Play-off despair for Tangerines.

Europe’s last remaining private army takes centre stage at Atholl Gathering and Highland Games

Large crowds gathered at a Perthshire castle over the weekend with the opportunity for a close-up encounter with a unique institution.

Europe’s last remaining private army was centre stage at Blair Castle on Saturday and Sunday for the biggest weekend of the year.

On Saturday in the shadow of the castle the Atholl Highlanders took part in their annual parade while on Sunday they officially opened the annual gathering, marching to the sound of the pipes and drums.

The Highlanders, who have always been a source of fascination to visitors at the castle, owe their unique position to the patronage of Queen Victoria.

On a visit in 1842 she was impressed by a bodyguard of men provided by the 6th Duke of Atholl and two years later on a return visit she granted the Highlanders the right to carry the Queen’s colours and thus to bear arms.

Castle archivist Jane Anderson said throughout the rest of the 19th Century, the Highlanders paraded annually at Blair Castle and provided a guard for members of the royal family and for distinguished visitors such as the Maharajah Duleep Singh and the Grand Duke Constantine.

“During the Great War of 1914 to 18, the Highlanders went into abeyance due to most of the men being called up for service,” she said.

“Between the wars the pipers continued to parade for distinguished guests such as the Crown Prince of Japan and King Feisal of Iraq.”

It was in 1966 that the 10th duke decided to revive the Highlanders who are made up of men who all live or work on the estate and are invited to join by the current duke. The officers are local lairds.

The games on Sunday included the traditional heavyweight events such as tossing the caber and piping and dancing.

Pictures: Phil Hannah. The march of the Atholl Highlanders, top, and games staples Highland dancing and caber toss.

Picture: Steven Brown. The Strathardle team taking part in the tug o’ war against Elgin.

Pictures: Phil Hannah. From top to bottom: the Atholl Higlanders holding a minute’s silence for the victims of the Manchester bombing, the undersevens boys race, crowds at the event and the Crombie Pipe Band.