Computer buffs have recreated the 135-year-old history of a Highland Perthshire hotel in what is believed to be the first Minecraft hotel reconstruction in the world,
Commissioning developers Immersive Minds have recreated the Scottish Baronial architecture of the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry in crafted virtual bricks.
The team at Immersive Minds used go-pro cameras combined with 360-degree photography to capture the details and intricate layout of the building.
The game encourages children to immerse themselves in the various eras of life at the hotel as they explore all nine floors and the grounds of the Atholl Palace through the ages.
More than 300 children and their families from across the UK recently attended a launch event of the Minecraft game.
Families attending the open day were invited to join Stephen Reid of Immersive Minds for a tutorial experience before being given the opportunity to explore the new Atholl Palace Minecraft game which led them to clues translating into real-life prize caches dotted throughout the hotel, its grounds and museum.
Graeme Strachan, general manager of the Atholl Palace Hotel, said: “We’ve been absolutely thrilled with the response to the Atholl Palace Minecraft mini-game. We welcomed families from as far afield as London in the south and Stornoway in the north.”
He continued: “The idea to create a learning platform that would bring to life the history of the hotel, and in turn, give a glimpse of Highland Perthshire in Victorian times was ambitious to say the least.
“However, Immersive Minds have done exactly that, recreating every nook and cranny of our wonderful building and its amazing history for a new generation to enjoy.”
The launch of the Atholl Palace Minecraft platform celebrated a £30,000 refurbishment of the hotel’s extensive interactive visitor attraction museum and headlined their recent Victorian themed family open day.
‘Minecrafters’ who would like to explore the Atholl Palace should visit www.athollpalace.com from Friday.
