Community spirit celebrated at Blairgowrie and Rattray event

Date: Monday 27 May

News Release
May, 2024

Community spirit celebrated at Blairgowrie and Rattray event

There was a fantastic turnout on Saturday at a free showcase event highlighting volunteer-led activities in Blairgowrie and Rattray.

The event, which was held on Saturday, May 25, in Blairgowrie Parish Church Hall on James Street, was organised by Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust (BRDT) and offered community groups, event organisers and associations in the east Perthshire town an opportunity to showcase the work they are doing.

Around 40 community organisations took part in the event, sharing updates on everything from the BOOKMARK Book Festival, Blairgowrie Players and the Blairgowrie Ukulele Group to the Remembering Together project, environmental and climate action initiatives and sporting and outdoor activities in the area.

Linda Tait is chair of BRDT. She said: “There was an absolutely amazing turnout at the Town Event from both members of the public and local community groups.

“All the community groups made a fantastic effort and we are so grateful to them all for being there. We’ve had lots of positive feedback about the event with lots of new volunteers coming forward for many of the groups."

“Everyone who came along, including a number of people who have recently moved here were very impressed with the work volunteer organisations do here every day and the active community we have in Blairgowrie and Rattray."

“It was great to hear that there is a lot of support for the work that BRDT is doing. BRDT itself is a community-led organisation and we work towards combining community-led action with an enterprising approach to tackling local needs and creating social, economic and environmental strength in the town. The Town Event is a great example of one of the ways we are working to achieve that.”

Ian Richards from the Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club praised the event, commenting: “What a great event it was.

“It was a good opportunity for local groups and organisations to encourage involvement in activities, particularly at a time when volunteering is becoming increasingly important in communities across the country.”

Mike Morris is area convenor of the Ramblers Association and was part of the Blairgowrie Ramblers group at the event. He said: “The Town Event was a wonderful opportunity to highlight what we can offer.

“Rambling and walking are very sociable activities and we are keen to get more people out and about in the area.”

Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council vice-chair David Cuthill also praised the event, commenting: “I would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who put so much effort into organising what was a very successful event.

“As a result of attending the Town Event I have a much greater understanding of how local organisations currently interact and hopefully will continue to work together in the future.”

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser was amongst those who visited the event. He said: “It was tremendous to see so much community activity across Blairgowrie and Rattray and so many different groups being represented at this event organised by BRDT.

“One of the strengths of the local community is the number of individuals prepared to volunteer their time to help others and it was great to see so many of them showcased at the Town Event.”

SNP local councillor for the Blairgowrie and the Glens ward Tom McEwan was also at the event. He commented: “It was an absolutely brilliant event. From the great work by BRDT to all the community groups and projects, it demonstrated the great community spirit and effort that exists in Blairgowrie and Rattray and the surrounding area.”

ENDS For further information or media enquiries, please contact Clare McMicking on 07514 343 042 or media@brdt.org.uk

Previous Posts