First Minister backs Blairgowrie and Rattray running event
First Minister John Swinney has welcomed Kilmac's five-figure sponsorship package to secure the future of a popular Perthshire half marathon and 10k race for the next three years.
Entries are already flooding in for the rebranded 2025 Rattray Beaver Run on Sunday, September 21.
It is being organised this year by the Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club, with backing from Tayside groundworks specialists and long-standing Perthshire Chamber of Commerce members Kilmac.
The charities which will benefit from the autumn fundraiser are Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, based at Perth Airport, and Parkinson's UK.
'I'm very happy that Kilmac have stepped in to ensure that the event goes ahead for the next three years,' said Perthshire North MSP Mr Swinney, during a visit to the Kilmac stand at Perth Show.
'It is an important event on the Blairgowrie calendar and popular with locals and visitors who are attracted to the area.
'It relies on good, solid organisation and a reliable funding base.
'The Rotarians provide great leadership, but they need support to make it happen so the partnership with Kilmac is a great example of working together for the benefit of the local community.'
Rotarian and former Perth and Kinross councillor Bob Ellis echoed Mr Swinney's sentiments and said the team of volunteers was looking forward to hosting an event which is regarded as one of the most scenic – but toughest - challenges on the Scottish circuit.
'As we acknowledge, the Rattray Beaver Run is indeed 'dam tough' but it takes in some lovely Perthshire countryside and scenic rural roads,' he explained.
'It starts and finishes near Rattray Primary School and participants will receive a Beaver Run branded buff and medal memento, along with a post-run buffet.'
To sign up for the Rattray Beaver Run go to www.entrycentral.com and to support the event and the charities, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rattray-beaver-run-1
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