BLAIR RFC 10S & ALE FEST
Hundreds of people enjoyed an afternoon of rugby, entertainment and ale on Saturday as Blairgowrie Rugby Club hosted a hugely successful 10s and Ale Festival.
This was the 22nd annual 10-a-side tournament hosted by the club and the third time it has organised an ale festival at JJ Coupar Recreation Park.
Blairgowrie RFC took on sides from Dunoon, Fort William, Fintry, Crieff, Montrose, Dundee and Forfar competing for the Ian Bissett Memorial Trophy.
And the hosts were delighted to lift the cup, winning the final for the second year running.
Spectators taking in the action were able to enjoy a range of different cask ales sourced from the Belhaven and Abernyte breweries.
Other entertainment at the event included the Ardblair Stones – which challenges hopefuls to lift nine increasingly heavy stone spheres onto barrels in the quickest possible time – and music from Perthshire Brass as well as performances from a number of musicians including singer-songwriter Neil McLaren, Bravado and rock ‘n’ roll headliners The Swillers.
And prior to the tournament final, the next generation of rugby talent in the area showcased their skills as members of the Blairgowrie Rams youth section entertained spectators.
Club president Stephen Souter thanked a whole host of local firms for sponsoring the event, and everyone who came along on the day.
He also thanked everyone who helped set everything up and those who helped clean up on Sunday.
Speaking to the Blairie, he said: “It was a great success – a really, really good day.
“Lots of people turned up earlier in the day this year so it was really busy. We think we had 700-800 people through the gates altogether. I think the weather helped.
“The rugby was amazing and it was