Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine Summer 2023

SUMMER 2023 

SPONSORED BY STAGECOACH 

Blairgowrie & Rattray 

Hub Magazine 

IN THIS EDITION 

Photograph taken by John Siwek 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CATERAN ECO-MUSEUM M.A.N.T.A.L.K. 

MRS B’S KITCHEN SUMMER RECIPE RATTRAY COMMUNITY GARDEN 

PLUS ALL THE USUAL INFO ON EVENTS AND THE COMMUNITY 

MAGAZINE PRODUCED BY THE 

BLAIRGOWRIE & RATTRAY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD 

BRDT 

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NORTHLANDS 

CARE HOME 

WELLBEING, DIGNITY 

AND RESPECT 

Northlands Care Home is a specialist nursing and 

dementia care home set in two acres of land. 

We offer a highly professional and personal service 

in a homely environment for all our residents. 

We deliver care with patience, kindness 

and understanding. 

Get in touch 

NORTHLANDS 

CARE HOME 

Northlands Care Home 

Woodlands Road 

Rosemount 

Blairgowrie 

PH10 6LD 

T: 01250 876790 

E: Admin@northlands.care 

W: www.northlands.care 

Care Inspectorate 

Service no. CS2010249523 

Provider no. SP2010010907 

PAGE 

Northlands 2 Advert - 210x148 Full page V2.indd 1 BRDT MAGAZINE 29/03/2022 - SUMMER 10:252023

In this Issue... 

Welcome 

Community Groups 

Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust Update 

Blair In Bloom 

Community Engagement 

Booklore 

Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council 

The BaRI Store & Refill 

Rotary Club of Blairgowrie 

Blair & Rattray Access Network (BRAN) 

The Heat Project 

Biodiversity Blair 

Blairgowrie & Rattray Illuminations Committee 

Rattray Community Garden 

History & Heritage 

Blairgowrie and Rattray Genealogy Centre 

The Hill Kirk Graveyard 

Our Heritage 

News and Articles 

Culture Perth & Kinross - Libraries 

The Ericht Scottish Country Dance Club 

Friendship Cafe 

Blairgowrie Players 

Macular Society 

Mrs B’s Kitchen - Summer Recipe 

Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Tourist Association 

Mitchells Newsagent 

Women’s Walk & Chat 

Blairgowrie Lyric Choir 

31st Ruthven Music Festival 

Ericht Art Club Exhibition 

Bookmark Book Festival 2023 

Blairgowrie Town Hall 

Blair Ukes 

Graham Fire Protection:The Importance of Fire Safety 

Memories are made of this by Margaret Drumond 

Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games 

SCYD 

Garden Matters 

Nature’s Philosophy by Victor Timmons 

The Climate Cafe 

Adventure Into Books Summer Reading Suggestions 

Blairgowrie Girl Guides 

Strathmore Men’s Shed 

The Freedom Coach 

M.A.N.T.A.L.K. 

Nest Creative Spaces 

Nest Crafty Corner 

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Rattray and District SWI 

Cateran Eco Museum 

Growbiz 

Blairgowrie Riding for the Disabled 

Blairgowire Soroptimist 

Mary’s Meals 

Apples Galore 

Blairgowrie Stroke Club 

Church Notices 

Sports & Activities 

Blairgowrie Bowling Club 

Blairgowrie Ramblers 

Rattray Tennis Club 

Blairgowrie Badminton Club 

Interviews & Contributors’ Articles 

Cllr Bob Brawn 

Cllr Caroline Shiers 

Murdo Fraser MSP 

John Swinney MSP 

Pete Wishart MP 

Advertise With Us 

Please send any adverts or any questions 

about advertising with us to this address. 

Email mag@brdt.org.uk 

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Dates for this year’s Hub Magazine 

Accepting Articles 

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& Adverts from ... Available ... 

Autumn 05/07/23 - 26/07/23 

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Winter 27/09/23 - 18/10/23 Mid November 

Spring 11/01/24 - 01/02/24 Early March 

Summer 17/04/24 - 08/05/24 

Late August 

Early June 

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3

Welcome to the 

2023 Summer 

Magazine 

Hopefully the sun is out and the days are warmer by the time you are reading this – we have 

another packed magazine filled with updates and articles from all your favourites keeping you 

in touch with what is going on locally. Read on to find out more. 

There’s been lots going on since the last magazine with Easter followed by the Coronation of King 

Charles III and the Big Help Out – an opportunity to volunteer in your local community. You will 

hopefully agree our town is really lucky with the number of Community Groups (153 at the last 

count) which are organised/supported by a huge number of local volunteers – thank you to all our 

local volunteers – you help make this town a great place to live, work and play. 

We live in a lovely part of the country and are lucky to have all the beautiful opens spaces in and 

around the area – it does wonders for our health and wellbeing. We are also really lucky to have 

many support groups in the town for the times when things aren’t going so well. For instance, we 

have Mantalk (page 47), Women’s Walk & Chat (page 30), Cuppa and a Cake (every Monday morning 

from 11am to 1pm in the BaRI Building) amongst many others, all of whom will extend a warm, 

friendly and non-judgmental welcome. You can go along and just sit and listen, be with people and 

be part of something. 

The Spring edition was the last of Granny Pat’s recipes – crumbs (pardon the pun), Granny Pat was 

around from the early days so well done to her for supporting the magazine for nearly 10 years! We 

welcome Mrs B and her Kitchen Recipes, the first of which is a Lemon Victoria Sponge with Lemon 

Curd and White Chocolate Buttercream which you will find on page 25 (the recipe, not the cake 

sorry). 

We hope you enjoy this summer edition and you find it useful and helpful – we love feedback 

and suggestions so please do email mag@brdt.org.uk or you can drop a note in the BaRI Building 

addressed to Steve (Hub Magazine) if you’d like to remain anonymous! 

Have a great summer. 

And finally – a fond farewell to Eileen Ferguson 

After 3 years at the helm as Hub mag Coordinator, we say a fond farewell and huge thank you 

to Eileen who has stood down to enjoy local life and a more relaxing time! The magazine has 

flourished under her guiding hand and we are forever grateful for keeping us informed via the 

magazine. Enjoy a more relaxed time Eileen. 

We would welcome volunteers for our magazine team who are a very small band of people. They 

are - 

Steve Johnson - who has just taken on the role of co-ordinating the team and manages the 

throughflow of articles and adverts for the magazine at mag@brdt.org.uk. If you’d like to help 

coordinate the magazine Steve is happy to support and share the load so it won’t be too onerous. 

The BRDT Finance Team - Alan McCombe and Darren Kane who send out invoices to advertisers. 

PAGE 

4 BRDT MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2023

Keith Reid - the new organiser of the huge band of volunteers who distribute over 5,000 copies of 

the magazine to local households and businesses free of charge. Keith would welcome additional 

volunteers to help deliver the magazine. 

Margaret Drummond –seeks out articles and writes our regular poem. Margaret is also our proof 

reader. 

Saragh Penfold – we welcome Saragh to the team – she is proof reading and editing articles before 

they get to the magazine which is a great help. Saragh is also a Director with the Development 

Trust. 

John Siwek - our talented graphic designer who puts the magazine together in an attractive and 

appealing format. No easy task. We would ask prospective contributors to heed the guidelines – no 

more than 500 words, good resolution (and separate) photos, and breaking up messages into short 

bursts. This makes lengthy pieces easier to read. 

Your continuing support for this community magazine is greatly appreciated and we welcome 

constructive feedback. Send this feedback to mag@BRDT.org.uk or comment on our FaceBook page. 

Important Note 

This community magazine publishes articles, notices and information submitted by a range of local 

groups and individuals. The Trust takes every possible precaution to ensure that the content provided is 

appropriate. All article authors are responsible for the accuracy of the text provided. 

PAGE 

5


Development Trust News 

As I write this, we’re heading into a busy 

summer of events and activities, after what has 

already been a busy start to the year. 

Since the last issue of the Hub magazine, we have 

been continuing our core work, which is all led by 

the community for the community. 

This has included coordination of the ongoing 

implementation of the town’s community action 

plan and supporting groups and organisations 

with that. It is great to see how the work that 

the town’s 151 groups and 3000 volunteers do 

on a day-to-day basis contributes to achieving 

the wider aspirations for Blairgowrie and Rattray 

that local residents highlighted in the community 

action plan. 

BRDT coordinates, communicates, promotes and 

develops what’s going on in the town, and the 

community action plan helps us and the groups 

and organisations involved make Blairgowrie and 

Rattray a great place to work and live in. 

The community action plan is a living document 

and is regularly reviewed and updated on 

the Discover Blairgowrie website. Updates on 

progress on the various elements of the plan 

are also discussed at the quarterly town forum 

meetings which are a great opportunity for 

everyone to hear more about what is going on in 

the town. 

The next town forum meeting is on Tuesday, July 

18th at 7pm and will take place both online and 

in person at the BaRI Building at 55 High Street. 

Come along, find out more and maybe even get 

involved – there is so much going on that there is 

something that will interest everyone! 

We would also love to hear from anyone who 

has a couple of hours to spare and would be 

interested in volunteering with some of our core 

projects. In particular, we’re looking for help with: 

• Driving for the Saturday Lunch Club 

• Updating and developing the Discover 

Blairgowrie website 

• Coordinating publication of the Hub 

magazine 

• Booklore 

We are continuing efforts to reduce food waste, 

food costs and social isolation in the town, 

particularly through the work of the BaRI Food 

and Refill store and the Biodiversity group. Find 

out more about both initiatives on pages 10 and 

15. 

The HEAT Project team has had another busy 

few months, as have the volunteers at Booklore. 

Again, you can find out more on pages 8 and 14 

respectively. 

Huge progress has been made on the Rattray 

Community Garden in recent months, which you 

can read all about on page 17. 

We were also pleased to be able to attend the 

inaugural SCOTO conference, which was an 

interesting event with lots of inspiring stories and 

examples of community-led tourism in action. It is 

fantastic for Blairgowrie and the surrounding area 

to be involved at the start of an initiative that 

has the potential to be a real force for good for 

communities and we were particularly interested 

in discussions around voluntourism and how we 

can link some of the many community groups in 

the town with visitors keen to make a positive 

difference to the communities they visit. 

Anyone interested in finding out more about 

BRDT, the community action plan and how to get 

involved with any of the projects and activities it 

covers should go online at 

www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk and click on the 

‘Live Blairgowrie’ section. 

Alternatively, email 

admin@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk for further 

details. 

Photo by Clare McMicking, 

CraicN Communications 

PAGE 6 BRDT MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2023

The busy bees at Blair in Bloom have been 

buzzing around these past couple of months 

and hopefully that is reflected in the town’s 

beds and borders. 

The Bus Stance in particular has been a riot of 

colour this Spring with the multi coloured tulips 

brightening up many a grey day for travellers. 

The Wellmeadow too was very colourful with 

lots of daffodils putting on a show. Coronation 

Corner was tidied up in readiness for a small 

celebration for the Coronation on Monday 8th 

May where a plant sale took place. 

Our big project has been the large bed at 

Ardblair which has now been dug out, cultivated 

and dug over ready for paths to be laid. All the 

plants have been delivered and are ready to go 

in hopefully before this article goes to print. It 

has been decided to concentrate on the large 

bed just now and although the smaller bed will 

be maintained as usual, work on replanting will 

be postponed meantime. 

2500 plug plants are due to be delivered this 

week in readiness for planting in the hanging 

baskets. After delivery they will be left for a 

few days to settle and then everyone available 

is involved in planting up the baskets. Once 

planted they are tended to in one of the large 

polytunnels at The Rattray Community Garden 

until June when the baskets are hung around 

the Town. A mammoth task but one that is 

undertaken every year and is a well practiced 

routine. (We hope). 

We are delighted to welcome a few new 

volunteers and as always, thank all the 

volunteers for their time and effort. We couldn’t 

do it without them. Any one interested in joining 

us please contact us at blairinbloom@aol.com. 

We also have a shiny new website which we are 

finding our way around and hopefully In the 

future you will be able to see events planned and 

general updates as well as minutes of committee 

meetings at 

info@blairgowrieandrattrayinbloom.org.uk 

Our Annual Plant Sale is planned for Saturday 

June 3rd at Castle Water Ground at Tesco from 

10.00am. More on this on the website and 

posters around town nearer the time. 

We are sorry to report we have lost another 

Committee Member due to personal reasons 

and we also have to report the very sad news 

that our Chairperson, Mary Birch, has been 

diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Mary, 

who has been Chair of Blair in Bloom for many 

years has obviously had to hand over some 

of her responsibilities as Chair Person but is 

overseeing the day to day running of Blair in 

Bloom from home. Our very best wishes go to 

Mary and family. 

COMMUNITY 

ENGAGEMENT 

Blairgowrie and Rattray Development 

Trust’s work is led by the community 

for the community. 

Our team works with local people, 

community groups, businesses and 

the local authority – as well as national 

organisations and funding bodies - to help create a thriving and attractive town, with a strong 

sense of community and identity, that appeals to those who live, work and visit the area. 

Since the last edition of the Hub magazine, we have coordinated and promoted a community 

family picnic in Davie Park, and a volunteer day as part of the UK-wide Big Help Out programme of 

PAGE 7


events, both of which provided an opportunity for people in the town to get together and find out 

more about some of the groups and volunteering opportunities in the town. 

We are also organising a volunteers’ party at Rattray Community Garden on July 1st, which will 

recognise hard-working and dedicated volunteers in the town for all the work they do. Open 

to representatives from all of Blairgowrie and Rattray’s 152 volunteer groups, this will be an 

opportunity for the community to say thank you to the volunteers, and will also include the 

presentation of the trophies for the Citizen of the Year, Young Person of the Year and Community 

Group of the Year awards, organised by Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council with support 

from the Blairgowrie Advertiser. 

And the following month will see return of the third annual 24-hour Wellmeadow Walkathon, 

hosted by BRDT to raise money for Jordan’s Challenge. The popular fundraising event will take 

place on the weekend of Saturday, August 5th and Sunday, August 6th from 4pm to 4pm. 

Previous years have seen nearly 200 people from almost 50 groups, organisations and businesses 

take it in turns to walk around the town centre focal point for a one-hour slot, raising funds and 

awareness of the stigma that surrounds mental health and wellbeing. All proceeds go towards 

supporting a mental health and wellbeing hub in Blairgowrie and Rattray and the Happy to Chat 

Happy to Listen Bench trail in and around the town, both of which were set up by the Hart family 

in memory of their son Jordan. You can book your place to take part now at 

www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk 

BRDT supports community groups, individuals, and volunteers to deliver projects identified by 

local residents in the community action plan as making a real difference to people’s lives and to 

enhance the town for the benefit of all - coordinating, communicating, promoting and developing 

what is happening in Blairgowrie and Rattray. 

Through our community engagement 

coordinator, we can support the town’s 152 

community groups and organisations to: 

• Submit funding applications 

• Organise events 

• Host meetings, both in person and 

online 

• Manage their social media presence 

• Develop and host a website 

The BaRI Building at 53-55 High Street, 

Blairgowrie also allows us to support other 

groups and service providers in the work 

that they do, offering versatile spaces that 

allow for a mix of online and in-person 

meetings, and is a fantastic community 

resource that everyone can benefit from. 

For more information on how BRDT can 

help your group or organisation, email 

sam@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk 



PAGE 


Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council 

Question: What has the Blairgowrie & Rattray 

Community Council been up to over the last 3 

months? 

Some answers: BRCC continues to liaise closely 

with … 

… the Police and the Fire Service on a range of 

issues, e.g. illegal/dangerous parking, speed 

checks, resilience matters, and setting up of 

throwlines along the River Ericht. 

… PKC officials from planning and roads 

regarding a range of issues including flood 

prevention, road improvements, planning 

issues and the maintenance of green spaces. 

BRCC continued monitoring and discussions 

about the Marlee Quarry Extension proposal, in 

view of the applicant referring the proposal to 

the Scottish Government Reporter as a result of 

planning permission being rejected by PKC. 

BRCC held a very helpful meeting with Paul 

Laidlaw from the Scottish Flood Forum to better 

understand the causes of our local flooding 

problems and mitigations, which could be 

employed to reduce these problems. 

Furthermore, BRCC members responded 

to SEPA’s (Scottish Environment Protection 

Agency) request to complete their 2023 

Opinions Survey, which will help inform their 

work on flooding services and environmental 

regulation. 

BRCC encouraged the public to take part 

in the Big Place Conversations with PKC 

officials. BRCC members themselves grasped 

the opportunity to highlight the good things 

and the things in need of improvement in the 

town. The points raised will influence future 

Local Development Plans for the town. 

Regarding Climate Action, BRCC supports 

other local groups, such as the Climate Café 

and Blair High School EcoGroup, to raise 

awareness about things we could ALL be 

doing to help stem the rise in average global 

temperature. THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL. 

BRCC members met with Edinburgh University 

regarding “Speeding the Transition to Net 

Zero”. We hope the town will be part of a 

study targeting various demographic groups 

to spread the word about what we can ALL 

do to help bring about reductions in carbon 

emissions, and support existing and new 

initiatives across our area to help this become 

a reality. 

As we go to print, nominations continue to be 

sought for the BRCC Young Citizen, Citizen and 

Group of the Year Awards, with awards being 

presented at the BRDT’s Volunteer Recognition 

Day in July. 

