Blair Castle

History

The castle's core dates to 1269, when John Comyn built a stone tower to control the route north through the Highlands. It passed to the Murray family, later Dukes of Atholl, who enlarged and remodelled it repeatedly over the following centuries, adding Georgian and Victorian layers to the medieval structure. The 12th Duke of Atholl, the current chief of Clan Murray, was born and raised in South Africa and lives there today.

Architecture

The castle is a category A listed building, its Scots Baronial exterior largely the result of 19th-century remodelling laid over a medieval and Georgian core. Inside, the 30 rooms preserve a strong run of 18th-century decorative interiors.

Worth knowing

The Atholl Highlanders, the Duke of Atholl's private regiment, are Europe's only legal private army, granted the right by Queen Victoria in 1844. They still parade at the castle each year as a ceremonial bodyguard to the Duke.

Gardens & grounds

The grounds are listed in Scotland's Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes and include a walled garden, wooded areas, and an extensive deer park.