August was a whirlwind of activity here at The Old Manse of Blair! We welcomed guests from all over the world, many of whom were visiting for the thrilling Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials. It was wonderful to see the excitement on the faces, especially our younger guests who got to meet some of the Olympian competitors! What an inspiring experience for them.
Reviews are Rolling In!
We’re always striving to offer the best possible experience, and it’s heartwarming to see the positive feedback from our guests. Here are some recent highlights:
• Google Review: “This place is magical. The food was incredible – locally sourced and beautifully presented. The staff were so friendly and helpful, especially with recommendations for things to do in the area.” – Sarah W.
• TripAdvisor: “We stayed in the Manse for a long weekend and it was perfect. The rooms were comfortable and the views were stunning. The breakfast was a real highlight – the bacon jam is a must-try!” – John M.
• Instagram: “@OldManseBlair Such a relaxing stay! The new whisky bar is gorgeous – the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring.” – @Wanderlust_William
A New Chapter Begins
As the leaves begin to turn golden and the days shorten, we’re gearing up for the beauty of autumn. It’s the perfect time for long country walks before the winter sets in. Don’t miss the Pitlochry Highland Games on September 13th – a chance to experience the vibrant culture of the region, complete with highland dancing, pipe bands, and more.
We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Executive Head Chef! Stay tuned for an official press release with all the details. However, we can tell you that exciting changes are coming to the restaurant, including a continued focus on sustainability.
A Feast for the Senses
Speaking of the restaurant, we’ve recently invested in beautiful new oak tables and a bespoke bar in the whisky room, crafted by local artisans. It’s a truly stunning space to enjoy a relaxing dram – with a subtle nod to our Hebridean heritage in the design. The Glorious Twelfth has kicked off the grouse shooting season, and you can expect to see delicious local game featured on our Orangery menu throughout the fall. The orchard is overflowing with apples, damsons, and plums, which will soon be making their way onto our autumnal dishes.
Behind the Scenes
This month, we were excited to host a film crew (stay tuned for more details coming to your screens in the new year!). Anne joined the Eventit roadshow in London, connecting with new suppliers at the Victorian Bath House. Both Anne and Amy attended the Tay Country event at Perth Museum, keeping up-to-date with local suppliers across the region.
A Focus on Local
Provenance remains a cornerstone of our philosophy. Our new breakfast menus at the Manse are a testament to this, featuring local specialties like the heavenly bacon jam on Isle of Lewis egg dish. We offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast too.
A Fond Farewell & Exciting Updates
As summer winds down, we want to extend a huge thank you to our incredible seasonal team members who are heading back to their studies. We’re incredibly proud of each and every one of you for contributing to a fantastic season here at the Old Manse.
With the Enchanted Forest season just around the corner, keep an eye out for our special offers and winter deals on the website. Winter DBB rates from £349! Get in touch to select your favourite room and make that trip a reality. We’re excited to welcome you back soon!