Looking forward, BRCC members are planning 

visits to our twin towns in France and the US, 

to join in Bastille Day celebrations in Brebières 

in September, and attend the Pleasanton 

Highland Games in California in September. If 

you are interested in attending either of these 

events as well, please get in touch. 

As always, we cover a range of issues, including 

those raised by members of the public, at our 

BRCC monthly meetings, which are open to 

all. Attend in person or online. Contact us by 

email sec@brcommunitycouncil.org.uk or visit 

www.brcommunitycouncil.org.uk for more 

information about your Community Council. 

Susan Coutts (MAR BSc RM) 

Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, 

Maternity Reflexology 

18 Poplar Avenue, Blairgowrie, PH10 6SR 

Tel: 01250 875071, Mobile: 07949204932 

blairgowriereflexology@hotmail.com 

www.blairgowriereflexology.co.uk 

PAGE 

9

The BaRI Food Project contains a number of 

initiatives based on reaching people through 

food and reducing food waste. 

The BaRI Store is based at 53-55 High Street, 

Blairgowrie, and sells in-date food and 

food which is at its best-before-date that 

supermarkets cannot sell anymore. 

Open to everyone, the store also receives food 

from the supermarkets which would otherwise 

be thrown away because the packaging has 

been damaged. 

A range of items - which can include fresh fruit 

and vegetables, bread, cereal, pasta, sauces 

and tinned soup and fruit and vegetables - is 

available to purchase at heavily discounted 

prices. 

We also stock eco-friendly cleaning products 

and toiletries that can be refilled at the store, 

saving on the number of plastic bottles that end 

up in landfill. 

And once every month, local volunteer Elinor 

Smith visits the store to host her fabulous 

taster sessions. So far this year, Elinor has 

tempted our taste buds with some delicious 

treats including carrot and coriander soup, leek 

and potato soup, garlic pesto and garlic soup 

made from fresh, locally foraged wild garlic. 

As well as providing tasters, the recipes 

themselves are all posted online on the 

Discover Blairgowrie website for anyone 

interested in making the tasty soups and sauces 

themselves at home. 

And as well as selling surplus food in the 

store, some of it is used as ingredients for 

the popular Saturday and Wednesday lunch 

clubs and for our nutritious pre-cooked meals, 

initiatives that aim to reduce social isolation, 

undernourishment, food costs and food waste. 

We also top up the BaRI Larders in the town 

to further help reduce food waste and reach 

people through food. 

The Saturday Lunch Club sees a team of 

volunteer drivers deliver around 100 portions 

of soup and cake to local residents. As well as 

lunch, you can order from a choice of three 

pre-cooked meals at significantly reduced 

prices, with some of the meals also available to 

purchase in the store. 

We’re currently looking for volunteer drivers 

to help out for a couple of hours once a 

fortnight delivering lunches to our Saturday 

Lunch Clubbers in the town and would love to 

hear from anyone who might be interested in 

helping out. 

And if you know of anyone who would like to 

receive a free soup and cake delivery every 

week, or would like to try the delicious precooked 

meals and have a night off cooking, 

please get in touch. 

The lunch club has also expanded to include 

monthly in-person get-togethers over soup 

and cake – as well as a quiz - with residents 

of Harriet Court, Cluny Court, Darroch Gate 

and Ericht Court. Again, just get in touch if you 

would like to find out more. 

The BaRI Food store is open on Mondays, 2pm 

to 3pm, Wednesdays, 4pm to 6pm, Thursdays, 

9.30am to 10.30am and Saturdays, 1pm to 3pm. 

For more information follow BaRI Food &amp; 

Refill on Facebook. Alternatively, email 

admin@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk. 

For more information on the Saturday and 

Wednesday lunch clubs, email 

lunchclub@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk 




Looking for a perfect gift or an 

absorbing treat? 

We have books, maps and gifts for all 

ages and interests 

• We offer a fast, free ordering service 

• Sell and accept National Book Tokens 

• Accept Love Local and REDS cards 

Open: 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday 

26 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AS 

Tel: 01250 872852 

www.adventureintobooks.co.uk 

info@adventureintobooks.co.uk 

Garden Design 

Garden Makeovers 

Garden consultancy & advice 

Garden Maintenance 

40 years experience 

Free no obligation estimates 

Call Gordon 

01250 876835 

07949 286 026 

www.gcrolllandscapes.com 

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES 

For 

Planning & Building 

Warrant Applications 

Housing Extensions 

Alterations Conversions 

Commercial 

Call: 07884177328 

Email: namacleod@aol.com 

Norman Macleod 

PAGE 

11

Rotary Club of Blairgowrie 

One final event to commemorate Her Majesty 

Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubillee in 2022 

– Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson presented 

the club with a young Giant Redwood, aka 

Wellingtonia (sequoiadendron giganteum). In 

March Sir Melville and Club President Bob Ellis 

planted the tree on Blairgowrie Golf Course, in 

memory of the late Queens Platinum Jubilee as 

well as the club’s 75th anniversary. This follows 

a long Scottish tradition of specimen tree 

planting; Blairgowrie Golf Course has an active 

woodland management plan. 

A raffle for a hamper of goodies in March at 

Tesco raised £380 for our community support, 

to which was added almost £500 from a wellsupported 

Quiz Night. We plan to have another 

Quiz later in the year. 

Rotarians Gary and Brian selling tickets 

Photo shows Sir Melville, President Bob and 

Rotarians with the young tree 

Blairgowrie Rotary is working with The Angus 

Glens Rotary Club to build toilet blocks in 

schools in Nepal. While these will benefit 

all pupils, it will enable girls particularly to 

continue with their education, as the old 

facilities were very unpleasant for teenage girls 

to use. The project was launched at a dinner 

for in Strathmore Golf Centre, and there will 

be more joint fundraising projects, including a 

Coffee Morning in Alyth on 2nd September. 

In February we hosted another successful 

Community Games Night, in Blairgowrie Golf 

Club. 10 teams took part, with the winners, 

Womens Walk and Talk, winning £100 for their 

group. Look out for another Games Night 

towards the end of the year. 

Examples of current facilities 

Future Events 

Our annual Charity Golf Day at Blairgowrie Golf 

Club is on Thursday 1st June. If you would like 

to enter a team, please contact Robin Duncan 

email rjhduncan@outlook.com. 

The winning team, Swingball 

Charity Shop in Blairgowrie Town Hall, from 

14th - 16th July. All proceeds go to support 

PAGE 


our local community. If you have any items 

you would like to donate, please contact our 

Secretary Deborah Rogers. Email 

secretary@blairgowrie.rotary1010.org 

If you would like to learn more about Rotary, 

and in particular Rotary in Blairgowrie and 

District, look us up on Facebook, check out 

our website www.blairgowrie.rotary1010.org 

or contact our Secretary Deborah Rogers 

secretary@blairgowrie.rotary1010.org 

Blairgowrie & Rattray Access Network (BRAN) 

Egg ‘n’ Chips! 

BRAN tend the town’s core footpaths keeping 

them accessible for all to enjoy. Find an 

illustrated leaflet detailing the Path Network at 

www.pkc.gov.uk/article/15353/Blairgowrie-pathnetwork 

. 

Our work parties are never dull. We’ve certainly 

had variety throughout the Spring months; 

unblocking ditches on Cargill’s Way, hoeing Tam 

Stewart’s Brae, lopping gorse along Kirklands, 

chopping overgrowth on St Finks and freeing 

culverts at Craighall Gorge. Thanks to the 

generosity of Sholach Christmas Trees we 

were able to utilise their donated chippings at 

Ardblair Woods to tackle the muddy entrances, 

following which our volunteers enjoyed their 

Easter cream eggs. (See photo) 

network during the growing season. Quite a 

challenge. 

None of this would be possible without the 

unmitigated dedication and determination of 

the unassuming Ian Richards who has worked 

tirelessly as Secretary and, subsequently, Chair 

of BRAN ensuring the organisation’s growth and 

cohesion. We are so very grateful to him. Ian 

remains a committee member but has handed 

over the reins to Keith Reid & Derek Balloch as 

Joint Chairs. 

Why not follow BRAN on Facebook or, to receive 

an invite to our regular work parties, contact: 

briancampbell3@aol.com or 

derekballoch@hotmail.co.uk 

Our marvellous mowers, Ally Donald & 

Grahame Mustard have commenced operations 

to keep the grass controlled across the path 

PAGE 

13


The cost-of-living crisis had been hitting everyone this year but on top 

of the obvious impacts of less day-to-day spending, something that is 

not highlighted as often is many are cutting back on social activity and 

spending less time with friends, loved ones and community groups. 

A recent survey by Age UK has shown that second to the 54% of 

respondents stating they were cutting back on heating, 41% said they 

were cutting back on social and leisure, and 31% said they were cutting 

back on groceries. These are worrying figures for both physical and mental health, a sure sign 

that times are tough, and all the more reason to look out for friends, family and help others in the 

community. 

In any case, if you want help to cut your energy bills, we are here to help. We can carry out full 

household surveys, advising on changes to save you money and where to find funding support. 

For those in energy debt or struggling to meet their fuel costs, we can also make applications on 

your behalf to the newly reopened Scottish Government Home Heating Fund. Unlike many other 

government schemes, you may be eligible even if you are not on benefits. 

If ANY of these apply to you – you are self-rationing, live in a remote location, are over 75, have a 

medical condition, off-grid or use alternative fuel, a Local authority or foster care leaver, or receive 

Scottish Child Payment – then you might be entitled to help with your energy bills. 

The Heat Project has already assisted with over 80 successful applications awarding £44,000, 

about £500 per client on average. Our area is about 1.5% of Scotland’s population but in previous 

rounds we have processed about 3% of the money, twice the national average. 

You can find more information at www.theheatproject.org and can contact me at 

martin@theheatproject.org. We also post helpful advice each week at 

www.facebook.com/theheatproject. 

Local Berries: Home & Office Delivery Service 

We deliver “same-day” picked local berries to homes and offices in Blairgowrie, 

Rattray and Alyth every Friday during the months of May to September. 

Go to our Website for further details or scan the QR 

Code. www.blairgowriefarmshop.co.uk 

Our Minimum Delivery is 2 punnets weekly. You may 

start or stop anytime and any skipped weeks for 

holidays are allowed. 

Help to support your 

local berry farmers. 

BLAIRGOWRIE FARM SHOP DIRECT 

PAGE 


Biodiversity Blair 

The town’s Open Spaces group is made up of a number of different groups in the town 

including Blair in Bloom, the Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Café, Blairgowrie and 

Rattray Development Trust’s Biodviersity Blair project, BRAN and Perth and Kinross Council 

Greenspace team. 

Local volunteers work alongside Perth and Kinross Council’s Greenspace Ranger to enhance the 

local environment and be more nature friendly in a way that fits in with local preferences. 

The aim is to increase the growing of healthy food locally, increase pollinators and to look after 

our natural landscape in the local area for all species – including humans! 

And this spring, thanks to a collaborative partnership between the Biodiversity Blair group and the 

BaRI Food Project, local residents who wanted to find out more about or start growing their own 

food were able to get involved with new edible plant sessions at the BaRI Store. 

The BaRI Growers group has been meeting every Saturday at 2pm in the BaRI Building on 55 High 

Street and, under the guidance of volunteers and local growers Angela Comley and Rob Alfano, 

those taking part have planted and taken home a new edible plant each week, including a variety 

of potatoes, peas, and strawberries. 

Example plants are also being grown at the store as part of the project, which is part of the Trust’s 

Home Grown Wellbeing - Feeding and Growing with our Community Project supported by National 

Lottery Community Led funding and which 

aims to create a growing community where 

people are able to compare progress, share 

experiences and discuss what has worked and 

what hasn’t worked. 

The group is also continuing to work towards 

ensuring there is a variety of planting, of the 

kind that people like to look at and that will 

help the town become more self-sustaining and 

reduce food miles and food costs. 

The areas that the Biodiversity Blair group 

currently looks after are parts of Davie Park, 

and the riverside, the Gamesie and Lochy Park. 

However, those involved are keen to hear from 

PAGE 15

anyone in the town who would be interested in volunteering for a few hours a month, enabling 

the group to do more, including looking after more areas in Blairgowrie and Rattray and ensuring 

that they are managed for the local community in a way that both supports biodiversity and is 

acceptable to residents. 

To help facilitate this, the group is currently building up a mailing list of people who would be 

happy to help out and volunteer during days over the coming months. 

The Open Spaces group is also working on a regular e-newsletter to keep anyone who is interested 

in finding out more up-to-date of what’s happening with our open spaces. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about Blairgowrie and Rattray’s Biodiversity Town strategy, and 

what you can do to make a difference visit www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk/cap-actions/biodiversity. 

Alternatively, follow ‘BiodiversityBlair’ on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date information on 

events and work parties. 

And if anyone would like to be added to the mailing list for upcoming volunteering opportunities 

and the new regular e-newsletter, please email lesley@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk. 


Illuminations 

Committee 

We have now reached the Summer 2023 edition 

of the Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine and 

preparation for this year’s Christmas lights 

display and Switch-on event is well underway. 

Christmas 2022 saw the display of 18 new 

Christmas lights across the town and we 

received positive feedback from all on these 

lovely new additions. These lights were 

purchased through funding received from the 

National Lottery Awards for All with the support 

of Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust. 

We are now looking into additional funding to 

enable us to make more changes. These new 

lights have a better impact on the environment 

with LED bulbs as well as being significantly 

easier for our volunteers to put up and down 

due to the aluminium frames. 

We are excited to be working with other local 

groups on the new lights project and, as always, 

this year’s switch-on. 

This year’s Blairgowrie and Rattray switch-on 

event will be taking place in the Wellmeadow 

on Saturday 25th November. Following on from 

successful events of the past, we will be hosting 

a selection of community and christmas market 

stalls. If you would like a stall at this year’s 

event, please get in touch through the Facebook 

page - Blairgowrie and Rattray Christmas Lights. 

The festive lighting requires a lot of work 

throughout the year and the committee are 

always on the lookout for new volunteers. Even 

if you can only spare a small amount of time, 

we would love to welcome your help and input. 

Join the committee, the switch-on team or the 

incredible volunteers that put the lights up and 

down each year! 

If you would like to get involved please contact: 

Scott MacGregor Chairperson 

07950 213 546 

brilluminations@hotmail.com 

PAGE 


Introducing 

Rattray Community Garden 

You may have noticed lots of activity over the 

past few weeks at the new community garden 

in Rattray, just off Balmoral Road. 

Rattray Community Garden is based in what 

used to be a walled garden for Mount Ericht 

House and has been home to award-winning 

environmental group Blairgowrie and Rattray in 

Bloom for a number of years. 

The purchase and redevelopment of the 

community garden was highlighted as 

something local people wanted as part of the 

community action plan consultation exercise 

carried out in 2020. 

When the opportunity arose to buy the land, 

the site was secured as a community asset for 

the town and then purchased by Blairgowrie 

and Rattray Development Trust (BRDT) in 2021 

thanks to support from the Scottish Land Fund. 

And those behind the redevelopment of the 

community garden, which was granted £60,000 

from the Scottish Government’s Shovel Ready 

fund last year to go towards installing utilities 

and other facilities such as paths to ensure it is 

accessible for all, greenhouses and raised beds, 

are now working to provide a safe and secure 

environment for people of all ages that will 

make a positive difference to the town. 

The aim is to create a welcoming, relaxing area 

where local groups can meet, supporting their 

health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation, 

developing gardening skills, and observing 

wildlife. 

It will also help facilitate intergenerational 

activity and educational sessions, reduce food 

poverty by developing and maintaining an 

area - including raised beds - to grow fruit and 

vegetables for those in need, and increase 

biodiversity with careful management and 

planting. 

Establishing a hub for food production, 

education and wellbeing, while contributing 

to efforts to achieve net zero, improve the 

environmental sustainability of the town and 

support the work done by Blair in Bloom, will 

benefit the whole community. 

As well as the physical work on site, there 

has been lots going on behind the scenes as 

well, with a new committee being formed to 

oversee the management of the garden, and 

a new coordinator being recruited to take on 

responsibility of the day-to-day operations of 

the new facility. 

A planting plan for the garden is also being 

developed, as is a new dedicated website and 

social media pages. And the new committee 

will be contacting community groups and 

organisations in the area that had previously 

expressed an interest in using the garden to see 

how they would like to be involved. 

Further fundraising is currently under way for 

the refurbishment of one of the buildings at the 

site to form a general purpose room, toilets and 

a small kitchen, and a new storage shed. 

And the group is also planning an official 

opening event at the garden early in the 

summer to showcase the new facilities. Keep 

an eye on social media and the Blairgowrie 

Advertiser for further details nearer the time. 

To find out more about Rattray Community 

Garden, including how you can get involved 

in supporting the work it is doing or how you 

can benefit from the new facilities, follow the 

new Facebook page by searching for ‘Rattray 

Community Garden’. 



PAGE 

17


Blairgowrie Rattray and District Genealogy Centre 

SURVIVAL AGAINST THE ODDS 

While researching his Blairgowrie and 

Braemar Family History for a resident of Long 

Island, New York, who had paid a visit to our 

Genealogy Centre in 2019, we came across a 

famous story from maritime history involving 

one of his ancestors. This is a remarkable story 

of a ship’s sinking and the survival of 34 of the 

crew of 44 after spending 23 days in lifeboats. 

