Loch Earn's Official Wakeboarding Event

Loch Earn’s official wakeboarding event, is preparing for its biggest year yet. Organisers of WakeScot, now in its 3rd year and the longest running wakeboarding event in Scotland, are delighted with initial enquiries.

Barry McGrandles, Outdoor Activities Director for Active Scotland, explained, ‘It’s always hard to start up an event and keep it going so I think people can see what we are trying to do and that we have a genuine interest in developing the sport. It’s made even clearer by the fact that we are seen by governing body Waterski Scotland as an event that can be used as a platform for all levels of rider who wish to compete in competition in Scotland.’

The event on Loch Earn is supported by both governing bodies in Britain and by local and national companies who share the brothers drive to develop grass roots sports in the area.  Barry’s brother Matt, who organises the event says, ‘It takes time to get the message across that our event is all about the riders and gaining support is not easy especially in this current climate. We dedicate a lot of time and finance to making this event happen but it takes more than just our business to make it work. Just speak to anyone that organises events and they will appreciate what kind of dynamics it takes to actually get something like this off the ground.’

Matt has been organising events for many years. One of his first was the International Festival of Youth Rugby in 97 where he managed 6000 players, staff and games throughout Scotland . WakeScot is not at this level yet but the brothers have a long term view. They aim to turn WakeScot into a  leading wakeboarding festival in Scotland.

WakeScot kicks off on Saturday 14th August 2010 with a coaching clinic at 9am. If you are looking for a weekend break or day away with friends and family then check out this event as it promises to be as spectacular as last years. Further details can be found at http://www.wakescot.com/

LETI: In addition to wakeboarding and water sports, Active Scotland  offers a number of activities including quad biking, archery and mountain bike hire. The office and shop are located at the front of the Clachan Cottage Hotel in Lochearnhead on the A85 overlooking Loch Earn.

A Great Day Out At Any Event

 

Mark your calendars for the 2010 events around Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, and Strathyre. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor events, spectating or participating there is something for everyone.

On the banks of Loch Earn in Lochearnhead you can witness model aeroplane stunts (17-18th April), the great Loch Earn Boat race (25th April) and the Loch Earn swim race (11th -12th September). Yes - People travel for miles to swim the 6.5 mile length of Loch Earn from the village of Lochearnhead to the village of St Fillans. Seeing is believing!. WakeScot takes place on Loch Earn on the 7-8th August.  Enter this water skiing and wakeboarding contest organised by Active Scotland who are based at the Clachan Cottage Hotel in Lochearnhead or spectate with a hot drink (or something stronger ).  Marvel at the range of talent in each age group from rookie to advanced,  each performance taking place with Loch Earn, Glen Ample and Edinample Castle as the stage setting.

Are you a fan of live music and entertainment? Check the programmes at the Clachan Cottage Hotel in Lochearnhead every Saturday night (from 3rd April throughout the summer) or follow the eclectic Balquhidder Summer music programme at Balquhidder Church (visit Rob Roy McGregor and his family’s gravestone in the grounds while you are there). Tullybannocher, a café near St Fillans,  also hosts a programme of jazz suppers throughout the year.

Take part in or spectate at the Stuc a Chroin Hill race (1st May) organised by the Kingshouse Hotel in Balquhidder. A well organised event but not for the faint hearted as athletes run 22km climbing to 1500m. Impressive stuff!

Come dancing! The village Hall in Balquhidder is hosting a Ball (6th June). Whether you attend the Lochearnhead village ballroom dance classes or are on holiday,  you are welcome to buy a ticket and join in the glamorous fun.

Who will take the Black Face sheep shearing trophy this year? If you have never been to a sheep shearing contest then start at the top and witness the Loch Earn shears in the Lochearnhead games field (3-4th July). International contestants travel far just to take part. The same venue hosts The BLS Highland Games (July 24th) and the fun filled village fete (August). The Highland Games are traditional, attracting chieftains of the local ancient clans,  with invitation heavyweight and open prize events for children and adults.

The St Fillans village weekend is a 3 day affair (13-15th August) with a mixed programme including a cricket match, dance, live bands, a hog roast party, BBQ, and village games. For more regular village chat check out the Tuesday coffee mornings in the St Fillans village shop and tea room. The St Fillans golf club is due to announce its ladies, gents and mixed open challenge fixtures for the year too.

All four villages run regular classes like yoga, keep fit, youth club, oil painting and upholstery. For more event details and contacts check out the four villages website for events in Perthshire. Find out where to stay in Perthshire and where to eat in Perthshire as the website covers accommodation, restaurants, cafes and snack bars too.

LETI: The Loch Earn Tourism Initiative website offers information on holiday accommodation  in Perthshire and the Trosshachs in central Scotland - an area of outstanding beauty.  The site includes information on, accommodation, events, food and drink, shops, things to do, nature and more. You can be sure that you will be made to feel very welcome when visiting this area of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park..

Get Active Around Loch Earn - Water Sports centre offers Free incentives

Active Scotland is our specialist water sports and activities centre in Lochearnhead. We have just released our end of season offers which can be pre-booked by calling the activities reception on 01567 830321.

1. Get 50% FREE water skiing or wakeboarding on Monday’s and Friday’s through September 2009. Pay for 4 sets(1 hour) and get an extra 2 sets (half an hour) Free!
2. If you book 4 bikes over the weekend we'll give you 40% off standard rates.
3. Book the activity centre for FREE in the evening if you are having a get together for over 20 people.
4. FREE quad bike trek for one if you book 5 others.
5. FREE tea or coffee before and a FREE mug of soup after if you book 6 quad bikes.
6. FREE speed boat blast if you spend over £50 in the Loch Earn Café.

Why not try something today with Active Scotland, Lochearnhead. You can visit us at http://www.activescotland.com/ for further details on us, our activities, offers and opening hours.

LETI: Matt and Barry McGrandles attract visitors of all ages and abilities to Loch Earn. They offer an exciting selection of on and off water activities and offer light meals, snacks and beverages from their cafe. Professionals, novices, corporate groups and school children of all ages will find something to suit their taste. Less energetic guests staying in the areas holiday accommodation admit that they go to the centre simply to watch others waterskiing from the comfort of the cafe while enjoying a bacon roll and a coffee. An equally pleasant pastime.