Perthshire is gearing up for two of the biggest events of the year which draw in tens of thousands of visitors.
On Sunday Perth racecourse hosts Perth Gold Cup day which is expected to attract a 10,000 strong crowd.
Tickets for another major event, The Enchanted Forest sound and light show in Faskally Woods, go on sale this month, it was announced yesterday.
Generating an estimated £2 million to the local economy, this year more than 65,000 tickets are going on sale to the general public at 10am on Friday June 17.
For Perth Gold Cup day ticket sales are reported to be up 25% on last year, boosted by the news that Sunday’s meeting is set to feature the greatest horse ever to run at the Fair City track.
Perth Racecourse chief executive, Hazel Peplinksi, said: “Perth Gold Cup day has long been one of Scottish racing’s biggest fixtures but the news that Menorah will be joining us for the first time has really raised the stakes.
“He is the most gorgeous looking horse and it is a huge coup for Perth racecourse that Menorah’s trainer Philip Hobbs has targeted our Gold Cup.
“Sunday’s Perth Gold Cup meeting is already a very well-established occasion that always attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd.”
Menorah, with over £650,000 in prize money racked over an illustrious career of 14 wins from 38 starts, will be one of the classiest horses ever to grace Perth.
Commenting on the decision to come north, trainer Philip Hobbs said: “Our intention is to run in the Perth Gold Cup which looks to be the perfect opportunity for Menorah who has come out of his Sandown victory in top form.
“He will appreciate the better ground at this time of year so it makes sense to keep going with him and we are looking forward to Sunday.”
The racecourse has announced that children go free to Perth Gold Cup day and there will be bouncy castles on site to keep them busy, plenty of ice-cream available from the course’s official supplier Mackie’s of Scotland, and entertainment provided by Perth racecourse’s resident DJ in the centre course.
The event, sponsored by Pentland Land Rover for the third consecutive year, is recognised as one of the most prestigious on the Scottish racing circuit. Gates open at 11.30am with the first race is scheduled at 2.05pm.