Perthshire Advertiser

Castle set to start welcoming visitors

Estate also preparing for short breaks hols

- ROBBIE CHALMERS

A famous Highland Perthshire tourist attraction has begun a phased return to normal service by reopening its caravan park.

Following recent announceme­nts from the Scottish Government, Blair Castle and Atholl Estates welcomed back members of the public from July 3.

Then on Wednesday, July 15 the castle gardens will open its gates to visitors and the wider self-catering accommodat­ion across the estate will be available for short breaks.

The estate team has been focused on guest safety and has developed the “highest standards of cleanlines­s” for accommodat­ion, including caravans, self-catering lodges and camping pods.

On July 15 visitors will be able to explore the nine-acre walled garden and sculpture trail, as well as the estate’s 140,000 acre grounds.

From July 18 Julia Duncan, Blair Castle’s resident ranger, will also be running a series of free children’s nature walks for castle garden visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, tailored to suit all levels of fitness.

The Tullibardi­ne Restaurant will also provide a takeaway service, selling hot and cold drinks, as well as a selection of home bakes and sandwiches.

Throughout the gardens and the wider venue there will be hand sanitiser stations and guidance on social distancing.

Toilets will be open subject to tight entry control and all touch points around the venue will be disinfecte­d hourly.

Outside picnic tables will also be subject to regular cleaning and disinfecti­ng.

Chloe Thornton, marketing executive at Blair Castle, said: “We intend to reopen in phases with the first being our self-catering accommodat­ion on the caravan park closely followed by the gardens and wider grounds.

“Whilst the castle is not included in the second phase we are working hard to be able to allow visitors in for tours and to showcase our Jacobite exhibition which has been specially created for this season.

“The teams across the estate have been working incredibly hard to ensure we can offer a safe environmen­t for visitors to enjoy a day out, or a much-needed holiday following months of limited travel. There’s something for everyone at Blair Castle, come and see for yourselves.”

For more info about Blair Castle and Atholl Estates visit the website www.blair-castle. co.uk

The teams have been working incredibly hard to ensure a safe environmen­t

 ??  ?? Ready Blair Castle and Atholl Estates will be welcoming back the public in phases
Ready Blair Castle and Atholl Estates will be welcoming back the public in phases

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