By Alan Richardson

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE is set to welcome thousands of visitors as it hosts a weekend of family events and entertainment based around the Etape Caledonia cycle race.

Visitors and spectators coming to the area to watch the UK’s only closed-road cycle event will have a huge choice of things to do and see over the weekend of May 17 and 18.

On the Sunday, several thousand cyclists from all over the UK and beyond tackle the 81-mile route around Highland Perthshire, starting and finishing in Pitlochry.

The evening before, a huge Pitlochry pasta ceilidh will be held in a marquee beside the start point, featuring a live band and as much pasta as you can eat.

The marquee will be busy again the following day, when it will host cooking demonstrations, music and a battle re-enactment by the Hairy Highlanders group.

Children will be kept entertained by Silly McBee the Clown and a novelty bike show. There will also be stalls promoting all the areas within Highland Perthshire.

Acupuncture and sports massage will also be on offer in the competitors’ village marquees from 9am to 4pm.

Spectators can watch the cyclists twice along the route by catching a special bus from Pitlochry to Kinloch Rannoch. New Etape race viewing points have also been set-up at the House of Menzies and the Safari Lodge at Dull.

The Upper Tay Paths Group has created a new route for walkers and cyclists to travel between Aberfeldy and Kenmore on the morning of the Etape and visit the businesses along the route without using the closed road.

Many other local business and attractions are getting behind the event by offering visitors a host of activities over the event weekend such as tours and a falconry display at Blair Castle, an ice cream extravaganza at the Courtyard deli in Kenmore, and a fun day in Kinloch Rannoch on the Saturday

The Highland Perthshire market will pitch up at Mill of Logierait Farm near Ballinluig between 10am-2pm on the Saturday, and spectators can wind down after the event by taking part in a Bluebell Walk at Craig Wood, Dunkeld, hosted by Atholl Estates ranger service.

Perth and Kinross Council enterprise and infrastructure convener John Kellas said, “All of these events show how much local communities have embraced the Etape event.

“The weekend is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular in the Highland Perthshire calendar, and I am delighted that so many local businesses are getting involved and taking advantage of the opportunities offered to them by the Etape.

“There is a going to be a huge amount of fun and entertainment on offer for visitors, making the Etape an event for all the family and not just an event for cyclists.

“I am looking forward to a hugely successful few days. Last year the Etape brought many thousands of people to the area, and we are expecting even more this time around.”