Volunteers praised as thousands enjoy Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Approximately 3500 spectators enjoyed a wide variety of entertainment during this year’s successful Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games.The traditional Scottish showpiece was held in Bogle’s Field off Essendy Road on Sunday, September 8, in dry but overcast conditions.Held the day after the town’s well-attended Braemar Day celebrations, chieftain Laurence Blair Oliphant officially opened proceedings.As well as the usual favourites – such as the Highland dancing, heavyweights and piping competitions – this year’s event saw some new attractions joining familiar faces.Spectator participation was encouraged as the Ardblair Stones returned once again and anyone was invited to join in with the community tug o’ war, which pits a team from Blairgowrie against counterparts from Rattray using what is believed to be the longest rope of its kind in the country.

The friendly battle was won 2-0 by Rattray this year.And, for younger members of the family, Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club organised a mini Highland Games for children.Pete Richardson, chair of the Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games committee, said: “We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Games.“We are again delighted to The Proctor Group, our principal sponsor, for continuing its long association with the Games.“The main opening event is Blairgowrie v Rattray community tug o’ war, on no doubt the longest rope in Scotland.“This year it was Rattray who won the bragging rights as they won 2-0 in a well-fought battle!“As well as the heavyweights, solo piping, Highland dancing and track and field events, the committee also arranged the Ardblair Stones – at their home Games – Infernal Unicorns, Blairgowrie and District