Thousands of visitors are set to descend on a popular Perthshire attraction to thrill at the sight and sound of a historic fixture in the local calendar.
The Atholl Highlanders parade and Highland Games are pencilled in the diary for Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 at their headquarters, the iconic 13th century Blair Castle.
The annual two-day Atholl Gathering has been held for more than 170 years, with the first gathering taking place in 1845.
This year’s event will open on the Saturday with the Atholl Highlanders Marching-On parade.
The Atholl Highlanders are Europe’s last remaining private regiment. They will be led by their pipes and drums onto the castle forecourt under the command of RSM Graham Jack.
The Marquis of Tullibardine will present awards for long service and marksmanship, with new Atholl Highlander recruits receiving the symbolic sprig of juniper to wear in their glengarry caps.
Highland Games, meanwhile, have been a part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years with every Games shaped by tradition.
A true celebration of Scottish military, sporting and battling history, the Atholl Highland Games is on the Sunday with heavyweight strongmen from around Scotland competing in the traditional caber toss, shot putt and hammer throw.
Spectators will also enjoy the Atholl Highlanders’ exciting ‘dash’ and a Highlanders versus Pipe Band tug-o-war.
Refreshments and entertainment for all the family are planned throughout the day with numerous piping and Highland dancing competitions taking place as well as a showcase of local artisan food and drink traders.
Andrew Bruce Wooton, CEO of Blair Castle, said: “The Atholl Highland Gathering is a spectacular event encapsulating ceremony, tradition and celebration.
“It is wonderful to witness generations of Highlanders coming together in an event that offers something for all ages.
“This year’s parade and gathering is held in the same month as the coronation of His Majesty The King. Following her visit to Blair Castle in 1844, Queen Victoria granted them the right to bear arms in 1845.
“The Atholl Highlanders are Europe’s only private ceremonial army and have a fascinating history, carrying a strong link to the British monarchy.
“Queen Victoria made her first visit to Scotland in 1842 where Lord Glenlyon, later the 6th Duke of Atholl, took a bodyguard of his men to greet her at Dunkeld, with several other local lairds.
“They’ve attended HM Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, provided a guard for members of the royal family and distinguished visitors and served the country for centuries.”
In addition to the range of events across the two days, Blair Castle exhibitions provide a fascinating insight into the Atholl Highlanders’ long history.
The award-winning Castle Couture exhibition adds an “extra dimension” for visitors with a new Centennial collection of rare and previously unseen historical garments and accessories from the Castle attics, including treasured items from the eighth Duchess of Atholl, Scotland’s first female Member of Parliament.
Visitors to the weekend events will also be able to explore the castle’s spectacular grounds including the deer park, a ruined kirk and Hercules walled garden, which is currently in the running for a national heritage award in the garden of the year category.
See https://atholl-estates.co.uk/events/atholl-highlanders-parade/ for tickets.
