Introduction

Blair Castle is located at Blair Atholl, about eight miles north of Pitlochry in central Scotland. It is well positioned close to the main A9 highway which is a popular tourist route to Inverness in the Highlands.

Blair Castle-the building

The castle is a Highland stronghold with a long and complicated history. The building has progressively evolved over the past eight hundred years to its current form. First, there was a tower fortification dating from 1296 to which was added the hall range, probably in the 16^th century. As the countryside became more peaceful the building morphed into a country house. Finally, a neo-Gothic embellishment was added in the 19^th century under the auspices of renowned architect, David Bryce.

Blair Castle-the interior

The interior layout would still be recognisable by Queen Victoria. There is high quality plasterwork, ornate chimney pieces and formal rooms containing high quality collections of china, books, pottery. embroidery and lace. The magnificent ballroom was added in the 1860s.

The People of Blair Castle

The building has a long association with the earls of Atholl. This line can trace back to a succession of local rulers dating back to end of the Pictish period through to the 14th century. Between 1320 and 1596 the earldom passed to a succession of famous families which comprised Campbells, Douglases, Stewarts and finally, Murrays. The latter progressively moved up the aristocratic pecking order until the 2^nd Marquess reached the pinnacle when awarded by a Dukedom by Queen Anne in 1703.

Historical Events

• Blair Castle was the last castle in Britain to be subject of a siege. This occurred in 1746 during the final Jacobite uprising when the castle was occupied by government forces. The siege failed.
• In 1844 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed at the castle. The royal guests were so impressed with their bodyguard of Atholl Highlanders that the Queen granted the unit the right to carry her colours. This award effectively granted the unit private army status which continues to this day.

Below is video clip of Atholl Highlanders at Blair Castle

Grounds and Gardens

The three main features are:

1. The nine acre, Hercules walled garden which is presided over by a giant statue of the Greek demigod. Here are huge herbaceous borders, a series of ponds and an orchard of apples, cherries, plums and damsons.
2. Diana’s Grove, a two-acre woodland which is a haven for wildlife. Here are the ruins of St. Bride’s Kirk wherein is buried ‘Bonnie Dundee’ who was killed at the nearby Battle of Killiecrankie.
3. The sculpture trail which leads visitors past 20 artworks set amongst the landscape.

There is also a Squirrel Trail populated by metal squirrels which is designed for younger visitors.

Video clip of Hercules Garden

Tall Trees in Diana’s Grove

St. Bride’s Kirk

Visiting Blair Castle

The castle and grounds are welcoming to visitors with about 140,000 visiting in a normal year. It is possible to spend half a day exploring the grounds and gardens plus a tour of the castle interior. There is an excellent visitor centre with refreshment facilities and gift shop. Check website for opening times.

Visitors can also explore the wider estate by bike or on foot using 50 miles of waymarked trails.

More information

Please refer Visitors Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4 for more information on Scottish castles, Scottish history and sightseeing. This book is also available via Kindle.