Highlanders set for parade return
Bumper weekend of action at rural Perthshire events
Blair Castle is once again preparing for its annual Atholl Highlanders Parade and Gathering, which takes place over Saturday and Sunday.
“This eagerly anticipated highlight from Europe’s last remaining private army takes on added significance as it is the VisitScotland Year of History and Heritage,” said Julia Sim, sales and marketing manager for Blair Castle.
She added: “We think it is fantastic that the Atholl Highlanders are still in existence in 2017, they are completely unique and a living and breathing part of our history and heritage.”
Jane Anderson, castle archivist, said: “Queen Victoria made her first visit to Scotland in 1842 when Lord Glenlyon, later the 6th Duke of Atholl, took a bodyguard of his men to greet her at Dunkeld.
“There was dancing and piping, the Queen was said to be impressed with the Highlanders, as well as thoroughly entertained.
“In May 1844 she returned to Blair Castle for a holiday.
“The Atholl men stood guard during her stay with Prince Albert. In recognition of this service, Victoria granted the Highlanders the right to carry the Queen’s colour and thus to bear arms.”
As Jane explained, throughout the rest of the 19th century the Highlanders paraded annually at Blair Castle.
“Then during the Great War, the Highlanders went into abeyance due to most of the men being called up for service,” she continued.
In 1966 the 10th Duke decided to revive the Highlanders.
Saturday’s parade begins at 2.30pm, accompanied by the sound of pipes and drums.
The following day, the gathering will take place, with the Highlanders officially opening the Highland Games.
The history of the Atholl Highlanders, how they were formed, and how the first Gathering came about in 1845 can be read in an updated book which will soon be available to buy at the castle.
The Atholl Highlanders race across the games field
We think it is fantastic that the Atholl Highlanders are still in existance in 2017