Warmer days, returning guests, and a refreshed Manse
May brings longer days and a sense of renewal at The Old Manse of Blair. Here’s a glimpse into what’s been happening around the estate:
Welcome Back Familiar Faces:
We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming back many regular guests this month. It’s always a delight to catch up and hear their news and reminisce about their past visits where they’ve arrived as strangers and left as friends.
Mane Events:
Delighted that the horses and ponies have returned to the paddocks for summer grazing. The absolute best lawn mowers around! We know our guests love seeing the animals and what a pretty sight to wake up to too!
First impressions.. A Fresh Facelift:
The front entrance has undergone a makeover, with new paint, gleaming brass fittings, and antique lights restored by Suzek. Vibrant new planters from Emma and Karen at Pink Buffalo, a local company, adding a welcome touch of colour, bursting with vibrant Scottish Heathers.
International Delights:
This month, we’ve hosted guests from across the globe, including Douglas and his family from Australia who celebrated his 80th birthday with us and Antonio from Milan who we surprised with a rendition of Happy Birthday and Flower of Scotland on the Bagpipes for his 87th Birthday.
Thriving Kitchen Garden:
Our head chef and his team are really working wonders in the kitchen garden. The greenhouse is brimming with seedlings, and we look forward to fresh herbs, flowers, and vegetables gracing our restaurant plates and garnishing divine cocktails!
Keeping Up Appearances:
The lawns have been mowed for the first time this year, and plans are underway for the 2024 flowerbeds and planters once the final frosts have passed. Archie, Marian and Catalan ensuring a beautiful estate garden and the return of those meticulous lawn stripes for all to admire!
Industry Connections:
We recently hosted international agents as part of a VisitScotland event. They enjoyed a full guest experience, including dinner, breakfast, and a visit to our resident Highland cows Seumas and Seoras adding a Moognificent finale!
Farm Shop:
We’re excited to announce the reopening of our pop-up farm shop during the peak summer months. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for launch details.
Forthcoming Attractions:
The local area is buzzing with activity! The Etape cycling event and Blair Castle Trail Run take place this month. The new whisky exhibition at Blair Castle has launched, you can delve into history at the all new crannog center on Loch Tay, or savour a craft beer at the reopened Wasted Degrees taproom. Don’t miss the Atholl Gathering and Highlanders Parade at Blair Castle too, for a taste of traditional Highland culture.
Springtime Dining:
Our Orangery restaurant has introduced a new Spring A La Carte menu, offering more flexible dining options for our guests. We also continue to welcome non-residents for lunch and dinner, with a local pick-up service available upon request.
Festive Fun:
Planning is underway for our festive season and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Our maintenance partners have been very busy too and we’re delighted to conclude some significant upgrade works across the estate infrastructure with Mark and Lee’s team at L&M. Keeping a historic building in top condition requires continuous maintenance and investment and is something as owners we are passionate about.
We really hope you’ve enjoyed our blog and look forward to welcoming you to the Old Manse of Blair this May!