'Kirriemuir 2010 - A Celebration of Imagination' will take place in Kirriemuir and surrounding area throughout May 2010.

"We are planning a variety of exceptional and ambitious events to celebrate JM Barrie's 150th anniversary," revealed Roland Proctor, chairman of Kirriemuir Heritage Trust. "We want 'Kirriemuir 2010 - A Celebration of Imagination' to inspire people to use their imagination and to expand their creative skills and experiences."

Sandra Affleck, one of Kirriemuir Heritage Trust's two vice-chairmen, explained that the celebrations will kick off on May 8, 2010, with the premiere of a new Scottish country dance.

"The Sir JM Barrie of Thrums reel has been devised by Rob Sargent, Scotland's foremost creator of Scottish Country Dances," said Sandra. "The reel tells the story of Peter Pan and will be danced at The Ball of Kirriemuir, the official Kirriemuir 2010 launch event.

"Then, on May 9, exactly 150 years after JM Barrie was born, there will be a huge children's party in Kirriemuir, 'Barrie's Big Birthday Bash'."

JM Barrie is probably best-remembered for creating Peter Pan and a small team of locally based literature professionals, including librarians and writers, is currently developing exciting plans for a Young People's Book Week.

Award-winning author James Robertson said: "We hope to bring a number of writers into schools in the Kirriemuir area during May 2010, to help children explore the wonderful world of words."

James added that sponsorship is currently being sought to involve some very well-known children's authors in the celebrations.

During Kirriemuir 2010, and in recognition of Barrie's fame as a playwright, several of his plays and other specially commissioned pieces will be performed.Workshops will be held during 2009 to create a community drama and to offer opportunities for participation in the visual arts, which will be unveiled in 2010.

These will include chances to help sculptor Michael Visocchi create a spectacular piece of public art and to work alongside local art teacher Maureen Crosbie to craft a stained glass window.

"We want to these celebrations to include projects which will provide a lasting legacy in the spirit of Barrie," said Jeannie Maclean, vice-chair of the Trust, who added that more events and projects have yet to be announced.

However, Jeannie stressed that Kirriemuir Heritage Trust is about much more than the 2010 celebrations.

"The long-term purpose of the Trust is to protect, record, promote and celebrate the heritage of Kirriemuir and surrounding district," she said.

"We are already working in partnership with Angus Council to help provide Kirriemuir with an enhanced Heritage Trail, marked out with plaques.

"Kirriemuir 2010 is only the beginning of our efforts to promote the area's inspirational heritage to locals and visitors alike."

Kirriemuir Heritage Trust was officially launched with a photocall in Kirriemuir Square on Friday at high noon.

The launch was attended by Angus Provost Ruth Leslie Melville, who said the organisation will play a vital role in the area in years to come.

"We are keen to attract more visitors to Angus and to places such as Kirriemuir. It's good for the economy and local businesses - everything from shops to tearooms, from hotels to bed and breakfast establishments - can benefit from spin-offs.

"It's a win, win situation for everybody," added the Provost, who said she was very much looking forward to the Barrie 2010 celebrations.

"The build-up to the anniversary celebrations is going to be very important. There will be two years of a lead in to the main celebrations and, by the time they are in full swing, people will be astonished and astounded by what is being planned locally and across a wider area."

The Earl of Airlie was also in attendance at the launch and added: "Kirriemuir 2010 will be good for the local community and for visitors to the area.

"We want to make a real splash with the celebrations of Barrie's birth.

"The newly-established Kirriemuir Heritage Trust will be able to promote Kirriemuir in so many different ways and, as patron, I will do everything I can to support the trust's efforts."

To find out more about Kirriemuir Heritage Trust, to become a member of the trust, or to find out the latest Kirriemuir 2010 news, call 01575 573103 or visit www.angusahead.com/kirriemuirheritagetrust.