Blair Castle

On the way to Inverness Scott and I spotted Blair Castle from the motorway. On our way home Scott thought we should stop and check it out. It turned out to be a great way to spend the afternoon!
The oldest parts of Blair Castle were constructed in the 1200's. Through the years, and centuries, successive Earl's have added onto, remodelled, and refurbished the castle. It has seen more than it's share of illustrious visitors including William III in 1336, Mary, Queen of Scots in 1564, and even the Crown Prince Hirohito of Japan in 1921. Only a small part of it is occupied now and the rest is open for touring. From the outside, Blair Castle seems more like the "fairy tale" castles of Germany and France with painted, rather than stone, exteriors. The castle is centred in the midst of the Atholl Estates which comprise over 145,000 acres of hills and farmland. There is a beautiful garden at this castle, and Scott, once again, captured some amazing photos.

The "Great Hall" is the only room you are permitted to photograph at the castle. Notice all of the deer rack decorations.

As we were driving back from Inverness we stopped in a small town and Scott took a photo of this pack horse bridge, built in the 1800's.