Atholl Highlanders converge on Blair Castle for 2010 Celebrations

 
 

 

See the Atholl Highlanders and enjoy the annual celebrations of Atholl Gathering weekend at Blair Castle on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 May. The Atholl Highlanders are the only remaining private army in Europe having been granted the right to bear arms in 1845 by Her Majesty Queen Victoria. The weekend’s events include; The Atholl Highlanders Parade, in the presence of His Grace, The Duke of Atholl on Saturday 29 May, and the Highland Games on Sunday 30 May. This unrivalled spectacle gives locals and visitors alike the chance to participate in a unique Highland tradition that has persisted for generations.

 
The Atholl Highlanders Parade is the annual inspection of Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders by His Grace, The Duke of Atholl. The parade takes place on Saturday 29 May, 2.30pm on the historic forecourt of Blair Castle accompanied by the stirring sound of pipes and drums. A special feature of this year’s parade will be the commissioning ceremony of Lord David Murray, The Duke’s grandson, who will be presented with a sprig of juniper, (a symbol of his acceptance into the regiment). If you would like to learn more about the fascinating history of the Atholl Highlanders in advance of the afternoon’s parade you are warmly invited to attend a talk in the castle ballroom at 11am. Jane Anderson, Castle Archivist will describe the history of the regiment assisted by an Atholl Highlander in full dress. There will also be an opportunity to view the newly acquired shield presented by the Atholl Highlanders at the 1839 Eglinton tournament. The talk is free as part of standard Castle admission and includes access to the afternoon’s parade.
 
On Sunday 24 May, the Atholl Highlanders will “march on” officially opening the annual Atholl Gathering and Highland Games in the grounds of Blair Castle. Led by their pipes and drums, the regiment circle the arena saluting His Grace, The Duke of Atholl who will then fire the cannon. This year’s Highland Games take a new format with many of the events being organised by and participated in by the Atholl Highlanders themselves. These include the ever popular Highland Dash, the sword dance and a relay race. A line-up of Scottish heavies will compete in traditional highland games such as tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, putting the shot and tossing the sheaf over the bar. Expect a fun fair atmosphere with plenty of other attractions, such as highland dancing, solo piping, tug o’ war, wrestling and a new car-pulling event. The gates open at 10am. Local heavies competition from 11am. “March On” at 1.15pm. Scottish Heavy events from 1.30pm.
 
Admission to The Atholl Highlander’s Parade on Saturday 29 May is £4.75 for Adults, £2.25 for Children (5-16 years) and £11 for Families (2 Adults and 3 Children). Admission to the Atholl Gathering and Highland Games on Sunday 30 May is £6 for Adults and £2 for Children (5-16 years). For further information please contact Blair Castle on 01796 481207. Please note: Blair Castle is open as normal, 9.30am – 5.30pm throughout the Atholl Gathering weekend. The castle will close briefly on Saturday from 1.15pm before reopening at the end of the parade.
 
 
Background Information:            
 
The Atholl Highlanders
The original Atholl Highlanders were a regular regiment, the 77th, raised in 1777 for service in America. However, the war had been lost before they embarked for America. After Garrison duties in Ireland they were disbanded in 1783. In 1839 Lord Glenlyon, later 6th Duke, participated in a tournament at Eglinton in Ayrshire, taking with him a bodyguard of Athollmen. These men provided Guards of Honour for her Majesty's arrival and departure and guarded the Castle throughout her stay.  In recognition of this service The Queen granted the Atholl Highlanders colours and thus the right to bear arms.   This unique grant established the Atholl Highlanders. The original colours, which still survive in the castle, were presented on September 4th, 1845.
 
Under the 7th Duke, the Highlanders provided royal visitors with guards of honour, visited the Braemar Games and participated in the opening of the Glasgow water supply by Queen Victoria at Loch Katrine. An annual Gathering, when they paraded and then competed in trials of strength and stamina, was held during the first week of September, at Blair Castle.
 
After the First World War regimental parades fell into abeyance although the pipers appeared on special occasions such as the visits to Blair Castle of The Crown Prince of Japan in 1921 and King Feisal of Iraq in 1933 and the funeral of the 8th Duke in 1942. In 1966 the 10th Duke decided to revive the Atholl Highlanders and to hold annual parades. From small beginnings it grew to the present strength of about 100. Officers are local lairds, friends or relatives of the Atholl Family. At the parade each new recruit is presented with a sprig of juniper, which is worn behind the cap badge.
 
 
Blair Castle
The castle has been the ancient home and fortress of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl for over 725 years, commanding a strategic position on the main route through the central Highlands. It is reputed to be the last castle in Britain to have been besieged. The forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie and those of the government both laid siege at different times during the Jacobite Rising of 1745-46. Today Blair Castle is a five-star, world-class visitor attraction. It is Scotland’s most visited private home, displaying beautiful furniture, fine collection of paintings, arms and armour, china and other unique treasures which present a stirring picture of Scottish life from the 16th century to the present day.
 
John Murray, 11th Duke of Atholl
The 11th Duke of Atholl was born in South Africa in 1929 and graduated with a B.Sc. in Engineering (Land Survey) from the University of Witwatersrand in 1953 before practising as a land surveyor. Although he still lives in South Africa, the Duke has been able to visit Blair Castle regularly since he succeeded to the title in 1996. He has a daughter (Lady Jennifer) and two sons (Bruce, Marquess of Tullibardine, and Lord Craig) and seven grandchildren.
 
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