This evening, I am posting information on Blair Castle, one of Scotland's top tourist attractions.

This castle is coveniently situated close to the main A9 north-south tourist route and just north of Pitlochry in Perthshire.

Although Blair is designated a castle it is more of a grand house or mansion and is the ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, Britain's only legal private army.

The castle is a well managed tourist attraction offering not only the castle to see but also well managed grounds and gardens. Inside, the castle contains a collection of Sevres porcelain, Chippendale furniture and Holbein portraits.

The castle started as Comyn's Tower in 1269. By the 16th century a great hall had been added to the original Tower House. Mary Queen of Scots visited in 1564.

The castle was involved in military action during the 17th century war when Cromwell's troops took control. During the 1745-6 Jacobite uprising it was subject if a siege by the castle's owner, Lord George Murray. Substantial re-modelling occurred in both 1758 and 1869.

The grounds include a walled garden, a wooded grove, a ruined celtic church, and a red deer park. Horseriding is also available for visitors.

Overall, an interesting visitor attraction which I visit maybe four or five times a year in context on my Scotland tours.

Images and video to follow.

Labels: Blair Castle

posted by Nigel Cole @ 9:12 AM