Castle becomes beacon of support

Blair Castle and House of Bruar have been commemorating 100 years since WWI.

The Perthshire attractions joined over 100 other stately homes, hotels, monuments and landmarks across Scotland taking part in Poppy Scotland’s Light up Red centenary commemorations.

Blair Castle has been lit up red since Monday between 5pm and 10pm every night in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.

Late in the war the castle became an auxiliary hospital where wounded soldiers were taken for treatment.

The Atholl family played important roles during the First World War, with all three of the 7th Duke’s sons involved in military operations during the conflict.

Lord Tullibardine, later the 8th Duke of Atholl, commanded the Scottish Horse Regiment and served at Gallipoli.

His brother Lord George served with the Black Watch and was lost in France in 1914.

The third son, Lord James of the Cameron Highlanders, was injured early on in the war and was captured, remaining in German prison camps for the rest of the war.

House of Bruar also switched its floodlights to red for the centenary.

Managing director Patrick Birbeck said:“I am delighted that we are once again supporting such a worthy cause.

“We could not be happier to continue our relationship with the Poppy Scotland Appeal.”