So Duncan got carving

By Arlene Kelly WHEN DUNCAN ROBERTSON agreed to do a favour for a friend he never expected the fruits of his labour to end up as the charity showpiece at one of Scotland’s premier equestrian events. Duncan, who retired from his job as a fencer at Atholl Estates several years ago, was talked into carving a wooden sculpture of a horse and rider crossing a jump by then Estates Manager Tim Hattersley.  Raffled Although Duncan had never before attempted anything of the kind, his finished product was so professional it is being raffled off in aid of our campaign at next weekend’s Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trial and Country Fair.

Duncan with his sculpture.

He said, “When I heard my sculpture was to be raffled for CHAS I was very pleased. It’s a great cause and anything that helps unfortunate children can only be good.” The event, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, features riders from as far afield as Brazil and Australia, as well as a host of other activities.  The Golden Lions Freefall Display Team will be dropping in around 1pm on Saturday and horses and cattle in the Chariots of Fire team, led by Amanda Saville, will perform daring stunts including jumping through burning hoops.  Shopaholics are catered for in the tented village, where everything from hand-made jewellery, Scottish crafts and garden furniture to fine art and clothing are on sale.  And if all that gets too much the Festival of Food marquee and Bowmore Whisky Tasting marquee are on hand to provide a haven of rest and relaxation.

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