THE historic Blair Castle, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, is re-opening its doors on April 1st for the summer with a series of three centenary exhibitions commemorating three famous military conflicts.
2015 marks 100 years since the Dardanelles Campaign at Gallipoli during the First World War where British troops were sent to fight Germany’s ally, Turkey.
It is also 200 years since the Battle of Waterloo and 300 years since the 1715 Jacobite Rising and each of these battles will be remembered with special centenary exhibition cases inside the castle for members of the public to experience.
At the Gallipoli exhibition, visitors will discover how the Scottish Horse Regiment, which was raised by the 7th Duke of Atholl, was commanded by his son, the Marquis of Tullibardine and future 8th Duke of Atholl. The regiment landed at Sulva Bay and led one of the most successful parts of the whole campaign in 1915.
Other stories for visitors to explore include Blair Castle’s transformation into a Red Cross hospital during World War One and the Atholl family’s 1715 Jacobite feud where the 1st Duke of Atholl held Blair Castle for the government while his sons, Lord Tullibardine and Lord George, joined the Jacobites and fled into exile.
The 1st Duke had to plead for their life and the letters documenting their pardons are available to view at the exhibitions.
Steeped with stories and cultural heritage, the castle’s story intertwined with famous periods in military history, exhibited with an array of letters, photos, documents and artefacts, will offer visitors a unique experience, especially as the country remembers the Great War of 1914-18.
Stuart Letford, marketing and communications officer at Blair Castle, commented:
“We are very proud to be commemorating these three military conflicts in history, here at Blair Castle. Each conflict, from the Dardanelles Campaign back to the Jacobite Rising 300 years ago, had an impact on people here in Scotland and all around the world and it is our privilege to be able to remember these conflicts and the lives that were lost and affected. We hope people will enjoy learning more about these conflicts through our series of exhibitions.”
The castle have also been remembering a more recent war after discovering a 70 year-old letter behind a radiator that was the correspondence between two little boys, Bill and Archie during the Second World War.
A nationwide search to find Bill and Archie found that they are in fact brothers and still live in Scotland. This letter will also be on display at the castle along with other artefacts found with the letter, including dominos, cigarette cards and an unusual golf game involving a dice. The castle is hoping to welcome Bill and Archie back to Blair Castle very soon.
From April 1st, members of the public will be able to enjoy Blair Castle, the restaurant and gift shop as well as enjoy the grounds at Atholl Estates. The castle are also offering special season passes for £12 that allow people to visit the castle and gardens as many times as they like during the season.
Stuart continued:
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Blair Castle throughout the summer months and we would like to encourage people to take advantage of our special season passes so they can keep coming back throughout the summer.”
To find out more about visiting Blair Castle, go to www.blair-castle.co.uk
ENDS
For further information, please contact Kim Bauchope, Volpa, Tel: 01738 658187
Email: k.bauchope@volpa.co.uk
Image Details
Image from 1919 shows patients who stayed at Blair Castle when it was transformed into a Red Cross Hospital during World War One.
About Atholl Estates
· Atholl Estates is located in Blair Atholl, Highland Perthshire. The estate is centered around the famous landmark of Blair Castle.
· One of Scotland’s best known estates, Atholl Estates dates back to the 13th century.
· Atholl Estates manage a range of operations in the tourism, events, forestry, farming, property and country sport sectors.
· Atholl Estates also has a range of Highland lodges and a caravan park on site.
· For more information please visit wwww.atholl-estates.com or call 01796 481411.
About Blair Castle
· Atholl Estates is centered around Blair Castle and Gardens in Blair Atholl which are open to the public for day visitors, corporate events, functions and weddings.
· Blair Castle dates back to 1269 and has 30 rooms on display to the public.
· Blair Castle is open to the public from 1st April to 31st October and features a restaurant, gift shop and tours of the house and grounds.
· For more information please visit www.blair-castle.co.uk or call 01796 481411.
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Contact: Tricia Fox
Phone: 01738658187
Email: t.fox@volpa.co.uk
Website: http://www.volpa.co.uk
