AN "amber alert" has been issued for a storm of music and culture due to pass across Perthshire this weekend.

Pictured are Edwina Hayes and Dougie MacLean warming up for his music extravaganza Perthshire Amber, which opens today with 250 musicians performing across 25 venues, from the tiny Iron Age crannog on Loch Tay to Blair Castle, Dunkeld Cathedral and Perth Concert Hall.

Singer-songwriter MacLean, who will perform at 11 festival shows, said: "It's a great time of year in Perthshire, the leaves are turning and these gorgeous crisp mornings are so inspiring.

"The festival team just can't wait for it all to begin."

Picture: Rob McDougall