The streets of historic Dunkeld turned orange as scores of Orangemen and women paraded to Dunkeld Cathedral, the site of the final battle of the first ever Jacobite uprising. This was the 329th anniversary of the Battle of Dunkeld.
On Sunday 19th August members of loyal orders from mainly from Perthshire, but some from other areas of Scotland, attended the Lieutenant Colonel William Cleland Memorial Service & Conventicle.
Every year the Orange Order arrange a parade and memorial conventicle for the Battle of Dunkeld and the Cameronians, in particular their heroic leader Lt. Col. William Cleland.
It rained on and off that morning with everybody fearing the worst, but luckily the weather cleared up before everybody marshaled up.
The parade moved off from the North Car Park just beside the Royal British Legion. It proceeded along Atholl Street, turned right along High Street, through the square, past the Atholl Memorial Fountain and along Cathedral Street. Members of the Orange Order, Apprentice Boys of Derry and Royal Black Institution are invited to take part in the procession whereas anybody can attend the coventicle.
The piper was flawless as he proudly lead the parade along Atholl Street and all the way to the Cathedral where the conventicle would take place.
It was a joy to see some residents and tourists watch the parade, some even following all the way to witness proceedings at the back of the cathedral. The weather was still calm as the marchers congregated in preparation of the service.
Before the conventicle took place, 4 'pickets' made sure the course was clear, just like the covenanters did in days gone by.
The Rev Tom Greig conducted the conventicle, with psalms 100 and 23 being sung by the worshippers. The Worthy District Master also read a brief history of the Battle of Dunkeld, and a wreath was placed beside the grave of William Cleland, who is buried inside the Cathedral.
After the successful service of remembrance, the Orangemen and women made their way back to the Royal British Legion for refreshments and a buffet, mingling with members of the now disbanded Cameronian Regiment.
Only once everybody was safely inside, the heavens opened. Some even wondered if there was some divine intervention at play. (God always looks after his own! - Ed)
