Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

This morning, we departed respective Grantown on Spey lodgings about 9.00am and then drove south for about 90 mins with first stop for a photo of Blair Castle  just prior to Pitlochry.

Blair Castle, Perthshire, Scotland

 Upon arrival at Pitlochry  we availed of a 15 min refreshment break and then moved on, in the direction of Aberfeldy, stopping en-route to:

• Photograph a magnificent rainbow straddling the Perthshire countryside; and

Rainbow over Perthshire, Scotland

• View the Scottish national whitewater slalom site at Grandtully (River Tay).

Scottish National Slalom Site, Grandtully, Perthsire

Next we visited our first objective of Aberfeldy where we arrived in good time to allow a short exploration of this central Scotland town.

Exploring Aberfeldy, Pertshire, Scotland

Next, on to nearby Aberfeldy Distillery, also known as Dewars World of Whisky, where we spent about 90 mins participating in the visitor experience and touring the distillery. 



Distillery Tour, Aberfeldy, Scotland

Touring Aberfeldy Distillery, Perthshire, Scotland

Dewars Whisky at Aberfeldy, Scotland

After the Distillery Tour we went back to Aberfeldy for a pub lunch at the Breadalbane Arms Hotel (good food) and the on to Edinburgh  past Croft Moraig prehistoric stone circle, the Crannog Centre  at Kenmore, Loch Tay and including a  brief photo stop at the Falls of Dochart at Killin.

Falls of Killin, Perthshire, Scotland

We arrived Edinburgh about 5.30pm and then undertook a quick driving tour off the city sights which included:

• St Giles Cathedral ( which was prepared for Hravest Festival

Harvest Festival at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh

• New Parliament Square
• Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle at Dusk, Scotland

• Royal Mile
• Scottish Parliament
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Arthur’s Seat
• Calton Hill
• Royal High School
• New Town and Charlotte Square.
• Grassmarket

Grassmarket at Dusk, Edinburgh

Finally, group were deposited at the Oloroso Restaurant and fond farewells.

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Blair Castle near Pitlochry in Central Scotland. This is now a popular visitor attraction and conveniently situated on the main tourist route north to Inverness. The property is the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl, a title which was granted in 1703 in return for loyalty to the Stewart dynasty of Scottish royalty.

The location is important because in medieval times the castle would have guarded the communication routes through to the Cairngorms and points north.  The original Tower House dates from 1269 and still exists to extent it has been carefully absorbed into the current, more elaborate structure.

Connection with royalty extends to visits from Mary Queen of Scots in 1564 and Queen Victoria in 1842 and 1844. The latter granted her bodyguard, the Atholl Highlanders, regimental colours and to this day this unit continues as the only private army permitted in Britain.

Visitors to the castle interior can visit some 30 rooms which feature:

• Various items of historic weaponry.
• A portrait gallery.
• Stucco walls.
• Tapestries.
• Elaborate furnishings.
• An elegant staircase.
• A grand ballroom.

In addition to the castle interior, visitors can explore:

• Diana’s Grove, an interesting forested area planted in 1737.
• The Hercules Gardens, a nine acre enclosure dating from the 18th century.

In addition, Highland Cows and sheep are usually grazing in the local fields whilst a small flock of peacocks patrol the grounds seeking tidbits from the visitors.

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland

 Here is a views of the nine acre, Hercules Garden. 

Garden at Blair Castle, Scotland

Colourful Garden at Blair Castle, Scotland

 Arboreal  image taken at Diana’s Grove.

Diana's Grove, Blair Castle, Scotland

 Diana’s Grove. Named after the Roman goddess of hunting.

Diana's Grove, Blair Castle, Scotland

 Here are the Atholl Highlanders, Britain’s only private army.

Atholl Highlanders at Blair Castle, Scotland

 Peacock at Blair Castle.

Peacock at Blair Castle, Scotland

 Local farm animals

Highland Cow at Blair Castle, Scotland

Feeding Time for Lamb at Blair Castle

Overall, a quality visitor attraction.