"Atholl Palace is a wonderful place to visit. The staff are very helpful and polite, nothing is a problem! The food is amazing and the rooms are made up daily. This is great for either a weekend break or stay for a week. Great for couples or families. The spa is also brilliant and relaxing. Book now and stay, you won't be disappointed!"
116th year of the Tennis Championships of the Highlands
11th to 17th September 2011
Since 1896, the second oldest tournament in Scotland has taken place in the grounds of the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry - the heart of the Highlands. The four all weather courts nestle sheltered among the trees, (normally drenched by sunlight!) overlooked by the castle-like towers of the hotel. There are few finer venues anywhere for a tournament such as this. Many famous names have been associated with it over the years and none ever forgets the unique atmosphere generated by this friendliest of tournaments. Whilst the competitive edge is always there, the spirit of the event is often more important! To secure accommodation we will need a deposit of £50 per person.
The Tennis
For 2011 we will again be running 15 events, including five for the older generations, and we have maintained the prize money. Full details are on the entry form, and of course we very much encourage Perthshire & Tayside entrants to all the events, but particularly the handicaps – as always please let us know at time of entry any time constraints you may have. John and Allison will always try their very best to accommodate you.
The Social Programme
This of course is why our many regulars keep coming. To complement the tennis every evening a social event including buffet catering. Normally an opening drinks reception, a quiz night, sports evening including a very different putting competition, race night, and of course your own Ceilidh night.
And this year the putting competition will happen!
All these events are included in our package prices, as of course is our Finals Day Reception and Dinner. Non Residents always welcome!
The Tennis
For 2011 we will again be running 15 events, including five for the older generations, and we have maintained the prize money. Full details are on the entry form, and of course we very much encourage Perthshire & Tayside entrants to all the events, but particularly the handicaps – as always please let us know at time of entry any time constraints you may have. John and Allison will always try their very best to accommodate you.
The Social Programme
This of course is why our many regulars keep coming. To complement the tennis every evening a social event including buffet catering. Normally an opening drinks reception, a quiz night, sports evening including a very different putting competition, race night, and of course your own Ceilidh night.
And this year the putting competition will happen!
All these events are included in our package prices, as of course is our Finals Day Reception and Dinner. Non Residents always welcome!
2011 Referees :
Allison Wood
John Roberts
Atholl Palace Gets ”Game Set & Match” Ready
Attracting entrants from all over the UK including a strong contingent of local players from Perthshire & Tayside, many of whom enter every year.
“We are delighted once again to be hosting these prestigious tennis championships, “ said Atholl Palace General Manger Dougal Staven. “We are fortunate enough to have four beautiful all weather courts which are well used by our guests and visitors but also make the perfect venue for this event.”
He added: “It is testament to the fact that we lay on a great social calendar throughout the week as well as the tennis –with drinks receptions, quiz nights, sports evenings; putting contests , race nights and a Ceilidh, that many people return year after year to play and see old friends again.”
“We also hold a Finals Day Reception and Dinner. It is a competitive event however so it’s not all socialising - the play can get quite intense!”
The championships are part of the rich history of the Atholl Palace with the hotel displaying many of the old cups and trophies given out in the past when the Championships first started. There are also many old black and white photographs of contests and players displayed outside the Stag head’s Bar.
Said Mr Staven: “Many guests remark on these photographs and for us it is just another way of keeping the history of this place alive. We also have our museum in the basement which is open every day to residents and non-residents alike.”
“If any local people have any memorabilia relating to these Tennis Championships in days gone by or had a relative who took part please let us know,” he said.
Extract from local press article
