Fire ravages Blair Castle clock tower

Mar 11 2011 by Staff Reporter, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTHSHIRE firefighters saved historic Blair Castle from ruin on Thursday night after a blaze tore through its clock tower.

Fire engulfed the structure at Blair Atholl at around 8.30pm, with the flames visible for miles around.

The huge emergency operation followed calls from locals and drivers who had spotted the incident from the A9.

Once on the scene, firefighters discovered the clock tower, a relic dating from the Jacobite Uprising era, in flames with sparks threatening to spread the fire to other parts of the castle's south wing.

Crews from Pitlochry and Blair Atholl joined civilian firefighters from the estate to supplement the effort, with another eight appliances quickly appearing on the scene.

However, the weakened building gave way and the wooden-beamed roof collapsed in on itself.

The blaze was under control and then extinguished within the hour, though crews and police remained at the scene afterwards.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney said today: "I am relieved to hear that there has been only limited damage to Blair Castle due to last night's fire. 
“The castle is a precious part of Scotland's heritage and a vital part of the tourist landscape in Perthshire.
“I spoke to the estate this morning and am pleased that great efforts are underway to address the damage that has been caused."