Blairgowrie preparing for four day Homecoming St Andrew's Day celebrations

Nov 25 2009

EAST Perthshire’s Homecoming Finale Celebrations begin this Friday in Blairgowrie and Rattray, with a four-day packed programme to mark Scotland’s National Day on November 30.

Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourist Association (BEPTA), supported by the Scottish Government through Homecoming Scotland 2009, embarks on its third annual St Andrew’s Programme.

Minister for Culture Michael Russell said: “St Andrew’s Day is a day to celebrate all that is great about Scotland – our culture, our heritage, our innovations and our people.

“This year’s celebrations will be the biggest and best yet with such a variety of events in cities and communities across Scotland – there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

“Of course, this year’s St Andrew’s Day is particularly special as it is a key part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Weekend.

“Throughout 2009, we have welcomed many thousands of visitors to Scotland, boosting tourism revenue and celebrating our culture.  It is fitting that the Homecoming Year comes to an end with such a spectacular programme of activity around our national day and I hope everyone will be inspired to get involved and do something to celebrate.”  

For more information about the events taking place, please contact Tracey on 07999 857072 or Nicola on 07801 277017.

This weekend’s programme of events includes:
FRIDAY 27th NOVEMBER
CONTINENTAL MARKET, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie (all day – 9.00pm) – Sample the delights from professional market traders from across the Continent.  From fine edible goods to Polish and Bavarian arts and crafts, Indonesian wooden carvings and much, much more.

LUNCH CONCERT, Rattray Hall, Rattray (12 noon – 3.00pm) – Bringing together local talents.  Prize for best dressed Scots, patrons asked to wear something tartan.  Scottish lunch served at 12.15pm.  Tickets £3, telephone:  Shonaidh on 01250 870525 / Adel on 01250 873053 or Neil on 01250 874652.  Organised by Rattray Hall, Special Treats and BEPTA.

BEST DRESSED PREMISES FINAL, Blairgowrie & Rattray (3pm) – Judging of competition entries by Sheila Stewart, MBE.

GRAND FAMILY CEILIDH, The Angus Hotel, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie (7.30pm – midnight) – Featuring The Glenside Band.  Tickets £5 adults/£3 children, available from The Angus Hotel reception or Visitor Information Centre in the Wellmeadow.

TRADITIONAL FOLK MUSIC EVENING at The Victoria Hotel, Blairgowrie (8.00pm-10.00pm) – Featuring a selection of traditional Scottish folk music.  Free entry.
 
SATURDAY, 28th NOVEMBER
TRADITIONAL FOLK MUSIC EVENING at The Victoria Hotel, Blairgowrie (8.00pm-10.00pm) – Featuring a selection of traditional Scottish folk music.  FREE ENTRY.

CONTINENTAL MARKET, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie (all day – 9.00pm). 

CRAFT MARKET, The Royal Hotel, Allan Street, Blairgowrie (11am – 4pm) – A vast array of arts and crafts on sale – find your ideal Christmas gift.  Tea and coffee available as well as children’s Face Painting, Story Telling and Christmas decoration-making activities. 

MASSED PIPE BANDS MARCH THROUGH TOWN & DISPLAY, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie (2pm - 3.15pm) – Almost 100 band members from the Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band, Forfar and District Pipe Band, Alyth and District Pipe Band, Coupar Angus Burgh Pipe Band and Vale of Atholl Pipe Band participate in a spectacular Massed March and Display.  Don’t miss it!

QUIZ NIGHT, The Royal Hotel, Allan Street, Blairgowrie (7.30pm – 10pm) – To enter your team, please contact Tracey on 07999 857072 or Nicola on 07801 277017.  A Scottish Flavoured quiz with £100 cash prize on offer. 

FOLK MUSIC EVENING, Ericht Ale House, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie –  An evening with Kenny Fraser and friends.  Free entry. 

SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER
CONTINENTAL MARKET, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie (all day – 5pm). 

PIPE BAND DISPLAY, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie (2pm – 2.45pm) – Enjoy the traditional Scottish delights of the Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band and backdrop of the stunning Christmas-lit Wellmeadow.  Children’s face painting available in the Wellmeadow between 1.30pm-3.30pm. 

TRADITIONAL FOLK MUSIC EVENING at The Old Cross Inn, Rattray (5.30pm - 8pm) and The Victoria Hotel, Blairgowrie (8.30pm-11pm) – Featuring a selection of traditional Scottish folk music with Maureen Jelks (Scottish folk singer), Jake Donnelly (banjo and mandolin), Jimmy Neave (fiddler), Liam Hannan (guitar/singer), Vic Peterson (guitar), Bill Cormack (keyboard), and Frank Layton (accordionist) amongst many more.  Free entry.

SCOTTISH FOLK-ROCK BAND AT NUMBER THIRTY ONE, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie (8pm – 10pm) –  Neonach – An acoustic five-piece Scottish folk-rock band performing tight-knit harmonies and rocking tunes ye can stomp yer feet tae!  Free entry. 

MONDAY 30th NOVEMBER – Scotland’s National Day

FAMILY BAR-BQ & FOLK MUSIC EVENT, The Dalmore Inn & Restaurant, Perth Road, Blairgowrie (4pm - 9pm) –  Featuring Sheila Stewart, MBE, Hamish McGregor and Maureen Jelks.  Food served from 5pm – 6.30pm.  Tickets £6.50 Adults/£3.50 Children, available from Number 31 and the Visitor Information Centre in the Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie.