Heraldic Shield returns to Blair Castle
01 Feb 2010
Blair Castle is delighted to announce a new acquisition which will join the many items in its collection relating to the Atholl Highlanders. A heraldic shield, which dates from 1839 and was used in a medieval-style tournament organised by the Earl of Eglinton at Eglinton Castle in Ayrshire, has now returned to Blair Castle. Lord Glenlyon (later the 6th Duke), attended the tournament as Knight of the Gael and took a group of over 60 Atholl men as his bodyguard. This brightly coloured shield was probably employed as a crest or motif mounted on a pole or tent to represent the presence of the Duke of Atholl. It depicts the Atholl coat of arms, with the stars representing "The Murrays", the checks on argent representing "The Stewarts" and the three legs representing the Isle of Man.
The shield will join other items from the Eglinton Tournament in the front hall and will form part of the castle's permanent exhibition. The shield came up for sale in 2009 as part of a collection of items relating to the Eglinton Tournament, including the knight's shields and a series of watercolours. James Knox organised the securing of the collection for the nation and the Blair Charitable Trust were delighted to have the chance to buy the original Atholl shield. Sarah Troughton, Trustee of the Blair Charitable Trust said “it is wonderful when there is a chance to reunite pieces of an historic collection. The Atholl shield is an exciting addition to the display of Eglinton Tournament armour at Blair Castle.”
The Eglington Tournament is a significant moment in Blair Castle's history as it marks the genesis of the Atholl Highlanders. Enjoying the extraordinary distinction of being the last remaining private army in Europe, the Atholl Highlanders have a long historic association with Blair Castle, from mounting guard for Queen Victoria's visit in 1844 to parading annually on the castle forecourt in the presence of its present colonel, the 11th Duke of Atholl.
This year's Atholl Highlanders Parade takes place on Saturday 29 May with the Atholl Gathering and Highland Games taking place on Sunday 30 May. For further information log on to www.blair-castle.co.uk.