Perthshire has lost one of the UK’s top equestrian events.
Staged in the grounds of Scone Palace for more than two decades, the Central Scotland Horse Trials had its future thrown into jeopardy in September last year when organisers received the “bombshell” news the venue would no longer be available.
The organisers, who spoke of their “surprise and disappointment” at the decision to sever the long-standing relationship, have now found a new venue.
It has been announced they have been invited to relocate their event to Dalkeith Country Estate in Midlothian, five miles from Edinburgh, with the first event pencilled in for next year.
Fife farmer James Oakden, organiser of Central Scotland Horse Trials, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity and we are thrilled to have secured the use of these fabulous grounds, which offer excellent access.
“We very much look forward to building a long-term relationship with the estate and making this venture a success, for both Central Scotland Horse Trials and Dalkeith Country Estate.
“I would like to thank our many supporters for their patience whilst we have been working hard behind the scenes to secure this venue.
“Due to the weather, time and financial constraints we are looking to develop the site this year so that we are ready to start eventing in the 2014 British Eventing calendar.”
The committee is planning to run a number of fundraising events during 2013, including a hunter trials at Gleneagles, to assist in financing the move.
In a letter to the trials organisers, Scone Palace said that, after a review of the events held in the grounds and challenging weather conditions, it felt it was unable to accommodate the equestrian event.