Gathering milestone set to be marked
Event will hail debut year
An appeal for volunteers has been issued in order to help the committee behind an east Perthshire Highland Games mark a significant milestone.
This year’s Strathardle Highland Gathering and Agricultural Show takes place in Kirkmichael on Saturday, August 27.
It will be the 139th time the Gathering has been held in the village and plans are in place to belatedly commemorate the 150th anniversary of the inaugural event, which is thought to have taken place in 1871.
Committee secretary Rob Wilson explained that preparations for the return of action to Bannerfield have been ongoing for months.
He said: “The committee is very pleased to announce that the Gathering will be taking place again this year as we return to some normality in the Glens.
“In Strathardle and Glenshee, we are proud of our traditions.
“Whilst the Gathering has not been held every year since 1871 – the last Gathering being the 138th in 2019 – we plan to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Gathering in Strathardle when we meet on Bannerfield on Saturday, August 27.
“In recognition of the 150th anniversary
milestone – belatedly because of the pandemic – we will not be charging entry for children or senior citizens this year.
“Entry for adults will be at the reduced rate of £5 per head.”
Judging as part of the Agricultural Show, which takes place adjacent to Bannerfield, is due to start at 9.30am.
The local heavyweights’ competition will start in the main arena from 10.30am.
Highland dancers will start to take to the stage from 11am, before the ceremonial march to the arena starts at approximately 12.45pm.
This will see committee members muster outside the village shop before
marching towards Bannerfield behind talented members of Coupar Angus Pipe Band.
Among the other participants in the march will be representatives of the local Scouts and Guides, as well as Gathering chieftain Sir Michael Nairn.
Rob continued: “As always, we are hoping for fine weather on the day.
“Attendees can look forward to the many highlights of the day they have come to expect, including the Agricultural Show, the home industries tent, the open and local heavyweights’ competitions, the dancing competitions, the vintage vehicle display and competition, the
piping competition, dog show, a number of trade stands, catering and, of course, the funfair attractions.”
He concluded: “With the passage of time, our helpers are fewer in number than once was the case.
“Anyone able to help for an hour or more on the day – or with the setting up of the field in advance or the taking down of equipment in the days that follow – please get in touch.”
Anyone wishing to help can contact Rob by emailing info@ strathardlehighlandgames.org.uk. More details on the games can be found at www. strathardlehighlandgathering.org.uk.