I was looking back over some old photos and found some from a weekend trip up to Blair Atholl in Perthshire dating back to May 2012. We went to see the Castle there (Blair Castle) which was having an event including its highland games.
The castle is quite historic dating back to around the 13th century, at around 750 years old, and is the seat of the Duke of Atholl.
The castle is quite Scottish in its design and looks. Its painted in a brilliant white colour, which makes it stand out considerably. Its open to the public, although it is privately owned by the Duke.
Its quite a nice place to visit, and there are quite large grounds to explore while there as well.
We were up visiting the castle for quite a specific reason. The Duke has his own private army (!), and they were putting on a display that weekend, along with the highland games !!!
The army is ceremonial really, and has quite an interesting history. Queen Victoria granted the Duke the right to a private army back in the 19th century. Its also considered as his private bodyguard, but in reality it puts on displays and the like.
I know a bit about the army as my brother Fraser is actually a member of it. Its a volunteer army, no one gets paid, and it is not a full time thing. Its quite an honor to get invited to join, and consists of people from all walks of life, although a number of members are ex-services.
They put on fantastic displays, and have cannons, etc that they can set off (my brother actually looks after the armoury, and has the gunpowder licence, etc - which is pretty cool !).
On the weekend we were there, the main pictures you can see are from the saturday when they put on their display right in front of the castle. I can remember it quite vividly because it was absolutely roasting that day, and I was struggling to believe that they could do all the marching and standing to attention for as long as they did in all their finery, which weighs a ton, and is very warm.
It was great to see them. Thats my brother in the centre of the picture above !
It really was a stunning day, and lots of fun.
On the sunday, they then held the highland games, which as can be seen above is held in a field quite close to the castle. Above you can see the Highlander's lining up for their annual race, which they do in full uniform - my brother didnt win it, but he had a good go !
Its quite a traditional games, and above you can see the stand for the highland dancing competitors. Again it was absolutely roasting that day, even more so than on the saturday !
In the pic above, the Duke is on the left, and thats Prince Michael of Kent from the Royal family, who was also taking part in the events that weekend.
It certainly was a lovely weekend, and was quite special to see the Highlanders out doing their thing, and all the more special for us as my brother was part of it.
The castle is really worth a visit if you are ever in these parts, and if you are lucky enough to be there for the games and the army, then its an absolute must !!!!
