OUTDOOR enthusiasts, local residents and families can all step into a world of adventure with the first ever John Muir Coast Festival, taking place in East Lothian from today (Friday) to Sunday.

John Muir, the famous conservationist and founder of America’s national parks, was born in Dunbar where his love of the great outdoors began.

The festival is inspired by Muir’s advocacy of the benefits of an outdoor lifestyle.

From East Lothian’s first ever night golf event to an ultra marathon and wakeboarding competition – the festival has something to suit everyone.

Councillor John McMillan, spokesperson for economic development and tourism, said: “I’m very excited about this inaugural festival as it contains a number of firsts for East Lothian and is a great example of the council working with local businesses to showcase our wonderful coast and all the activities it can provide.

“I’m sure it will be extremely popular with local families but, equally, I’m certain it will attract outdoor enthusiasts from outwith East Lothian too.

“It’s just another reason we are Scotland’s leading coastal, leisure and food & drink destination.”

Events include one of Scotland’s first night golf events, with the course at Dunbar Golf Club lit with LED lights and played using LED balls.

The event tees off tonight (Friday) and for more information go to www.thenightgolfcompany.com

Meanwhile, on Saturday, there is plenty to do at Foxlake Adventures, near West Barns.

The John Muir ultra marathon will challenge competitors to take on a 30-mile route along the John Muir Way from Port Seton before making its way to Foxlake.

At the same venue, there is also an action-packed day with wakeboarding competition, local food and drink, craft stalls, family cinema and a music festival of local talent and tribute bands.

Meanwhile, at Archerfield, there will be an open day at the world’s only Nike Performance Fitting Centre, with the opportunity to brush up on your golf skills.

John Muir Country Park will also host a surf competition, organised by Coast 2 Coast Surfing and featuring some of the country’s finest surfing talents.

On Saturday there is also a walk from Aberlady Nature Reserve Car Park to the Scottish Seabird Centre, in North Berwick.

The walk will pass through Gullane and Archerfield, as well as Dirleton and Yellowcraig.

For more information, call 07708 176019.

Finally, also on Saturday, there is the John Muir Stone Stacking Challenge at Dunbar’s East Beach.

Sign up for the challenge at Dunbar T-shirt Shop or Flux, with the event running 11am-4pm.