Alan Cumming Unveils Scotland’s First LGBTQ+ Winter Arts Festival
Bringing Queer Joy to the Scottish Highlands
From January 16–18, 2026, the serene landscapes of the Scottish Highlands will become the vibrant backdrop for Out in the Hills—a pioneering LGBTQ+ arts and culture festival curated by actor and director Alan Cumming. Taking place at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, just under two hours from Edinburgh, this bold new event offers a colorful escape from the winter blues through a packed schedule of theatre, film, music, literature, dance, and late-night gatherings. As the first festival of its kind in Scotland, it aims to blend queer expression with Highland charm and community spirit.
Alan Cumming’s Vision: Joy, Visibility, and Resistance
The inspiration behind the festival comes straight from Cumming’s desire to use art as both celebration and activism. In an interview with Attitude magazine, the Tony-winning performer emphasized that creating joy in challenging times is a powerful act of resistance—especially amid rising anti-trans sentiment and regressive legislation:
“In a world where queer and trans lives are under attack, I wanted to shine a light—quite literally—on the strength, resilience, and beauty of our community. Even in January’s darkest days, we deserve to celebrate who we are.”
Cumming also acknowledged the festival’s political roots, referencing the UK Parliament’s decision to block a Scottish bill aimed at simplifying the gender recognition process:
“That denial felt like a gut punch. So rather than respond with anger, I chose to respond with art. With visibility. With something joyful and unapologetically queer.”
A Diverse and Daring Program
Out in the Hills promises an inspiring range of events and performances that showcase talent from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Highlights include:
- Me and the Girls – A dramatic revival of a lesser-known Noël Coward work, brought to life by Alan Cumming in a celebration of hidden queer narratives in post-war theatre.
- In Conversation: Graham Norton & Alan Cumming – A live, unscripted chat between two beloved icons discussing life, laughter, and lived experience.
- Literary Salon – Featuring legendary queer authors Armistead Maupin (Tales of the City) and Jackie Kay, poet and former Scots Makar.
- Camp Trans Scotland – A powerful visual exhibition exploring safe spaces created by and for the trans community in Scotland.
- Queer Céilidh – A fresh, inclusive twist on the traditional Scottish dance gathering, welcoming all identities to the dance floor.
- “Match of the Gay” Roundtable – Focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility in the world of sports.
“Queer festivals spark meaningful dialogue and discovery,” says Cumming. “They’re not just about entertainment—they’re about connection, visibility, and claiming space together.”
An Inclusive Celebration for All
While rooted in queer culture and expression, Out in the Hills is designed to be an open, inclusive celebration for everyone—regardless of identity or background.
“Queerness brings warmth, vibrancy, and resilience,” Cumming shares. “This festival is about embracing difference and finding community, together. If you believe in joy, you’re invited.”
The event will also feature special guests, including the legendary Sir Ian McKellen, who will participate in a live reading during the festival. Still, for Cumming, it’s not the celebrity names but the sense of togetherness—local and global—that truly defines success.
“The Scottish winter may be cold and dark, but what better time to shine a queer light and fill those hills with warmth and celebration?”
📍 Location: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Scottish Highlands (1 hour 45 minutes from Edinburgh)
🎟️ Ticket Info: General admission opens November 10, 2025