Hogmanay celebrated in traditional style in the Strath

Jan 4 2013 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

The New Year was ushered in with much fanfare throughout the area.

Crowds gathered in the squares of the Strath’s towns and villages to share a dram and bid each other all the best.

A lone piper played to the many revellers who congregated at Tron Square in Dunning and in Blackford the Strathearn Pipe Band marched in to play at the bells.

There was a great atmosphere in Crieff too as compere Roy McDonald cranked up the music in James Square.

Pipers and drummers organised by Owen Sweeney were on hand to help see in 2013 in traditional style and performers from Urban Circus juggled fire.

Jim Begg said a prayer for Crieff and Strathearn followed by a good luck procession round the square led by piper Calum Ferguson, the Crieff Bull and Celtic Saints Andrew and Fillan.

Party goers were kept refreshed with Gourlay’s pies, Campbell’s shortbread and Highland Spring water.

As usual it was the Shaky Village’s age-old Flambeaux procession that drew the biggest crowd.

The fun started early in the evening with the junior fancy dress parade which saw a host of colourful and inventive costumes on display in the White Church.

This was followed by a fantastic fireworks display. As midnight approached revellers gathered in Melville Square to welcome the New Year and the Flambeaux, which were lit as the bells sounded.