It’s showtime for Perth’s museums and galleries

Apr 23 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE FERGUSSON Gallery, Perth Museum and Art Gallery and The Black Watch Museum in Perth are three of the museums and galleries throughout Scotland which will be championing the ‘It’s Showtime’ banner next weekend.

The fifth annual Show Scotland offers a range of events over the May Day weekend with something for all ages to enjoy.

The Fergusson Gallery in Marshall Place, Perth Museum and Art Gallery in George Street and The Black Watch Museum at Balhousie Castle are among the 40-plus venues involved in this year’s Show Scotland, with events taking place from next Friday to Monday, May 3. Many of the events are free and offer a chance to explore and celebrate some of the country’s most important, engaging and exciting visitor attractions.

Perth’s highlights from this year’s Show Scotland programme include exclusive tours and the chance to delve into the world of the Black Watch at the Museum of the Black Watch; and a celebration of modern dance pioneer and artist Margaret Morris at The Fergusson Gallery and Perth Museum. Perth Concert Hall is also involved in this project.

Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “Show Scotland has provided a fun programme of days out since 2006 and we are looking forward to our fifth event being even bigger and better. It is the perfect way to get out and about and enjoy something special over the May Day weekend.”

Tracy Teasdale, art officer at the Fergusson Gallery, added: “Show Scotland is a great opportunity for venues across Perthshire to work together and is a chance for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the fantastic, great-value, year-round attractions on their doorstep, with that little something extra. We are looking forward to welcoming lots of people through the door over the weekend – and throughout the year.”

The Perth Show Scotland events are:

l Friday, April 30, 7pm to 9pm: ‘Captivating Collections’ at The Black Watch Regimental Museum, Balhousie Castle, Hay Street. Discover the hidden secrets of the Museum of The Black Watch, meet the staff for drinks before being led on an exclusive tour of the Museum. Booking essential, Cost £5 includes drinks. Telephone 01738 638152.

l Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, 10am-1pm, Balhousie Castle: A FREE fun drop-in event for all the family with stories and songs recounting tales of The Black Watch.

l Saturday, May 1, 10.30am to 5pm, and Sunday, May 2, 1.15pm to 4.15pm, The Fergusson Gallery, Perth Museum and Art Gallery and Perth Concert Hall: ‘Art, Rhythm and Dance’ – a celebration of the modern dance pioneer and artist Margaret Morris with a weekend of events including dance classes for adults and children; a family fun day with headdress making, hand painting, dressing-up clothes and a Dance Detective Challenge; storytelling with Claire Hewitt and a spectacular performance of Margaret Morris Movement. All activities are free but places on dance workshops should be booked in advance. Telephone 01738 783425. More info on the dance event on page 31