Blair Atholl
Blair Atholl is a historic town set in Highland Perthshire, a perfect base for Touring Perthshire or simply relaxing in an area of natural beauty. River Garry and River Tilt converge here and add to the peaceful tranquility.
The centrepiece for the town is the stunning Blair Castle. Blair Castle is the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and holds an important place in Scotland's history. Strategically located in the Strath of Garry, whoever held Blair Castle was gatekeeper to the Grampian mountains and the route north to Inverness. It was twice besieged, by Cromwell's army in 1652 and by the Jacobites in 1746, just before the disaster of Culloden. It has also been much visited by royalty.
The Castle has the distinction of being the home of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe's last remaining private army. Blair Castle was one of the first private houses to be opened to the public and today it welcomes more visitors than any other. There is a great deal to see here. The Castle and Gardens extend to some 2,500 acres and waymarked trails and cycle paths allow visitors to get the best from the Estate.
Just beyond the railway crossing, you find a working water mill dating back to 1613 that also serves refreshments. Three miles south east of Blair Atholl is the Pass of Killiecrankie, the site of the first battle of the 1689 Jacobite rebellion. The fourteen foot wide soldier's leap across the river here was allegedly jumped by a government soldier fleeing from the highlanders.
One of the town's major attractions is the Blair Atholl Watermill which is an actual working watermill. A few miles to the north of the town is House of Bruar which sells quality Scottish food, clothing and gifts. Finally there is the small second hand book store, Atholl Browse Book Shop, which is always well worth a visit.
In and Around Aberfeldy
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