Published on Jul 08 2006 

Pitlochry: Pitlochry is situated in the Perthshire Highlands, on the banks of the River Tummel and Loch Faskally and is close to the geographical centre of Scotland and is the perfect place for a fly casting school. It is 25 miles north of the City of Perth.

Every year the Khuddam of Glasgow get together for an annual picnic. This year it was decided to have the picnic in Pitlochry - North East Scotland, a place also visited by both Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV (may Allah be pleased with him) and more recently by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah protect him).

The Khuddam set off after silent prayer on Sunday 9th of July 2006 at 9am. The group consisted of 31 Khuddam, 22 Atfal as well as 4 guests including Regional Ameer Scotland Abdul Ghaffar Abid Sahib and the missionary of Scotland Malik sahib.

After arriving in Pitlochry at 11.am, where the weather was very nice, Abdus Samad Khan Sahib, Qaid Glasgow issued instructions for the events which were going to be held. He suggested places that the Khuddam should visit such as the fish ladder, and Pitlochry Dam. During the morning, most of the Khuddam and Atfal visited the fish ladder and the town of Pitlochry other Khuddam found time to engage in a game of football, and Frisbee.

The power plant, dam and the fish ladder: Each year between April and October an average of 5,400 salmon fight their way upstream from Atlantic feeding grounds to spawn in the upper reaches of the River Tummel. They must by-pass the Hydro-Electric dam at Pitlochry by travelling through the interconnected pools that form the Pitlochry "fish ladder" up and around the dam. Three resting pools provide patches of slack water for a break in the struggle against the current.

After Zohar and Asr prayers at 1pm, the Khuddam and Atfal went for a sight seeing tour of Queens View, which was a ten minutes drive from Pitlochry. Once at Queens view, preparations for an eagerly awaited barbecue began and whilst the food was prepared Khuddam visisted Queens view. Queens view was named after Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria, both of whom stopped to admire the stunning panorama of mountain and loch, Queens View has become one of the most famous views of Scotland.

Before the lunch was served a short Karate session was held by Murabi Atfal Akhtar Hameed Qureshi Sahib, who briefly taught some self defence moves to Khuddam and Atfal.

The Barbecue was served at 3 o'clock and all the Khuddam were already looking forward to the lunch after the sports events. After the Barbecue mangoes were distributed amongst the members. The event was concluded by a silent prayer, and at 5.pm the group started its journey back to Glasgow.