ASVA E-ZINE

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the ASVA E-Zine

asva.co.uk [email protected] 07458 306982

Blair Castle pipes up for the festive season

December 2014

For festive visitors to Blair Castle, a very special icon of Christmas is a 'must see' for children (and adults) who fancy adding a more Highland flavour to their Christmas celebrations.

Families can visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto and listen to him perform Christmas tunes on his bagpipes, while the children get an early Christmas present.

Father Christmas will appear in his grotto, set in one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of Blair Castle, as it opens its doors to visitors in the run up to Christmas. The historic castle is hosting a series of festive attractions over two weekends in the run up to Christmas on December 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st.

Mike Dukes, Head of Marketing at Blair Castle commented: "It wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to Santa's Grotto, but when Father Christmas has a talent, it would be a shame not to let him display his magnificent bagpiping skills, too! For visitors to Blair Castle this Christmas, a visit to Father Christmas is an absolute must. We are delighted that we are able to open our doors to the public at such a magical time of the year and would urge people to visit. The castle and grounds are majestic in winter and will definitely give you that festive feeling at this time of year."

As well as its multi-talented piping Santa, the castle is inviting visitors to see the castle as it was decorated for the festive season in Victorian times. Tours depicting the era will be available for people to step back in time. Blair Castle is also hosting Sunday lunches in the spectacular Ballroom on the 14th and 21st December for those looking for an extra special treat ahead of Christmas.

Last month the five-star visitor attraction scooped the Best Visitor Attraction (North East & Tayside) award at VisitScotland's Thistle Awards, beating off tough competition from Stonehaven's Dunnottar Castle. The win means that Blair Castle will progress to the national final in March 2015 where the entire castle team will have their fingers crossed for more success.

The team at Blair Castle are currently working on two exhibitions for 2015, the 300th anniversary of the 1715 Jacobite Rising and an update on its World War 1 exhibition. This update focuses on Lord Tullibardine (later the 8th Duke of Atholl) and the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.

The team are also preparing for the first of Blair Castle's new accommodation concept to arrive on site. Pods will be situated in the woods to the north of the caravan park, and will provide visitors with the freedom of camping but with a little more protection than that offered by a tent.

In addition, the Horse Trials team are busily preparing for next September's FEI European Championships, which will be held in the grounds of the castle.

« back

Member News

Stirling Old Town Jail Awarded Coveted Five-Star Grading by VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme
Stirling Old Town Jail has proudly achieved a prestigious five-star grading from the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme.
Read more »

Edinburgh Zoo Named Best Zoo in Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.
Read more »

Summerlee Celebrates Four Millionth Visitor
Summerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.
Read more »

Research Reveals Da Vinci Code Impact at Rosslyn Chapel - 21 Years After Publication
Visitors to Rosslyn Chapel are still strongly influenced by its role in The Da Vinci Code according to new research undertaken to mark the 21st anniversary of the book, which was first published on 18th March 2003.
Read more »

Internationally Acclaimed Artists Join Kelpies Tenth Anniversary Celebrations
The creator and sculptor of the iconic Kelpies at The Helix, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, Andy Scott, has returned to Scotland from his home in Los Angeles, California, in advance of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the world- renowned equine structures, as the latest star to perform at Kelpies 10 on 27 April 2024, is announced.
Read more »

The Search is on for Scotland’s Nature Tourism Champions
Whether you are a pioneering business or a collaborative partnership, this is your moment to be celebrated. With headline sponsor NatureScot, RSPB are recognising the people and initiatives protecting Scotland’s nature – open to all.
Read more »

Major Exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk to Open at V&A Dundee
The fascinating story of the style, appeal and influence of the kimono is explored in a major exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Saturday 4 May.
Read more »

The National Trust for Scotland Launches Global Access to its Robert Burns Collection
Over 2,500 historic items from the National Trust for Scotland’s internationally important collections from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway are now available to explore from anywhere in the world.
Read more »

Verdant Works Undergoes Brand Refresh with Thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Scotland’s only jute museum, founded in a refurbished 1833 mill in the heart of Dundee - the city once coined ‘juteopolis’ - has undergone a brand refresh, with thanks to funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Read more »

Introducing ‘LemurLounge’: A New Chapter in Enrichment at Blair Drummond Safari Park
Blair Drummond Safari Park are proud to announce their latest collaboration with researchers from the University of Glasgow to introduce groundbreaking enrichment for zoo lemurs.
Read more »

Learn About 17th Century Medicine at The Real Mary King’s Close
The Real Mary King’s Close launched its brand-new Medical History Tours, a unique guided experience which takes guests on a journey through the fascinating development of medicine through time.
Read more »

Aberdeen Science Centre Promotes Inclusivity with New Sensory Space
Aberdeen Science Centre has introduced a new Sensory Space to support visitors that could feel overwhelmed or overstimulated whilst at the centre.
Read more »

Get Your Quack On! Dalkeith Country Park to Host Doddie Duck Race in Support of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
Grab your rubber duckies and mark your calendars because Dalkeith Country Park is gearing up for a quack-tastic charity event - the Doddie Duck Race!
Read more »