The Atholl Gathering

By Katrina Patrick -

Join Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders, for an unmissable parade and Highland Games this weekend

The two-day Atholl Gathering takes place on May 23 & 24 at Blair Castle, with the Atholl Highlanders’ Parade on Saturday followed by the Highland Games on Sunday.

Visitors can discover more about the fascinating history of the Atholl Highlanders with a special talk in the castle ballroom, which explains the regiment’s colours and the history and tradition behind the annual parade.

After this you can see the regiment in action as they parade in the forecourt of Blair Castle to the tune of their formidable pipes and drums.

“There is no better place to see and participate in historic Highland traditions”

“Every year, the Atholl Highlanders Parade and Atholl Gathering attracts visitors from all over the world,” Andrew Bruce-Wootton, General Manager at Atholl Estates, said. “There is no better place to see and participate in historic Highland traditions than here at Blair Castle. The amazing spectacle of Europe’s only private army parading on the castle’s forecourt to the sounds of the bagpipes is something really special that is not to be missed.”

On the Sunday things get a little more interactive with their Highland Games where local heavyweights compete in the traditional caber toss, shot putt and hammer throw.

Plenty of other attractions, such as highland dancing events, tug o’ war, solo piping, trade stands and refreshments provide a fun day out for all the family.

And that’s not all…

“As well as the range of events taking place throughout the weekend, there is also a series of war exhibitions inside Blair Castle commemorating the centenaries of three major conflicts. It is 100 years since the Dardanelles Campaign during World War One which is especially poignant.”

For tickets and event information, click here.