Atholl Gathering set to welcome thousands of visitors to Highland Perthshire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

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