On 4 June 2023 it will be exactly 100 years since 

the S.S. Trevessa sank in the Indian Ocean. 

Pathe newsreel footage of the event would 

have been shown in Quinn’s Picture House here 

in Blairgowrie, but unfortunately, Billy Moore’s 

copy was destroyed in a fire on 18 May 1923. 

It was by a strange twist of fate that Donald 

James Lamont (1899 - 1983) from Braemar 

was serving as wireless operator on the S.S. 

Trevessa. He was brought in at the last minute 

to replace an operator whose wife was seriously 

ill. He joined the ship in Liverpool before it set 

sail for Canada on 2 January 1923. With cargo 

loaded in Canada it proceeded to New Zealand, 

where, after unloading, it picked up a load of 

zinc concentrates and left Fremantle in Western 

Australia on 25 May 1923 bound for Durban in 

South Africa. 

It was in the early hours of Monday 4 June 

1923 during a fierce storm that Donald Lamont 

sent out the radio message ‘SOS de GCVJ S.S. 

Trevessa lat 28-45S long 85-42E sinking rapidly 

- crew taking to boats’. In heavy seas the 

crew took to two lifeboats, and from then on 

their daily rations consisted of one-third of a 

cigarette tin of water a day, two cigarette tin 

lids of condensed milk and one ships biscuit. 

After 23 days and 1700 miles, the first lifeboat 

reached Roderique Island on 27 June 1923, 

The gravestone on 

Donald Lamont’s 

grave in Birkenhead/ 

Glenfield cemetery in 

Aukland, New Zealand 

Book about the sinking 

of the Travessa 

three days later the second lifeboat reached 

Mauritius. Sadly, eight crew members died 

at sea, and one died the day after landing. 

Following time in hospital, and when the 

men were strong enough, they returned to a 

rapturous welcome at Gravesend. Their story is 

told in two books: ‘The Last Voyage of the S.S. 

Trevessa’ by Donald James Lamont and ‘1700 

Miles in Open Boats’ by Cecil Foster. 

Donald James Lamont was the son of John 

Lamont, Taxidermist, who designed and 

executed the Stag Ballroom at Mar Lodge, 

Braemar, Aberdeenshir. He returned briefly to 

Braemar, but was eager to return to work. He 

married in Glasgow in 1928, and later migrated 

to New Zealand where he passed away in 1983. 

For more information about the sinking of the Trevessa visit : 

www.shippingwondersoftheworld.com/trevessa.html 

www.prehistorian.wordpress.com/2016/10/06/survival-the-story-of-the-trevessa/ 

Pathe newsreel footage of the survivors’ return to Gravesend may be seen at: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKWHFcGXtQM 

Donald Lamont’s descendant approves the publication of this article. 

CONTACT US - 

ALWAYS WANTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY? 

THE GENEALOGY CENTRE VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP. 

blairgowriegenealogy@hotmail.co.uk 

Or find us on Facebook 

Alternatively pop in to see us at Blairgowrie 

Library, in Leslie Street on Tuesday, Wednesday 

and Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm 

PAGE 


WELL…WHAT HAPPENED WAS… 

A friend of mine here in Blair casually said…. 

“I’ve just found out that George Barty’s 

gravestone is in The Auld Hill Kirk”. 

So I told Brian, the friend, we could have a wee 

look and see if we can find the stone. 

The Genalogy group, (highly recommended) 

based at the Blairgowrie Library, have access 

to a numbered map, showing very many of the 

gravestones and who’s they are. So holding the 

‘map’ we went searching……..SUCCESS ! 

The Graveyard is now the ‘home’ of many 

important and influential people from around 

Blairgowrie and Rattray, one of whom is this 

one…… BARTY. 

THE HILL KIRK GRAVEYARD 

George Barty was born in Blairgowrie on July 

20th 1767. George operated a Snuff mill at 

Lornty, where dry tobacco leaves were ground 

down into snuff. Using snuff became very 

popular from the 17th century. George moved 

to Perth, where he opened a tobacconist shop 

at 55 High St. He died suddenly on Thursday 

6th June 1839 aged 72. Aside from his snuff and 

tobacconist business’, George is more famous 

for the... 

BARTY MORTIFICATION. 

What is a Mortification, I hear you ask! 

Google says…… it is a “great embarrassment” 

…..as in being really mortified. 

However in The Church of Scotland, there 

are examples of Mortifications being 

like Endowments of money…..The Barty 

Mortification is one such example. 

The photo show the Graveyard after its first 

cut of the year. 

A heritable security of money was to be devoted 

to the education of children of poor families 

within the local parishes, with the names of 

Barty and Souter to have preference. 

As time passed and free education became 

available, the trustees of the Barty Mortification 

agreed to offer bursaries of £4 and upwards to 

pupils attending schools in Blairgowrie, Rattray, 

Bendochy and Kinloch. 

As previously mentioned, there is much great 

history to be sourced from THE AULD HILL KIRK 

GRAVEYARD, here in Blairgowrie. 

PAGE 

19


CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF 

OUR HERITAGE TIMELINE 

On 25 June 2021 Our Heritage launched our website 

and Timeline which details local sites, events and 

people in chronological order. We started out with 

ten articles and have now reached over fifty and it 

is still a work in progress. Please keep visiting 

our Timeline to check out new additions. 

TO TEST HOW WELL YOU KNOW OUR LOCAL AREA TRY OUR SHORT QUIZ JUST FOR FUN. 

ALL ANSWERS ARE TO BE FOUND ON THE OUR HERITAGE TIMELINE 

www.ourheritageblairrattray.scot/timeline 

1. Blairgowrie is known as The Berry Toon. Name the song composed by Belle and 

Alex Stewart? 

2. The Moss of Cochrage lies to the north of Blairgowrie. What unusual Roman relic 

is said to have been found there? 

3. What colour is associated with the ghost said to frequent Newton Castle? 

4. The Cleaven Dyke is regarded as a monument of national importance. From 

which prehistoric era does it date? 

5. The Parish Church is now in James Street. In which year was the last sermon 

preached in the Hill Kirk? 

Our Heritage welcomes suggestions for articles to be added to our Timeline. 

PETERS fencing services - A7 May 2023_Layout 1 09/05/2023 15:32 Page 1 

Email: wow@ourheritageblairrattray.scot 

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CALL PETER TODAY FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE 

Mobile: 07950 126324 • Free: 0800 474 8387 

PAGE 


PAGE 21

Libraries 

Bookbug 

Blairgowrie Library offers Bookbug sessions 

on Tuesday mornings, 10am – 10.30am and 

Thursday afternoons, 2pm - 2.30pm. This is an 

under-5s activity session with songs, rhymes, 

and stories. 

CULTURE 

Perth and Kinross 

The library will be open to the public, so care 

must be taken to stay safe. Spaces at the 

sessions are limited, so pre-booking is essential. 

To book a place, please get in touch with the 

library. 

Summer Reading Challenge 2023 

Each year the Summer Reading Challenge 

motivates over 700,000 children of all abilities 

to read for enjoyment over the summer 

holidays. It is aimed at Primary aged children 

from those due to go to school in 2023 to those 

in their final year of Primary, and this is how it 

works: 

• Children sign up for free through their local 

library and receive a fun pack. 

• They set a reading goal and borrow 

books of their choice during the summer, 

collecting special stickers and incentives. 

• Library staff and volunteers help children 

to discover new books that suit their 

interests and reading level and run a 

programme of free-themed activities in the 

library. 

• Children who meet their reading goal and 

complete the Challenge are presented with 

a certificate and/or a medal. 

• Alternatively, children can take part online 

at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ 

The theme this year is Ready... Set... Read! and 

children can sign up from Saturday, 24 June 

2023. 

Perthshire Seed Library 

The Perthshire Seed Library is a partnership 

between the Perthshire Organic Gardeners 

and Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries. 

The Seed Library aims to enable gardeners 

(experienced and novice) to share a resource 

of open-pollinated seeds that suit local 

growing conditions. Members will also have 

the opportunity to tap into local Seed Library 

volunteers’ knowledge, information, and 

experience. 

The library costs £6.00 for an annual 

membership which covers training sessions, 

author events, talks from experts and a 

minimum of six packets of seeds. To join the 

Perthshire Seed Library, you must be a Culture 

Perth and Kinross Libraries member. 

Members can donate and receive seeds at 

their local library (including mobile libraries). 

Donating seeds can take place throughout the 

year, and members will receive instructions on 

how to hand in their dried seeds. In January 

and August, members will be sent an inventory 

of all the seeds available from the Perthshire 

Seed Library and information on selecting a 

minimum of six packets of seeds (with a reserve 

list too). The following month members will 

receive their seeds from their local Culture 

Perth and Kinross library. 

If you want to share ideas and join a group of 

like-minded gardeners, please join us on the 

Perthshire Seed Library Facebook page. 

If you have any queries or suggestions, you 

can contact the Perthshire Seed Library at 

perthshireseedlibrary@culturepk.org.uk 

Blairgowrie Library Opening Hours 

Tuesday 09:30-13:00 & 13:30-19:00 

Wednesday 09:30-13:00 & 13:30-17:30 

Thursday 09:30-13:00 & 13:30-17:30 

Friday 08:30-14:00 

Saturday 09:30-13:00 

Email: Blairgowrielibrary@culturepk.org.uk 

Telephone: 01250 871305 

Find us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram - 

@CPKLIbraries 


THE ERICHT SCOTTISH 

COUNTRY DANCE CLUB 

CLASSES AND DANCES are held in the 

Town Hall, Brown St, Blairgowrie, PH10 6EX 

For more information, please contact: 

erichtdance@gmail.com 

www.erichtdance.co.uk 

TUESDAY CLASSES 

Tuesday classes recommence in the Autumn 

3 October - 12 December 2023 

Friday 12 May 

Friday 7 July 

9 January - 26 March 2024 

SUMMER DANCES 

Band – Steven Carcary 

Band – Frank Thomson 

Friday 11 August Band – Jim Lindsay 

£8.00 (non-dancers £4.00) 

Raffle and please bring own cup for 

tea/coffee in the interval. 

CHARITY DANCE 

Friday 22 September 7.30pm 

Band - James Coutts 

Raffle and Supper 

£10 (£5.00 Non Dancers) 

BLAIRGOWRIE SCOTTISH 

DANCE WEEKEND 

Friday Oct 20 - Ceilidh. 

Saturday Oct 21 - Scottish Country Dance 

THE 

FRIENDSHIP 

CAFE 

COME ON IN! COME ON IN! 

RATTRAY HALL 

COMMUNITY HUB 

BALMORAL ROAD RATTRAY 

EVERY THURSDAY MORNING 

10am to 11.30am 

Yes folks, that’s the place to be for a coffee/ 

tea, home baking and it is a great place to 

meet friends, old and new, to have a good 

old natter with. Entertainment is also on 

the menu - dancing, singing and new to our 

mornings we have wheelchair exercises that 

some of the friends do from their seats and 

the rest of us can join in too. 

So you can see we are a lively lot. In May we 

are having a Fiddlers Rally, Calum and his 

grandad playing the accordion and as well as 

performances from other artists. 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BOYS & GIRLS 

If anyone has any spare time during this 

time, come along and help us with our 

mornings. We would welcome your help. 

If you a talented singer, play an instrument, 

dance etc, please give me a ring so i could 

make up a list of entertainment. The friends 

would love to see you. 

FROM ALL AT THE CAFE’ 

Contact: 

ALY MUIR 

01250 873602 

alymuir@hotmail.co.uk 

COME ON IN! 

PAGE 

23

BLAIRGOWRIE PLAYERS 

For a second year in a row one of our teams 

has reached the Youth Final of the SCDA One 

Act Festival. Last year we came home with 

the winner’s trophy from Bathgate, this year 

we’re off to Nairn. Last year we had two actors 

in the winning play, this year there’s a cast of 

21! We take to the stage in Nairn Community 

& Arts Centre on Saturday 17th June against 

youth teams from Kirkintilloch and Killin. Our 

play, Macbeth by Geoff Bamber, is a comedic 

adaptation which, while not sticking to the 

original word for word, brings the story to life 

in its own special way! Those who came along 

to our Afternoon Tea with our four One Act 

Festival plays in May are sure to have enjoyed 

seeing Macbeth. We wish cast and crew all the 

best for this. 

Whilst we hope you made it along to the Town 

Hall in May to see our four One Act Plays with 

Afternoon Tea, we return on Sunday August 

13th with a new Murder Mystery at Blairgowrie 

Town Hall. This is always a fun event, complete 

with tea and cakes, where the audience have 

to become sleuths and work out who dunnit! 

Tickets will be on sale from The Card Gallery 

in Allan Street in the weeks before. This will be 

a fundraiser for our club as our roof is still in 

need of serious repair which we have to have 

done between bat nesting and bat hibernation 

times, a very short interval. 

We will be holding auditions for our 2023 

Pantomime during August so keep an eye 

out on our Facebook page for further details. 

The chosen panto for December will also be 

announced at this time. Opening night this year 

will be Wednesday 6th December, with evening 

shows on the 7th and 8th, and matinees on 

Saturday & Sunday 9th/10th. 

The big news is that the Players committee 

have decided to let the Young Players have their 

own committee and make their own decisions 

whilst still being a part of Blairgowrie Players. 

Currently there is a thriving youth group and 

the time had come to let them be responsible, 

give them more confidence and encourage 

others to join the group. A preliminary meeting 

has been held and “Curtain’s Up” is the name 

under which they will be known in the future. 

If you are interested in finding out more about 

Blairgowrie Players please get in touch by email 

on blairplayers@btinternet.com. 

We are also looking for volunteers to join the 

small team that helps run the local Group. 

Could you give a few hours a month to help on 

the day or in the run-up to a meeting? 

Members and volunteers needed! 

Blairgowrie Macular Society Support Group 

is here to help anyone who has macular 

degeneration, another macular condition or any 

form of sight loss. Everyone is welcome at the 

group. 

We meet at St Catharine’s Centre, George 

Street, Blairgowrie PH10 6EY from 2.00pm to 

4.00pm on the first Monday of the month. We 

often have speakers, on a wide range of topics 

connected with the local community, sight or 

general interest. We would love to have some 

new members and would encourage anyone 

interested to join us. Friends, family members 

and carers are welcome at the group too and 

we have transport available from the Freedom 

Coach. 

The group is part of the Macular Society, 

which is a UK-wide charity providing advice, 

information, support, social interaction and 

a listening ear. There are 48 Macular Society 

Support Groups in Scotland. They offer help 

in understanding macular disease and coming 

to terms with sight loss. They also help us to 

ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all 

the current news and information. If you know 

of someone in another area who might benefit 

from their local Macular Society Support Group, 

please let me know. 

For more information about the Blairgowrie 

Macular Society Support Group, if you would 

like to come to the meetings or help with the 

group or if you have any questions, please 

contact Laura Gray, Senior Regional Manager, 

Macular Society on 07948 352 967 or email 

laura.gray@macularsociety.org 

PAGE 


MRS B’S KITCHEN 

SUMMER RECIPE 

LEMON VICTORIA SPONGE WITH LEMON CURD AND 

WHITE CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM 

On the retirement of Granny Pat, I have been asked to see if I can carry on the recipe tradition so 

my first journey into the “hub” is a simple basic which I hope can be enjoyed in the garden, in the 

sun, with a nice cup of tea. This recipe is for 2 x 18cm (7 inch) sandwich tins, but I have placed in 

brackets what you would need for 2 x large 20 cm (8 inch) tins. 

You will need: 

• 175 g (225g) soft margarine 

• 175g (225g) caster sugar 

• 3 (4) eggs 

• 175g (225g) self raising flour 

• 1 1/2 (2) teaspoons baking powder 

• Finely grated rind of 1 lemon 

For the filling : 

• 250g butter 

• 250g icing sugar 

• 200g white chocolate (I used buttons) 

• a little milk if needed 

• 3 (4) tablespoons lemon curd 

There is sufficient filling for the middle and top of the small sponge if you fancy, but I only use 

sufficient for the middle and freeze any leftovers to use the next time round. It freezes very well. 

Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C or 350 

degrees F or Gas 4. Grease the tins, or if you 

prefer also line them with greaseproof paper. 

I am a great fan of making things easy so follow 

the basis of measuring all the ingredients for 

the cake into the bowl and beat together until 

well mixed. Divide the mixture between the tins 

evenly, I usually weigh each tin to ensure the 

same amount is in each so as to obtain equal 

sandwiches. 

Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until 

risen and your skewer comes out clean. Leave 

to cool. 

To make the buttercream, melt the white chocolate either by pan or microwave, leave it to cool. 

Meanwhile beat the butter until soft then slowly add the icing sugar until it is fully and smoothly 

combined. Pour the cooled white chocolate into the mix and beat again until combined. The 

mixture needs to be soft and spreadable so add a little milk if necessary. 

Turn out the sponges and choose which to use as the bottom layer and spread the lemon curd 

thereon, with the buttercream on top and sandwich together. If not using the buttercream on the 

top of the cake then sprinkle a little caster sugar on top to serve. 

Enjoy! 

PAGE 

25

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PAGE 


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PAGE 

27

And just like that the summer holidays are 

nearly upon us again! 

It’s been a busy start to the year for many 

Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourist 

Association (BEPTA) members and we’re looking 

forward to a busy summer as well. 

