Blairs Museum, located near the ancient Blairs College close to Aberdeen, houses a unique collection dedicated to the history of the Catholic Church in Scotland. Founded in the spaces of the seminary used until 1986, the museum preserves artifacts spanning over 500 years including paintings, sacred textiles, liturgical objects, and Jacobite memorabilia.
Among the most famous pieces is the renowned memorial portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots, saved from destruction during the French Revolution, along with portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie and relics of the Stuart royal family. The collection also includes embroidered ecclesiastical vestments, chalices, reliquaries, and exceptionally preserved liturgical objects.
The museum's spaces retain the original historical atmosphere of the college structures, with the neo-Gothic bell tower and the adjacent garden making the visual experience engaging. Some areas are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, and the site offers dedicated parking.
The visit is enriched with explanations about the seminary's role in the formation of the Scottish Catholic clergy and the historical context of religious persecutions and post-Renaissance reforms. Visitors can also access the interactive virtual museum, allowing them to explore the collections online.
Open seasonally from April to October, the museum welcomes visitors mainly on weekends (with guided tours available by reservation). It is ideal for enthusiasts of religious history, students, and those wishing to delve into a often overlooked aspect of Scottish culture.