A white castle in the heart of Scotland. The beautiful Blair Castle tells the story of the Atholl region spanning almost 800 years.
Location is everything! This statement also applies to old houses. And Blair Castle was built in a perfect location: in a fertile corner of Glen Garry, it guards the passage to the north. Anyone who wanted to reach the Highlands first had to cross the Killicrankie Pass and could not pass Blair Castle.
The castle is still owned by the influential Murray family, who hold the title of Duke of Atholl.
This title comes with a number of traditions. For example, the Duke of Atholl maintains Europe’s only legal private army at Blair Castle: the Atholl Highlanders. This infantry regiment has only representative duties, but in the 19th century it served as Queen Victoria’s bodyguard during a visit to Scotland.
The castle is well worth a visit. Around 30 rooms can be viewed on a tour of the interior. Descriptions explaining the special features of each area are provided in the rooms.
Blair Castle has been rebuilt many times over the course of its 800-year history. All that remains of the former medieval castle today is a castle in the typical Scottish baronial style. The interior is lavishly decorated.
The route leads through large halls, but also through anterooms, dressing rooms and corridors. Everywhere there is fine furniture from different eras, and display cases show smaller valuables.
The walls are also adorned with many weapons and paintings from centuries past.
There is still much to see in the castle. Among other things, there are souvenirs from Queen Victoria’s long visit to the castle. Or a wall that is open and shows what the inside of the masonry looks like. Or a large collection of porcelain.
Visitors who have seen all the rooms can enjoy refreshments in the café. Afterwards, they should definitely take a look at the gardens. The extensive grounds and, above all, the amazing walled garden reveal the true wealth of Blair.
Blair Castle is ideally located on the A9 on the way to Inverness and the Highlands. It is worth visiting not only for its magnificent furnishings, but also for its important history. You can easily spend half a day or even longer here.
Facts: Blair Castle, the Jacobites and the Murrays
The Murray family is one of the most influential families in Scotland. Originally known as “de Moray”, they also gave their name to the Moray region.
They managed to carry their status as magnates of the Middle Ages into later times. Part of this family took control of the important and, above all, fertile region of Atholl. They were awarded the title of Duke.
Blair Castle was at the centre of events several times during the Jacobite uprisings. It was the reason for the Battle of Killicrankie Pass, precisely because the castle controlled an important location and was also a communications hub.
It was there that the leader of the rebels at the time, John Graham, Viscount of Dundee, known as “Bonnie Dundee”, died. His armour still lies in Blair Castle today.
Incidentally, Killicrankie Pass and the visitor centre for the battle are less than a ten-minute drive away.
The Murray family was often torn between the two ruling houses. In 1715, for example, the sons William and George supported the Stuarts, while the Duke himself remained loyal to the Hanoverians.
Both were also involved in 1745. Lord George Murray was the brilliant tactician who marched with Prince Charles Edward Stuart to Derby and suffered a catastrophic defeat at Culloden. In Blair Castle, panels and artefacts from the period tell this interesting story.
How to get there
With a satnav: “PH18 5TL” will take you to the estate around Blair Castle.
Without a satnav: Take the A9 towards Inverness and turn right at the “Blair Atholl” sign – there is a turning lane. After the exit, keep right and follow the signs to “Blair Atholl”. Continue on the B8079 until you cross the River Tilt. The entrance to the castle is then on the right. The way to the car park is longer than you might think.