An invitation has been extended to local businesses to take part in the inaugural touchwood Festival due to take place Friday 1 and Saturday 2 June 2007 in the grounds of The Highland Football Academy, Dingwall.  The event is part of touchwood, Forestry Commission Scotland’s programme of flagship events to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Highland Culture in 2007.

As well as providing a new and exciting event in the Highland calendar, the festival aims to provide a promotional arena and networking opportunity for businesses working within the diverse industry that is the Highlands’ trees, woods, forests and environment.  It will provide a fresh platform to feature new and existing wood products and services and will also highlight the wider social and economic elements of our natural environment.

Kenny Murray, Project Manager for Forestry Commission Scotland’s touchwood programme said: “We are delighted that this new Festival is coming to Dingwall.  We are also pleased to announce that for the first time the Scottish WOODfair is leaving its Perth base to travel to Dingwall to join the touchwood Festival.  This is a new opportunity for businesses in the area to showcase their product to a wide audience and our aim is to deliver an exciting and entertaining programme of events to ensure a successful festival for all involved.

“Take up for the event has been high with businesses travelling from as far afield as The Borders.  We have only a few stands remaining and would encourage Highland businesses to take full advantage.”

Publicised across Central Scotland and the Highlands, the event expects to attract 4000 people over two days.

Businesses interested in exhibiting at the event can contact Nicola Martin on 01738 560933 or visit www.scottishwoodfair.co.uk to download a booking form.  For more information about touchwood celebratory events visit www.touchwood2007.org.uk.