The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Organisers looking to capitalise
GAMES: Perth show cancellation opens up opportunity for Aberfeldy weekend
Aberfeldy Show and Highland Games look set to capitalise on the cancellation of Perth’s Highland games this weekend as organisers prepare for a two-day event in the town’s Wade’s Park.
A forecast of wet weather yesterday led the show committee to postpone the horse and pony classes until tomorrow in the hope that any damage to the surface of the showfield can be kept to a minimum.
Chairman Roddy Thomson said the full programme of horse and pony show classes, working hunter classes and fun and games events would start tomorrow from 9am.
He added: “With the sad cancellation of Perth Highland Games, we hope we can offer visitors to our area a flavour of a traditional Highland gathering.”
The rescheduling means this year’s show begins today with the livestock judging.
The organisers report on healthy numbers in all livestock sections, with particularly strong competition in the sheep classes.
Following the judging of the champion of champions award, and the traditional march of the pipe band from the Square in Aberfeldy, over the historic Wade’s Bridge and into Wade’s Park, this year’s chieftain, Major James Duncan Millar of Remony Estate, will declare the Highland Gathering officially open.
He will also present a long service award to Jimmy Murray who has worked for the Fergusson family of Old Faskally Farming Company for 41 years.
A full programme of Highland games and heavyweight events will follow, including Highland dancing, children’s races, the Weem hill race, terrier racing and wrestling.
The climax of the afternoon is the carrying of the Menzies Stone.
Other attractions include the show’s craft and food tent which has grown in popularity in recent years.
It will be full of local craftwork and artisan foods.