Treaty of Perth Celebrations, Enjoy a day in Medieval Perth

It's going medieval as Perth City commemorate the special friendship between Norway, The Isle of Man and Scotland and the end to years of fighting between the Nordic Vikings and our native Hebrideans.  

This special event will celebrate both Norse and Scots culture and offers up a fun day out for the whole family (just don’t tell the kids they’ll be learning as they go!). 

There are a whole host of activities to get involved with; from stone carving and woodcraft skills to medieval music and storytelling.  Meet the Viking Strongmen, enter your magnificent bristles in our best beard competition and watch on in wonder as the Living History entertainers bring you displays of medieval weapons, archery, music and dance.

They are also delighted to announce that starting off this exciting day in Perth, is a visit from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo who will join some local bands in a parade along Tay Street from the South Inch to the North Inch, culminating in a mini tattoo.  This breath-taking display of Military choreography will include a 50 minute show featuring a selection of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo centrepiece acts.

Our own local Perth and District Pipe Band will, of course, be part of the parade bringing their own colourful and joyful display to the occasion.

Parade: 11am – South Inch to North Inch, Perth

Tattoo: 11:40am – North Inch, Perth

Treaty of Perth Celebrations: 12 noon to 5pm, Perth City Centre

Make sure you keep your diary free and head to Perth City Centre for a day of medieval fun and historical celebration.

The Treaty of Perth was signed in 1266, and marked the end of military conflict between Alexander of Scotland and Magnus of Norway over the sovereignty of the Hebrides and the Isle of Man.

Medieval Fayre Acts

MUSIC

• Clanadonia

One of the highlights of the day, Clanadonia, will be out in force along the streets of Perth entertaining the masses with their passionate sound of Scotland. If you’ve never heard this amazing drum and pipe band before then please do make sure you head along to heard them. Music, passion, culture, history, people and ancestral bloodlines are all bonded within the music of the clan.

• Birliin Jiarg

Birlinn Jiarg was brought together by multi-instrumentalist Beccy Hurst to perform the traditional Manx music she grew up with as well as her own compositions. At the center of Birlinn Jiarg’s sound is the combination of Beccy’s whistle and concertina playing and the clarinet and flute of Freya Rae. Completing the quartet’s line-up is bodhránist Callum Younger and Scottish guitarist and bouzouki player Alasdair Paul.  The inventive and powerful accompaniment or guitar and bodhran provides a stunning platform for Beccy's and Freya’s melodic interplay.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

• The School of Ancient Crafts:

This interactive, fun exhibition will be making pigment paints which they’ll use to create a large 12th century style painting on the day.  They’ll also be running free, hands-on activities for families including calligraphy and the painting of mini banners of local 12th century Perth Noblemen.

• Wordsmith Crafts

Wordsmith Crafts, together with the Cluaran heritage boat project, will be demonstrating historical blacksmithing skills and provide an opportunity to experience the wonder of a 6m clinker build wooden boat.

• Auchingarrich Petting Zoo

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre, nestled in the picturesque Perthshire hills located just outside of Comrie is one of the area’s favourite attractions.  They’ll be joining in the fun at the Treaty of Perth Celebrations with a mini petting zoo of local wildlife and farm animals.

INTERACTIVE HISTORY

• Medieval Methil:

This amazing living history group offers a wonderful picture of Scotland’s proud history through education, display and experimental archaeology.  You will find the gentry of the day mixing with peasants, merchants, craftsmen, clergy and warriors of various descriptions roaming the streets of Perth. 

• The Knights of Monymusk

The Knights of Monymusk bring history to life with this fabulous demonstration of skills using weapons, armour, musical instruments and much more from the 10th-13th centuries.

HISTORICAL PROJECTS INFORMATION

• DATA project:

As well as offering stunning original artwork by local people, the DATA project will be promoting their project that is looking to permanently display relics of Perth’s forgotten history as well as the stories regaling the secrets and mysteries of ancient Perth.

• Your Scots Past in collaboration with Historic Holidays Scotland:

Find out how you can take a historic holiday in Scotland and pick up some top tips on how to research your Scottish family history.  The stall will also feature giveaways and a medieval themed photographic competition.