KEY EVENTS PLAN FOR A BIG RETURN
Star attractions in pipeline
Two highlights in the Strath calendar look set to make a welcome return later this year.
Crieff Highland Gathering directors this week announced star attractions are already being lined-up to complement the traditional Highland Games competitions on August 21, on a day which is to be known as ‘The Platinum Jubilee Crieff Highland Gathering’ to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign.
Committee chair Anna McLean said: “We are working harder than ever to make sure this year’s Games are bigger and better than ever after our twoyear absence.”
Elsewhere, members of the Comrie Fortnight committee met on Monday to discuss a tweaked return of the popular two-week extravaganza, from July 23, as Covid-19 precautions across Scotland continue to ease.
Chair James Stewart said of ‘Comrie Fortnight Unlocked’: “It takes a lot of work to put on all of our activities and events, and we are lucky to have a committee of dedicated volunteers as well as additional helpers.”
As its AGM approaches, those behind the Trains Across Strathearn (TrAcS) Memorial Project are calling for more locals to get on board.
TrAcS was formed with the aim of working with local people to mark Upper Strathearn’s railway heritage.
Chair David Ferguson is calling for Strath residents to support the venture and help create a lasting tribute to the area’s bygone railway and its staff.
He feels that the local line and those who worked there hugely contributed to Strathearn as it is today.
Mr Ferguson said: “Another year has turned and, with our upcoming AGM approaching, this could be the time for people to step forward to assist us.
“Upper Strathearn lies north of the hill ridge running east-west between Perth and Abercairny and separates the area from the current main line running through Auchterarder to Perth.
“The railway between Perth and Balquhidder, with the junction at Crieff and the branch off to Gleneagles, served Upper Strathearn for over 100 years and the benefits it brought to the area, including the money from tourism and the local estates, can be seen all around us today.
“It was due to the coming of the railway that Crieff and Upper Strathearn began to develop generally from weaving communities to a health and tourist resort, resulting in the building of the Hydro and many other hotels the length and breadth of the Strath.
“This was preceded by the building of our well- known Morrison’s Academy – Crieff again being chosen as it had railway connection.
“The amount of wealth pouring into the area saw the building of many fine villas and the laying out of new streets and a general raising of standards, making the area a great place to live, work and holiday in.”
TrAcS has sourced a former railway signal, which will be the basis of the tribute that will be sited in the Strath capital.
Mr Ferguson added: “Although there are many signs of the railway still to be seen through Upper Strathearn, it was felt a proper memorial to mark the railways and their staff would be a welcome addition. Due to Crieff being the junction and the largest station on the lines, it was decided that this was where the memorial should be sited.
“At present it is planned that the feature will consist of an ex-Caledonian Railway signal - a type previously seen on the lines - with interpretation boards to tell some of the story of the lines, with accompanying photographs, including staff.”
The AGM is on Monday, February 14, at 2pm via Zoom.
To sign up as a member of TrAcS and become involved in the project or to join the meeting, contact Dave Ferguson by email at Crieffcaleyman19@aol.com, call 01764 654060 or send a letter to 19 Alligan Road, Crieff, PH7 3JS by February 6.