In Pictures: Blair Castle, the Seat of the Dukes of Atholl

One of the most impressive castles in Scotland, Blair Casle near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire in Scotland, teems with history that spanned from its founding in 1269. Owned by the Trustees of the Duke of the Atholl, the castle is the ancestral home of Clan Murray and the seat of its chief, the Duke of Atholl. The castle is strategically located in Glen Garry where it comfortably sits on the main route (A9 road) through the central Scottish Highlands.

The six-storey Cummings or Comyn's Tower is the oldest part of the castle. Although it was largely built in the 15th century, the tower has managed to retain its 13th century look. Extensions were added in the succeeding centuries, like the south apartments designed by John Douglas and James Winter, which were constructed in the mid-18th century.

A fire heavily damaged the castle in 1814. Archibald Elliot was commissioned to work on the south-east range but it would be David Bryce who would remodel the castle in the 1870s to create its present Scottish baronial look. He added a ballroom and further remodelling in 1885 by James Campbell Walker resulted to the addition of a new ballroom.

Blair Castle was opened to the public in 1936. Millions of people have since marveled at the castle’s priceless treasures displayed on its public room. The clan’s weapons, hunting trophies, souvenirs, ethnographica, paintings, furniture, and needlework were a testament of the family’s enormous fortunes. A stroll on the gardens and grounds is a delight for any outdoor-lover.

The Duke of Atholl is the only person in Europe ever allowed to maintain a private army. As such, a garrison in the castle premises is in place.  Most Dukes of Atholl are buried in the Family Burial Ground, next to the ruins of St Bride's Kirk.

You can learn more about Blair Castle on its official website. Meanwhile, as you plan your trip to this beautiful castle, check out these stunning photos of the castles interiors and gardens!

Which angle you take, Blair Castle simply looks charming and photogenic! 

Blair Castle's China Room is home to Clan Murray's thousands of china collection, gathered and hoarded across generations. 

One of the rooms of Blair Castle, rich with displays of the family's furniture and other mementos. 

Another room inside Blair Castle. Notice the chairs are 18th century. 

Blair Castle's Dining Room was once the Great Hall. The 2nd Duke of Atholl was responsible of converting the old castle into a Georgian abode. Thomas Clayton was hired to do the plasterwork in the dining room, as well as the rest of the castle.

One of the castle's most popular rooms is the Ball Room. The brainchild of the 7th Duke of Atholl, David Bryce  was hired to design the room for the Atholl Highlanders. The celebrated fiddler, Niel Gow, who played for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dukes had his portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn. His chair and fiddle are displayed on the stage. Highlanders would usually converge here here to enjoy the annual Highlanders' Ball. The Ball Room is also let for receptions, corporate gatherings and other private functions. 

One of the features of the Ball Room is the display of Highland spears. 

The castle's Hercules Garden boasts of its nine-acre walled garden named after the life-sized statue of Hercules that overlooks the garden.

The garden is a pleasant space to commune with nature and to enjoy long walks. It offers ponds, a folly, a Chinese bridge and an orchard with more than 100 fruit-bearing trees. 

Every summer, the garden sees its most glorious state with the herbaceous borders in full bloom running along the 275-meter south-facing wall.