Town’s heritage goes on display
Blair event is used to champion museum petition
A petition calling for the establishment of a heritage centre in Blairgowrie and Rattray now boasts more than 500 signatures.
The document received a significant boost following the success of the Really Interesting Experience 2 in the town hall on Saturday, Ocotober 14.
A great number of items which are part of the history of the town were on display as part of the culture showcase.
And, as well as taking time to enjoy the artefacts, many of the 300 people present added their name to the petition calling for action by or the co-operation of Perth and Kinross Council in the setting up of what is viewed by many as a key potential asset for the largest town in Perth and Kinross.
Following on from last year’s successful inaugural event, star attractions at the Really Interesting Experience this time around included a three square-metre tapestry featuring a map of the Blairgowrie area. The unique piece of needlework was made on Glamis linen by the ladies of Kinloch WRI in 1938.
Also present was the Rattray Silver Arrow, which was the subject of an ownership controversy 10 years ago and also a play written by Lord Robert Mercer Nairne.
Other displays included Victoriana and 1950s fashions, old kitchen utensils, old toys, military memorabilia, maps of old Rattray marked as to who lived where, a model railway layout which had some of its beginnings in Texas, agricultural implements and genealogy material.
There was also a First World War Vickers machine gun, an aboriginal face shield and a mass of archive material – with demonstrations coming in the form of spinning and weaving.
As well as material sourced from locals, supporters of the event included Culture Perth and Kinross and the Perthshire Society of Natural Science. Both organisations contributed display stands and archive material.
A leading organiser of the event said: “A petition was available to sign promoting the idea of a permanent display somewhere in Blairgowrie and such was the interest that already 12 pages have been filled.
“Comments that were most frequently quoted could be condensed into two words: Badly needed.
“The petition will continue to be available to sign in shops around the town. Gill Blair Oliphant gets a close up look at the Rattray Silver Arrow
“We are extremely grateful to all who supported the event by bringing their interesting artefacts and everyone who helped in any way.
“We have special thanks for Casey Joiners and Howe’s Removals for the especially difficult job of removing and transporting the very heavy tapestry.”
The event spokesperson added: “An excellent start has been made with the petition. And we hope that there will be further support from the community.” Sir William Macpherson with a needlework map sewn between 1938-39 by members of Kinloch WRI under the guidance of Albinia Brown-Douglas of Muirton House, Blairgowrie. It is now held at Newton Castle for safe keeping and in trust for Kinloch WRI ladies Lachlan Rattray with one of the Matriculation of Arms presented to Thomas Clerk Rattray of Craighall Author Duncan McLaren with a Blairgowrie Advertiser front page story about his grandfather