BEPTA is the primary local marketing group for 

tourism businesses in the Blairgowrie and East 

Perthshire area. 

We do this through the popular 

www.visitcaterancountry.com website, and 

through working alongside businesses and 

organisations in the region, as well as in 

neighbouring areas and at a national level. 

Since the last edition of this magazine we 

have been working on developing a strategic 

marketing plan which will guide where we target 

our efforts and resources over the coming year. 

We are very lucky that our members provide 

such a fantastic offering that supports us in 

our efforts to ensure that Blairgowrie and East 

Perthshire is a must-see, must-visit destination 

for visitors. 

Examples of this include the Cateran 

Ecomuseum, which has been successful in 

securing £210,000 in funding for an innovative 

heritage project based in east Perthshire and 

west Angus that will help local communities and 

visitors to the area take rapid climate action and 

transition to more regenerative ways of living. 

You can read more about it on page 52. 

Fellow BEPTA member Maddie Thomson from 

Rattray won an incredible $100,000 from AirBnB 

in a worldwide competition to turn a unique 

rental design concept into reality. Maddie is 

one of 100 winners of the AirBnB OMG! Fund 

competition, and the only winner in Scotland, 

beating tens of thousands of entries from over 

20 countries with her design for a music inspired 

luxury pod, which is due to open in August. We’re 

looking forward to seeing it come to fruition. 

And BEPTA members Wood Leisure and 

the Strathmore Golf Centre have also been 

recognised for their great work receiving 

accolades in the Scottish Hospitality Awards and 

the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards respectively – 

well done to all involved! 

We were pleased to be able to join colleagues 

from Blairgowrie and Rattray Development 

Trust (BRDT) and the Cateran Ecomuseum at the 

SCOTO roadshow and conference recently. 

SCOTO is a network of community tourism 

enterprises located throughout Scotland which 

promotes community owned and managed 

tourism that benefits visitors and communities 

alike, and we’re looking forward to working with 

them where we can to promote and develop 

tourism in the local area. 

BEPTA welcomes all tourism and tourism-related 

businesses, and being a member has a number 

of benefits for your business, including increased 

visibility of and marketing reach for your 

business through a recommended member’s 

listing on the Visit Cateran Country website and 

promotion on our social media platforms. 

Standard membership for tourism businesses is 

£100 while associate membership for businesses 

that are not specifically tourism-related but want 

to support BEPTA and the work it does is just £35 

for the year. 

To find out more, check out the membership 

page on the Visit Cateran Country website 

where you can also join online - https:// 

visitcaterancountry.com/other/membership/ 

Alternatively, email us on 

admin@visitcaterancountry.com or come along 

to the next BEPTA meeting on Thursday, August 

3rd, at 6.30pm. 


Mitchells 

Newsagent 

So much more than 

a Newsagent 

1 A High Street Blairgowrie 

01250873514 / 07703186627 

Or find us on Facebook: 

mitchells newsagent 

We at Mitchells love our wee community. We always try to go the extra mile for everyone, what with 

selling the tickets for community events, collecting and donating to local charities, doing free local 

deliveries of groceries, plants and heating fuel as well as raffle prizes and more. 

We also host a range of small local businesses within the shop. Taystful, Smelleez, Wee Melting Pot, 

Little Birdie, Heather Hills, Garrsab studios & Carefree Cakes and Bakes to name only a few. 

We take so much pride in the reputation we have made over the years with our pavement garden. I hand 

pick the best plants and harden where possible. We are always here for a wee bit of advice but nothing 

pleases us more when we are told how beautiful the plants are in the garden or what a great crop of 

fruit and veg you have grown from our plants. 

Andy Barries berries have arrived, oh how we have missed them. For us nothing tastes better. 

Always fresh with a daily collection. 

We stock over 170 Sweet Shop Favourites and if not here we do our best to get them. 25 different 

varieties of fudge including dairy and gluten free as well as beautiful gift treat boxes and sweetie 

bouquets which can be made to specification. 

So as you can read we don’t only deliver newspapers and magazines, we have been called the wee heart 

of the community. All we ask is for you to keep supporting our shop and your high street to make it the 

best it can be. 

PAGE 

29

Women’s 

Walk & Chat 

We are a friendly, welcoming group of women, of all ages and 

backgrounds. We support each other through the difficult 

times and have fun and laughs when we can. It’s good to 

talk to others who do not judge but listen and share their 

experiences. If you would like some walking buddies, new 

friends or a break from the chores, come along. We go for 

walks if we are able and chat inside if the weather isn’t good. 

There is always a welcome cuppa and biscuits or cake. We are 

in the process of planning some days out, so don’t miss out, 

join us! 

If you would like to come along, there’s no need to book, you will always be welcome. We meet 

every Thursday at 6.45 at the BARI Store car park door, (Old TSB building, corner of Bank Street) 

just come in or tap on the window. 

We look forward to meeting you. 

Janine 

BLAIRGOWRIE 

LYRIC CHOIR 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, dear reader! 

It may seem a little early for such a greeting, but for some in BLAIRGOWRIE LYRIC CHOIR, 

presently on their annual summer gardening break after their May concert, now is the time to 

be thinking about their next Christmas Concert. For 2023, the appointed day is SATURDAY 16th 

DECEMBER, when our aim is to again fill the pews of St Catharine’s Church in George Street with 

an audience ready to enjoy the choir’s interpretations of a varied selection of Christmas numbers, 

old, new, familiar, and unfamiliar. In keeping with previous years, the audience will of course 

have ample opportunity to join with the choir in giving full voice to some of the best loved, most 

popular carols written. And, to cap what we trust will be an uplifting evening, all will be invited to 

tea, coffee, nibbles, and social chit chat in the church hall after the musical programme. 

At the time of going to press, no information was available as to what music the Christmas 

Concert might contain but, when the choir reconvenes at 7.00pm on Tuesday 15th August in the 

Balmoral Hall, Balmoral Road, Rattray, all - or at least, much - will be revealed. 

Since starting afresh after Covid, the choir has been delighted to welcome several new members 

and, for any aspiring singers, August would be the perfect time to come along and test drive the 

tonsils. The Christmas programme invariably contains several familiar pieces, which perhaps 

makes learning less daunting. Moreover, we do take the learning process very slowly - if it’s not 

fun, it’s not working! - and we can further help the process with individual lines specially recorded. 

Remember that choirs don’t look for Luciano Pavarottis or Kiri te Kanawas, who are wonderful 

singers, but are not choir singers. Rather, we favour just pleasant singing voices that can 

reasonably hold a line and blend in with the other pleasant singing voices around them. And, we 

emphasise, the ability to read music, while a benefit, is certainly not a requirement. 

So really, there’s no excuse. Come the second half of August - Tuesday evenings, Balmoral Hall, 

Balmoral Road, Rattray, 7.00pm start. Two hours of harmony surrounded by others who never 

thought they could sing either! 

PAGE 


31st 

Ruthven 

Music 

Festival 

The Ericht Art club are having their 

Annual Exhibition in The Blairgowrie 

town hall on the 24th & 25th June 2023. 

10am till 5pm both days. 

We have Original paintings, to see and buy, 

also prints, cards, coasters etc 

We will have our usual pick your favourite 

painting as you enjoy our exhibition. 

The concert of the 31st Ruthven Music 

Festival will take place in Ruthven Community 

Hall on Sunday June 25th at 3.30 for 4 pm. 

The festival’s own dedicated ensemble 

of professional players, Ruthven Festival 

Musicians, led by Audrey Mattner and 

conducted by Howard Duthie, will perform 

works by Mozart and Bach. Rachael Smart 

and Eilidh Randall will be the soloists in 

Mozart’s wonderful Sinfonia Concertante 

for violin and viola, K 364, which will be the 

centrepiece of the programme. There will also 

be a contribution from young cellist Michelle 

Campbell, a winner of the Ruthven Young 

Musician Competition 2021. Michelle will play 

Waldesruhe by Dvořák. 

This is the first concert since the Ruthven 

Music Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary 

in 2019. James Ivory, of the Festival 

committee, said: “We are thrilled to be 

returning to live events in the acoustically 

perfect setting of the Ruthven Community 

Hall. We look forward to welcoming back the 

excellent Ruthven Festival Musicians and our 

distinguished soloists.” 

Entry to the concert costs £22. The fee 

includes a wine reception before the concert 

and strawberries and cream after it. Music 

fans under the age of 14 are welcome free of 

charge. Places can be reserved from June 1st 

by emailing ruthvenfestival@gmail.com, or by 

contacting James Ivory on 01575 530258 or 

Peter Haviland on 01828 958406. 

We have a competion on for our Artists to win 

The Roy Oxlade Memorial trophy, with several 

paintings along the stage for our visitors to 

judge. 

The title is Memories are made of this 

(still-life). 

A raffle will also take place to win a painting 

donated by Kay Gwynne. 

Tea, coffee and home baking will also be 

available. 

We look forward to meeting all our visitors 

and hope you will enjoy our exhibition. 

The Card Gallery (Hallmark) 

23, Allan Street, Blairgowrie. 01250 876444 

“It’s the Thought that Counts” 

Come to us for new design cards and 

gifts that are a little bit different! 

Exclusive ranges of quality cards including 

Scottish Artists, Blank cards & Humour 

New stock handmade and sourced in Scotland - 

Award winning Eriskay Candles & Reed Diffusers. 

Highland Soap Company - Ethical range of Scottish 

Handmade Soaps & Skincare. Cath Waters (artist) - 

beautifully designed gifts capturing the peace and 

solitude of the Scottish landscape. Plus our usual 

Fair Trade gifts; Scottish chocolate; Lewis Chessmen 

and jewellery lovingly handmade in Blairgowrie, 

Friendly, experienced staff, happy to help. 

PAGE 

31

BOOKMARK BOOK FESTIVAL 2023 

Billy Kay’s visit to BOOKMARK on Saturday 15th April at 

St Catharine’s was a terrific start to our 11th year of events. 

‘Scots: The Mither Tongue’ was an enthralling way to spend an 

afternoon as Billy, a popular and award-winning broadcaster 

and writer, and fan of BOOKMARK, not only reminded us of the 

richness of the Scots language but treated us to the first reading 

from his forthcoming memoir Born in Kyle. ‘The best lecture 

I’ve ever heard’ said aloud by one of our packed-out audience 

members which we certainly agreed with! 

Billy’s talk underlined what BOOKMARK is all about – writers are for listening to, not just reading! 

The next event is the Ticket Launch at 2pm on July 29th in St Catharine’s. (We’re hoping that 

the popular writer Jenny Colgan will be our guest on that date) The full programme of 10 events 

for our Festival in October, this year on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October, will be revealed and 

Weekend and Day Pass tickets will be on sale at greatly reduced prices. This is always a popular 

event, so please buy your tickets in advance! 

The 10 events offer a wide variety of authors, 

themes and presentations and they all have one 

thing in common – high-quality, entertaining, 

thought-provoking, engaging conversations. From 

panels to one-to-one discussions; readings and song; 

household names and new talent make BOOKMARK 

a book festival that more and more writers want 

to come to. Don Paterson, Liam McIlvanney, 

Rachel Joyce, Sally Magnusson, Magnus Linklater 

are just a few of our guests. Discussions about 

nature writing, memoir, crime novels, history and 

the diaries of a famous actor promise a wealth of 

interest! On-site catering, professional sound and 

lighting, comfortable seating make our audiences 

always want to come back and bring new friends 

with them. 

Billy Kay 

If you want to buy books or talk about your own writing, Blairgowrie’s independent bookshop 

Adventure into Books will be there as will Dundee’s Nethergate Writers and Perthshire Writers – 

as well as independently published authors. 

The winners of the Christine Findlay Prize, run for senior pupils at Blairgowrie High School, and 

the Book of the Year 2023 will be announced. (All six titles for the Book of the Year are available at 

Blairgowrie Library) 

Our hugely popular Authors in Schools programme will be happening in the Autumn too! 

All details are available on our website www.bookmarkblair.com (where Kate, from Adventure into 

Books also posts her choices for ‘Books of the Month’ so you never need worry about what to read 

next!) 

Tickets for the Launch can be bought from our Treasurer 01250 875613 or Adventure into Books 

or Perthshire Box Office. 

PAGE 


BLAIRGOWRIE TOWN HALL 

We’ve had a very busy time with entertainment 

events at Blairgowrie Town Hall recently, in 

addition to our everyday bread and butter 

bookings. From Leonard Brown, McDougall’s 

Magic Circus and Jane McCarry back in April 

to Blairgowrie Players, the Budapest Café 

Orchestra and Paul Riley in May. It’s good to see 

the facility is being well used again. 

June brings more events to Blairgowrie: Guide 

Dogs have their Table Sale on Saturday 3rd, 

we have Ready Steady 60’s Show with us on 

Friday 9th, Mary’s Meals Coffee Morning on 

Saturday 17th and the Desperados (a fabulous 

Eagles tribute band) on Friday 30th. The Ericht 

Art Exhibition is with us on the weekend of 

24th/25th June. 

July sees the first of, hopefully many, ‘Blair Live’ 

events, organised by local Andy Sinclair, on 

Saturday 8th. Dundee band Tequila Rose will be 

playing at this licensed event. There are plans 

for further events in September and November 

in the pipeline. Get your dancing shoes on 

and come along! Strictly over 18s. Blairgowrie 

Rotary Club also have a Charity Shop 14th – 

16th of the month. 

August sees Blairgowrie Players back at the 

Town Hall with a new Murder Mystery on 

Sunday 13th and Rattray Arts Festival will 

be around for much of the latter part of the 

month. 

Tickets for many of these events are available in 

Mitchell’s Newsagent, check out our Facebook 

page, the noticeboards outside the Town 

Hall and advertising around town for further 

information. 

We are delighted that we will be closed the last 

week of August as we are installing new LED 

stage lighting, bringing safer, more effective 

and energy efficient options within this area. 

We just have to learn how to work them 

thereafter! 

You can contact Blairgowrie Town Hall by email 

on enquiries@blairgowrietownhall.co.uk or by 

telephone on 07938 039479. Booking forms for 

the hall and more information on events can be 

found on www.blairgowrietownhall.co.uk 

Blair 

Ukes 

The ukulele group has enjoyed a remarkably 

successful spring season. We now have 22 

regular members and a short waiting list of 

people who would like to join us. This was 

rather too many players for the room we were 

using upstairs at St. Catherine’s Community 

Hall. However, we have now found a new home 

with a bit more elbow-room at the Life Plus 

Church Hall in William Street. The group meets 

there every Monday morning and occasionally 

adds a ‘jam session’ for the keener strummers 

on a Wednesday evening. 

Most of us are still quite inexperienced, but we 

are all having fun, really enjoying the sounds we 

can make together, and our skills are gradually 

improving. The group has now performed quite 

a few local ‘gigs’ which mostly seem to be going 

down quite well. These have included visits to 

the Friendship Café, the Stormont Lodge care 

home and Alyth Women’s Institute, among 

others. We were also guests at Ballintuim’s 

Coronation celebration and will be playing for 

various other groups in the near future. Hope 

to see you there! 

Much of the group’s success can be credited to 

our leader – Jane Ward – who devotes so much 

of her time and energy to Blair Ukes. We thank 

you ‘wonder woman’! Her email contact, if 

anyone needs it is: janewardm@gmail.com 

Thanks also once again to Sam Stewart and 

the BRDT for their help in funding our recent 

purchases of 2 ukes, 2 music stands and some 

other equipment. 

To seek inspiration for improved performance, 

and just to have a good night out, some of us 

will be going to see The Ukulele Orchestra at 

Perth Concert Hall on the 21st of May, which 

should be great fun. 

Keep on strumming, folks! 

PAGE 

33


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PAGE 

35

What are the fire safety rules and why is fire 

safety importance in the workplace. 

As a business owner, you are responsible 

for taking the appropriate steps to prevent 

fires and guarantee your workplace meets 

all required health and safety standards. Fire 

safety is of the highest importance in any 

building, to ensure safety of your employees 

and the protection of your building. Fire 

protection systems and procedures are a legal 

requirement and need to be put in place in 

buildings to make employees aware in the 

event of a fire. 

Fire Safety: The Law & Your 

Responsibilities 

Buildings must comply with The Fire (Scotland) 

Act 2005 and The Fire Safety Regulations 

(Scotland) 2006, which applies to general fire 

safety across Scotland. Business premises are 

required to provide a minimum fire safety 

standard, the owner/responsible person must 

carry out a fire risk assessment and keep 

it up to date, this will identify, manage and 

reduce the risk of fire, to also put in place a fire 

prevention and emergency evacuation plans. 

If the responsible person does not have this 

skill set, then it is recommended a professional 

company is brought in to help carry out this 

work and write up these documents. 

Fire extinguishers and Fire 

safety signage 

Fire extinguishers play a crucial role in 

protecting buildings, by fighting fires in their 

early stages. Located in easily accessible spots, 

fire extinguishers can be used by anyone to 

eliminate fires, using chemicals such as, water, 

powder, foam, Co2 and wet chemical. Fire 

extinguishers must be installed, commission 

and serviced annually, to BS5306-3 code of 

practice, by a trained engineer. Fire safety signs 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE SAFETY 

provide clear guidance to mark the location 

of equipment, fire alarm activation points, 

warning signs and fire exits. Through imagery 

and text, employees are aware of where they 

can find the correct equipment in case of an 

emergency. 

