Perthshire Tourism Info
Welcome to wild Scotland. Perthshire is the centre of Scotland's outdoor life offering some of the country's best scenery. Majestic mountains, unspoiled woodlands and waterways the southern Highlands host many adventures, from kayaking to hill trekking. Along the way also discover the historical sights which this region has much to offer.
Perth is the capital of the area, on the banks of the River Tay originally placed here for being the highest point that ships could reach. Throughout the years many armies have passed through Perth,
including Robert the Bruce, the Covenanters, the Jacobites and Oliver Cromwell. The layout of the town is much the same as it was in the medieval days. St John's Kirk is the oldest building in the centre dating back to 1128. The bridges have been destroyed and rebuilt many time throughout the years. Now there are 2 bridges; Perth Bridge a stone bridge built in 1771; and a second crossing named Queen's Bridge built in 1960. Other attractions include St Ninian's Cathedral, the Black Watch Museum, Perth Museum and Art Gallery, the Fergusson Gallery, and Greyfriars Burial Ground with the best collections of old gravestones in Scotland.
Near Perth is Scone Palace (pronounced Scoon) which was once the crowning place for the Kings of Scotland. Written in history the monarch sat on the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, to be crowned ruler. Scone Palace is a national treasure in a parkland setting, visitors can tour the magnificent formal rooms and galleries; including the Dining Room of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. You can also see where the stone used to stand. Other castles around Perth include Elcho Castle, Huntingtower Castle, Megginch Castle, and Balhousie Castle.
Head north deep into Highland Perthshire to experience some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland. The heart of Scotland and centre of the Highlands, glens and rolling hills covered in heather and full of wildlife such as deer, grouse and eagles. Pitlochry is the ideal place to base yourself for your highland adventure. There are 8 walks listed that start and end in Pitlochry; including the The Edradour walk, walk to the summit of Ben Vrackie and the Rob Roy Way. The town has been marked as one of the best mountain resorts in the country since 1863. The dam is one of the main attractions, built to allow salmon to make their way upstream, you can actually see the fish making their way up the ladder.
Blair Castle is one of Scotland's major stately homes and is the ancient seat to the Duke of Atholl. The Castle dates back to 1269 but has had modifications in the following centuries, the changes in the 19th century reflecting the appearance of the building today. Placed on the main route to Inverness Blair Castle has had it's share of sieges, most recently during the Jacobite uprising of 1745-1746. Today you can appreciate the wild beauty of the surrounding Grampian Mountains and visit the interior rooms with historical artefacts, including antique furniture, art, period dress and armour. Visit the website for more details.
Around Perthshire there is many more attractions to visit. The vast wildness of the Rannoch Moor; the historic town of Dunkeld; the scenery of Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon; the famous Gleneagles golf course and more. For more details VisitScotland's dedicated website for Perthshire.
