Blair Atholl

Blair Atholl is a village 33 miles northwest of Perth, just off the main A9 road.

Blair Atholl is popular for its Museum, Old Mill Cafe, Bike Hire, and Blair Castle. The House of Bruar Shopping and Waterfalls Walk are 3 miles northwest, Killiecrankie Battle Site 3 miles southeast, Queens View 8 miles south, and Highland Safaris 24 miles south.

There are a number of Mountains over 3,000ft in the area popular for hiking, see the map link below.

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Click on Map for Area Attractions

Camping & Touring Parks in area

There are also a number of Walking Routes around Blair Atholl.

The Image top is of the War Memorial on the north side of the Village by the large Atholl Arms Hotel.

The Shops are next to the Hotel and Old Watermill Cafe down Ford Road between the Hotel and Shops.

The Parish Church and Museum of Country Life are at the south side of the Village with a Cafe and seating by the River Tilt.

The River Tilt Park is on the south side of the Village with Caravans and Lodges for holidays.

Blair Castle Holiday Park is on the east side of the Village with Lodges, Caravans, Eco Lodges, and a Touring and Camping area.

Blair Castle entrance is in the Village centre. This is one of the top Castles in Scotland to visit with an amazing Walled Garden. The Castle was once owned by Stewart's, relations of the Kings. It then passed through marriage to the Murray's.

The House of Bruar is a shopping complex 3 miles north of Blair Atholl with a Restaurant and Takeaway. The Complex also has a small Museum for Clan Donnachaidh.

The Falls of Bruar is one of the top walks in Scotland, about 2 miles out, 30 minutes walk from the House of Bruar car park.

The Atholl Highlanders Parade and Highland Games is held in the grounds of Blair Castle in late May each year.

Blair Castle Horse Trials took place in late August each year with the last one held in 2024 after 35 years.

Blair Atholl History

1296 - the tower of Blair Castle was built for John Comyn.

1270s? - the earliest parts of St Bride's Kirk / Church were built in the grounds of Blair Castle.

The very small village of Old Blair was established around this time, a short distance north of the Castle and Church, mainly for workers on the estate.

1371 - the Stewart's gained control of Blair Castle, relations of the Royals.

1595 - Blair Castle passed to the Murray's through marriage.

1590s - the Watermill was built in Blair Atholl, at the south entrance to Blair Castle, first building in the new Village.

The Village grew with the building of houses for workers on Blair Castle estate.

1689 July - 2,500 Jacobite's based at Blair Castle defeated a 4,000 strong Government Army 3 miles southwest at the Pass of Killiecrankie.

1730 - a Military Road was built through Blair Atholl estate and Old Blair, to be used by Government Troops to prevent more Jacobite Risings.

1822 - a new road and bridges were built, running along the south side of Blair Estate, north to Inverness.

1825 - Blair Atholl Parish Church was completed.

1863 - the Blair Atholl Railway Station opened, leading to the growth of the Village.

1984 - the A9 bypass was completed, reducing traffic through the Village.

1995 - the House of Bruar shopping complex opened 3 miles northwest of Blair Atholl.