Castle partners with Guide Dogs charity

Guide Dogs’Perth and District Branch has been chosen as the charity partner for this year’s Scotland’s Gardens scheme at Blair Castle.

The event will take place this Saturday (June 24) and is set to attract around 700 visitors.

With Guide Dogs supporting around 530 guide dog owners in Scotland, as well as providing a range of mobility services for adults and children with sight loss, the partnership is said to present a unique opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the charity.

Community Fundraising Officer Andrea Williams said: “Guide Dogs will receive a large percentage of the admissions to the gardens and the castle on this day and we are thrilled and delighted to have been chosen as their charity this year. We will have a big presence on the day, with a puppy training demonstration, a grand raffle, a competition for children, Guide Dogs merchandise and lots more.

“Our Perth and District Branch is hoping that enough money will be raised to enable Blair Castle to name a guide dog puppy.

“For a small donation, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite name from a shortlist compiled by members of staff at Blair Castle.

“The eight names which visitors can choose from are Atholl, Murray, Bardie, Bruar, Duke, Murray, Broom and Piper.”

Suzie Crerar, operations manager for Blair Castle, said:“This is a fantastic chance for us to work with the local volunteer branch of Guide Dogs and support this worthwhile charity.”