The Whim

When visiting Blair Castle, why not take a walk up to see this fantastic folly.

The Whim sits on a wooded hill overlooking Blair Castle and the surrounding hills and coutryside.

This fabulous folly was built by John Murray, the 3rd Duke of Atholl.

John was the nephew and son-in-law of James Murray, the 2nd Duke of Atholl who was responsible for Ossian's Hall of Mirrors. John married his first cousin, Lady Charlotte Murray who was the daughter of James.

He had already been managing the Atholl Estates on behalf of his uncle, prior to inheriting the title in 1764.

John had discussed building a hilltop folly with his uncle before he died and there is a 1747 draft drawing in the castle archives by William Adam. However, this was superseded in 1760, by the new and improved design that you see today. There is no mention of an architect in the records, so the folly is attributed to the Duke himself and was completed in 1762.

The three arched stone folly has two square pyramid roofed pavilions with a terrace between the two. The small pavilions are only just big enough to provide shelter from inclement weather.

The naming of the folly tells of a conversation between John and the local minister, Mr Alexander Stewart. When Stewart asked what it was called, John mentioned it was 'built on a whim', Mr Stewart replied 'Well, Whim let it be'. It is named 'The Wheem' on a 1780 estate map.

The area was popular with tourists in the 18th century and it was said that John carefully mapped out many walks with 'great judgement in order to attract the admiration of every traveller of taste'.

The paths, gardens and structures are superbly maintained by the Atholl Estates, and are still very popular with tourists far and wide. There is so much to do and see including St Brides Kirk, Hercules Garden and just up the road are the wonderful Falls of Bruar.

To reach the Whim you need to head through the woodland opposite the deer park signposted, Diana's Grove. Follow the path through the woods and when you reach the road, cross over. Continue on the path for around 1km before turning left on a path that takes you to the Whim.

If you are not visiting Blair Castle, you can also visit the Whim from the Glen Tilt car park using the alternative Whim route. Just head west up the road from the car park, turn left through Old Blair then turn right to join the main route.

The Whim is a Category B Listed Building with Historic Environment Scotland.

It is just over 2km with 110m of ascent to reach The Whim.

Follow the above route or find on OS Maps.