Our History

Welcome to Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle enjoys one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire.

With its roots in the 13th century, Blair Castle’s history extends over some 740 years, during which time it has welcomed countless generations of visitors. At the gateway to the Grampian Mountains on the route north to Inverness, the location was highly strategic. Today we can enjoy the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape, but centuries ago it was a threatening and dangerous place.

One of the first private homes to open to the public in Scotland, Blair welcomes more visitors than any other. We hope you will enjoy this web site and that you will find the opportunity to come and discover for yourself the castle, its extensive collections and the beautiful grounds.
 
The story of Blair Castle and the Duke of Atholl will take you from Mary Queen of Scots to the English Civil War, from Lord George Murray and the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden, and from the Isle of Man to Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands and her presentation of Colours to the Atholl Highlanders.