Blair Castle

Blair Castle is a harled building with three storeys and a basement, featuring parts that rise to four storeys, including Cumming's Tower, which has six storeys, along with one and two-storey wings to the south that include a tower and angle turrets. The castle's construction began in 1269, with Cumming's Tower possibly dating back to that time but mainly from the 15th century. The central part of the building was completed in the early 16th century, with alterations and additions made by the early 17th century. The south end was raised in 1736 by architect John Douglas, although it remained incomplete in 1746. A two-storey southeast wing was built between 1743 and 1745, designed by architect James Winter. The towers were levelled to a common wall head, angle turrets were removed, and the south end was rebuilt and completed by James Winter between 1747 and 1758. The interiors are notable for their rich plasterwork designed by Abraham Swan. The southeast wing suffered fire damage in 1814 but was repaired, and a clock tower was added, likely designed by Archibald Elliot. The castle underwent a rebaronialisation from 1869 to 1871 under architect David Bryce, who based the design of the west front on the original, widening Cumming's Tower with corbelling and adding an entrance hall on the east side, which was largely redesigned. A ballroom was constructed in 1876-1877, also by David Bryce, with the interior panelled in 1899. Further alterations and additions were made in 1886 by architect J. C. Walker, in 1904-1905 by J. McIntyre Henry, and in 1920-1921 by Sir Robert Lorimer.