area.

Other events planned for the festival include a walk up Schiehallion in the company of guides from the John Muir Trust, a red deer foray, a red squirrel walk and a crann-apple cider festival.

Photography masterclasses are on the festival programme

Festival organiser Adrian Davis said: "We have a rich tapestry of wildlife in Highland Perthshire which is especially prevalent at this time of year.

"With the market for wildlife tourism clearly growing, we have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate to people the wild beauty of visiting Highland Perthshire, not just in the autumn but throughout the year.

"We want to ensure Wild Connections becomes a destination event in every wildlife lover's calendar."

The festival is supported by a variety of wildlife organisations including the Forestry Commission, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Perthshire Big Tree Country.

Wild Connections launches in Dunkeld on 9 October with the Wild Gathering featuring an open-air market and free tasters of mountain-biking, orienteering, children's craft workshops and a wild food ramble.