Welcome to this Web Site, commissioned by Blair Atholl Area Tourism Association, a community based group dedicated to improving local tourist facilities in this historic and scenic area of Highland Perthshire and providing you with contact details for all Accommodation Providers in the area as well as full information on local Tourism Services, Events and Facilities 

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To download your copy of the Blair Atholl Gateway Information Leaflet, click on the image above.

BLAIR CASTLE

Situated within the village of Blair Atholl, this magnificent castle, with its turreted, white harled facade, is one of the best known and best loved of Scotland's castles.

Now over 700 years old, the castle is the traditional home of the Dukes of Atholl. The castle tour, starting in the imposing entrance hall and continuing through over thirty, treasure-filled rooms, is perhaps the most comprehensive in Scotland, while the grounds offer the likes of Diana's Grove, an impressive planting of larch trees with statues and meandering paths, and the newly restored Hercules walled garden.

As a major tourist attraction, the Castle attracts many thousands of visitors each year. One of the annual highlights is the parade of the Atholl Highlanders, Britain's last remaining private army. The visitor facilities include a restaurant and gift shop.

Visit the attractions page for further information or visit Blair Castle's own web site at www.blair-castle.co.uk.

DUNKELD & THE HERMITAGE

The day visitor will find much to interest them in and around this charming Perthshire town. Substantially rebuilt by the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th century, Dunkeld sits on the banks of the River Tay, which is crossed by a fine Telford bridge dating from 1809. The ancient cathedral, with lawns stretching down to the riverside, dates from the 12th and 15th centuries, while Cathedral Street and the Square have benefited from conservation, much of it under the Little Houses Scheme operated by the National Trust for Scotland.

Across the Tay is the village of Birnam, best known for the ancient Birnam Oaks, reputedly part of the original Birnam Wood that travelled to Dunsinane in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

The Hermitage is a delightful wooded area on the banks of the River Bran, now managed by the National Trust. Ossian's Hall, a folly built in 1758 for the 2nd Duke of Atholl, provides a spectacular - and noisy - vantage over a waterfall. Ossian's cave - named after a hermit - can also be visited.

GREAT TREES

As a result of the efforts of the great plant collectors like David Douglas and Archibald Menzies, Perthshire has its own record breakers, all within one hour's drive of Blair Atholl.

• The tallest hedge in the world - Meiklour beech hedge - 30 metres tall.

• The oldest living thing in Europe - Fortingall yew tree - over 3000 years old.

• The tallest tree in Britain - A Douglas Fir near the Hermitage at Dunkeld - 64.4 metres tall. The Hermitage is open all year - tel : 01350 728641.

• The widest conifer tree in Britain - Wellingtonia at Cluny House Gardens - 11 metres girth. Cluny House Gardens are open 1 March - 31 October from 10 am to 6 pm - tel : 01887 820795.

• The tallest larch in Britain - A Japanese larch in Diana's Grove in the grounds of Blair Castle - 44 metres tall, 3 metres girth. Diana's Grove also contains more than 20 trees over 45.7 metres(150 feet). Open all year.

LOCAL WHISKY TOUR

Within a short drive we have 4 whisky distilleries each with it's own distinctive brand and style.

• Edradour Distillery
  Situated on the hill above Pitlochry this is the smallest distillery in Scotland. Established around 1837. The Edradour whisky is matured in Oloroso sherry casks and is well worth a visit. Tel:01796 473524

• Blair Athol Distillery
  Not to be confused with the village name, Blair Athol Distillery (note - spelt with only one 'l') is situated on the south side of Pitlochry. Established around 1789, this distillery is owned by Diageo. The water used is taken from a spring source on Ben Y Vrackie and is an important component of the Bell's blend. The distillery has an excellent audio-visual display. Tel: 01796 472 234. For more detailed information and opening times please visit the Distillery Website,
  Link :- Blair Athol Distillery
  

• Aberfeldy Distillery
  25 mins drive away and established around 1896, this United Distillers owned distillery is situated just as you enter Aberfeldy. The water is taken from the hills above to produce the Dewars blend. - Tel:01887 820330

• Dalwhinnie Distillery
  25 mins north up the A9 Dalwhinnie is the highest distillery in Scotland. Established in 1897 it is owned by United Distillers but licensed to James Buchanan & Co. Taking it's water from a nearby burn it now produces some of United Distillers' classic malts. Tel: 01528 2264

PERTHSHIRE GARDENS

Several gardens are open to the public throughout the season and all are only a short drive away.

• Bolfracks, Aberfeldy - Walled garden with trees, shrubs and perennials. Azaleas, rhododendrons and meconopsis in woodland. No dogs please. - Open 17 March to 31 October from 10 am to 6 pm.

• Bonskeid House, Pitlochry
  Woodland walks and exotic specimens. On-going reclamation. Lovely autumn colours. - Open 1 August to 31 August from 10 am to 5 pm. Tel : 01796 473208

• Cluny House, Aberfeldy - Wonderful, wild woodland garden. Experience the grandeur of one of Britain's widest trees, the leaf variations of Japanese maple, the beauty of the American trillium, or the diversity of the Asiatic primulas. A treasure not to be missed. No dogs please. - Open 1 March to 31 October from 10 am to 6 pm.

• Hercules Garden, Blair Castle - Restored 18th century walled garden with herbaceous borders, orchard, herbs, statuary and ponds. - Open 1 April to 31 October.

• Wildlife Garden, Pitlochry - Recently constructed small, wildlife garden. Many wild, native plants. Small pond, insects and birds. - Open all year, all day.

THE QUEEN'S VIEW

Taking in much of Highland Perthshire, the Tay Forest Park stretches from Loch Rannoch in the west to Dunkeld in the east and includes some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland - all of it is easily accessible from Blair Atholl.

The Queen's View Centre is the focal point of the Park, and attracts many thousands of visitors each year. Overlooking Loch Tummel, the Centre is located at the famous Queen's View, named after Queen Victoria who picnicked there in 1866.

The Centre provides refreshments and a shop as well as interesting wildlife and forestry exhibitions.

Further fine views can be enjoyed along the banks of Loch Tummel. Travelling farther afield will take you to Rannoch Moor - a wilderness of space, natural countryside, wide vistas and wonderful hills - and the west of Scotland, or you can circle around across the open grouse moors above Trinafour to return to Blair Atholl through Calvine and Struan.