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Visitor Information: Blair Castle from the South West |
Blair Castle is the ancient seats of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and holds an important place in Scotland's history. Strategically located in the Strath of Garry, whoever held Blair Castle was gatekeeper to the Grampian mountains and the route north to Inverness. It was twice besieged, by Cromwell's army in 1652 and by the Jacobites in 1746, just before the disaster of Culloden. It has also been much visited by royalty.
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The first building on the site was a tower - Cumming's Tower, built in 1269 by John Cumming of Badenoch who had moved onto the land in the absence of the then Earl. It remains today, the tallest and oldest part of the Castle, which has itself seen three main stages of development: medieval, Georgian and Victorian.
In 1530, the 3rd Earl added a Great Hall and a series of vaulted chambers. In 1740, the 2nd Duke had the Castle remodelled as a Georgian mansion, though his work was interrupted by the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. In the 1870s the Castle was again remodelled, at the behest of the 7th Duke; a new entrance hall, front gates and ballroom were added, modern conveniences were installed and the exterior regained the towers and crenellations of its 16th Century appearance.
The Castle has the distinction of being the home of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe's last remaining private army. Blair Castle was one of the first private houses to be opened to the public and today it welcomes more visitors than any other. There is a great deal to see here. The Castle and Gardens extend to some 2,500 acres and waymarked trails and cycle paths allow visitors to get the best from the Estate.
The design of the grounds has developed over 300 years and present day restoration of the Hercules Garden, itself some 250 years old, is currently underway. Other highlights include Diana's Grove, named after a statue of the Roman Goddess of Hunting, Hercules Walk and St Bride's Kirk.
Inside some 30 rooms are open to the public. They contain displays of beautiful furniture, fine paintings, china, costumes, arms and armour and Jacobite relics, many of them unique, all of them treasures.
The Entrance Hall is imposing, with its magnificent collection of arms and grand staircase. The Dining Room was created from the 16th Century Great Hall in typical baroque grandeur. Local scenes decorate the wall panels and the mahogany dining table extends to seat 24. There is the Blue Bedroom in the oldest part of the Castle and The Derby Suite, used by Queen Victoria during her visit in 1844, splendidly decorated in scarlet. The Ballroom is the largest room in the Castle, added in 1876 by the 7th Duke for the annual gathering of the Atholl Highlanders. It is still in regular use today.
 Cumming Tower Image Courtesy Blair Castle |
 Staircase Image Courtesy Blair Castle |
 The Hercules Garden Image Courtesy Blair Castle |
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Throughout the season, visitors are invited to tour the house at their own speed, with guided tours also available. The self-service restaurant seats 125 and is open from 10am to 5.30pm daily in season. There is also a well-stocked gift shop.
Events are staged in the Castle and Castle Grounds, from wedding receptions to banquets and equestrian sports to location filming. The Atholl Estate organises parties for a range of country pursuits and visitors are welcome to stay in the four Highland Lodges available to let. Blair Castle Caravan and Camping Park is also located within the Castle Grounds.
