Alan Cumming Launches a Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Festival in Scotland

A Winter Celebration in the Heart of the Highlands

From January 16 to 18, 2026, the Scottish Highlands will come alive with Out in the Hills, a bold new festival spotlighting LGBTQ+ arts and culture. Hosted at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, less than two hours from Edinburgh, the event aims to brighten the dark Scottish winter with a dynamic lineup that includes theatre, music, dance, film screenings, literary discussions, and late-night festivities. This marks a first-of-its-kind national endeavor, merging queer creativity with one of Scotland’s most picturesque landscapes.

Alan Cumming: Spreading Light in Dark Times

At the helm of this visionary project is actor and director Alan Cumming, a renowned star of Broadway, film, and British television. In an interview with Attitude magazine, Cumming shared his inspiration for the festival—challenging seasonal gloom and rising anti-trans rhetoric with joy and celebration:

“At a time when queer people—and especially trans folks—are being targeted by regressive laws, I wanted to remind the world of the incredible cultural contributions we’ve made. And I wanted to do it with light, joy, and a touch of madness, even in the depths of a Scottish January.”

He also highlighted the political roots of the festival as a response to the UK Parliament’s rejection of a Scottish bill that sought to simplify legal gender recognition.

“That setback was deeply troubling. So I decided to answer with a celebration of the beauty and creativity of our lives.”

An Ambitious and Vibrant Lineup

Out in the Hills presents an exciting and eclectic program featuring:

• Me and the Girls – A dramatic reading of a lesser-known Noël Coward piece, where Alan Cumming revisits the hidden queer undertones of post-war British theatre.
• A candid conversation with Graham Norton and Alan Cumming – Expect laughter, personal stories, and authentic connection.
• A literary panel featuring celebrated writer Armistead Maupin (Tales of the City) and acclaimed poet Jackie Kay, both icons of queer literature.
• The exhibition “Camp Trans Scotland” – Highlighting initiatives that foster safe spaces for trans individuals.
• A queer céilidh – An inclusive twist on the traditional Scottish dance gathering.
• The roundtable “Match of the Gay” – Tackling LGBTQ+ visibility in the world of sports.

“Queer festivals have always been spaces for unexpected encounters,” says Cumming. “They’re where you meet new artists, exchange radical ideas, and feel seen, heard, and connected.”

A Festival for Everyone

Although rooted in LGBTQ+ identity, Out in the Hills is designed as a warm and inclusive space for all, inviting everyone to embrace and celebrate diversity:

“Queerness is a light in the darkness—it teaches us to celebrate difference and find beauty even in adversity. This festival is an open invitation for anyone who wants to share that spirit.”

The festival will welcome several high-profile guests, including Sir Ian McKellen, who is scheduled to appear for a special live reading. Yet for Cumming, the true success lies not only in attendance but in community engagement—both local and global:

“Scottish winters are long and dark. What better way to warm them up than with a queer festival?”

📍 Location: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Scottish Highlands (1 hour 45 minutes from Edinburgh)
🎟️ Tickets: General admission opens November 10, 2025