Blairgowrie set for St Andrew's Day Homecoming

Nov 19 2009 by Les Stewart, Blairgowrie Advertiser

EAST Perthshire people will celebrate St Andrew's Day at the end of this month with a four-day packed programme of events.

Scotland’s National Day – November 30 – will also mark the finale to the 2009 Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

It is a time for everyone at home – and friends across the globe – to celebrate Scotland and its people, our history and culture but also our diverse and vibrant contemporary society.

The Blairgowrie and Rattray festivities will open with a folk music extravaganza, with singers and musicians performing at venues over Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings, November 27-30.

Participating venues include Rattray Hall, Ericht Ale House, Stormont Arms, The Old Cross Inn, Victoria Hotel, Number 31, The Angus Hotel and the newly- refurbished Dalmore Inn and Restaurant.

The majority of performances are provided free of charge for all to enjoy.

Sample the delights of The Continental Market as it returns to Blairgowrie and sees the Wellmeadow transformed into a bustling market place.

Professional market traders from across the Continent wearing traditional costumes will be selling high quality products.

Highlights of the East Perthshire Homecoming Finale Celebrations include:

Friday, November 27

Continental Market in Wellmeadow (all day - 9pm).

St Andrew's Lunch Concert - Rattray Hall (12 noon-3pm). Prize for best dressed Scotsman and woman. Patrons are asked to wear something tartan – tickets £3, contact Shonaidh on 01250 870525, Adel on 01250 873053 or Neil on 01250 874652.

Judging of 'Best Dressed Premises' Competition (3pm) – entries to be submitted by November 23.

Folk Music Evening, free entry (at selected venues in Blairgowrie/Rattray).

Grand St Andrew's Family Ceilidh, The Angus Hotel (7.30pm-midnight) - tickets on sale at Angus Hotel Reception & Visitor Information Centre in the Wellmeadow. Adults £5/Children £3.

Saturday, November 28

Continental Market in Wellmeadow (all day - 9pm).

Craft Market, The Royal Hotel (11am-4pm) - including Story Telling, Face Painting and Children's Christmas decoration-making activities.

Massed Pipe Band March and Display in Wellmeadow (2pm-3.15pm).

Scottish Flavoured Quiz Night, The Royal Hotel (7.30pm-10pm) - enter your team now, limited places, 1st prize £100 cash.

Folk Music Evening, free entry (at selected venues in Blairgowrie/Rattray).

Sunday, November 29

Continental Market in Wellmeadow (all day - 5pm).

Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Pipe Band Display in Wellmeadow (2pm-2.45pm).

Children's Face Painting in Wellmeadow (1.30pm-3.30pm) - enter in the spirit of the celebrations.

Folk Music Evening, free entry (at selected venues in Blairgowrie/Rattray).

Monday, November 30

Scotland's National Day Family Barbecue and Folk Music event, featuring Sheila Stewart, MBE, The Dalmore Inn and Restaurant (4pm-9pm). Tickets from Number 31 and Visitor Information Centre in the Wellmeadow.

Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourist Association chairman Mike Purdie said yesterday: “The four-day programme leading up to St Andrew's Day has been planned to include as many different events and activities as possible.

“There should be something for everyone to enjoy, young and old, and we hope that as many of the local community as possible will come out to support them.

“The Blairgowrie and Rattray area is also looking forward to welcoming visitors from the wider Tayside area.”

Marie Christie, project director, Homecoming Scotland 2009, added: “Homecoming Scotland 2009 is an inspirational programme of events motivating people with Scottish ancestry, as well as those who simply love Scotland, to ‘Come Home.’

“2009 has been a very special year for Scotland and the finale celebrations across the country are a fantastic way to end this momentous year.

“We are delighted that Blairgowrie and East Perthshire St Andrew's Celebrations are part of this exciting programme.”

A final programme of events can be viewed on www.visiteastperthshire.co.uk

For more information or inquiries, please contact Tracey on 07999 857072 or Nicola on 07801 277017.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a celebratory programme that began on the weekend around Burns Night and ends on St Andrew's Day 2009.