Military horses take a trot
A team of military horse riders have passed through a historic Perthshire castle.
On Monday, July 15 the team, led by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, visited Blair Castle on the first stage of a historic ride across the Scottish Highlands.
The Atholl Estate greeted nine riders, who are taking part in a re-enactment of parts of a 440 mile recruitment and training ride carried out in 1934 by the Cavalry Regiment of the British Army.
Nicknamed the‘Royal Scots Greys’due to the colour of their horses, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards led the original ride through the Pass of Killiecrankie, before camping overnight at Blair Castle.
In honour of the 1934 tour, the Royal Engineers in modern riding uniform at the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards visited Blair Castle in Highland Perthshire.
A number of the riders did however, dress in period uniforms, including one kitted out as a Scottish Horse, a yeomanry regiment local to Blair Atholl.
The riders also carried 1930s equipment and the saddlery and tack were also period appropriate.
Staff at the castle in Blair Atholl said they were delighted to welcome the riders.
Julia Sim, head of sales and marketing at the castle, said:“We are delighted to have welcomed the horse riders to Blair Castle and we are honoured to be part of this historic ride.
“Our iconic venue has strong links with the military and boasts Europe’s only remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders.
“In May, the army gathered for its yearly inspection by the retiring lord lieutenant of Perthshire, Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson, KCVO and CBE, before the regiment paraded on the forecourt of the castle.”
From Blair Castle, the mounted troops retraced Kingussie to Aviemore, then onto Nairnside to Fort George. They finished by trekking from Aucheorn to Kinloss Barracks. The Royal Scots Greys outside Blair Castle