Although
Blair Castle and its magnificently well kept and managed grounds are allegedly
one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, visit the area before
the tourist season starts (Easter 2016 is in late March) and there is hardly
anyone about. Fortunately the Castle was open to receive coach trips and we had
permission to tag along. Both Castle and
ground’s are well worth a visit if you’re staying in the area at any time
during the season. 30 plus rooms in the castle are normally open to the public
where you get to see a fine collection of weapons, furniture and portraits
along with some cracking snuff boxes.
Front entrance to Blair Castle. |
The castle and adjoining building's. |
Houses a fine collection of weapons.... |
.... and some rather interesting furniture.... |
Blair
Atholl is a wee village that originally served the castle but the vast Atholl
estate - 145000 acres in total and the Scottish baronial style castle central
to its grounds dominate the area. It was largely rebuilt in its present form in
1869 for John Murray 7th Duke of Atholl. The history of the people who lived
and were connected to this large house includes some very interesting historic characters
and their accompanying turbulent events. To this day The Duke of Atholl has the
grand distinction of having the only remaining private army in Europe, the
Atholl Highlanders.
A beautiful part of Scotland. |
Diana the Goddess of Hunting. |
Hercules standing guard over the Walled Garden. |
St Brides Kirk.... |
.... resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. |
Highland Ponies bred for the terrain. |
The Red Stag and his Ladies. |
In
the grounds of the estate stands a gothic folly called the Whim that can be
seen from the castle. Built in 1761 it can be reached by following the Banvie
Burn located behind St Brides Church. Well worth the effort to see the stunning
views of the parkland and designed landscape created in the 18th
century by the second Duke of Atholl.
The Whim.... |
....with its stunning veiws. |
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