Scotland4me.net Out and About

	Scotland4me.net	'Out and About'
'Blairgowrie'
	Blairgowrie and the neighbouring town of Rattray, became one, in 1928 by an Act of Parliament. In the 1800s it was a village of 400 people but grew during the 19th century into a town of 4000 inhabitants. This was due to its industrial involvement in textile mills which could be found along the banks of the River Ericht. The river provided the power to drive the spinning machines and looms that made flax and later jute but these mills have all disappeared over time. The town is situated on the south facing slopes of the Grampians and only minutes away from the larger city of Perth. Today it offers its tourist a picturesque place to visit with seating provided along the river edge, ideal for picnics. There a little boutique shops which sell all manner of locally produced items and nic-nacs.
	Blairgowrie Genealogy Centre is based in the Library in Leslie Street. Volunteers from Blairgowrie and Rattray Local History Trust are on hand to help with family history enquiries related to the local area. The Centre is open from 2pm to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from Spring to Autumn. Visits at other times can be arranged by appointment. The study material includes International Genealogy Index fiches covering England, Scotland and Wales and some of Ireland as well as microfilm strips of the Old Parish Registers of Blairgowrie, Rattray and the neighbouring parishes. The Census Returns for the years 1841 to 1901 for the local parishes are also available as well as partial cover for 62 other parishes in Perthshire. The staff are enthusiasts and are well versed in search procedures, they can also call on a number of older townspeople whose knowledge of local families is extensive.
	Perthsire Countryside in and around Blairgowrie offers many beautiful walks. Booklets are available for the Tourist Office, giving little cameos of the history of the places visited. One story tells the tale of Donald Cargill a local man and son of a bonnet laird who owned a small estate called Hatton. Donald became a minister and was famous for his preachings. He also became one of the leaders of the Covenanters who refused to accept Bishops in the Scottish Prebysterian Church. He was eventually forced to preach in illegal kirk services in the open air, which put a price on his head. Eventually he was betrayed.
	The River Ericht flows through the town of Blairgowrie and is famous for its Salmon fishing where on the Upper Craighall Beat rods are available at £30 per day for three rods. This part of the river is a beautiful and productive beat in Spring, Summer and Autumn. The Ericht has had a fish counter installed for salmon since 1990 in the river above Blairgowrie as part of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board initiative which has shown the passage of an annually increasing amount of salmon. Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Angling Association controls part of the fishing on the River Ericht covering some 6 miles of the river, mainly on both the Blairgowrie and Rattray banks.
	Craighall Castle is perched on a promontory, more than two hundred feet above the River Ericht and the spectacular Craighall Gorge. The estate surrounds are a haven of tranquility with wonderful wildlife including roe deer, red squirrels, peregrine falcons and otters. The latter live on the riverbanks of one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon rivers. The estate is famous for its fabulous woodland and cliff-top walks and is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is superb for golf and touring with dozens of golf courses within forty five minutes by car. Historical attractions include Scone Palace, Glamis Castle and Blair Castle.
	The MacBeth Experience can be found at the Tourist Centre in Bankfoot just minutes from Blairgowrie. Just as whiskey is linked with Scotland so too, is this Shakespearian king. An epic story of murder, magic and tyranny, Macbeth tells the story of a king who wanted power so badly he was prepared to dabble in all of the above. Of course there are those who will defend him too, so what you have got to do is make up your own mind. In the centre you will see an original media production which will tell you about the real Macbeth, a Scotsman who was elected to the throne. Told in a fascinating manner this visit is a must because even if you are not familiar with the Shakespearian work you get to see history come to life.
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