The Glenfiddich
Piping Championship at Blair
Atholl is as much a visual spectacle as an aural one; the pipe drones boom in the Blair Castle ballroom, its darkened walls bristling with antlers and weaponry. This is a two-day event held at Blair Castle for the world titles in bagpipes and fiddles, all to be washed down of course with game and fine whiskey. Back at our cozy Victorian estate, we'll enjoy burning fires and hearty autumn banquets after days trekking "The Whiskey Trail” and the Highlands.
Day 1
Explore the nearby village and shops of Kirkmichael or Pitlochry. Maybe indulge in a bit of pub crawling before our first fireside dinner at our home in the Scottish burgh of Dalnagairn. Guests are welcome, and encouraged, to tour the Blair Athol Castle. The castle is not open for tours during the Championships, but it is really quite exceptional, so this may be a good time to visit on your own.
Day 2
Our whisky trail starts with Edradour, a small, but mighty distillery loaded with charm. We’ve also selected Glenturret and Blair Athol. Should we have time, Dewar’s and Famous Grouse are also close by. Along the way we’ll stop at a “chippy” shop and little take-away places for a scone or two and “forfar birdies.” Check out the Whisky Trail link in the Speyside area. There are too many to count! It’s also a bit of a trek, 82 miles, but very possible.
We return to Dalnagairn for a fireside dinner and for another fun chance to mingle with the locals later is the “Swing of the Kilts” variety show in town at the Fisher Hotel. This is optional and cash bar on your own but sounds like a good time!
Day 3
We’ll enjoy a leisurely big brunch before we leave for a scenic drive to the Dougie McLean concert at Menzies Castle at 2:00 p.m. If you’d like leave early, you can go the long way to see The Queen’s View or Glen Lyon. Take a look at the link on Undiscovered Scotland below. This is the ideal opportunity to choose the High Road or Low Road. Later, make a visit at Dewar’s or stop for a “cream tea” back in Pitlochry. Another fireside dinner waits at home.
Day 4
A robust breakfast begins our morning. Then around 9:30 we're off to The
Glenfiddich World Piper Championship in the ballroom of Blair
Athol Castle. We’ll break for a picnic lunch on the Castle grounds. You might want to catch 40 winks before we join the festivities in town at the Piper’s Ceilidh and then dinner at the Blair Athol Palace Hotel. Plan to dress up a bit for this evening. Plaids, kilts and dancing shoes are all considered appropriate attire. The party begins at 8:30 p.m. and goes into the wee hours. But not to worry, we’ll have a taxi coach driving us to and from the hotel.
Day 5
We’ll relax and, of course, enjoy morning and afternoon meals, before attending the second day of The
Glenfiddich World Fiddler Championship at Blair
Athol Castle at 2:00 p.m. Afterwards, you can find wonderful shopping at the House of Bruar near the village. Also, the pubs become quite lively after the Championships. Later, it’s another great feast and maybe a little dancing in our own private “ballroom” back at Dalnagairn.
Day 6
We’ll rise early for breakfast, to get a head start on an all-day road trip to the Highlands. Its rugged wild countryside is filled with striking glens, fields of thistle and lavender, thick green hills and mysterious lochs.
We’ve hired a coach, so everyone can sit back and enjoy the view. Be sure to take your cameras and wind breakers. We’ll pack provisions to nosh on along the way, then return for dinner at Dalnagairn.
Day 7
A leisurely start to the day affords everyone some free time before an early dinner. Around 5:00 p.m., we’ll depart for town to begin the night’s festivities. Halloween celebrations include an eerie night-time trek through the Spooky Woods and Enchanted Forest. Spectacular fire, light, color and sound effects are sure to raise more than a few goosebumps. Be sure to dress warmly. We’ll return to Dalnagairn for some fireside toddies and late-night snacks.
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