Fire Safety Training and 

Awareness 

It is detrimental to the safety of the staff and 

business if your employees aren’t educated 

on potential fire hazards and safety protocols. 

A lack of knowledge is dangerous and can 

lead to casualties. The more people know, 

the less likely a fire will occur. All staff should 

be trained on both the fire prevention and 

emergency evacuation plans or have access to 

these documents for review. It is also essential 

that they understand following these plans 

and procedures are imperative to the safety of 

themselves and their co-workers. There should 

also be a minimum of one employee who is in 

the premises who is Fire Marshall Trained and 

has the responsibility of this important role. 

Fire Alarm Detection Systems 

A fire alarm detection system is designed to 

sense smoke, extreme heat or fire and provide 

a high frequency alert to personnel throughout 

a building. The detection systems can be 

activated automatically or manually, via call 

points on the wall. It is vital these systems are 

installed and operate effectively, to protect life 

from the danger of a fire. It’s crucial that fire 

detection and suppression systems are always 

completely functional, including ensuring the 

appropriate equipment is properly installed, 

tested and maintained for safe use in the event 

of a fire. 

PAGE 


Fire Safety Logbooks 

The Fire safety logbook and maintenance 

record should always remain on the premises. 

The register will assist you in proving 

compliance with your legal responsibilities in 

relation to fire safety and should be completed 

following the inspection, test, and maintenance 

of any of the items required by the legislation. 

The fire safety logbook should be available for 

inspection by any Fire Officer who inspects your 

premises, it should also be available to relevant 

employees, or any service engineer as required. 

They should record regular checks and record 

findings on: All escape routes are clear, and the 

floor is in a good state.: You record any faults in 

systems and equipment: All fire alarm systems 

are working: The emergency lighting is working: 

Fire doors close correctly and in good working 

News & Articles 

order: Fire extinguishers and the fire safety 

signs are in the right place: Training and Fire 

drills are logged. 

Fire safety is important and necessary in the 

workplace in order to prevent and protect 

against the destruction caused by fire. Fire 

safety reduces the risk of injury, death 

and building damage that fires can cause. 

Developing and implementing fire safety 

protocols in the workplace is not only required 

by law but it is crucial to everyone’s safety that 

may be in the building during a fire emergency. 

For any advice or a free survey and quotation, 

please contact. 

Graham Fire Protection on 

info@grahamfireprotection.com: 

01250 833104 

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS 

by Margaret Drummond 

Did you enjoy the King’s Coronation 

On your TV or laptop or mobile phone? 

Not like his Mother’s great occasion 

When few homes had TV and just monochrome. 

If you recall that you would be just a laddie 

Maybe in short trousers and long socks called ‘top hose’, 

Or just a wee lass with your hair tied in ribbons 

Posing for a photo in your best party clothes. 

Do you remember the Coronation pageant 

Winding from Rattray through Blairgowrie and back, 

A historic tableau of Blair through the ages 

As large crowds lined the streets and waved Union Jacks. 

Later perhaps you climbed to light a beacon 

On Mount Blair or Knockie with the Scouts or the Guides, 

As part of the chain lit throughout the nation 

Along with firework displays at venues far and wide. 

Did you eat exotic like Coronation chicken, 

A special new recipe made for the event? 

And maybe this time you had Coronation quiches, 

Easy on the budget if it was nearly spent. 

If you were old enough to jig at the Coronation Dance 

That would have cost you 2/6d in 1953, 

Then for this second time around I hope you got the chance 

To enjoy the Coronation Day of 2023. 

PAGE 

37


and Rattray 

Highland Games 

sponsored by Proctor Group 

Plans are well underway for this year’s games. 

With the games to be held on Sunday 3rd 

September, at Bogle’s Field, Essendy Road, the 

Committee are pushing on with the plans for 

the day. 

We are pleased to announce that the title 

sponsor for the games will be Proctor Group. 

As the games are now the official home of the 

Ardblair Stones, we are now very honoured to 

be able to promote this fully, and encourage 

people to come along, and for those keen 

enthusiasts who would like to try the stones, 

maybe even getting their name on the leader 

board for the day. 

To complement this, we shall have the usual 

mix of the traditional events, featuring the 

Heavyweight Events of Caber, Shot Put and 

Hammer, Track Events including the Hill Race, 

Cycling and Dancing Competitions. 

We shall also have the Piping Competitions, as 

part of the Competing Piper’s Association. 

The Tug of War events shall also be back, 

which will be both for the Community and 

Open Teams. 

This will include the big one of ‘Blairgowrie v 

Rattray’ using what is the longest Tug of War 

rope. 

If you are a community group who would like 

to take part in the Tug Of War, please contact 

the secretary (email address below) 

For the younger ones, the Rotary Club of 

Blairgowrie, shall be running the Mini Highland 

Games, which is always a lot of fun. 

There will also be other attractions, including 

the Axe Throwing, and for the first time, a 

Re-enactment group called the Scottish 

Knights, who will be entertaining the crowds 

with their performances. 

Additionally, there will also be a mixture of 

Vendors and Food and Beverage stalls, and 

local traders, offering an opportunity for them 

to showcase their goods. 

Following on from last year’s event we are 

also looking to offer Community Groups the 

opportunity to come along to the games, 

and show or demonstrate what they do, in 

the hope of further promoting their group to 

encourage new members/volunteers to join 

them. 

Please email the secretary if you would like a 

space for this. 

We are always looking for additional 

volunteers to help with setting up the games 

field, and even on the day itself, which will 

include dismantling things after the games. 

If you can help, please get in contact. 

Please contact the Secretary on 

secretary@blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk and 

will then keep you updated as to when things 

are happening. 

For all updates, follow us; 

Website: www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk 

Facebook: blairgowrieandrattrayhighlandgames 

PAGE 



At SCYD we always aim to support and empower young people in their local community. We 

offer drop in services throughout the week as well as focused sessions (music, digital projects, 

LGBT+ support group) all situated at Wellmeadow House on Gas Brae. On top of this there is 

an events team which supports events in the community to give young people a range of skills 

and opportunities. 

We cater to anyone aged 12-25 in our drop ins, as well as a focused group for P7s as they 

transition towards high school. 

Everything that we offer is free of charge and you don’t need to sign up beforehand to take part! 

During our sessions, we regularly offer food, snacks, and refreshments. 

As the summer holidays near we will be releasing a Summer Activities program and then a refined 

weekly schedule afterwards. 

Follow us on facebook or instagram. For more details or any questions contact Shaun at 

shaun@scyd.org.uk or 0776106028. 

PAGE 

39

Garden Matters 

It is 45 years since Beechgrove Garden first 

featured on television and in that same year 

Blair in Bloom was formed. I had begun my 

journey in horticulture the previous year in 

1977. At one time I was a guest presenter on 

Beechgrove, after judging for Blair in Bloom and 

around 1986 I joined Blair in Bloom and later 

became chairman. 

My passion for gardening grows as the years 

go by and it has been kind to me in many ways, 

helping to keep me active, creative and getting 

me through difficulties in life, rather like a shift 

in the gym for body and mind. 

Some things do not change about gardening, 

although trends come and go. Gardening wasn’t 

always as popular and trendy. When I began 

my training it was seen as a lowly profession. In 

my college career I promoted the benefits and 

value of horticulture. Many more people of all 

ages now consider horticulture as a career. In 

fact I taught the then Blair in Bloom chairman 

Nimmo Stirling about growing bedding plants. 

Unfortunately, parks and gardens struggle 

for funding nowadays, relying on charity 

and volunteering for basic maintenance and 

planting schemes. 

As I write the Coronation celebrations 

throughout the United Kingdom have 

concluded with numerous volunteering 

projects, with gardening and environmental 

schemes to the fore. 

Locally the Blair in Bloom group and BRAN path 

network volunteers among others do their bit. 

It is no coincidence that Beechgrove was the 

first ever gardening programme to feature 

community gardening makeover schemes 

and it was the Hit Squad with my old friends 

Walter Gilmore and Jim McKirdy that were the 

pioneers. 

In order that these volunteer groups continue 

to flourish, there needs to be a push to involve 

youngsters. This does happen, but mainly in 

primary schools and rather like sport, it is 

difficult to keep them involved as they get 

older. Sadly some youngsters even forget the 

need to place litter in waste bins! 

Gardening groups and societies along with 

flower shows have all but disappeared. 

Possibly a less formal structure will work, but 

like gardening itself, it can be challenging work 

at times to sustain the enthusiasm. 

I wonder what the next forty-five years will 

bring in terms of gardening? 

Recent history tells us that less money will be 

available and that there will be a gradual 

shift away from formal gardening towards 

rewilding and the creation of open spaces. 

These will require different management 

strategies including no chemicals as there are 

alternatives. 

I have recently joined the National Trust for 

Scotland in the hope that quality horticulture 

will prevail there and I will continue to visit my 

beloved Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh 

where all your troubles in life go on hold for a 

while. 

Gardening may not be for everyone, but I defy 

anyone to say they cannot appreciate the 

beauty of plants and gardens. 

Gordon Croll 

Nature’s Philosophy 

Nocturnal birds in sibilant causerie 

Forest creatures in distant revelry 

While nature’s blanket dims their rivalry 

And stills the air to peaceful reverie 

How brief is this tranquillity 

As hostile meetings in darkened shrubbery 

Remind, if only momentarily 

That man alone enjoys in camaraderie 

by Victor Timmons 


The Climate Café 

It’s been a busy spring for some of our keen 

climate café attendees who have been involved 

in some interesting conversations; a councilwide 

Climate Action Hub, new funding for 

projects in the area, and thoughts about 

community energy amongst other things. 

You may remember from previous 

communications that we are looking for 

feedback on the possibility of bringing a car 

club scheme to Blair. If you would like to know 

more and fill out our survey please see 

tinyurl.com/Blair-Car-Club-Survey , email us, or 

pop in on our meetings. 

Since the last hub release, we had some 

interesting Climate Conversations with a 

screening of The Oil Machine (society’s current 

reliance on fossil fuel) and ‘Plastics - Whose 

Problem Is It?’ talk with expert John Ferguson. 

Our next Climate Conversation may be in June 

with Jill Belch on air pollution, look out for 

posters or contact us for more info. 

There was also a lot of activity around Earth 

Day on 22nd April which is an annual event 

that raises public awareness of the importance 

of protecting the environment. A few climate 

café regulars put together a small exhibition 

with posters of educational material, aspiring 

images, and ideas for practical action which 

was kindly hosted by BaRI. We hope next year 

we can include some local nature photos or 

paintings from members of the public - if you’d 

be interested in taking part or have any ideas 

on this do get in touch (email below)! Earth Day 

was also acknowledged in Perth in the form 

of an Earth Day market where Climate Cafés 

and other environmentally minded groups 

and businesses from across the area also had 

stalls with local produce, repair cafés, bike and 

energy workshops, interactive games, seed 

planting and more. 

Looking ahead, we would love to see you at 

our meet-ups – a space for anyone to share 

ideas, concerns and current information on the 

climate and environment, they’re held at 7pm 

every third Wednesday of the month in NEST. If 

you can’t join us at our in-person meet-ups but 

still want to hear what’s going on, then drop us 

an email at info@climatecafeblair.org.uk and we 

can add you to the mailing list! 

“Saving our planet, lifting people out of 

poverty, advancing economic growth… these 

are one and the same fight. We must connect 

the dots between climate change, water 

scarcity, energy shortages, global health, 

food security, and women’s empowerment. 

Solutions to one problem must be solutions 

for all” 

Ban Ki-moon past secretary-general of the 

United Nations. 

PAGE 

41

Adventure into books 

SUMMER READING 

SUGGESTIONS 

The summer is beckoning and whether that means a holiday 

away, inviting friends and family over for a meal or relaxing 

in a comfy chair in the back garden, we’re sure you’ll find the 

perfect companion among these books: some stories, some 

poetry, some feasts. 

The Dog of the North by Elizabeth McKenzie 

Penny Rush finds herself lurching from one crisis to the next in this warm, tragic 

and funny story. Recently separated from an errant husband, and still coming to 

terms with the unexplained disappearance of her parents in Australia five years 

earlier, Penny could do with some allies as she tries to look after her irascible 

grandmother, Pincer. Cue warm-hearted, dishevelled Burt (Pincer’s accountant 

and owner of the road-worn Dog of the North campervan) and his dependable, 

unflappable brother Dale. This book is a gentle joy. 

Sparrow by James Hynes 

This is Sparrow’s story. A boy, of unknown origins, raised in a brothel on the 

Spanish coast in the waning years of the Roman Empire, Sparrow’s life is one of 

turmoil and uncertainty, corruption and abandonment. As Sparrow writes, he 

makes his unknown reader a promise: “I will never lie to you. My life may have 

been wanton, but my page is virtuous”. A cracking read. 

Perthshire 101: a poetic gazetteer edited by Andy Jackson 

Looking to explore locally? This new book of poems offers a feast of words from 

28 writers, inspired by the stories, landmarks and surroundings of our wonderful 

county. Some poems are serious, some are grand, some will raise a smile; all 

evoke the magic of Perthshire, from tatties, berries, salmon and ice cream to 

mountains, castles, city streets and bluebells. 

The Perthshire Cookbook 

This new cookbook also serves as a local guidebook, showcasing many of 

Perthshire’s finest places to eat and buy food, and offering a tempting array of 

recipes and cocktails. I particularly like the look of The North Port’s recipe for 

Pigeon, Beetroot and Brambles, followed by a Dark Chocolate Brownie from 

Highland Chocolatier Iain Burnett, and possibly a Highland Boundary’s Wild 

Scottish Mojito. Though, to be honest, all of these recipes look delicious. 

Seasonal Salads by Fi Buchanan 

Another book to tempt your tastebuds (I must have been hungry when I was 

thinking of these recommendations!). It offers an array of salad recipes for every 

month of the year: from the classic summertime Greek salad to a watermelon 

with lime sherbet recipe guaranteed to win over any children who can’t bear 

to eat anything green. Of course, salads aren’t just for summer: the apple and 

walnut salad suggested for October sounds perfect for anyone looking to make 

good use of our local abundance of autumnal apples. 

PAGE 


The Swifts by Beth Lincoln 

When they are born, every Swift is named by choosing a random entry from 

the family dictionary. The question is, do you have to live up to your name, 

particularly when the word chosen is ‘Shenanigan’? This is the brilliant story 

of a family gathering, a treasure hunt and some pretty strange goings for 

Shenanigan, her sisters and Erf to work out. What has happened to Aunt 

Schadenfreude and has the library claimed a new victim? Perfect for 8 upwards. 

The Goat and the Stoat and the Boat by Em Lynas and Matt Hunt 

Last, but definitely not least, is this entertaining new book for wee ones. It has 

everything youngsters could want from a story: it rhymes, has bold colours, fun 

characters and plenty of action and play – all wrapped into a story of sharing 

and friendship. 

We hope you enjoy your summer reads. If you would like any further recommendations, just pop into 

see us at Adventure into Books or ask at the Blairgowrie Library or the community-run second-hand 

bookshop, Booklore – we’ve got oodles of ideas for you! 

Kate & Ralph 

The new Guide Hall 

is progressing with 

its rebuild and we 

couldn’t be more 

excited! There is still 

a long way to go, lots 

of fundraising still to 

be done, but there is a light at the end of the 

tunnel, getting brighter all the time. We so 

look forward to moving into a warm, bright, 

energy efficient building, the opposite of the 

old Guide Hut! 

We need to express our thanks to everyone 

who has helped with our fundraising in any 

way, be that through coming along to our 

events, donating items for Tombola stalls, 

Raffles, Bingo Nights, baking cakes for stalls, 

etc. to giving your time to help out or by making 

suggestions where we can access further 

funding. Special thanks have to go to Vicky who 

has relentlessly applied for an assortment of 

grants, anybody who has had this role in the 

past knows just how much ‘paperwork’ and 

jargon this involves. Our District Commissioner 

has cracked the whip throughout her time in 

the role, with the help of the members of the 

committee and Blairgowrie Rotary Club. All will 

be looking forward to a time when the bills are 

all paid and they can relax a bit, not dreaming 

about where the next bill payment will come 

from. 

Once the building is complete it will be available 

for use by community groups or individual 

hires. If you would be interested in using it, 

whilst we are not taking bookings yet, please 

get in touch via email to 

guidehutblairgowrie@gmail.com 

Within Guiding Rainbows generally start once 

they join P1 at school, aged 4/5 years. Girls 

enjoy working as a team, meeting new friends 

from different schools and years, doing crafts, 

getting messy, earning badges, playing games 

and learning more about people and the world 

around them. 

Girls start Brownies from age 7 where they 

move up a gear and are involved in more 

sleepovers, camps and outings, and inevitably, 

earning more badges. 

Girls can then join Guides from age 10, where 

they are much more responsible for deciding 

the activities they undertake, and how they fit 

in with modern life. 

Recently a new group has started for Rangers, 

girls from the age of 14, and whilst they have 

Leaders to support them, they are in charge of 

what they do and how they do it. 

If you know of any girls from age 5 upwards 

who you feel would benefit from experiencing 

Guiding, please register at 

www.girlguiding.org.uk 

We’d also love to welcome interested adults 

along to join in the fun of Guiding too. Girls can 

join any of the groups at any stage throughout 

the journey. 

