Took a daytrip up to Highland Perthshire. After a quick coffee stop at the gateway to the highlands in Perth, we made way to the Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl for over 700 years. The castle is also home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe's only remaining private army.

The photos don't do much justice to the magnificence of the castle - photography indoors was not permitted, which was a real shame. The second you step in the main hall, you're greeted by a grand collection of arms which extends to several rooms from the main entrance. I've never seen so many swords in my life! There's also fine royal collection of tapestries, china, furniture, portraits, some of which date back to the 13th century when the castle was first built (like most others, the Blair Castle has grown and transformed through history, with the latest extension added this century).

By the time we finished the castle tour and lunch the rain was still pouring. We only had a few more minutes before heading out which left us no time at all to explore the gardens after the tour.

Next stop was the Blair Atholl Distillery in the town of Pitlochry. This distillery has been producing 12 year old single malt whisky since the 1700s. It's been taken over by Arthur Bell and though distributed by Diageo, it is only limited to the UK. Pretty good stuff, we had a couple of drams after the tour, both single malt and blended. Would've brought home a bottle or two to share, but there was also the baggage weight limit to be concerned with (30kgs is just not enough!). Oh and again, no photography during the tour, pffft.

We took a quick stop in the town center of Pitlochry after the distillery but alas, the rain still had not let up. After a quick look about the town, it was time for the long drive back to Edinburgh. We did pass the Forth Rail Bridge, the first major steel-built bridge in the world - one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Victorian era. Of course, it looks MUCH better than the only decent photo I have here which was taken from a moving coach on a dark and rainy day.