Welcome back to The Old Manse of Blair! As summer reaches its peak, we’re reflecting on a vibrant July filled with sunshine, delicious treats, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a glimpse into what’s been happening on our beautiful estate, inspired by the heartwarming moments shared on our social media (@theoldmanseofblair).
Global Greetings:
We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming our first group of guests from Johannesburg, South Africa! Anne, a member of our team, even had the opportunity to share some Gaelic phrases with them – a delightful cultural exchange. We’ve also welcomed back many familiar faces, including regular visitors traveling for The Game Fair and fishing adventures in Northern Scotland. Hearing about their successful catches on their journeys back south always brings a smile to our faces.
A Foodie’s Paradise:
Our little farm shop take away has officially opened its doors for the season! In collaboration with the renowned Lass O’ Gowrie bakery, we’ve become the go-to destination for delicious cakes and treats. Whether you’re planning a picnic in our dog-friendly lower paddock (complete with fresh ice cream and shortly, pizza!) or simply seeking a sweet indulgence, the farm shop is waiting to tantalise your taste buds. And for those who prefer a pre-packed picnic lunch, don’t hesitate to ask! Just drop us a note, and we’ll have it ready for your exploration.
Soaring Spirits:
A special thank you to the pilot who recently treated us to a breathtaking Spitfire flyover! The majestic sight soaring above the estate was truly awe-inspiring (as captured on our Instagram!).
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:
We’d like to extend a warm farewell to Andi, who recently moved on from The Old Manse of Blair. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. On a brighter note, we’re delighted to announce Amy’s promotion to Hotel Operations Manager! She’ll be working closely with us as we continue our journey as family owner-operators across the estate. Our team also welcomes Shane, our new Duty Manager, and a fantastic group of seasonal staff, including Millie, Seb, Sara, Odhran, and Layla. A special shoutout to Cate, Brian and Jan too and Sara, who continues to deliver the warmest welcome in the farm shop despite her ongoing recovery – a true testament to her dedication!
Guest Gratitude:
We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support and positive and constructive reviews from our amazing guests. It truly means the world to us and reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team across the estate.
Continuous Improvement:
Our commitment to providing the best possible experience extends beyond exceptional hospitality. Annual maintenance and investment projects are underway, including refurbishments in the Minister’s Study and Schehallion rooms.
Culinary Delights:
Roman and Joe continue to weave their magic in the kitchen, crafting exceptional menus featuring seasonal delights. As new local produce comes into season, exciting dishes are introduced, becoming instant hits with our guests. We’re truly blessed by the abundance of incredible produce that Perthshire has to offer, particularly delicious berries!
Seumas Says Hello:
Our beloved Highland cow, Seumas, is recovering well after a recent leg injury. He’s back to his playful antics with Seoras in the front paddocks, much to the delight of our guests who enjoy watching them graze from our terrace while sipping on a refreshing 5pm cocktail.
Pawsitive stays:
We love having our four-legged dog friends to stay on the estate! However, we do have some boundaries here for the enjoyment and safety of all guests. We have five dog friendly rooms – please book direct to ensure we have all the information required to allocate an appropriate space to maximise the enjoyment of your time on the estate. Dogs are not permitted in the main internal public spaces or restaurant. They are very welcome to dine in the courtyard weather permitting and in the picnic area by the farm shop and they can also run off lead after close.
Helping Hands:
During a recent A9 closure, we were proud to collaborate with other local businesses and residents to assist stranded passengers who were stuck for over 9 hours on one of the hottest days of the year.
Global Ambitions:
We’re thrilled to announce that The Old Manse of Blair will be the only Scottish accommodation supplier attending the upcoming Visit Britain Brazil roadshow, kicking off in Sao Paolo and concluding in Rio de Janeiro this October! This exciting opportunity allows us to connect with new business travel partners in this vibrant region and share the magic of our estate with a global audience.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through July!
Don’t forget it’s the 35th International Blair Horse Trials at the end of next month and we have very limited availability. It’s sure to be a great event and one that will go down in equestrian history. Good luck to all involved.
We look forward to creating more unforgettable summer memories with you at The Old Manse of Blair.