Blair Castle celebrates 75 years of public opening

 

Blair Castle is delighted to be celebrating 75 years of public opening in 2011. On 6 June 1936, the castle’s first visitors were able to view its remarkable interiors and its many treasures for the first time, a privilege previously extended by invitation only and reserved for such illustrious guests as Queen Victoria and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The first day of public opening attracted 286 people and tours to the top of the tower could be enjoyed for just one penny. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Blair Castle will be staging a number of special events in 2011, as well as improving and enhancing the experience of visitors to the castle.

Light Display

From 25 March, the white exterior wall of Blair Castle will be lit up with a specially-designed 75th anniversary logo (images above). This light display will be visible at night from the A9 and will remain in place until the end of 2011. Atholl Estates worked with lighting experts Northern Light, the team responsible for The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry, to achieve this dramatic effect.

New Rooms

In April 2011, two new interpretation rooms will open at Blair Castle. These refurbished and newly decorated rooms will house illustrated information boards explaining the fascinating history of Blair Castle from the 12th century until the present day. The orientation rooms were officially opened at a launch ceremony on Friday 25 March attended by Head Trustee Sarah Troughton and Atholl Highlanders piper and former Head Guide at Blair Castle, Bruce Hinch.  All visitors will be able to enjoy the new rooms from Friday 1 April.

Special Day

On Monday 6 June, the official date of the 75th anniversary of public opening, the castle will be offering a small souvenir gift for every visitor to the castle. The 286th individual visitor on that day will also receive a complimentary bottle of Atholl Highlander whisky and will be invited to stand for a celebratory photograph with a member of the Atholl Highlanders regiment.

Exhibitions

Throughout 2011 the castle’s archivist, Jane Anderson, will create a number of temporary exhibitions allowing visitors to view special items from the castle’s collections that are not on regular display. Amongst the exhibits will be items donated by members of the Atholl family for public opening. These include Lady Evelyn’s extensive lace collection and ornate Chinese wallpaper put up by the 8th Duke. An exhibition focusing on Blair Castle’s private army, the Atholl Highlanders is also planned.
Special 75th anniversary mugs, dishes and tea towels will also be available for purchase in the castle shop.