Perth bridge

Perth City

The Romans built a fort at the confluence of the rivers Tay and Almond, where Perth now stands, and the town’s name is believed to derive from an old Celtic word for “wood” or “copse”.

It is often said Perth was the ancient capital of Scotland. This may or may not have been the case but it has always been a major centre of political and commercial influence, not least because its harbour allowed for significant overseas trade.

By the 18th century this mercantile spirit had made Perth a leading textile producer and the riches the city reaped were put to use creating grand civic buildings, many of which, like the Sheriff Court, still stand today.

Today that spirit of improvement lives on with plans for further development of the city centre, the completion of a new Concert Hall in 2005 which will make the city a key destination for music and conferences, the transformation of the historic railway station and a new use for the old City Hall and surrounding area.

Perth is always swathed in colour, with two expansive parks in the heart of the city – the North and South Inches – and many gardens. The city is a regular winner in Britain in Bloom competitions.

Crieff

Crieff

Crieff was transformed from trading town to popular holiday resort during the reign of Queen Victoria when the advent of the steam engine helped the town establish itself as a fashionable and sophisticated place to stay. Elegant hotels such as the Strathearn Hydropathic (now Crieff Hydro) were favourites of the newly affluent, who enjoyed the fresh air and scenic beauty of the entire Strathearn area.


Pitlochry

Surrounded by mountain scenery in the heart of Highland Perthshire, Pitlochry has been a favourite holiday stopover since the 1860s. One of the town’s main attractions is the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder where salmon negotiate the specially constructed ladder allowing them to bypass the dam into the man-made Loch Faskally.

The Pitlochry Festival Theatre lies on the banks of the River Tummel and is internationally renowned for its fine repertoire of drama and comedy. The splendidly restored Victorian buildings of Atholl Road offer a wide range of restaurants and specialist gift shops, especially pottery and jewellery.

 

Blairgowrie

Blairgowrie

Blairgowrie and East Perthshire offer the contrast of rolling fields of soft fruit, quiet glens, peaceful lochs, rushing rivers and the dramatic mountains of Glenshee. The successful cultivation of raspberries has made this area the Raspberry Capital of the World.

Blairgowrie sits on the banks of the River Ericht, a major tributary of the River Tay considered to have outstanding salmon fishing. Sporting activities and natural heritage are among some of this area’s attractions. The riverside itself has a well-interpreted woodland walk amidst spectacular scenery. Blairgowrie also has its own Genealogy Centre, popular with visitors hoping to trace their ancestors. Nearby is Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother.

Auchterarder

Auchterarder rose from the ashes after being burned to the ground in the Jacobite retreat and became an important element of the emerging handloom industry. It was popular with kings and generals, who were partial to the many grand houses around the town. These days it is better known for its proximity to Gleneagles Hotel.

Auchterarder is known as The Lang Toun, or Long Town, a name derived from its extended High Street that runs for more than a mile and eventually links with the neighbouring village of Aberuthven. It is the longest main street in Scotland.

Golf, however, isn’t the only sporting pursuit in the area. Horse riding, shooting, fishing and falconry are all readily available for the initiated or the novice.

No visit to this part of Perthshire would be complete without exploring the Celtic chapels and Benedictine abbeys. There are also Roman roads and Pictish forts.

Close to the ancient Ardoch Roman Camp, which guards the approach to the Antonine Wall, is the small village of Braco. On the way to Braco is Tullibardine Chapel, a perfect example of a 15th century church.

Dunning

The small village of Dunning is also steeped in history, with an Iron Age fort, a 1st century AD Roman camp and the 12th century Norman Tower of St Serf, where St Serf is said to have slain a dragon. And if dragon slaying and the macabre is your thing, to the west of Dunning is the monument to Maggie Wall, who was burnt at the stake as a witch in 1657. The area also boasts the magni.cent nine-foot Dupplin Celtic Cross.

Blackford

Blackford has become famous in these parts not only for its Highland games but also for the centuries old mineral water that is drawn from the base of the Ochil Hills. Highland Spring is an internationally renowned mineral water and is bottled at two plants in the area.

A major attraction for whisky lovers is Tullibardine Distillery and retail outlet in the village of Blackford. The Tullibardine Distillery is situated on the site of one of Scotland’s oldest breweries that dates back to the 12th century. It is said to have produced ale for the coronation of James IV at Scone in 1488.

The site was mothballed in 1995, but reopened complete with its visitor centre as an independent company in 2003. Take the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the distillery and the chance to taste a fine malt produced in the foothills of the Ochils.