Those behind the 2008 mountain festival, to run from February 15-23, have promised a nine-day extravaganza of films, lectures, guided walks, workshops, exhibitions, literature, photography and music for residents and visitors who want to learn about and celebrate mountain culture.

The Nevis Partnership, a charitable company committed to protecting, managing and maintaining the unique and special environment of Ben and Glen Nevis and the surrounding area, will be the main presenting partner for the 2008 festival.

The diverse programme of new events and old favourites sees a wide selection of cultural and sporting events and activities in Fort William and Lochaber during the best winter walking and climbing conditions of the year.

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday in Glen Nevis, chairman of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, Mike Pescod said: "Our 2008 programme that includes top climbers, paddlers, mountain bikers, inspirational speakers, international films and public art will cater for everyone of all ages from extreme adrenaline junkies to outdoor enthusiasts and creative writers.

"We will be presenting the first Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture and we now have the best prizes in the UK for a mountain film competition thanks to the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

"We are also delighted to be welcoming a superb line-up of guests from the worlds of mountaineering, biking and paddling including Jo Gambi, Kenton Cool, Billy Savage, Cameron McNeish and Corran Addison to Fort William throughout the festival."

The 2008 Fort William Mountain Festival will host the first ever UK Slacklining Championships – The UK Slacklining Masters in association with EventScotland. Slacklining is a balance sport distinct from tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut; it is instead dynamic, stretching, bouncing and swaying like a long rubber band. The dynamic nature of the line allows for impressive tricks and stunts testing both focus and nerve.

This year festival organisers have introduced Scotland's first annual award for excellence in mountain culture – The Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, sponsored by Alcan Primary Metal Europe, to celebrate outstanding contributions to Scotland's mountains, encompassing sport, theatre, art, photography, film and literature.

This unique national award, which will celebrate the achievements of one inspiring individual every year, will be presented to the first recipient on the last night of the 2008 festival.

Slackliner John Ritson braves the Lochaber winter weather to walk across the Lower Falls of the River Nevis, marking the launch of the Fort William Mountain Festival. The Write Image, 01349 703323

Other festival highlights include the official opening night "Party at Nevis Range"; a Paddle Sports evening with kayaking legend Corran Addison; a celebration of 75 years of the Mountain Rescue Service, the Nevis Connections evening celebrating the spirit of Nevis in music, poetry, prose photography and film; an intriguing insight into legends of road and mountain biking, and a mountaineering evening with Jo Gambi, the first woman to climb the seven highest mountains in seven continents and ski to the North and South Poles.

After the success of previous years' film competitions, the Fort William Mountain Festival 2008 has again offered the opportunity for both amateur and professional film makers from across the globe to showcase their work and share their passion for sport, culture and the environment.

This year the organisers have worked with the Outdoor Capital of the UK to more than double the film competition prize fund; now the best prizes in the UK for a mountain film competition. The short-listed films will receive their premieres at the Nevis Centre on February 18.

Anna Trafford, project director of Outdoor Capital of the UK, said: 'We are proud to work with the Fort William Mountain Festival in celebrating mountain culture. With significant prizes now on offer – £1,000 for the best Scottish film, £1,000 for best international film, £600 for best short film and £400 for best young film maker – we urge all film-makers both professional and amateur who value our unique mountain heritage to enter.

"Here in Lochaber we are already looking forward to a great evening's entertainment watching the results of the competition."

The John Muir Trust open writing competition, the people's choice original art competition and the photographic competition also return for another year.

s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk

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