Blairgowrie and Rattray

infobox UK place
country = Scotland
official_name= Blairgowrie
gaelic_name= Blàr Ghobharaidh
scots_name= Blairgowrie
os_grid_reference= NO178452
latitude=56.592018
longitude=-3.340137
population= 7,965 [cite web|publisher=Scotland's Census Results Online|title =Comparative Population Profile: Blairgowrie Locality | url=http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Population&mainArea=blairgowrie&mainLevel=Locality | date = 2001-04-29| accessdate =2008-08-31 ] (2001 census)
est. 8,090 [http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data] (2006)
unitary_scotland= Perth and Kinross
lieutenancy_scotland= Perth and Kinross
post_town= BLAIRGOWRIE|postcode_district = PH10
postcode_area= PH
dial_code= 01250
constituency_westminster= Perth and North Perthshire
constituency_scottish_parliament= Perth Mid Scotland and Fife

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, blueberries and strawberries are grown locally.

port

;FootballBlairgowrie and Rattray is home to the Scottish Junior Football East Region Premier League side Blairgowrie F.C. as well as the Scottish Amateur Football Association sides [http://www.rattrayafc.co.uk/ Rattray A.F.C] and [http://www.webteams.co.uk/Home.aspx?team=balmoralunitedafc Balmoral United A.F.C.] which play in the [http://www.freewebs.com/perthshireamateurs/index.htm Perthshire Amateur League] .

;SkiingThe Glenshee Ski Centre in Glenshee is some 18 miles to the north on the A93 Braemar road.

;RattrayThe 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. [ [http://www.perthshirediary.com/html/day0130.html Perthshire Diary - The Rattray silver ball - January 30th 1623 ] ] The Rattray silver ball is now kept at Perth Museum and Art Gallery. [ [http://www.rls.org.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-000-496-719-C&searchdb=scran Silver ball of Rattray ] ]

Famous residents

Blairgowrie was the birthplace of:
* Andy Clyde, actor
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0031201/ George Anton] , actor

Blairgowrie is the hometown of:
* Belle Stewart, singer
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1790158/ Andrew Clark] , actor
* Sandy Easton, playwright
* Thomas Mennie, entrepreneur
* Stuart Caldow, musician
* Jimmy Rossa, half brother of early 90s rap sensation MC Hammer
* Lorraine Kelly, presenter
* Jake Findlay goalkeeper [http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/GreatHatters/0,,10372~110841,00.html] [Aston Villa, Luton Town]

Education

Blairgowrie currently has four schools:
* [http://www.bhsweb.net/cms/index.php Blairgowrie High School]
* [http://www.hill.pkc.sch.uk/ Hill Primary School]
* [http://www.rattray.pkc.sch.uk/default.htm Rattray Primary School]
* [http://www.st-stephens.pkc.sch.uk/ St Stephen's Primary School]

Twin cities

* Pleasanton, California, USA
* Fergus, Ontario, Canada

ee also

*List of places in Perth and Kinross

References

External links

* [http://www.visitblairgowrie.com/ Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Website]
* [http://www.heartofblair.com/ Blairgowrie, Rattray & East Perthshire Tourist and Visitor]
* [http://www.brcommunitycouncil.org.uk/ Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council Information Guide]