Gordon Brown's Great Outdoors

July 31, 2010 - PRLog -- Gordon Brown was seen relaxing in the great outdoors this morning, attending the opening the third Fife Outdoor Access Festival at Lochore Meadows Country Park in Fife on Saturday 31st July with his two sons.

The local member of parliament for Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath, and former Prime Minister, is an avid supporter of the outdoors and has been enjoying the freedom to get out and about more in his home county, since returning to the area in May.  

Gordon Brown said, “I was really pleased to be asked to open this year’s Fife Outdoor Access Festival.  The significant rise in participants in 2010 demonstrates that Fife’s great outdoors is a treasure trove for walkers, climbers, kayakers, canoeists, horse riders and even man’s best friend.”

“I’m particularly pleased to hear that many of the Fife Outdoor Access Festival events are run by a small army of local volunteers. I’ve always believed that putting something back into your local community is a generous and selfless gesture. It is their collective enthusiasm and commitment which make this festival a key highlight of Scotland’s growing outdoor events calendar.”

The Fife Outdoor Access Festival has experienced its most popular year to date with more than 2,000 participants expected to take part in the Scotland’s only dedicated outdoor access festival, demonstrating a rise in participation of 100% on the previous year.

The extensive programme of over 100 outdoor events was launched in May and has proven popular with many of the events already sold out.  The festival is run jointly by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust and Fife Access Forum and the events are run by a wide range of over thirty voluntary, commercial and public sector organisations including Fife Council Outdoor Education Team, Ramblers Scotland, Forth and Tay Disabled Ramblers, British Horse Society and Blown Away Land Yachts.

This year’s festival also plays a key role in the “Celebrating Fife” campaign which is co-ordinated by Fife Council.  

Dorothy Browse, Service Manager, Libraries, Arts & Museums commented: "Fife Council’s investment in the Fife Outdoor Access Festival recognises its importance as a key event in this special year of culture. Celebrating Fife 2010 showcases Fife's unique environment, cultural identity and lifestyle activities. The programme of events and opportunities is ambitious, and aims to raise awareness of Fife's heritage and its hidden cultural gems. There is something here for everyone and we know that visitors will take away vibrant images and strong memories of the Kingdom".

The full programme of events can be viewed and booked online at: http://www.fifeoutdooraccessfestival.co.uk.