Walk round Blair Atholl and Old Blair, 21 July 2009 |
The village of Blair Atholl that visitors see today is an estate village created by the Duke of Atholl in the early 19th century. In earlier times, the focal point of the parish, with its church and inn, was on the other side of Blair Castle, on the old road north. The walkers gathered in the car park at Blair Atholl and Donald led the party along the southern perimeter of the grounds of Blair Castle to the little settlement of Old Blair. A view of the River Tilt, which forms one boundary of the Blair Castle estate. The river runs on into Glen Tilt where a number of Robertsons lived in small settlements that have long since been abandoned. (shown above)
The walkers in a grotto overlooking the River Tilt. The grotto was built in the 18th century as part of the garden landscaping. Queen Victoria visited this grotto in 1844 and admired the view of the river. (shown above)
A glimpse of Blair Castle, through the trees, on the way to Old Blair. This would have been the view seen by travellers up to the 19th century, before the road was diverted through the new village. (2 pictures shown below)
A view of Old Blair church. It was first mentioned in 1275 and rebuilt several times until it was abandoned when the present Blair Atholl church was built in 1825.(shown below)
Inside Blair church. Donald Reid explains the historical background, including the burial of Viscount Dundee after his death in battle, having achieved victory in the Jacobite cause at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.
The chapel in Old Blair church in which Viscount Dundee was buried after the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. The memorial at the back commemorates the sixth Duke and Duchess of Atholl. The chapel is the only part of the church where the roof is still intact. In 1769 the English writer, Daniel Defoe (the author of Robinson Crusoe), described Blair church ‘as a poor old kirk, the pews all broken down, doors open, full of dirt, where the minister preaches once a week’. Despite its humble appearance, this church served a large parish, covering numerous small settlements, until it was replaced by the present church in Blair Atholl. Numerous Robertson baptisms and a smaller number of Reid baptisms recorded before 1825 took place here.
Ring around the tree. How many Clan Donnachaidh members does it take to encircle the Noble Fir near Old Blair?
The answer is seven.
The Hercules Garden in the grounds of Blair Castle was laid out by the second Duke of Atholl. The Duke was a friend of Alexander Robertson of Struan, the Poet Chief, who created a notable garden at his house at Dunalastair; perhaps the two men shared ideas on gardens. The garden at Blair Castle has recently been restored. The shepherd and shepherdess in this garden were presented by his friends in memory of Iain 10th Duke of Atholl. (3 photos shown below)
Tour round clan country, 22 July 2009.
The Wade bridge over the River Tay at Aberfeldy, built in 1733 as part of Wade’s third military road. Timber from the Black Wood of Rannoch, part of the estate of Alexander Robertson of Struan, 13th Chief of Clan Donnachaidh, was used in the construction of the bridge. The town of Aberfeldy grew up around the bridge.
The Black Watch Memorial commemorating the formation at Aberfeldy in 1739 of the six independent companies of Highland troops, the Black Watch. The monument was erected in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.
The path up to the burial ground of the chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh on the Dunalastair estate.
The burial ground of the chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh. The first chief buried here was Alexander Robertson of Struan who died in 1822. The Struan estates were restored to him in 1784. They had been confiscated by the government after the death of the Poet Chief in 1749 because his cousin and successor had been heavily implicated in the Jacobite cause.
Memorial stone to Alexander Robertson of Struan (1740-1822), the 15th Chief. He was educated in France and Holland and served in the Scots Brigade in the Netherlands. He returned to Scotland when the war in the American colonies broke out and raised a battalion for service in the British Army. The restoration of his estates followed in 1784. He always wore Highland dress.
Memorial stone to George Duncan Robertson of Struan (1816-1864), the 18th Chief, and his wife Mary Stuart Menzies. The 18th Chief sold the house at Dunalastair and built Dall House on Loch Rannoch. However, he was obliged to sell it a few years later.
Memorial stone to Alexander Gilbert Robertson of Struan (1808-1884), the 19th Chief.
Memorial stone to Alasdair Stewart Robertson of Struan (1863-1910), the 20th Chief. He was responsible for the re-formation of the Clan Society in 1893.
The Queen’s View over Loch Tummel, with Schiehallion in the distance. On her first visit, Queen Victoria was surprised that the view had already been named after her. Apparently her guides were too diffident to tell her that the queen was Elizabeth de Burgh, wife of King Robert I (Robert the Bruce).
Service at Struan Kirk, 24 July 2009
The closing prayers, led by the Clan chaplain, the Reverend Jim Reid, after the service inside Struan Kirk.
Bridge over Errochty Water, at Struan.
The Gathering in Edinburgh, 25-26 July 2009 It was recently reported that the company that organized the Gathering made
The clan village in Holyrood Park.
The clan chiefs assembling before the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay (Prince Charles and Camilla).
Struan Robertson meeting Prince Charles.
The Clan Donnachaidh Society tent.
The Games in full swing....
Discussing the Clan Donnachaidh DNA project. Several people joined the project at the Games.
The massed pipe bands.
The parade of the clans from Holyrood to Edinburgh Castle, 25 July 2009
The procession starting off.
Passing Holyrood Palace.
The parade of the clans from Holyrood to Edinburgh Castle. Walking up the Royal Mile.
The view up the Royal Mile towards Edinburgh Castle. The procession was greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic spectators.
THE END
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