PAGE 43

Eclectic 

Collectables 

Jamie Duncan 

Aerial & Satellite 

TV Extensions 

All types of Satellites installed 

TV wall mounting 

Based in Blairgowrie 

Established 1999 

Phone: 

07736 551 665 

www.jduncanaerials.com 

jdaerials@sky.com 

Items wanted 

Small Antique and modern designer furniture 

Collectors and architectural items 

Gold, Silver Items, Books, China etc 

Items of Historical interest about Blairgowrie 

(Sorry no stamps, coins, fine art or clocks) 

Free advice and guidance on 

clearing legacy items 

(Private online dealer no shop) 

Contact: James Paterson 

Tel: 07786491192 or 01250 876553 

Email: antique.collect@btconnect.com 

CRIGHTONS 

CYCLES 

New & Used Cycle Sales 

including E-Bikes 

Repairs & Servicing 

of all types of bikes 

Parts & Accessories 

Extensive range of 

bikes for all the family 

87 PERTH STREET, 

BLAIRGOWRIE PH10 6DT 

Tel. 01250 874447 

PAGE 


The Wright Root, Market 

Gardeners, Coupar Angus. 

We grow and sell chemical free 

vegetables as well as Organic 

Fruit and Vegetables when ours 

are not in season! 

Open on Saturdays between 

10am and 2pm at Bright View, 

Keay Street, PH10 6JE from the 

garage on Newton Terrace. 

Bedding, Herb, Vegetable and 

flower plants coming soon. 

Contact John on 

07895 607614 

thewrightroot@gmail.com 

thewrightroot 

@thewrightroot 

#thewrightroot 

PAGE 

45

STATHMORE MEN’S SHED 

There is a possibility that rumours have leaked out about the activities 

of Men’s Shed members, or at least some of the members. On behalf 

of the members in question (who will for present purposes remain 

nameless) I can categorically deny the suggestion that the large oblong timber coffins they have 

been seen constructing relate to preparations for another plandemic. The truth is simpler - the 

Ericht Allotment Association approached the shed to see if we could assist in making raised beds 

for their new venture. Working from their basic design, we were able to make as much use as 

possible of recycled timber and keep costs to a minimum. The finished beds are modular, each 

designed to sit on trestles. Even empty these things are heavy, as they have to take the weight 

of wet soil – even with drainage provision incorporated. The beds have all been collected and 

delivered to the allotment for assembly. 

The size of the boxes and the limitations in our shed 

workshop meant these were made elsewhere and didn’t 

disrupt the shed’s other activities or spill any tea or coffee 

on our nice carpet in the shed. Slightly more traditional 

activities like refurbishing a Victorian dining table were able 

to continue. 

There is a great satisfaction in seeing an old, tired but 

fundamentally sound piece of furniture restored to 

its former glory by application of skill and hard work. 

Fortunately there are folk with the skills, ready to pass them 

on so that the hard work of novices, properly directed can 

contribute to the final product and the satisfaction felt. 

The Men’s Shed meets every Tuesday evening in Coupar 

Angus, 1 High Street (beside the Lime Tree) from about six 

till nine and most Thursday afternoons from two till five. 

New members always welcome. 

Alan McArthur - Chairman. 07745 700 916 

PS. A big thank-you to any and all who responded to my request in the last report and joined the 

petition asking the Scottish Government to change its decision to stop funding the Scottish Men’s Shed 

Association. I now understand that they have changed their mind and will continue their support. 

PPS. Thanks also to all who supported our charity shop in Coupar Angus, the proceeds of which will 

allow us to pay the electricity bill for another few months. 

The Freedom Coach 

The Blairgowrie & District Freedom Coach Association are 

delighted to welcome their new driver Ian Dennis. Ian is 

working with Charlie meantime and will take over most of 

the driving from the beginning of June. 

Ian has successfully completed his Midas driving test and 

is enjoying meeting the passengers and service users. As 

he is new to the area he is also getting to know the routes 

used for outings around Perthshire 

PAGE 

If you would like to find out more about the outings or 

shopping trips organised for the coach please contact 

Charlie on 01250 874246 or Mobile 07746567528 

Right: Ian Dennis and Charlie Bisset with the Freedom Coach 


MANTALK is a 

local group based 

in Blairgowrie, 

offering support to 

Men of ages 16 and 

above, who 

may be suffering 

various forms of 

Mental Health. 

Another busy few months for the group, with 

several varied activities undertaken including 

the Hold Fast Challenge at Willowgate. 

This was one of those activities which helps 

with the team building between the men of the 

group. The weather stayed fair, and everyone 

managed to get through the series of tests as 

part of the challenge. 

We have also had a day at Willowgate doing 

Paddle Boarding and Archery. 

More recently, some of the men took part in the 

Scottish Assault Course at Errol. 

Another challenging event, due to the cooler 

conditions – not to mention some of the 

obstacles on the course, but again with a lot of 

team building, all managed to get through the 

course. 

After much searching and fundraising, and also 

with the help of grants from Perth and Kinross 

Association of Voluntary Service Ltd (PKAVS), 

the Community Investment Fund, and other 

sources, the group have managed to purchase a 

Minibus, to further help with taking the men of 

the group out to activities and days out. 

As we move into the summer months, we 

are looking forward to our Annual Football 

Tournament and Fundraiser, which will be 

on the 24 th June at the JJ Coupar Recreation 

Ground. Starting at 12 Noon. 

There will be raffles, food, Bouncy Castles and 

even the return of the ‘Strongman’ competition. 

All are welcome to come along, as this is a 

family event. 

Further ahead, there will also be the Annual trip 

to Ben Nevis, this year on the 19 th August. 

Times will be confirmed nearer the time, but it 

will be an early start. 

If you would be interested in coming to this, 

drop a message to our Facebook. Places may be 

limited, as again we prioritise the regulars first. 

We are also planning out for other events over 

the coming months, for the men of the group. 

But as always, if we have spaces, will then open 

this up to men who don’t regularly come along 

to the group. 

Keep posted to Facebook for updates. 

As always, we are grateful for all the support 

the community gives us, and without the 

contributions we receive, would make the 

running of the group more challenging – so 

THANK YOU, to you all. 

If you are a man aged 16 years and older, and 

find yourself needing a platform to talk to 

other men, please come along to the group on 

Tuesdays, or the Walk on Thursdays. 

You don’t need to talk initially, but get a feel for 

how the group works, and then when you are 

ready, you can share. 

Talking is Good, Sharing is Good. Don’t keep it 

to yourself. 

Contact Information: 

Email: MANTALK-Enquiries@outlook.com 

Follow us on Facebook: @Blairgowrie2021 or 

search for MANTALK 

Website: mantalk2021.co.uk 

#keeptalking #keepsmiling #mantalk 

PAGE 

47


We are coming up for our third anniversary in our current premises, and 

We are coming up for our third our anniversary fourth anniversary in our current of becoming premises, a and Community our fourth Interest anniversary Company, of can 

becoming a Community Interest you believe Company, it? can I can you see believe another it? excuse I can see to hang another up excuse the bunting to hang and up break the 

bunting and break out the cakes! Talking of which… 

out the cakes! Talking of which... 

Nest recently reached over 500 

Nest 

online 

recently 

newsletter 

reached 

subscribers! 

over 500 online 

This 

newsletter 

is amazing 

subscribers! 

and we are 

This 

so grateful 

is amazing 

to 

everyone who is interested in our story and what we want to achieve. On the downside this means we 

have to start paying to continue 

and 

sending 

we are so 

our 

grateful 

newsletter. 

to everyone 

So we 

who 

decided 

is interested 

that getting 

in our 

to 

story 

know 

and 

our 

what we 

subscribers 

want to achieve. 

will help 

On 

us 

the 

tailor 

downside 

the newsletter 

this means 

to 

we 

your 

have 

preferences, 

to start paying 

plan 

to 

our 

continue 

activities 

sending 

better, 

our 

and 

newsletter. 

grow 

sustainably So we decided as a that small getting not for to proÞt know Social our subscribers Enterprise. will help us tailor the newsletter to your preferences, 

plan our activities better, and grow sustainably as a small not for profit Social Enterprise. 

The results 

THE RESULTS 

Thanks to all who took part in the survey. We were pleased to hear that you think we're doing a good job 

already 

Thanks 

- when 

to all who 

asked 

took 

about 

part 

changes 

in the survey. 

to the 

We 

newsletter 

were pleased 

everyone 

to hear 

said 

that 

to 

you 

simply 

think 

keep 

we’re 

up 

doing 

the 

a 

good 

good 

work! 

job 

Of 

already 

our key 

- 

activities, 

when asked 

86% 

about 

supported 

changes to 

Nest 

the 

as 

newsletter 

a creative 

everyone 

hub for the 

said 


to simply keep 

& Rattray 

up the good 

community 

work! 

Þrst 

and foremost. 77% liked Nest for the new skills learned at workshops, and 72% of you valued our 

sustainability 

Of our key activities, 

goals. 

86% supported Nest as a creative hub for the Blairgowrie & Rattray community 

first and foremost. 77% liked Nest for the new skills learned at workshops, and 72% of you valued our 

Based sustainability on your feedback goals. we're adding a couple of new elements to the Newsletter and website like regular 

volunteer stories and a 'donate' button. Most of you preferred the option to donate over affiliate ads. While 

we'd Based never on your promote feedback anything we’re at adding odds a with couple Nest's of new mission elements we also to the feel Newsletter that donating and website is more like in line regular with 

our volunteer ethos than stories advertising. and a ‘donate’ button. Most of you preferred the option to donate over affiliate ads. While 

we’d never promote anything at odds with Nest’s mission we also feel that donating is more in line with 

Thank our ethos you again than advertising. for participating. The positive feedback has put a spring in our step! 

Thank you again for participating. The positive feedback has put a spring in our step! 

Events 

Creating a Circular Community 

EVENTS Our regular weekly groups will be continuing throughout the summer and 

we are hoping to offer some new workshops with some new tutors that 

Our have regular offered weekly to deliver groups some will be interesting continuing throughout crafts. If you the have summer a craft and skill we you 

are would hoping be to willing offier some to share new workshops with others, with why some not new do it tutors with us! that Just have get offiered in 

to 

touch 

deliver 

to 

some 

discuss 

interesting 

the various 

crafts. 

ways 

If you 

we 

have 

can 

a 

support 

craft skill 

you. 

you would be willing 

to share with others, why not do it with us! Just get in touch to discuss the 

We are currently planning our programme of events for this years’ Its Braw 

various festival ways in August we can support and we you. will be supporting the Mental Health and 

Wellbeing Festival in Perth, also taking place in August. 

We are currently planning our programme of events for this years’ Its Braw 

festival Keep in an August eye on and our we social will be media, supporting website the or Mental sign up Health for our and newsletter Wellbeing to 

Festival keep updated. 

in Perth, also taking place in August. 

Keep an eye on our social media, website or sign up for our newsletter to keep updated. 

CREATING A CIRCULAR COMMUNITY 

With household budgets tighter than ever and leaking landÞll sites, perhaps its time to reshuffle our 

priorities. With household The question budgets is: tighter what’s than the alternative? ever and leaking landfill sites, perhaps its time to reshuffie our priorities. 

The question is: what’s the alternative? 

Enter a different kind of economy, one with community and zero waste at its centre. 

Enter a diffifferent kind of economy, one with community and zero waste at its centre. 

A circular A circular economy is is holistic, environmentally friendly, and financially Þnancially sustainable. It It might also also be be key key to to 

developing to to happy, healthy, and robust communities. 

You You can can Þnd find out out more about this on our latest Blog on on the the website nestcreativespaces.co.uk/our-blog 

Happy crafting 

Happy crafting 

PAGE 


SIMPLE CRAFT ACTIVITIES 

USING BITS AND PIECES 

FROM AROUND THE HOME 

Make a Fairy Cake Paper Case Bouquet 

What you need 

• Paper fairy cake cases 

• Pipe cleaners - plain or sparkly 

• Scissors 

• Vase 

1. 2. 

Tightly roll 

about 3cm at 

one end of a 

pipe cleaner 

into a circle. 

This will be 

the flower 

centre. 

Flatten out 

a paper 

cake case 

then fold in 

half 4 times 

to make a 

cone shape. 

3. 

5. 

Cut around the top 

edge of the paper case 

to make a petal shape. 

Then cut off a very 

small bit of the 

pointed end to make a 

tiny hole just enough 

to fit the pipe cleaner 

through. Make up to 6 

of these per flower. 

To keep the petals 

in place and to 

add a curly leaf, 

cut a pipe cleaner 

in half and wrap it 

around the stem 

3 or 4 times, just 

underneath the 

petals. 

4. 

6. 

Open out 

each paper 

case and 

thread all 

6 onto the 

pipe cleaner. 

Wrap the 

remainder 

of the pipe 

cleaner 

leaf around 

a pencil 

to make it 

curly. 

Make as many flowers as you like to fill your vase and arrange. 

PAGE 

49

RATTRAY AND 

DISTRICT SWI 

It’s been a cold spring but getting together and 

sharing friendship has seen us through. At our 

“Masterchef” meeting in February we were all 

treated to baked goodies by chef David Cochrane 

of the Wee Coffee Shop, and an insight into his 

successful career in high level catering. Our 

“Rattray’s Got Talent” Corners Night in March 

revealed the talents of four of our members, 

who demonstrated their skills in card making, 

creating personalised felt elephants, quick/ 

easy/effective knitted Easter Bunnies and in 

delicate floral arrangements, for example, in a 

china teacup. April saw a last-minute change to 

our speaker so we were very grateful to Kate 

Davies and her husband Ralph for stepping in 

to give their fascinating tale of “Adventures 

into Books” and how they have successfully 

filled the bookshop-shaped hole they spotted in 

Blairgowrie. 

As I write this, our May meeting and AGM is 

still to come but we look forward to welcoming 

new and current members, and to hearing 

Jean Smith’s update on how Blair in Bloom is 

beautifying the town for people and pollinators 

(locals and visitors) to enjoy. 

The following trophies will be awarded: The 

Sanderson Shield for the Annual Points Winner 

in competitions from September to April; The 

Reston Shields for the runners up in the above 

category; The Caithness Bowl for the lady with 

the most competition entries without winning. 

May competitions will be: For the Challenge 

Trophy - Best use of 100g DK wool; For the Carol 

Duncan Quaich - A Flower Arrangement in a Jug; 

and Flower of the Month. 

We must congratulate our Rattray Rural 

Runabouts who qualified for the Perth and 

Kinross Federation Ruralympics Final in March 

and achieved a very commendable fourth place. 

Well Done, Ladies! 

Our outing to see “Legally Blonde” at Perth 

Theatre was well attended and a great success. 

This year we established a monthly Craft 

Group, meeting on a Thursday evening at Nest 

in Blairgowrie to socialise and share tips and 

techniques. Attendees usually bring their own 

projects to work on but, occasionally, we learn 

new crafts together. 

Here are the winners of our 

Spring Competitions. 

FEBRUARY 

Coffee and Walnut Cupcakes 

1st Lynn Macaulay, 2nd Anne Simpson, 

3rd Christine Love. 

Most Items in a Matchbox 

1st Christine Love (84 items), 

2nd Helen Dyson (66), Joint 3rd Christine Wallace, 

Kay Smith, Anne Simpson (54). 

Most Unusual Item in the Matchbox: 

Joint winners Anne Martin and 

Christine Love (toy ant). 

Flower of the Month 

Fiona Ness with Helleborus. 

MARCH 

A Mocktail 

1st Anne Simpson with “Lemongrass, Ginger 

and Orange”, 2nd Kay Smith with “Ginger and 

Pomegranate “, 3rd Christine Wallace with 

“Blairgowrie Cooler”. 

An Easter Card 

1st Anne Simpson. 


Carol Duncan with a miniature, blue Iris reticulata. 

APRIL 

Animal Ornament 

1st Pat Richards, 2nd Linda Stewart, 

3rd Myrtle Petrie. 

Biscuit with a Dog Decoration 

1st Kay Smith, 2nd Muriel Brown, 3rd Anne 

Simpson. 


Pam Menzies, with a perfect white Camellia. 

So, as you can see, Rattray and District SWI, is an 

active and friendly group of ladies who welcome 

anyone who would like to join us. We meet on 

the third Monday of the month from September 

to May, at Rattray Bowling Club, Middle Road, 

Rattray, PH10 7EL. Watch out in the local papers 

for details of the first meeting of our 2023/2024 

session on September 18th 2023. 

For more information please contact 

rattraypress-secyswi@hotmail.co.uk or call 

01828 633688. 

PAGE 


Free Quotes Given 

Kilry: 01575560411 

Blairgowrie: 01250798403 

Mobile:07834258491 

scottishlandscaping@hotmail.com 

PAGE 

51

The team behind the innovative Cateran 

Ecomuseum is delighted to have been awarded 

nearly £210,000 to help local communities and 

visitors to the area take rapid climate action 

and transition to more regenerative ways of 

living. 

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund 

and National Lottery players, Paths for All, the 

Cairngorms National Park Authority and SSE’s 

Drumderg wind farm community benefit fund, 

the second phase of the Ecomuseum’s threephase 

‘Museum of Rapid Transition’ programme 

- which aims to encourage people to live more 

sustainably by learning how stories from our 

past can help guide the story of our future – is 

now under way. 

