Perth and Angus broke away from Grampian DA in 1974 after it was run as a separate section. The section then achieved D.A. status.
The D.A. had it’s first meet at scone palace at Easter in 1975, it snowed on the Friday and Saturday, but the snow melted on the Sunday. With the weather as it was nobody from Perth and Angus turned up thinking that the meet would be cancelled, but as you know D.A campers are a hardy crew and 5 units turned up to the meet – there were 4 units from Edinburgh D.A. (Allan’s, Jardine’s, Chisholm’s and Heron’s), and 1 unit from Grampian (Shearer).
Since that first meeting Perth and Angus has gone from strength to strength and we are currently enjoying one of our best spells as a D.A. and with committee and members aiming to put Perth and Angus on the map.
Whoever thought at that time Perth and Angus would be celebrating their 10th birthday, but we did, and it was held in 1984 at Lindores Abbey with games and a social.
After the 10th birthday it was decided to hold a 21st anniversary (the coming of age) meet at Balado, and what a party it was. With entertainment Fri, Sat & Sun nights Bouncy castles and games during the day. The order of the day was to enjoy yourselves, which I think everyone did.
The 25th birthday meet was held at Ladybank Equestrian Centre and was a great success with live entertainment and even a “Miss” Perth and Angus competition.
2004 saw us celebrate our 30th birthday with a 5 day meet held at Kinross Airfield, a full programme with lots of entertainment laid on, from the “Garden Party” with everyone in their Sunday best, a haggis race complete with owners, jockeys and trainers and even the launching of a hot air balloon to mention just a few items. This meet showed that Perth and Angus has moved forward in the last 30 years from the 5 hardy units of the very first meet to 72 units plus a youth area.
Many thanks to former and current chairpersons and committee who have contributed to making Perth and Angus a great DA
An exert from ” Edinburgh DA Newsletter” April 95 