Countdown on ahead of Gathering’s return
Final preparations are being made ahead of an east Perthshire Highland Games marking 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.
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 procession will be representatives of the local Scouts and Guides, as well as longtime Gathering chieftain Sir Michael Nairn.
In recognition of the 150th anniversary and the Gathering’s return for the first time since 2019 as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, the ticket price for adults has been reduced to £5 per head.
It’s free of charge for children and senior citizens.
Committee secretary Rob Wilson said: “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 added: “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.
For more information, see www. strathardlehighlandgathering.org.uk.