Estate gets ready for outdoor fest

The historic Blair Castle and Atholl Estates is giving its backing to one of Scotland’s biggest outdoor festivals.

The 145,000-acre estate makes up one of four areas of the Cairngorms National Park. Its rangers help champion and protect a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as wildlife from red deer and red squirrel.

Now the estate has announced its support for this weekend’s Cairngorm Nature Festival.

Spokeswoman Julia Sim said: “The festival is always such a fantastic weekend, eagerly anticipated by many nature loving families and individuals, and a great showcase for the whole area.

“We are delighted to once again take part and as a major supporter of this event, we have donated a fabulous prize to the festival – a three-night stay at one of our woodland lodges; a 4x4 nature safari; entrance to the castle for a fascinating tour and two tickets to hear TV star Nick Baker, the special guest of the festival, on the Saturday night.”

Throughout the weekend, Atholl Estates will be running a series of different events at the castle information centre and in the caravan park.

These include a minibeast safari, hosted by Nick Baker, plus a whole afternoon of family based nature activities.

There will be a Woolly Woods display of knitted and crocheted flora and fauna on display, while visitors can take part in foraging walks.