ATHOL – An ensemble of musicians from across “the pond” will be leading the annual River Rat promenade down Main Street this year.

The visitors, the Scottish Highlanders, will be arriving in Athol on April 9 after touring the U.S. Capitol and visiting the United Kingdom’s embassy in Washington, DC. Before visiting our nation’s capital, the group will march in New York’s Tartan Week parade on April 6 and participate in other events during the week-long celebration of Scottish Heritage.

The regiment is from Blair Atholl, Scotland, which is where Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Atholl, is located. Sixty-one members of the only legal private army in Europe will be on hand to help Athol, Orange and the rest of North Quabbin celebrate the 60th anniversary of the seven-mile race as well as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Athol Lions Club, the race organizers.

According to state Rep. Susannah Whipps, co-chair of the Athol Historical Society’s Atholl to Athol Committee, the two groups have been developing a sister city relationship since the early 1960s.

“There will be many opportunities for people to see and interact with members of the regiment,” said Whipps in a release. “They will be visiting schools, various homes for elders, and local businesses. On Thursday, April 10, the Atholl to Athol Committee will host a ceilidh (kay-lee) at Athol Town Hall. A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish gathering with dancing.”

She explained, “Highland dancing is like contra dancing or square dancing, but with eight participants per group. I’ve had the honor of dancing in this style and it’s so much fun. We’ve booked a fantastic ceilidh band with a caller who will help keep everyone in step.”

Tickets for the dance are $10 and are now available at the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce Office.

On Saturday, April 12, the Highlanders will lead the River Rat parade, stopping a few times along the way to perform.

“The Atholl Highlanders Bagpipe Band is one of the best in the world and an incredible treat to see and hear,” said Whipps.

This will be the first time since 2012 that the Highlanders have made an appearance in Athol. Prior to that, the regiment made official visits in 1962, 1987 and 2000.

“I think the sister city relationship we have created with Blair Atholl gives folks a glimpse into the lives of people from another part of the world,” Whipps told the Athol Daily News. “We’re very excited to introduce to our residents the Gaelic culture by hosting a traditional ceilidh. On Friday (April 11) the men will have free time to explore our community with their host families. It’s very fitting that as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we can come together with those who left us long ago.”

Her mother, said Whipps, served on the previous Atholl to Athol committees “and I’m proud to have chaired the 2012 & 2025 visits.”

One event planned during the regiment’s visit will take place in neighboring Phillipston.

“These visits help lift the spirits of our residents,” Whipps stressed. “As this is a ceremonial army and all the men have other full-time jobs, it’s an opportunity for them to bond with us as well.”

She called the Atholl Highlanders Bagpipe Band “one of the finest in the world.” They are led, she added, by brothers Pipe Major Gary West and Drum Major Niall West.

“I purposefully housed them with local musician Fern Parker who is planning an open mic and jam session at Red Apple Farm on Friday April 11,” Whipps said.

Platinum Sponsors for the visit include Girardi Distributors, Athol Savings Bank, Whipps, Inc. and the Whipps Family. Gold Sponsors are Witty’s Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Rotary Club (celebrating its 100th anniversary this year), Seamans Paper, and Athol Credit Union. Silver Sponsors are Kessler Investments, Revival Wheeler Mansion, Adams ID, and LS Starrett. Other sponsors include Mack Family Funeral Homes, Hometown Bank, Cornerstone Insurance, Kimball Cooke Insurance, Faceology by Jen, Mr. Gordon Shaw, MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse, Target Marketing Worldwide, Pete’s Tire Barns, and Red Apple Farm. History Expo, Inc. has taken on the task of procuring and transporting all antique parade muskets for all parades and performances.

“The North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center has played an integral part in this visit,” Whipps added.

In addition to Whipps, members of the Atholl to Athol Committee include Co-Chair William Kessler, Jason McAllister, Daniel Eaton, Melissa Eaton, Michael Adams and Athol Historical Society President Debra Ellis.

“Eric Jack’s grandparents and parents served on past committees and as hosts for members of the regiment. Now he is playing host to two Highlanders. Some of the Atholl Highlanders on this tour have fathers, grandfathers and uncles who visited during previous tours, making this a real multi-generational relationship,” she concluded. “I hope this is a tradition that will continue long after I’m gone.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.