Record crowds at Fling
A gloriously sunny day brought record crowds to Dunblane Fling, the river event held on the Drying Green on Saturday.
Opened by Doune Pipe Band, the many attractions and displays were well attended, with the main focus the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club Duck Race run in support of the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Childline.
This year, almost 4,500 ducks entered the water at the Faery Bridge and, as the ducks floated leisurely down a slow-flowing Allan Water, they were cheered on by a large crowd of onlookers hopeful for one of the many prizes.
Food stalls were busy, with the Rotary Club offering of crêpes particularly popular, and many welcoming cooling ice-creams, and the availability of free bottled water supplied by Highland Spring.
There was much laughter as teams were set against each other at the tug-o-war, and entertainment was also supplied by stilt-walkers, clowns and fire-eaters. Two bouncy castles made sure the younger members of the family could work off surplus energy.
Local organisations represented reported they were well pleased with the interest shown. A feature that generated much attention was the boat which the Elliot brothers rowed across the Atlantic in record time.
Rotarian Peter Holmes said:“All in all, a great day, providing an excellent focus for the Fling which, as usual, ran from Thursday to Sunday, offering, in addition to the fun on Saturday, a range of concerts to suit all tastes.”