BLAIRGOWRIE AND RATTRAY

'Blairgowrie and Rattray' (''Blàr Ghobharaidh'' and ''Raitear'' in Gaelic) Blairgowrie - likely Scottish Gaelic ''Blàr Ghobharaidh'' and Rattray - possibly from an English language cognate of Scottish Gaelic ''ràth'', meaning fortress + a Pictish term cognate with Welsh ''tref'', meaning settlement) is a burgh in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Amongst locals, the town is colloquially known simply as "Blair".
The second largest town in Perth & Kinross this twin burgh lies in the Strathmore valley and straddles the River Ericht, which flows into the River Isla and then the River Tay. Rattray is on the east bank and Blairgowrie is on the west.
The town expanded greatly in the 19th century around the many jute mills on the river. It is the market town for the surrounding area and a centre for holidaymakers. Blairgowrie is well known as a passing point for tourists and ski-ers. The town of Rattray dates back to the mid 11th century.
Much of the expanding population works in the nearby cities of Dundee or Perth. Soft fruits such as raspberries and strawberries are grown locally.

Contents

Sport

Famous residents

Twin cities

References

External links

Sport

;Football
Blairgowrie and Rattray is home to the junior football club Blairgowrie F.C.
;Skiing
The Glenshee Ski Centre in Glenshee is some 18 miles to the north on the A93 Braemar road.
;Cricket
Blairgowrie is also the former home of legendary leg spinner John Abbit McDonald famous for taking the wicket of Brian Lara in a teatime frenzy for the Rattary heineken cup.
;Rattray
The traditional ball game of Rattray no longer takes place, but the Rattray silver ball which was the trophy retained by the winners is still in existence. It is believed to have been donated by Sylvester Rattray of Nether Persie who became minister of Rattray in 1591 and continued there until his death in 1623. ^[2]
The Rattray silver ball is now kept at Perth Museum and Art Gallery. ^[3]

Famous residents

Blairgowrie was the birthplace of:

★ Andy Clyde, actor
Blairgowrie is the hometown of:

★ Belle Stewart, singer

★ Andrew Clark, actor

★ Sandy Easton, playwright.

Twin cities

★ Pleasanton, California, USA

★ Fergus, Ontario, Canada

References

1. [1]
2. [2]
3. [3]

External links

★ Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Website

★ Blairgowrie, Rattray & East Perthshire Tourist and Visitor Information Guide.