5 hours ago
Alan Cumming Launches "Out In The Hills" Festival to Uplift Queer and Trans Voices in Scotland
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In January 2026, the historic Highland town of Pitlochry will host a landmark event for Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community and allies:"Out In The Hills," a three-day festival curated by acclaimed actor and activist Alan Cumming. Taking place from 16–18 January at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, the festival promises an ambitious line-up of theatre, music, film, literature, and conversations aimed at uplifting queer and transgender voices during a period of cultural backlash across the UK and beyond .
Conceived as a direct response to increasing hostility faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people, Cumming describes the festival as “a weekend of queer joy” and an urgent statement of solidarity. “It’s about a celebration and about a time in our history when queer people, and especially trans people, are being persecuted and legislated against,” he told Attitude. “I felt it was just such a good thing to remind everyone of the huge contribution that queer people have made to our culture, and to celebrate that, and to also bring a little bit of light and fun and joy into the Scottish winter” .
"Out In The Hills" assembles an impressive roster of artists and public figures, bringing together established icons and emerging voices. Highlights include:
- Sir Ian McKellen performing in"Equinox," a new one-man play written by Laurie Slade and directed by Sean Mathias .
- Alan Cumming himself starring in"Me and the Girls," a new adaptation of Noël Coward’s story by Neil Bartlett .
- A conversation between Alan Cumming and broadcaster Graham Norton .
- Readings from Juano Diaz’s memoir"Slum Boy," accompanied by percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie .
The program also features panels, performances, and workshops that celebrate LGBTQ+ history, challenge stereotypes, and create a sense of intergenerational community. Organizers emphasize the importance of including trans and non-binary voices, aiming for the festival to reflect the full spectrum of queer experience .
The festival’s timing and message are especially significant in the context of recent political developments in Scotland and the UK. As Cumming notes, Scotland’s Parliament passed a bill to make it easier for transgender people to self-identify, but the legislation was blocked by the UK government and has become the subject of protracted legal and political battles. This has contributed to a broader climate of backlash and hostility toward transgender people, a trend mirrored in other parts of the world .
By foregrounding queer and trans stories,"Out In The Hills" seeks to “redress the balance”—countering negativity with creativity and joy. Cumming told The Stage that the festival is “not just theatre, it will bring in events discussing all things LGBTQIA+, and will be a place where people can feel seen and heard” . The event’s rural Highland setting is also intentional, challenging the notion that LGBTQ+ culture is confined to urban centers and making space for queer visibility in all communities .
"Out In The Hills" is designed to be more than an arts festival; it is a statement of resilience and a call to solidarity at a moment when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat. By gathering a diverse crowd of artists, activists, and allies, the festival aims to foster new connections, inspire pride, and remind attendees of the strength and creativity within queer communities.
Cumming’s vision is clear: “Hopefully, trying to redress the balance a little, and to show that queer and trans people are not just under siege—they are thriving, they are contributing, and they are here to stay” . The festival's ethos is one of affirmation, inclusivity, and joy—an antidote to fear and division.
Organizers hope that"Out In The Hills" will become an annual tradition, serving as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ people in Scotland and beyond—demonstrating that, even in challenging times, queer and trans voices can illuminate the world.
