To the skirl of the pipes and the beating of drums, Europe’s only private army underwent their annual inspection by the Duke of Atholl at the weekend.
Blair Castle provided a fitting backdrop as the Atholl Highlanders massed for the event, watched by hundreds of onlookers who had to huddle under umbrellas in torrential rain.
The army marched to the forecourt to parade before the duke in what traditionally marks the opening of the Atholl Gathering and Games, which proved a huge draw despite mixed weather.
As an added feature this year, the parade culminated in the commissioning ceremony of Lord David Murray, the duke’s grandson. He received a sprig of juniper the clan badge of the Murrays to be worn behind his cap badge as a symbol of his acceptance as a member of the regiment.
The military precision was a little forced in dreadful conditions and spectators described the parade and inspection as one of the shortest in its history.
It attracted widespread interest from all over the world, including two magazine photographers from France and an entire film crew from India.
They joined members of the public in jumping in delighted fear every time the canon sounded despite prior warning.
The original Atholl Highlanders were a regular regiment, the 77th, raised in 1777 to serve in America.
However, with the war lost before they embarked, the regiment disbanded in 1783 having served garrison duty in Ireland.
Then in 1839, Lord Glenlyon, later the 6th duke, participated in a tournament at Eglinton in Ayrshire, taking with him a bodyguard of Atholl-men.
In 1842 the same men acted as guard of honour to Queen Victoria in Dunkeld and at Blair Castle.
In recognition of this service, she granted the Atholl Highlanders colours and the right to bear arms.
The original colours, which still survive in the castle, were presented on September 4, 1845. Today the regiment is about 100 strong and officers include lairds and friends or relatives of the Atholl family.
The regiment marched on the Atholl Gathering and Games in the grounds of the castle, taking the salute of the duke, before more canon fire marked the opening of the games.
This year’s games took a new format, with many events being organised by the Highlanders themselves, including a sword dance and a relay race.