The Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair Blair Atholl, Perthshire Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th August 2001

It’s "on with the show" for the Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair from August 23rd to 26th this year.

Organisers of Scotland’s leading equestrian event are delighted to be able to announce that this years show is not only going ahead, but is expected to be bigger and better than ever.

Director Tim Hadaway said, "The recent foot and mouth crisis has been a worry and has caused the cancellation of many horse trials and equestrian events throughout the UK, but we are delighted to confirm that the Bowmore Blair Castle event will run this year.

"Obviously we will adhere carefully to British Equestrian Federation and MAFF guidelines. We have taken advice from Scottish Office officials and vets and also from British Eventing and we are being supported in our plans to proceed with the event on August bank holiday weekend."

Blair Castle Estate fully backs up the decision and factor, Andrew Bruce-Wootton said, "We are delighted that the event is going ahead. The Castle and caravan park are open for visitors and we could see no reason not to host the horse trials which bring thousands of visitors to this beautiful part of Perthshire every year."

Under MAFF and SERAD guidelines the estate will be required to keep the ground free of susceptible livestock for a period prior to and after the event takes place. Other disinfecting rules will have to be adhered to by competitors, who must not have travelled from infected areas, and must sign a certificate of compliance on arrival at Blair.

This will be the thirteenth year for the four-day Blair Castle event which has grown from being mainly horse-orientated to including a spectacular Country Fair and a vast array of trade stands and entertainments.

Morrison Bowmore Distillers, who are main sponsors of the show for the sixth year are delighted to have the opportunity to once again use the magnificent venue to promote their Bowmore Whisky brand and entertain clients from all over the world.

Trade stand bookings are already well ahead of last year at this time, with vendors particularly happy that they have the chance to participate in this popular event which attracts well over 20,000 people each year.

Mr Hadaway expects entries for all the horse classes to reach record levels too. He said, "The response from competitors has been fantastic. They are all desperate to get their horses out and give them a run, whether it be eventing, showjumping or even Pony Club games!"

Further information from: The Horse Trials Office, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, PH18 5T H. Tel: 01796 481543 or fax: 01796 481455.