Blair Castle, Pitlochry (Perthshire)

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Art and sculpture Guided tours Gift shop Information provided Gardens Children's play area Woodland walks Audio guide Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Restaurant

Introduction

Blair Castle has a long and interesting history, throughout which it has accumulated many fascinating historical artefacts, including antique furniture, art, period dress and arms and armour. Blair Castle is one of the most accessible Scottish castles, with a variety of tours available for individuals, families and groups, including special themed castle tours which show off specific elements of the castle and its history. 

History to the present day

In 1269, while the Earl of Atholl was away in England, a neighbour, John Comyn, started to build a castle on the Earl's land. Atholl complained to King Alexander III, got his land back, and incorporated the usurping tower, (Comyn's Tower) into his own castle.

It has been occupied by attackers on four occasions, including being taken by the Cromwellians during the English Civil War. During the 1745 Jacobite revolt, Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed at Blair Castle on his way south after landing at Glenfinnan. Inevitably the English army occupied the castle in 1746 as the Jacobite revolt came to its sad conclusion. The Jacobites under Lord George Murray, lay siege to Blair in what is believed to be the last castle siege in Britain.

Blair has changed its architectural appearance over the years. Much of what can be seen today dates from the 18th century, and it has become a palace rather than a fortress.

Queen Victoria visited Blair in 1844. She was so captivated by the 200 Athollmen who formed the royal bodyguard, that she presented them with regimental colours. They are now the only private army in Europe, and as the Atholl Highlanders are recruited mainly from the Atholl estate, and exist today as a private ceremonial bodyguard.

Food and Drinks

The Tullibardine Restaurant located in the castle serves a choice of refreshments between 10.00am and 5.00pm daily April-October. Lunch is served between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm every day and includes hot meals, many of which are typically Scottish dishes. During winter (November to March), the restaurant will be open on Tuesdays & Saturdays from 10.00am - 2.00pm.

Grounds and gardens

The Castles landscaped gardens date back from the 18th century and features a magnificent walled garden, a peaceful wooded grove, a ruined kirk, a red deer park and a whimsical gothic folly. Colourful peacocks roam the grounds, Highland cattle graze in fields nearby and the native red squirrel can often be seen. Children can enjoy the castle’s woodland adventure playground. The Banvie Burn runs through the Grove and is crossed by two attractive 18th century bridges which give access to the ruins of St Bride’s Kirk which has its ancient origins in Celtic times.

Other facilities

Free parking at the castle. A piper plays three times daily at the castle during the summer season. Guided tours are available at no extra cost.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , Perthshire, , United Kingdom

Address:Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH18 5TL.

Opening Hours: Nov-Mar Open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9.30am-2.30pm. Apr-Oct
Open Daily, 9.30am-5.30pm.

Directions:Blair Castle is just off the main A9 road at Blair Atholl in Highland Perthshire between Perth and Inverness. Follow the sign posts to Blair Atholl some 7 miles north of Pitlochry. The main gates to the Castle are a prominent feature in the centre of the village.

Nearest Train Station:Blair Atholl