BLAIR CASTLE CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF PUBLIC OPENING

 

Blair Castle is delighted to be celebrating 75 years of public opening in 2011.  On 1 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
From 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 will be officially opened at a launch ceremony on Friday 25 March, attended by Head Trustee Sarah Troughton. Atholl Highlanders piper and former Head Guide at Blair Castle, Bruce Hinch, will pipe in the guests on arrival. 
Special Day
On 1 June, the official date of the 75th anniversary of public opening, every visitor to the castle will receive a free souvenir postcard. 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 Graham Jack, an officer with the Atholl Highlanders regiment.  To add to the sense of occasion, Afternoon Tea will be served in the castle ballroom from 2.30pm.  
Tea in the Ballroom
As part of our 75th anniversary celebrations, afternoon tea will be served in the castle ballroom from Monday 30 May to Sunday 5 June*
Enjoy sampling the selection of sandwiches, nibbles and cakes served on tiered silver cake stands in the grandest of setting.
*Please note: Afternoon Tea will NOT be served on Friday 3 June (when a wedding celebration is taking place).
Times: 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Prices: £9.95 per person
Booking: No booking required
 
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.
 
Souvenir Items
Special 75th anniversary mugs, dishes, cookies and tea towels will be available for purchase in the castle shop throughout the year.
 
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Blair Castle
Blair Atholl
Pitlochry
Perthshire
PH18 5TL
Blair Castle will be open daily from 1 April to 28 October 2011, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm.
 
Entrance Fees:
 
For further information about Blair Castle and the 75th anniversary celebrations please visit www.blair-castle.co.uk or telephone 01796 481 207.
 
For all media enquiries please contact:
Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com or 0131 2261442 / 07801286005