Duck Race on the Allan Water Saturday September 4th 2021 @ 14.00

Some of the prize winners came along to the Westlands on Thursday evening to collect their prizes.

There was a huge cheer from spectators on Saturday when some 5,000 ducks cascaded from the Faery Bridge into the Allan Water signalling the start of the Rotary Club of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane’s Duck Race.  After two years of disappointment when it had been necessary to cancel the Duck Race, there was a real sense of relief that some sense of normality had seemingly been restored. Although taking place in September rather than May, and lacking the surrounding attractions of the Dunblane Fling, members of the Club were clearly pleased to be able to get together in this way to raise funds for the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). While the final tally of money from sales has still to be completed, the total is likely to be in excess of £4,000.  

The Club was very encouraged to see so many spectators, including lots of children, taking advantage of the warm September weather to enjoy the fun. Many expressed their pleasure that this traditional race was at last able to resume.

As is the Club’s practice, a large net was strung across the river to ensure that no ducks escaped.  As it happened, the level of the river was so low that a large number of ducks got stuck on the way to the finish, with a team of Rotarians wading upstream to ensure that all the stragglers were captured.

Thanks to the co- operation of the Tesco store in Dunblane and the Co-op stores in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, sales of ducks reached the levels of previous years.  Members of the local Boys Brigade also sold ducks, playing an important part in adding to total sales. With a total of more than 20 prizes on offer, winners have now been notified of their good luck.  

All being well, the next Duck Race will be held towards the end of May 2022.

After a gap of two years, the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club’s Duck Race is to return to the Allanwater on Saturday 4th September at 2 o’clock, with thousands of ducks being launched from the Faery Bridge in Dunblane.

Traditionally held at the end of May as part of the Dunblane Fling, the Duck Race, like so many other activities, has been a victim of the Covid pandemic. However, given the relaxation in the current rules, it is now possible, with appropriate precautions, to sell tickets and to run the race.  Proceeds from the sale of tickets will enable the Club to continue the contribution the Duck Race has regularly made to the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). 

Tickets, £1 each, will be on sale throughout the day at the Dunblane Tesco store on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th August, and on the day of the Race at the Drying Green in Dunblane Park.  They can also be purchased on the Club website – www.dunblanerotary.org.uk - and from members of the Club.

As ever, there will be many attractive prizes for those whose ducks swim particularly strongly.  In line with good conservation practice, a net all the way across the river will ensure that none of the ducks can make a break for freedom.