From the Queen’s View we headed back to the A-9 for our second stop of the day, Blair Castle and Gardens. Blair Castle was our only white castle on this trip. We were still marveling at our wonderful weather on this Tuesday in September, the 17th. Atholl Estates is one of Scotland’s best-known Highland estates. Its history dates back to the 13th century, but throughout the ages, it has adapted to the times.
750 years of history, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
If I was going to pick a theme for the Cairngorms and for Scottish castles I would say antlers!
Over 19 generations, the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl have backed winners and losers, fallen in and out of political favour, won battles and lost them. They have almost all, in one way or another, left their mark on Blair Castle.
The story will take you from Mary, Queen of Scots to the Civil War, and from the Act of Union to the Jacobite cause and the battle of Culloden, and from the Isle of Man to Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands and her presentation of colours to the Atholl Highlanders.
Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times, enlarged and adapted over 750 years. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture, in 30 rooms.
Did you know there is a language of the Fan?
After our self guided tour of the interior of the castle we headed out to walk to the gardens. While outside we enjoyed a couple of Scottish Highland treats, a bagpiper and Highland Coos!
Laura managed to capture this shot of the Coos tongue in it’s nose!!
From the castle and the coos we drove a short distance up the A9 to have the ultimate Highland shopping experience at House of Bruar. That stop and the rest of our evening will be another post.
Jumping to the present:
Remember Remember the Fifth of November holds a different meaning in our house. It’s not about Guy Fawkes but it is about Greg. Today marks 2 years since his stroke. We thank God for His providence and how well Greg is doing since that day.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Beautiful photos of your Scotland trip! I love the castle and the bridge, and the cute cow. Great photos of the family and happy memories.
Take care, enjoy your day!
Thank you so much, Eileen. Happy day to you.
Antlers indeed! 🙂 No, I did not know that there was a language of the fan! I am learning much on my armchair tour of Scotland! And you and Laura took some wonderful photos!
Two years since Greg’s stroke! Praising the Lord with you for His mercy and faithfulness in your lives!
Thank you, Cheryl. Laura and I chuckled about that new to us language!
Praise God for two years since the stroke! Greg looks wonderful and you all look so happy. I think there was a much china as there were antlers!! I want to go to Scotland!
Lisa, You should plan a trip. Thank you for your kind comment.
Praising God with you that He is at work healing and strengthening Greg.
Thank you, sister!
..a beautiful place in a storybook setting. Thanks for taking me along to see the sights.
Tom, it’s nice to have you along…
Wow that was some collection of china.
Beautiful photos.
Thank you, Karen.
I’m so happy to see your Gregg enjoying himself after his stroke two years ago. What a blessing for you all to travel together to Scotland. Thank you for the tour today. And no, I don’t know the language of the fan!
Martha Ellen
Martha Ellen, thank you for stopping by and for your kindness.
Gorgeous castle, but the walls of antlers and skulls is creepy! 😬
Glad Greg is doing well.
A bagpiper! My hubby plays. 💜
Sandi, that’s amazing that your hubby plays. It looks complicated to me…
I’m in awe of how things such as antlers and swords and shields can be displayed in such a beautiful way as evidenced in your pictures. It looks like a lovely day and so glad that you had wonderful weather.
They are impressive displays! Thank you for coming by, Dianna.
What a beautiful castle! The china display room is amazing. We saw many sword and shields on display in Edinburgh Castle, but not as many deer skulls/antlers were on dusplay. This castle owner seems to have been a prolific hunter!
Glad to see Greg doing so well after a stroke, Keep up the good health regime.
Thank you, Pat!
I’ve enjoyed every blog post of your Scottish holiday, Ellen. I’m so glad that your husband is keeping well after the stroke he had two years ago. As always, every blessing to you and your family.
Linda, thank you so much.
What a wonderful place. I love the plate room and all those swords and pieces of armour! Can’t believe it’s already two years since Greg’s stroke. So pleased that all is well. B x
Barbara, it is hard to believe 2 years have flown by. Thanks for your visit.
Look at all that china! Quite a wonderful way to store it too. Was that your favorite room?
All your photos give us a good look at what you saw on your trip. Thanks for sharing.
It’s very good to hear that Greg has done so well following his stroke two years ago. May you both have many more years together enjoying each other and your beautiful family.
Sara, it was fun to see the amazing display! Thank you for your visit and kind comment.
I am in awe of that beautiful castle. It is stunning! That plate room is unbelievable. Your photos are all so beautiful. That Coo is so pretty and I love the mushrooms. A favorite of mine.