Perth & Kinross

31 of the best pictures as Atholl Gathering draws crowds to Blair Castle

The Atholl gathering brought the best in highland games action to Blair Castle, near Pitlochry, and The Courier was there to capture it all.

Stirling dancer Hannah Buxel showed a clean pair of heels in the girls race at the Atholl Gathering. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

By Morag Lindsay

May 26 2025, 11:56am

One of the most spectacular events on the Perthshire calendar played out at Blair Castle on Sunday.

Crowds dodged the rain showers as they converged on the landmark near Pitlochry for the annual Atholl Gathering and Highland Games.

The Atholl Highlanders were a highlight for many, led by the sound of the pipes and drums.

Strongmen battled it out in events such as tossing the caber, putting the shot and throwing the hammer, while families enjoyed highland dancing, tug o’ war, piping competitions, races and children’s rides and stalls.

Here are some of the best photos from the action at Blair Castle on Sunday.

Men in highland dress pulling on rope in tug o war contest watched by crowd at Atholl gathering — Concentration on the focus of the Atholl Highlanders during the tug o’ war. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Large crowd of people on grassy slope watching games arena at Blair Castle — Were you in the crowd at this year’s Atholl Gathering? Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Two people, one in kilt, wresting at Atholl gathering — All eyes on the wrestling. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Three girls doing traditional Highland dancing on stage at Atholl Gathering — Natalie Struth (Monifieth), Katie Douglas (Forfar) and Elizabeth May (Brechin) in the adults 17 and over Highland Dancing. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Heavyweight athlete in kilt preparing to toss caber watched by crowd in heavy rain — Kyle Randall during the caber toss. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Man in kilt firing old fashioned cannon with smoke coming out of it — Michael Murray (Marquis of Tullibardine) fires the Atholl Highlanders cannon in the main arena. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Man in kilt throwing shot putt next to Atholl Gathering sign — Angus McInroy during the shot putt. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Small boys in regular clothes running watched by crowd around arena at — The boys give it their all in the eight to 10-year-old race. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Pipe band playing bagpipes as they march past man in Highland dress saluting — A salute from Michael Murray (Marquis of Tullibardine) as the pipe band plays. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Two men in kilts wresting — Two kilted wrestlers locked in combat. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Large group of girls running watched by cheering crowd — The girls aged five-seven race at the Atholl Gathering. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Crowd watching action under umbrellas in the rain — What’s a little rain? Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Man in kilt throwing heavy metal weight on chain in front of ice cream van — Jamie Gunn during the Weight for Distance competition. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Men in Highland dress smiling and applauding — The Atholl Highlanders made an impression. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Two people doing Highland dancing on stage with Blair Castle behind — Lyndsey Douglas (Blairgowrie) and Hamish McInnes (Kirkintilloch) in the adults 17 and over Highland Dancing. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Women running in jeans and t shiirts — The women’s open race. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Man in kilt throwing hammer — Kyle Randall throwing the hammer at the Atholl Gathering. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

The solo piping competition formed a fitting soundtrack throughout the day. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Small boys running in casual gear — The boys aged five-seven race was a very serious business. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

People watching highland games with Blair Castle on hill behind them — Blair Castle provided the scenic backdrop to the entertainment. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Man throwing shott putt watched by other athletes in kilts — Shaun Gunn during the shot putt. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Men in Highland dress marching in rain at Atholl gathering — The Atholl Highlanders parade in the main arena. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Crowd watching highland games from behind umbrellas wearing waterproof jackets — Brollies and waterproofs came in handy. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Pipe band members playing drums in formation watched by crowd — The Atholl Highlanders pipes and drums. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Large crowd of people seated on grassy slope watching highland games — The crowds enjoyed a great vantage point from the slope behind the games arena. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Kilted man wrestling young woman — the wrestling attracted all shapes and sizes. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Man tossing caber watched by large crowd in rain — Kyle Randall during the caber toss. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Pipes and drums with Atholl Highlanders behind in main arena at Atholl Gathering — A stirring sight and sound, unique to the Atholl Gathering. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Atholl Highlanders in traditional highland gear walking past saluting Marquis of Tulliebardine — The Atholl Highlanders receive the salute from Michael Murray, Marquis of Tullibardine. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Trade stalls and children's rides with large crowds milling around — The stalls did a roaring trade throughout the day. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

31 of the best pictures as Atholl Gathering draws crowds to Blair Castle

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