THE second annual John Muir Festival is about to launch.

The festival was created last year to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the world-famous Dunbar-born naturalist.

Then First Minister Alex Salmond officially opened the John Muir Way, which stretches from the naturalist’s hometown of Dunbar to Helensburgh on the west coast of Scotland, during the first festival last April.

Visitors from as far afield as Germany, Switzerland and the USA descended upon Dunbar, along with dozens of cyclists, John Muir lookalikes, dancers and even a giant man and his dog.

Now, events throughout the county are being lined up once again to mark the founder of the USA’s national parks system.

A special tapestry is also on display in Dunbar Town House Museum until March 22.

The tapestry was created by pupils of the town’s primary school and is entitled ‘John Muir – Our Most Famous Pupil’.

Also taking place this week are three performances of the play Thank God for John Muir, written by Andrew Dallmeyer.

The first performance was due to take place last night (Thursday) at the Dunbar Town House and Gallery, starting at 7.30pm. Further performances are due to take place tonight (Friday) in North Berwick’s Blackadder Church and tomorrow (Saturday) at The Brunton in Musselburgh.

There is plenty next month as well.

In Dunbar, from April 1 to May 9, in the Town House, Hugh Turvey’s x-ray photography exhibition focuses on key crop species grown in the famously fertile soils of East Lothian. The event is presented by East Lothian Council Arts Service in association with Dunbar SciFest.

Then, from April 18 to October 4, in John Muir’s Birthplace, there is the chance for youngsters under the age of five to find out more about John Muir.

Animal stories and outdoor adventures form part of an exhibition on the town’s High Street.

Also on April 18, there is a double bill of puppet fun in the town’s Bleachingfield Centre.

At 11am, Twitawoo looks at Scottish woodland creatures and what they get up to in their homes. Then, at 2pm, join Wilma and William, two nature lovers, on a journey underground as they discover a family of friendly, musical worms and their colourful miniature world.

The following day, at The Brunton, at 7.30pm, there is a narrative concert which intertwines the music of American ensemble ‘Chance’ and the writings of John Muir.

Actor Thomas Clyde Mitchell leads a journey spanning Muir’s childhood in Scotland, his young life in Wisconsin and his profound and influential experiences in the great Sierra Nevada Mountains of the western United States.

Finally, the Dunbar Street Art Trail takes place on April 18 and features a blend of famous contemporary artists, alongside homegrown talents.

John Muir was born in Dunbar in 1838 and emigrated to the USA at the age of 10.