Welcome to the summer edition of The Bridge – a bumper edition packed full to the brim with information about our community’s events and activities.
The impact of the covid pandemic has been long and deep and has affected us all. For some of our groups it marked an ending after many years of meeting and for some changes in the way they operate. Others, such as our Highland Games, Horticultural Show or Art Exhibition, have had to navigate difficult paths to comply with restrictions while still trying to keep the show on the road. So it is with great happiness that I look at our diary of events and feel that things are back to normal.
The Dunkeld Art Exhibition held at the Duchess Anne Halls in aid of parish funds is now in it’s 53rd year. Many artists, using a variety of mediums, display art for sale. These unique pieces may make for the perfect present you have been scratching your head to find. The exhibition is open daily until the end of August so enjoy taking a wander. Margaret Scott is always on the lookout for extra stewards to help for 3 hours at a time. It is an ideal way to meet people and make new friends. If you would be interested contact Margaret on Dunkeldart@aol.com.
The Living History Weekend on 28th - 30th July, organised by the archives, offers a great opportunity to engage with our local history in a uniquely interactive way including groups in Stanley Hill reenacting famous local battles.
After that it’s time to start inspecting your garden for something to enter in to the Gardening and Growing Show on 19th August. Last year I went round my garden very despondently following heavy rain that had ruined a lot of the flowers. I picked a stem of ‘The Thug’ floribunda that seemed just about OK although covered in black spot. I took most of the leaves off and then thought ‘Oh well, stick it in’ and what do you know? I won a first and huge silver cup. Why? Well because no one else entered that class which just goes to show … if you’re not in it … you cannae win it! So I encourage you just to have a go. There are also some great classes for children which brings fun to all such as the funniest looking vegetable or creating a bug hotel. I still remember the boys’ efforts at making vegetable dinosaurs many years ago now.
Finally to the Highland Games – a day for us all to gather and blether ... drink beer in the sunshine and watch the Games. There are the usual spectacles of Highland Dancing and Tossing the Caber as well as the unique - ie the world haggis eating championship. Like nearly all our events the Games are organised by a group of volunteers who have to contend with every increasing barrage of health and safety regulations (don’t get me started) and rising insurance costs. Last year they made a small loss so let’s all get down to the Rec and see if we can help see our Games back into the black.
Whatever you are doing I hope you find time to put your feet up, enjoy the long days and evenings at this time of year and bask in living in one of the most beautiful places in the world in the company of one of the best communities in the world. Slainte!

Sally Robertson