The funding will support the delivery of six 

activity streams in different areas of the 

Cateran Ecomuseum, including Blairgowrie, 

Alyth, Coupar Angus, Glenisla, Kirkmichael and 

Meigle, over the next 18 months. 

These activities aim to reconnect local people 

and those from the wider Tayside region 

to this area’s natural and cultural heritage, 

including cultural traditions that have practical 

relevance for more regenerative ways of living 

today, highlighting their role in bringing people 

together to help facilitate community resilience, 

and encouraging effective community 

stewardship of a place. 

INNOVATIVE TAYSIDE HERITAGE PROJECT 

ATTRACTS £210,000 FUNDING TO ENCOURAGE 

CLIMATE ACTION & BOOST REGENERATIVE WAYS OF LIVING 

And it is planned that local people and visitors 

- including those who are financially stretched, 

families isolated by unaffordable childcare, 

young people experiencing urban adversity and 

farmers or estate workers who often work in 

isolation – will be amongst those who benefit 

from the programme. 

Amongst the activities set to take place is a 

three-day event based at a ‘pop-up’ Iron Age 

village of yurts in the Kirkmichael area next 

summer, new content exploring how heritage 

can support climate action and looking at past 

rapid transitions in food production and their 

relevance today for two exhibitions at Alyth 

Ecomuseum Hub and a project involving the 

recruitment of volunteer ‘River Detectives’ who 

will help collect new data on land management 

practices during the agricultural and industrial 

revolutions. 

There will also be a programme of cycling 

and walking events introducing people to the 

history and heritage of the area, including a 

new story-led walk in Meigle connecting place 

names and prehistoric sites and a ‘school swap’ 

involving secondary pupils from Blairgowrie and 

those in Dundee and Perth. 

Meanwhile, the Ecomuseum’s programme of 

active travel for leisure experiences, 

co-designed with local communities and led by 

local people, and aimed at encouraging more 


people in the region to enjoy what is on our 

doorstep, rather than increasing our carbon 

footprint by travelling further afield is well 

under way, with people enjoying cycle rides 

along the Kitty Swanson’s path and around 

Alyth Hill, as well as walks with local historians, 

archaeologists, poets and storytellers. 

For further information and to be kept 

up-to-date with events and activities as they are 

confirmed, follow The Cateran Ecomuseum on 

social media, see the website at 

www.cateranecomuseum.co.uk/events or sign 

up to be included on the mailing list for the 

Cateran Ecomuseum newsletter. 



4 Things You Can Do for Your 

Business this Summer 

GrowBiz offers a wide range of support for 

small businesses, social enterprises and the self 

employed in rural Perth & Kinross. Here are 4 

things you can do this summer that can help 

you develop your business: 

Book a Free 1-1 Support Session 

You don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re 

looking for assistance with making a funding 

application, developing your business strategy, 

budgeting, or digital skills, we have a team 

member who can help. Email 

connect@growbiz.co.uk to request an informal 

chat. 

Get Listed on REDS 

Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS) 

is an online directory of hundreds of micro 

businesses in rural and island Scotland. It’s free 

for eligible businesses to get listed and helps 

facilitate connections and collaborations. Find 

out more at www.reds.scot 

Join the Mentoring Programme 

Is something in your own personal development 

holding you back, perhaps lack of confidence 

or time management? Join our award-winning 

mentoring programme and we’ll match you 

with a trained mentor who can help you reach 

your next step. Or become a volunteer mentor 

yourself and help someone else to unlock their 

full potential. 

Make it Happen with SEED 

If you’re a young person aged between 18-25 

in Perth and Kinross then SEED can help you 

explore your ideas, develop your plans, and 

make your self-employed business dreams 

happen. 

Take a look at GrowBiz’s free and confidential 

services for rural businesses at 

www.growbiz.co.uk 

PAGE 53

If Blairgowrie Riding for the 

Disabled were to sum up the 

last few weeks in one word, it 

would be “busy”! 

After a break since last year, we were delighted 

to welcome back pupils from Coupar Angus and 

Burrelton Primary Schools in early May – as well 

as some familiar faces, some new young riders 

joined us and there were huge smiles all round. 

The children were able to attend thanks 

to a grant from Perth & Kinross Council’s 

Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund 

for Children and Young People, which has 

helped subsidise their transport costs for the 

coming term. 

However, we are very keen to hear from any 

local organisations, businesses or community 

groups that may be able to support us – either 

through funding or the use of a minibus – so 

that the children can continue their lessons 

after the summer break. If you can help, please 

contact our secretary Linda Riseborough on 

blairgowrierda@outlook.com 

Our new ponies have settled in well and are 

enjoying the riding sessions. In addition to 

schools, we offer group and private lessons 

for children and adults, so we are extending 

our season to accommodate more riders. 

Lessons are suitable for those with a range 

of disabilities, including physical and learning 

impairments and autism, so if you’d like to take 

part, we’d love to hear from you. 

We’ve also held the first of our Tea with a Pony 

sessions, which went down very well! Aimed 

PAGE 54 

at those with dementia and similar conditions, 

our visitors are treated to a slice of cake and 

cup of tea as they interact with our ponies. It’s 

a fabulous activity for those who are not able to 

ride but enjoy revisiting memories from years 

gone by. 

If you’d like to find out more, contact us at 

blairgowrierda@outlook.com and keep an eye 

on our Facebook page for more details. 

We’ve been delighted to welcome a number 

of new volunteers in recent weeks, who come 

from all walks of life. If you’re interested in 

joining, do get in touch – no pony experience is 

necessary, as we have a range of opportunities, 

from helping out at fundraisers to raising 

awareness of our group. 

Lessons are 

mainly held 

on Wednesday 

and Thursday 

mornings, 

so if you are 

interested in 

helping out with 

those, pony care 

or pooh picking 

our field, we’d 

love to hear 

from you. Our 

ponies (and 

volunteers) are 

very friendly! 

Have you tried 

our monthly 

prize draw yet? The Clip Clop Club 100 is 

proving very popular with great cash prizes up 

for grabs. It’s very simple to take part – visit 

https://blairgowrierda.co.uk/clip-clop-club-100- 

draw to find out more. 

And finally, we would like to say a very big 

“thank you” to the various organisations who 

have chosen Blairgowrie RDA to be the recipient 

of their fundraising efforts - we are very 

grateful. 

Keep up to date with Blairgowrie RDA 

through our Facebook page at 

www.facebook.com/BlairgowrieRDA and our 

website at www.blairgowrierda.co.uk

Blairgowrie Soroptimist 

Blairgowrie resident and Associate Soroptimist 

Jean Campbell is required to report all 

her volunteering activities to Soroptimist 

International Great Britain & Ireland and, on 

doing so, she was amazed to realise how much 

support she gets from family, especially her 

husband, Donald, friends, neighbours and 

local residents, enabling her to volunteer! In 

addition, Blythswood Care, Blairgowrie and 

Thrifty One/Two in Alyth support her activities 

by donating appropriate unsold items to her. 

As a result, Jean provides clean and sorted 

household items including curtains, bedding, 

towels, cutlery, crockery, pots’n’pans and 

kitchen storage, etc. to Starter Packs, Perth, 

a small volunteer-led charity which receives 

referrals on behalf of those in need, from the 

housing department, social work, criminal 

justice and Women’s Aid, to name but a few. 

Jean also collects and provides lightly-used and 

new bras /new pants to Smalls for All, West 

Calder. Smalls for All in turn disseminates them 

to organisations in Africa and in the UK thus 

providing women and girls with dignity and 

comfort 

As Jean also collects unused toiletries from 

a variety of sources, she is able to hand over 

toiletries to Perthshire Women’s Aid, Perth 

Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre and Perth’s 

One-Stop Women’s Learning Service annually 

usually around Christmas time, all greatly 

appreciated by the recipients, all of whom 

have had bad life experiences. 

pre-loved toys, books, prams, buggies, cots, etc. 

for young mums and families in need. 

And until recently Jean has transported empty 

blister packs to Superdrug, Perth for recycling 

but, as there has been a blip she, along with 

Kay Seal, are seeking a solution to enable future 

recycling of said blister packs. 

These are just a few examples of the activities 

Jean is delighted to ‘facilitate’ as a volunteer 

and an Associate Soroptimist – she has already 

mentioned the annual Orange Blairgowrie 

campaign in a previous edition of the Hub 

magazine. In conclusion, Jean is delighted to say 

a big THANK YOU to everyone who enables her 

to recycle, re-use and redistribute many items 

which may have ended up in landfill and all of 

which are put to good use. 

See www.sigbi.org for more information about 

Soroptimist International. 

The photographs shows Jean with a car load 

of donated items for Starter Packs and two 

volunteers receiving items from Jean. 

In addition, two Alyth knitters provide 

Jean with knitted items for babies and 

children aged up to 5 years of age. Jean then 

transports them to a small Perth charity 

called Buttons and Bows, the founder 

member of which is also delighted to receive 

PAGE 

55

Mary’s Meals Charity is coping and covered all the projects in its care this past year. It currently 

feeds children in 18 different countries throughout the world. Despite the terrible earthquake 

which hit Syria, the children in Aleppo did not miss out on their meals due to the excellent 

organisation and cooperation of the teams on the ground. Lebanon is home to1.5 million Syrian 

refugees and is facing extreme vulnerability because of the global hunger crisis and ongoing 

conflict. 

Our school meals provide security to the children affected by the war and bring solace to families 

who are struggling to find enough food for them to eat. With the school feeding programmes, 

children are very happy. Their parents can’t provide food for them, so the programme is their only 

option to eat. The students can study and learn more when they eat at school. In Malawi, where 

the local support group sponsors a school, we require £10,000 to feed all the children for a year. 

An ideal place to let you all know of the Coffee Morning in Blairgowrie Town Hall on Saturday 17th 

June, a very enjoyable morning to socialise, enjoy coffee and cakes, and help to fill the hungry 

tums of our children. Malawi was also devastated by storms this year and Blantyre was virtually 

washed away. This was where our first 200 children were fed 20 years ago. Now we are feeding 1.4 

million children every school day. It takes just £19.15 to feed a child for a year. Twenty years ago 

it was only £5. Yes the cost of living has gone up but our Coffee Morning will still be £3 at the door. 

Who likes a bargain? 

If you would like to join the support group or have at presentation talk at your club please contact 

Margaret morarcrafts@talktalk.net or telephone 01250 875086. 

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PAGE 


APPLES GALORE 

Changes Changes Changes Changes Changes! 

We have decided this year to change the way we collect 

local apples. What we are suggesting now is that you 

generous apple donors collect your own apples, in any 

kind of bag or box and bring them, preferably with a 

note noting who brought them and whether they are 

eaters or cookers, to no 10 Balmoral Road, where we 

can sort them into our lovely recyclable cotton bags, 

which we will leave for Jo Public at the Wellmeadow and 

at The Boat Brae as usual. 

We do get feedback from people about how delicious 

these local apples are. 

So, please, all you generous donors, if you can please 

make your own arrangements to deliver your apples 

to 10 Balmoral Road Rattray, any day, any time, and 

we can then cope with the distribution. If there are any 

problems, please contact one of the team. 

Please note in your diaries the provisional apple 

pressing dates of Saturday September 23rd and 

Saturday 7th October, to be confirmed in The Blairie 

nearer the time. 

Blairgowrie Stroke Club 

L 

k what we do on Mondays! 

10am – 12 noon Activities, Speakers, Art & Craft Workshops, 

Exercise, Monthly Outings, Indoor Games and lots of chat. 

Our Peer Support Group allows those with Stroke-related illnesses 

to relax in a friendly, sociable and understanding environment. 

Where? St Catharine’s Hall, George Street, Blairgowrie 

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME 

Phone: Joyce on 01250 875342 or 07715005020 

email: chssblair@gmail.com 

This Photo 

PAGE 

57

Church Notices 

The Scottish Episcopal Church 

East Perthshire Group of Churches 

www.abcsaints.co.uk 

Phone: 01250 873272 

Sunday Services: 9.30am - Sung Eucharist 

Riverside Methodist Church 

www.riverside-methodist-churhc.co.uk 

Minister: Rev Nik Wooller 01250 870899 

E.mail: revnik@live.co.uk 

Rattray Church, Church of Scotland 

www.rattrayksg.org.uk 

Minister: Rev. Linda Stewart 

Tel: 01250 872 462 

Service Time: Sunday 11.15 All most Welcome 

St Stephen’s R C Church, 

John Street, Blairgowrie 

St. Stephen’s Church, John Street, Blairgowrie 

& St Luan’s Church, Alexandera Street, Alyth. 

Priest: Father Gregory Umunna 

Hall Reservations - Tel: 01250 872171 

Email: ststephen@dunkelddiocese.org.uk 

Sunday Mass Times: 

St Stephen’s: Saturday Vigil: Reconciliation 

6 p.m. Mass 6.30 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. 

Weekday Masses: 

St Stephen’s: Tues, Thurs & Fri - 10 a.m. 

Wed - 7 p.m. 

St Luan’s: Reconciliation prior to Sunday Mass 

9.30 a.m. 

Blairgowrie Parish Church (Church of Scotland) 

www.blairgowrieparishchurch.org.uk 

www.facebook.com/BlairgowrieParish 

Blairgowrie Parish Church held a very 

successful Easter holiday club. The 3 

days told the story of Easter with the 

journey into Jerusalem, the crucifixion 

and the resurrection told each day with 

various fun activities for all the children 

to take part in. 

On Easter Saturday some of the 

congregation joined with other 

congregations on a Walk of witness. 

Setting off from the Parish Church 

they walked down to Cross, the 

Wellmeadow and finishing off by 

the river. At each stop Easter hymns 

were sung accompanied by Andy 

Lang on guitar and some percussion 

instruments. After the walk the happy 

Fun with hoops 

PAGE 


group gathered in the Church Hall for refreshments. 

An Early Easter morning service was held on Easter Sunday and a large group met and took part 

in activities and prayers. Information on future Messy Church and Early morning services can be 

found on the Church Facebook page. 

The repairs to the Church are ongoing, with a new heating system being installed during the 

Easter holidays, its hoped that all the teething problems have been solved and a new efficient 

system will keep everyone warm wherever they are in the building. The hall is to be painted in the 

summer holidays and for two weeks will not be in use. 

Blairgowrie Evangelical Church 

My wife and I moved to Blairgowrie in 2019. Not being locals we are not too particular about 

the distinction but if it matters, we moved to Rattray, just in time to begin to find our way about 

before we were all locked up in the reactions to COVID. Do you think pre and post COVID will catch 

on like pre-war and post-war? Anyway, our custom has always been to try and find a church that 

we could walk to. 

Blairgowrie Evangelical Church (BEC to help the word count) was walking distance although the 

climb to the then meeting place in Kirk Wynd was designed for younger folk than us. We come 

from different church backgrounds and have lived overseas and been exposed to denominations 

most normal people, even other Christians (some of whom may also be normal) have never heard 

of so have no denominational bias. BEC is 

a group of individual sinners, no worse or 

no better than any others, who have found 

out that God loves us and made it possible 

for us to have our messed-upness sorted, 

as far as is possible in this life. And since 

this life is not the only one there is, we also 

try to work on preparing for the next one. 

True fulfilment, in both this life and the 

next, centres around Jesus from Nazareth 

who was born, lived, died and was brought 

back to life all with the express purpose of 

saving us from our own weakness, stupidity 

and innate badness, not to mention that of 

our ancestors. (Funny how it is fashionable 

these days to take responsibility for 

the wickedness of our relatively recent 

ancestors - reparations here we come – and 

ignore the effects of the wickedness of our 

ultimate ancestors!) 

Happily BEC no longer meets in its premises 

on Kirk Wynd but now meets each Sunday at 

11.00am in Rattray Hall on Balmoral Road, 

(shorter distance to walk) and in various 

homes midweek. Feel free to visit. The sign 

outside on Sundays says All Welcome. 

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PAGE 


The outdoor bowling season is now underway 

here at Blairgowie Bowling Club, with a packed 

calendar of fixtures and events planned. We 

opened our green on Saturday 15th April with the 

bowling gods looking down on us favourably with 

fine weather enjoyed by all. We had a fantastic 

turnout with over 40 members playing on the day 

with many more in attendance, supporting and 

spectating along with friends and family. 

After the bowls, our members all pulled together 

to produce a wonderful buffet which was enjoyed 

by all. There was the customary raffle with some 

amazing prizes donated. In addition, we gathered 

together to watch the Grand National with some 

of us cheering more loudly than others as the 

horses crossed the finish line! The evening was 

topped off with another enjoyable session of live 

music. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day 

and it was so wonderful to see so many members 

up supporting the club. I would like to take this 

opportunity to once again thank all members, 

friends and family for all their hard work in 

undertaking the many tasks involved to put on 

such a successful day. These included preparing 

the green and surrounding areas, contributing to 

the buffet and putting on the entertainment. It 

really was a fantastic team effort. 

BLAIRGOWRIE BOWLING CLUB 

Championships. Club competitions will also be 

getting underway shortly. I would like to wish 

all our members taking part in the various 

competitions, the very best of luck. 

