Games Organisers hopeful for Park and Ride scheme

Pitlochry Highland Games chiefs move fast on new parking challenge

Pitlochry Highland Games organisers hope their Park and Ride Scheme will operate effectively this weekend, with around 6000 spectators expected from 30 countries.

On Saturday, visitors and participants will throng to the Recreation Ground on Ferry Road for the last major Highland Games event of the season.

It is a major draw annually, bringing heightened visitor spend to the town and considerable economic spin-off.

However, this year a new parking system has been introduced due to construction work on the new Tesco store finally getting underway at Dundarach Field, the usual parking site, as reported by PBN, see.

Partnership working

Officials have worked in partnership with the council and transport departments to secure the Park and Ride contingency for spectators, ensuring the outstanding programme could proceed as normal.

Signs on the A9 will mark the location for those driving to the Games, with organisers acknowledging that the late notice regarding Dundarach had presented a challenge.

“The delayed construction of Tescos has resulted in no parking being available on Dundarach Field. Next year, half the field will be back in use as parking,” explained Games Chairman, Mr Charles Butter.

“The Park and Ride has been developed with multi-Agency support including PKC, Police Scotland, BEAR and ALBA. We very much hope that it will run smoothly, but it has been a logistical challenge at short notice.”

Enduring appeal

Despite the obstacles and Health and Safety costs rising, the 2025 event is as eagerly anticipated as ever. Since 1852, it has been delighting crowds.

Successful Highland Games events have been held recently at Crieff, Birnam, Kinloch Rannoch and Blairgowrie, proving their enduring appeal as spectator events in Perthshire.

“Pitlochry is a big tourist destination in its own right. Pitlochry Highland Games hosts an outstanding programme of Track and Field, Heavies, Dancing, Piping and Pipe Bands. The Mass Band Finale is a highlight.

“Looking at the advanced online ticket sales, we have applications from 30 countries this year, including a large amount from the USA, Canada and Continental Europe and as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and South America.

“Obviously, their spending in all aspects of tourism is beneficial to the economy,” added Mr Butter.

To find out more about Saturday’s Games and to book tickets, go to: www.pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk