MONTROSE receives HONORARY QUIDDITCH TOWN STATUS
Montrose, my hometown in Angus, Scotland, is now recognised as an Honorary Quidditch Town in celebration of the new book, Quidditch Through The Ages Illustrated Edition, an essential companion to the Harry Potter series and guide on the wizard’s favourite sport.
To mark the release of the book, written by J.K Rowling and illustrated by Emily Gravett, Bloomsbury Publishing presented the Provost of Angus, Ronnie Proctor MBE, with a decorative banner featuring gold Quidditch hoops celebrating the town’s fictitious Quidditch team, Montrose Magpies. Fern (10) and Euan (6), pupils from Lochside Primary said: “We're obsessed with Harry Potter and dream of playing Quidditch, so are really happy to find out that we now live in an Honorary Quidditch Town. I loved visiting the sign and it’s great that Montrose has been honoured in this way." |
Montrose Magies feature in the wizarding world’s Quidditch league and the banner also bears the town’s Quidditch team crest, a sleek design with a black and white magpie.
During the presentation, young Harry Potter fans celebrated on their Nimbus 2000 broomsticks amid far reaching views of the 750-hectare wildlife reserve. Following the presentation, the banner was transported to the Scottish Wildlife Trust's visitor centre, the starting point to explore the enclosed estuary of the River South Esk, home to 80,000 migratory birds including pink-footed geese, Artic terns and sedge warblers. The Provost of Angus said “I am delighted that Montrose is recognised as an Honorary Quidditch Town. Harry Potter’s favourite sport Quidditch brings joy to children and adults and this decorative banner, emblazoned with the town’s team colours shows our support for our beloved Quidditch team.” |
In total eleven towns and villages across the UK and Ireland are honoured in celebration of the book. A spolesperson from Bloomsbury Publishing said; “We’re proud to recognise Montrose as an Honorary Quidditch Town alongside ten other towns and villages. Quidditch captured the imaginations of children and adults across the world and the new book is a magical companion for those who want to immerse themselves in the wizarding world of Harry Potter.”
Joanna Peaker, Visitor Centre Assistant Manager, Scottish Wildlife Trust: “Magpies are among the most recent additions to the long list of breeding birds recorded at Montrose Basin so we’re delighted to have been asked to get involved. I hope this will inspire more people to discover the magnificent range of wetland wildlife that can be found on the Basin. “The banner is proudly displayed outside the visitor centre where anyone can see it during opening hours. We’d like to remind anyone planning to come to book online before they visit.” |
Two fictitious Quidditch towns Chudley Cannons and Puddlemere United are also honoured and fans can pledge their virtual allegiance to any of the thirteen Quidditch teams by visiting the official Harry Potter fan club Wizarding World to view the banners in-situ and uncover more information about each Honorary Quidditch Town. Bloomsbury Publishing has also delivered activity packs to local shops to ensure that everyone can celebrate their Honorary Quidditch Town status.
Two fictitious Quidditch towns Chudley Cannons and Puddlemere United are also honoured and fans can pledge their virtual allegiance to any of the thirteen Quidditch teams by visiting the official Harry Potter fan club Wizarding World to view the banners in-situ and uncover more information about each Honorary Quidditch Town. Bloomsbury Publishing has also delivered activity packs to local shops to ensure that everyone can celebrate their Honorary Quidditch Town status.