The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Perthshire castle celebrates its reopening with family fun day
Blair Castle organises variety of activities to welcome back visitors – and raises funds for local resilience group
A Perthshire castle reopened its doors at the weekend with a family fun day extravaganza.
Blair Castle at Blair Atholl has put a variety of new features in place to keep visitors safe and socially distanced.
An ambitious line-up of activities was organised to welcome back guests after four months of lockdown.
A variety of vintage cars and tractors were on display throughout the grounds, while visitors could enjoy strolls through the deer park and a sculpture trail.
Play facilities were also reopened, with the castle restaurant open for takeaway food and drinks.
Castle spokeswoman Chloe Thornton said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome visitors to Blair Castle again and we made this Saturday a bit of a celebration that everyone can enjoy.”
The castle also marked its reopening with a fundraiser for the Blair Atholl and District Resilience Group.
Residents in the PH18 postcode area were granted free entry into the grounds with donations collected for the group.
Ms Thornton added: “The reopening of the grounds and gardens offers everyone a sense of optimism.
“But we also recognise how difficult the past few months have been for many people, which is why we wanted to show our gratitude and support to the Blair Atholl and District Resilience Group.”
The group has worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic to provide support and assistance to locals in need.
Tony Dowson of Blair Atholl and District Resilience Group said: “The donation from Blair Castle is extremely generous and unexpected and we will put it to good use.
“Covid has not gone away and we remain ready to help people if and where required.”