Now one of Perthshire’s finest tourist attractions, a century ago it was playing its own role in Scotland’s war effort.
As it opens its doors for a new season, Blair Castle is remembering the First World War by staging an exhibition that illustrates the impact it had on the family who lived there.
The 7th Duke of Atholl’s three sons were all heavily involved in military operations during the conflict.
Lord Tullibardine, later the 8th Duke of Atholl, commanded the Scottish Horse Regiment, which subsequently merged with The Black Watch, while his brother, Lord George, was lost during the Battle of the Aisne in September 1914.
The third brother, Lord James of the Cameron Highlanders, was injured early on in battle and then returned to the front after recuperation, only to be captured and spend the remainder of the war in various prison camps across Germany.
Back at home in Blair Atholl, the castle also underwent significant transformation to become a Red Cross hospital for the returning wounded.
Archivist Jane Anderson, who has brought together the material for the new exhibition, believes it illustrates how the First World War touched the lives of so many Scottish families.
She said: “It’s touching to see how one family was affected in so many ways by this war, from the ladies of the family working in the Red Cross hospital, to the men fighting at the front.
“It took over castle life for many years and, even on return, the 8th Duke took on the responsibility of fundraising and building the National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, as well as similar memorials in Blair Atholl, Logierait, Dunkeld and Bankfoot.
The Family at War exhibition features artefacts and information about individual family members during the war, including personal letters, photos and documents.
Visit www.blair-castle.co.uk.