Our ‘Rinks’ sessions are in full swing, they are held 

on a Monday afternoon, 1.30pm for a 2pm start 

and a Friday evening, 6pm for a 6.30pm start. If 

you are thinking about giving bowls a try, you are 

welcome to come and join us at one of the rinks 

sessions to see how you get on. You will be given 

a warm, friendly welcome from our members 

We can supply all the equipment that you will 

need, all you need to do is wear flat soled shoes 

such as trainers. We can promise it will be an 

enjoyable afternoon or evening. Bowling is a great 

sport that everyone can take part in, and we look 

forward to welcoming you to the club. 

We have a thriving social membership, with our 

clubhouse offering a fully stocked bar, pool table, 

darts and sessions of bingo on a Friday night 

along with a function suite with kitchen that can 

be hired out for events. The club is not just about 

bowls and is a great facility available for the 

local community. If you are interested in finding 

out more, please pop along to the club or email 

secretary@blairgowriebc.co.uk 

Our friendly ties are now underway and over 

the summer season we will welcome and visit a 

number of different clubs. The various leagues 

our members participate in are now underway 

along with member representation in association 

competitions and qualifiers for the National 

Please keep an eye on our website; 

www.blairgowriebc.co.uk or our Facebook page 

for details of events that will be happening in the 

club over the summer months. 

Diana Findlay Secretary 

PAGE 

61

Sports & Activities 

BLAIRGOWRIE RAMBLERS 

Blairgowrie Ramblers are a friendly group of walkers who meet every two weeks to go walking. 

Of course, there is lots of friendly chat as well! Most of the walks are on a Saturday, meeting at the 

Wellmeadow to organise transport. We also have a Weekend away once a year and this year we 

intend going to Granton-on-Spey. 

Listed below are June to September 2023 walks. If you would like to try out our Group please 

contact: Pat Fraser on patriciafraser@btinternet.com or 07843 786191 and she will give you all the 

information required. 

27th May 

10th June 

24th June 

8th July 

22nd July 

5th August 

19th August 

Friday 8th September 

23rd September 

Spittal of Glenshee to Loch Beanie 

Dunkeld to Obney Hill Fort 

Tayport to Tentsmuir, NE Fife. 

Kenmore to Aberfeldy Circular OR Kenmore to 

Moness Falls the Aberfeldy via The Birks. 

Enochdu to the Lunch Hut Circular 

Seven Bridges and Knock Castle, Ballater. 

Granton on Spey, Weekend Away. 

Rocking Rock, Dunkeld 

Rattray Tennis Club 

The committee are delighted to announce that 

coaching for all ages has returned to Rattray 

Tennis Club. 

Those that are interested please contact 

Nicola Carrie on 07746 138464, or check out 

the website for further information and 

details. The committee and members worked 

very hard to open the club, over three weeks 

earlier than normal, despite some very cold 

and wet weather. Alex Bruce President said, 

that everybody involved did very well to get 

the club open ahead of schedule and is now 

anticipating a good season. For those who many not be aware RTC is situated on Middle Road 

Rattray (next to the Rattray bowling club) the club boasts a handsome clubhouse which contains 

a large meeting room, ladies and gents changing room with toilets with a kitchen, two floodlight 

blaes courts. The club is open from 9.30am to 9.30pm daily. the fees £90 for family membership 

(2 adults 2/3 children), £60 adults, £25 students/ youths, £10 for juniors (under 12) clubs nights 

Mon/ Thurs from 6.15pm onwards your first visit is FREE. Either turn up on club nights or contact 

Anne Gair on 01250 875212. 

Come and check us out, you will not regret it. RTC is a member of LTA/ Tennis Scotland. 

PAGE 



Badminton Club 

“SCRAPBOOK” of BADMINTON in BLAIRGOWRIE 

The main Badminton 2022-23 Season finished at the end of April. A fantastically energetic, 

enthusiastic membership enjoyed Badminton, populating all 6 courts in Adult Sessions and 3/4 

courts in Junior Sessions at the Blairgowrie L A L Centre. 

Some adult members who do not ‘fade away’ to Summer sports continue 

playing 7-9pm May through to September. 

Junior Session are in abeyance til’ the new 2023-24 Season restarts Wednesday 30/08/23 5-6pm. 

Junior ended their season with a FUN DOUBLES TOURNEY “Me and A Buddy” 

Great evening of fun, friendship and mild competition - juniors paired with “family buddy” 

...at Wednesday Junior Session it has been a pleasure to witness all of them grow in strength and 

ability with their hitting / connecting racket to shuttle / mobility on court - all with smiles and good 

feelings! ...look forward to seeing them return when the dark evenings are upon us. 

Sharing of our fitness and 

support was given to our Andrew 

(member/junior helper) by 

members particpating in his 

“health-related” fundraising 3 

day Cateran Walk with enough 

energy, despite tired limbs & 

blistered feet, to dance with 

other members and folks at the 

“End of Event Ceilidh” 

Club Contracts Secretary / Junior 

Leader Sandi - 01250 876882 

macdougas@gmail.com 

President Kevin - 

kevinsmith668@btinternet.com 

7.30am Friday 21st April 

PAGE 

63

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PAGE 

65

Interviews & Contributor’s Articles 

Cllr Bob Brawn 

Scottish Conservative, 

Blairgowrie and Glens Ward 

There are pivotal moments in history, and 

we have witnessed one such moment just 

a few weeks ago, namely the Coronation of 

King Charles III. Whilst watching the television 

commentary, I heard that there are only 

around 600,000 of the country’s population 

can actually remember and were involved 

in celebrations at the Queen’s Coronation in 

1953. So for almost all of us, this was our first 

experience of such an event. 

Our new King ascended the throne in 

troubled times- a war in East Europe, rising 

inflation and a resulting cost-of-living crisis 

here at home. And with the Coronation over, 

things are the same with a huge sense of 

uncertainty within the country. However, I 

think we have a decent and caring man who 

now sits on the throne, and I believe he will 

do all he can to ease the burdens on ordinary 

people. 

On more local matters, all will have read that 

the recent budget approved the necessary 

increase in funding for the new Recreation 

Centre. Following that, members of the 

User Reference Group had a digital walk 

through of the proposed building which gave 

a clear impression of how it will look when 

completed. The new building is expected 

to be completed and open by the end of 

2024 following which the existing centre will 

be demolished and the site completed by 

mid-2025. A Letter of Intent has been signed 

which allows materials to be ordered and 

equipment mobilised with commencement of 

works expected in June. 

Following on from the ongoing concerns of 

residents regarding flooding in the Schoolfield 

Road area of Rattray, Councillor Shiers and 

myself, with members of the Community 

Council, met with Flood Engineers from PKC. 

Consultants, with information from local 

residents, are working at formulating some 

solutions and there is a public exhibition 

to be held at the end of the year for public 

feedback. In the meantime, the Community 

Council, with support from the Flood Forum, 

will be visiting properties which are prone to 

flooding to help with defensive measures. 

Decent quality affordable housing is always in 

demand and the next phase of the Westpark 

Development has been approved by the 

Planning Committee and whilst a Housing 

Association is taking on the site, there are 

conditions to be met before any work can 

commence. 

Several carriageway works have taken place 

in the Glens both on the A93 and A924- all 

were completed within timescales albeit with 

some initial confusion over signage. Most 

importantly, the road surfaces are improved 

as drivers will note. There are more works to 

be conducted on the A93 towards Glenshee in 

June, which will entail full closure, but these 

will be carried out at night. 

Finally, the 20mph speed limits across 

the Glens villages, initially set up under 

temporary traffic orders during the 

pandemic, will now be made permanent. 

Please remember these are in place for the 

safety of all road users. 

As always, may I wish you good luck and 

Godspeed. 

E-mail - BBrawn@pkc.gov.uk 

Mobile - 07557 815541 

Cllr Caroline Shiers 

Scottish Conservative, 

Blairgowrie and Glens Ward 

Recently I joined residents and 

representatives from the PKC Housing 

team on walkabouts in Rattray. The routes 

covered Davie Park, Old Mill Road and 

Ferguson Park. We met with residents 

and heard about concerns. A big issue is 

around grounds maintenance and litter. 

Litter picks are planned for Davie Park and 

Rattray Common to supplement the work 

being done by the council and volunteers. 

Council budgets being as tight as they are, 

PAGE 


there is a real need for us to work together 

on some of the environmental issues for 

residents to enjoy where they live. We are 

all very grateful to community groups such 

as BRAN and Blair in Bloom who do so 

much to improve the local environment and 

especially the main centre of town and by 

the riverside. Thank you all. 

I was delighted that at the council budget 

a commitment was made to continue with 

the Community Investment Fund – this fund 

allows communities to bid for money for 

their priorities – picnic benches, resources 

for groups, support for Strathmore Screen 

and Mantalk also received funds towards 

the purchase of their new minibus which is 

very welcome. Well done to all involved in 

supporting their efforts. Keep an eye out for 

announcements regarding future rounds of 

funding. 

Among other issues raised recently has 

been the overgrown path which runs along 

the A93 to Carsie. It is virtually impassable 

in sections. I have asked council officers to 

address this. We meet regularly with council 

officers to review ongoing issues with 

regards to roads, pavements, and safety 

issues. There are many road safety concerns 

around the ward from Golf Course Road and 

the Perth Road through to Alyth Road and 

Hatton Road. Officers have been prioritising 

works and then as they are completed, we 

move on to the next set of priorities. It is a 

more effective way of dealing with the huge 

number of issues which need addressed. I 

hope that residents will start to see some 

improvement. 

The User Reference Group for the new 

Recreation Centre met over the Easter 

holidays and it is expected that work will 

begin on site by the end of May which 

is very welcome news. As we move into 

the construction phase, I have asked that 

communication with local residents be 

put in place as it is inevitable there will be 

disruption, but this will be managed by the 

contractors and PKC. 

Well done and thank you to all involved 

in the events over the weekend of the 

Coronation. It was great to see so many 

community groups showcasing volunteering 

opportunities and I hope that it has given 

a renewed focus to the importance and 

value – both physical, mental and for the 

community – of volunteering. 

My next surgery dates are 13 May, 10 June, 

8 July all from 10am until 10:45am / 11:00am 

in the Blairgowrie Library. Please do come 

along if there is anything you would like to 

discuss or feel free to contact me on 

01828 640181 (h) 01738 553990 (o) 

cshiers@pkc.gov.uk (e) or via Facebook or 

Instagram message. 

Murdo Fraser MSP 

Mid-Scotland & Fife Region 

Scottish Conservative and 

Unionist Party 

Many of us will have enjoyed watching the 

Coronation of King Charles III and Queen 

Camilla at Westminster Abbey recently, and 

what a marvellous occasion it was. 

I’m sure most Blairgowrie Hub readers 

will agree with me in saying that no other 

country does pomp and ceremony better 

than the United Kingdom. I know some 

people are Republicans and as a democracy 

we must respect that. However, the fact that 

millions tuned in to their TV sets to watch 

it shows how the monarchy are still a huge 

draw across the globe, and still popular in 

Scotland. 

I found the religious ceremonial part of the 

proceedings particularly fascinating and it 

was difficult not to be moved when military 

personnel bellowed out ‘three cheers for 

the King’ in the Buckingham Palace garden. 

I know that there were a number of local 

events to celebrate the event which were 

well supported. It was also very pleasing to 

see a good number of local voluntary groups 

responding to His Majesty the King’s call for 

them to come forward for the Big Help Out 

initiative on the Monday after the actual 

Coronation. 

PAGE 67

We are now approaching summer and local 

residents will have been delighted to hear 

the announcement that work on the longawaited 

replacement recreation centre in 

Blairgowrie should start sometime in June. 

This has been a very frustrating project 

beset by unforeseen delays, including the 

Covid pandemic. 

Local Councillor Bob Brawn has been 

working hard to get details of when the 

development will progress. He understands 

that contracts are currently being finalised. 

Following that, there is to be a ‘six-week 

mobilisation period’ as the necessary 

equipment comes on site and a temporary 

car park for 11 vehicles is constructed along 

Beeches Road in the town. The project is to 

be delivered in two phases, with the first 

phase comprising the construction of the 

new recreation centre and the all-weather 

pitch. 

The second phase would include the 

demolition of the existing building and 

‘making good the site,’ including the parking 

areas and landscaping. 

If work does get underway in June, the first 

phase of the project should be completed 

by the end of 2024 – with phase two due to 

finish around mid-2025. The new centre will 

be constructed to the Passivhaus design 

standard – only the second such centre in 

the UK to do so, which ensures maximum 

energy efficiency utilising appropriate 

materials and maximising natural light 

wherever possible. 

The central showpiece of the centre will be 

a six-lane swimming pool. Once the centre is 

completed, it will be a real feather in the cap 

for Blairgowrie. 

Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from 

constituents. He can be contacted at The Control 

Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email 

on murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by 

telephone on 01738 553676. 

John Swinney MSP 

Deputy First Minister of Scotland 

Scottish National Party 

Having recently resigned from the Scottish 

Government after spending the past 16 

years as a senior Minister, I have now 

entered into a phase that offers me a 

cherished opportunity: the chance to spend 

more time within the constituency I have 

been honoured to represent for over 25 

years. 

To serve in the Scottish Government 

was a tremendous privilege, filled with 

responsibilities and obligations that allowed 

me to contribute to Scotland on a national 

level. However, these commitments, while 

rewarding, also led to an exceptionally busy 

schedule, and naturally this often led to 

pressures on my time and availability. 

I always prided myself, even whilst in 

government, on being an MSP who was both 

visible and available to his constituents. 

This was for two reasons: firstly, I take my 

obligation to serve the people of Perthshire 

North very seriously and believe it is 

vital that constituents know their MSP is 

contactable, approachable and reliable. 

Secondly, I have always greatly enjoyed 

being active in my local constituency. 

Whether it be meeting people, attending 

events or assisting constituents with 

problems, it is the local aspect of my job that 

has always brought me the greatest joy. 

Now, without my ministerial responsibilities, 

I find myself with more time to be active 

within the community, delve into local 

matters and ensure that my constituents’ 

voices are heard and their concerns 

addressed. I am taking full advantage of this 

new-found free time to ensure that I am 

doing all that I can to represent you to the 

best of my ability. 

I am continuing to regularly hold virtual 

appointments and advice surgeries to meet 

with constituents and discuss their issues. 

For those that prefer to meet face-to-face, 

PAGE 


I also welcome the opportunity to meet in 

person at my office in Blairgowrie. 

If you feel there’s an issue I can assist with, 

or if you wish to discuss a matter that is 

important to you, please do not hesitate to 

get in touch. 

You can reach my office at 

01250 876 576 to discuss any issue or arrange 

an appointment. 

Alternatively, you can contact me directly 

via john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot 

Pete Wishart MP 

Scottish National Party 

Perth and North Perthshire 

I have had several fantastic visits to 

Blairgowrie since I last wrote for the Hub 

magazine. One such outing was to NEST 

Creative Space. NEST is an innovative social 

enterprise providing affordable studio, 

workshop and teaching space for artists, 

crafters and makers within the Blairgowrie 

area to work from, run classes and hone 

their craft. 

I was shown the many weird and wonderful 

things that they manage to recycle 

and repurpose. It is great to see a local 

organisation lead the way in showing what 

Scotland’s circular economy can really look 

like, and it is always a pleasure to catch up 

with the dedicated staff. 

I then headed over to SCYD at Wellmeadow 

House where I was hearing about their latest 

youth work projects. SCYD truly provides a 

transformative experience for local young 

people, offering a range of activities and 

events, as well as giving access to services 

for the wider community. Their service has 

been especially vital over the past several 

months since they opened up their venue as 

a warm space for locals struggling with the 

cost-of-living crisis. 

I am always inspired by the enthusiasm of 

the entire team whenever I visit SCYD, and I 

look forward to seeing their next initiatives 

in the months and years ahead. 

To mark the one-year anniversary of 

the war in Ukraine, John Swinney and I 

attended Blairgowrie’s memorial service. It 

was an emotional event, with many of the 

Ukrainians who have settled here gathering 

together with locals to pay tribute. Perth 

and Kinross was recently found to have the 

highest number per capita of Ukrainians 

refugees out of all local authorities in 

Scotland. This is a testament to the 

generosity of the people of Perthshire who 

have gone above and beyond to welcome 

the people of Ukraine with open arms since 

the very start of Putin’s barbaric war. 

Later, I joined one of Mantalk’s weekly 

sessions at Wellmeadow. Mantalk is a men’s 

community support group which aims to 

tackle the stigma surrounding men’s mental 

health and address male suicide. They do 

an amazing job at offering local men a place 

to talk through their issues and find mutual 

support in one another. 

Society has taken great strides in recent 

years when it comes to the stigma 

surrounding men’s mental health, but there 

is still much more to be done. I look forward 

to continuing this dialogue with Mantalk to 

find ways in which my office may be able 

to assist with the excellent work they are 

doing. 

The common theme across all these visits 

was the thriving sense of community spirit 

in Blairgowrie and Rattray. There is no doubt 

the area is home to some of the warmest 

people out there who are helping to make 

life that bit easier for those around them. 

This is always important, but particularly 

during these challenging times, and was 

heartening to see in action during these 

visits. 

And on the theme of helping, if you have 

any issues that you think my office can 

assist you with then please don’t hesitate to 

get in touch by emailing pete.wishart.mp@ 

parliament.uk or calling 01738 639 598. 

PAGE 

69

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PAGE 

71

Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine Summer 2023

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