There were celebrations in Pitlochry recently as two popular residential areas marked milestone anniversaries.
2026 is the 100th anniversary of the building of Tomcroy Terrace in the Highland Perthshire town, as well as the 50th anniversary of the nearby James Court sheltered housing complex, run by Perth and Kinross Council.
The team at James Court organised a celebratory lunch with invited guests, including members of the community who had been involved with James Court in one capacity or another over the past five decades.
Guests included the family of the first ever warden at the complex, the late Cecelia Ramsey, the son of the owner of local firm AC Wilson – the constructors who built the premises – former staff, and the residents themselves.
The following day, a very well attended coffee morning was held at Pitlochry Town Hall to mark the 100th anniversary of Tomcroy Terrace.
Past and present residents of the popular street and surrounding area attended the coffee morning, which, as well as tea, coffee and home baking, also saw displays of photos, household artefacts and children’s toys from 100 years ago, and information about the history of Tomcroy Terrace and also James Court and the wider town.
There were also traditional fundraising games such as guess the weight of the cake, guess how many sweeties in the jar, and a tombola, as well as some traditional sweet treats and an opportunity to record the names of residents and memories of the street from members of the public.
The celebrations were organised by Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT), Perth and Kinross Council, and Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Trust.
Chair of PCAT, Judith Dingwall, commented: “What a wonderful weekend of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of Tomcroy Terrace and the 50th anniversary of James Court!
“When Ann Millar, Perth and Kinross Council’s housing support officer at James Court, first suggested the idea of marking this momentous occasion, we jumped at the chance to be involved.
“It was a great opportunity to acknowledge the strength of community here in Pitlochry, and the celebrations were a real coming together of organisations, working together for the benefit of local residents, which is what PCAT is all about.
“Huge thanks must go to the residents of James Court and to Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre for compiling the information and photo boards, bringing along some of the artefacts and running the tombola.
“Thanks also to all the helpers at what was a very busy coffee morning, everyone who donated home baking, and tombola prizes, and everyone who came along and enjoyed the celebrations with us – there was a real buzz at both events with people chatting, reminiscing and making new connections, which was so lovely to see.”
First Minister and local MSP for the region, John Swinney, was at the coffee morning.
He said: “The celebrations to mark 50 years of James Court and 100 years of Tomcroy Terrace were a lovely occasion and I was pleased to be able to share that with the community in Pitlochry.
“Both contain so many memories for so many people, and it was great to hear some of the stories from local residents, share some of the history of the communities and celebrate all the lives that have been lived in both James Court and Tomcroy Terrace.
“These are two developments that are indicative of the significance of investment in local housing and it is a timely reminder of the importance of affordable housing that serves the needs of communities, and my Government is determined to ensure that we do more to support that.”
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade spoke at the lunch at James Court. He said: “There is a very special community here at James Court and it was lovely to be able to chat to some of the many people who have been connected with the building over the last 50 years.
“Community connections are so important to towns everywhere and we are very lucky here in Pitlochry to have such a strong community.
“Well done to Ann and the team for everything that they do every day.”
The coffee morning raised £730 which will be split between the James Court residents’ comfort fund and PCAT with donations to the Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre and CHAS.
