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Situated in the very heart of Scotland, Perthshire represents the perfect place to find all that you expect of a great Scottish holiday. Most of Perthshire is little more than one hour by road or rail from Glasgow or Edinburgh, but a world apart.
Towns and places to visit in Perthshire include Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon, Auchterarder, Gleneagles and the Ochils, Blairgowrie and East Perthshire, Crieff, Comrie and Strathearn, Dunkeld and Birnam, Kinross-shire and Loch Leven, the Fair City of Perth, Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire, and some of the most scenic Scottish glens.
Visit www.perthshire.co.uk for a comprehensive listing of events, attractions and activities.
Few parts of the world have the vast choice of quality fishing venues as Perthshire. Perth itself is based on the River Tay which was home to the largest ever rod caught salmon in the UK weighing in at a gigantic 64lbs.
This record was set in 1922 and is still held today. Salmon of 20lbs and more are still regularly caught so the area may still hold that record breaker - and YOU could be the one to catch it...
Within the Tayside’s rich territory of mountain, moor, farmland, seashore, cliffs and estuaries there are many great angling opportunities waiting to be discovered, explored and enjoyed.
Wayside is the perfect base for such activities and we hope to see you and your waders soon!
For more information please visit www.anglingintayside.co.uk
Blair Castle, the magnificent ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, Scotland’s most visited historic house and the home of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only remaining private army.
An extensive castle tour takes in some 30 rooms crammed full of treasures and alive with the characters and personalities of their former occupants. Features of particular interest include an impressive ballroom bedecked with 175 pairs of antlers, the superb China Room (a display of more than 1700 individual pieces including Coalport and blue Dresden) and an ornamental armoury which includes targes and muskets used at the Battle of Culloden. Summer visitors can also enjoy the traditional sound of the Scottish bagpipes played by our piper three times daily during the summer months.
Blair Castle is at the hub of a breath-taking historic landscape most of which was laid out in the 18th century and features a magnificent 9 acre walled garden recently restored to its original Georgian design, a peaceful wooded grove, a ruined Celtic kirk, a red deer park and a whimsical gothic folly. Colourful peacocks roam the grounds, Highland cattle graze in fields nearby and the native red squirrel can often be spotted in the branches of the trees. Children will also enjoy the castle’s woodland adventure playground.
One of the first private homes to open to the public in Scotland, Blair welcomes more visitors than any other
Glamis Castle
Ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years.
Glamis is a living, breathing monument to Scottish hospitality; a place of enjoyment, reflection, laughter and wonder for all. The castle has witnessed more than 600 years of history and we take great delight in sharing the many stories, secrets and intriguing tales that surround it.
As well as tours of the castle and garden visits we offer a full programme of events throughout the year.
Scone Palace
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Scone Palace from the gardens.
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Once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in the history of Scotland. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny. Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland.
Today, Scone Palace, just outside Perth is the home of the Earls of Mansfield, and a 5 star visitor attraction to visitors from around the world. There is so much to see and enjoy at Scone Palace, the history, the art and antiques, the superb landscape and architecture, fun for the children, shopping and exploring that one visit is never enough.
Scone Palace is also a first class unique venue and is extremely popular for corporate hospitality, concerts, conferences, family celebrations and of course, weddings. This website gives you a taste of the Scone Palace experience but there is no substitute for the real thing. Come and see for yourself!
Situated on a volcanic outcrop guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish Independence and a source of enduring national pride. The castle’s long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. It has seen many royal dramas and witnessed the lives and deaths of almost every Scottish monarch up to the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
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CONCERTS, SHOWS, THEATRE AND MUSIC |
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Perth Concert Hall
Our 3 main cultural strands are music, theatre and contemporary art, though we dabble in a bit of comedy, dance and film for good measure. Music covers classical, rock, pop, world, traditional, jazz, swing, blues. Look out for our own curated unique Horsecross Exclusives. Theatre includes our own award winning productions and visiting shows, offering comedy to tragedy, new writing, classics, West End musicals and a traditional Christmas show. Threshold artspace at both the concert hall and the theatre is home to Scotland's only collection of contemporary media art and presents curated international exhibitions daily. We are current winners of the Scottish Enterprise award for Business Growth through Marketing and Sales for the work we have done developing audiences for our events.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Visit for a list of events!
Birnam Arts & Conference Centre has rapidly established itself as a hugely successful new multi-arts and conference centre right in the heart of Scotland.
We offer easy access to a year round programme of high quality diverse exhibitions, music, theatre, dance and comedy performances, as well as the chance to participate in wide range of workshop activities for children and adults alike.
Our exciting programme is complemented by our attractive Foyer Café and pretty Beatrix Potter Garden, making a visit to Birnam Arts & Conference Centre an enjoyable event for the entire family.
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Dewars World of Whiskey in Aberfeldy
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Bells Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry No visit to Scotland is complete without a visit to a working Scotch Malt Whisky Distillery. How better to capture the true spirit of the nation?
From mountain to glen and island to lowland, you’ll find beautifully sited distilleries still dispensing individual charm, history and the local ’water of life’. All waiting to be discovered, wherever you are in Scotland.
DEWAR'S whiskies have been awarded more than 200 medals and awards at competitive tastings across the globe, providing a guarantee of the quality of the whisky. In addition, the Royal Warrant has been granted to DEWAR'S by every British monarch since Queen Victoria – a high honour and a symbol of the monarch's personal recognition.
EdradourEdradour is a unique, single Highland malt whisky, to be enjoyed in recognition of those small, significant moments that make up the ebb and flow of life.
Edradour is produced in Scotland's smallest distillery - and is hand made today as it was over 150 years ago by just three men who are devoted to the time-honoured methods of whisky making. Indeed equipment used at the distillery has remained unchanged since the day the distillery opened and is only just capable of producing commercial quantities. Only 12 casks of whisky are produced a week, making Edradour single malt a rare pleasure for a fortunate few.
If you manage to find it, you will be one of the few people lucky enough to experience its charm - golden in the glass, smooth and creamy with a nutty, honeyed finish.
Glenturret Distillery, Crieff The Famous Grouse is always ready to make new friends and the warmth of its welcome is probably part of the reason it's the most visited distillery in Scotland.
The secret is in the blend - the tradition of Scotland's oldest distillery, matched by its modern facilities and outlook. We're also very easy going; there are a number of different tours you can take here, or you can just stop by for lunch. Or if you really want a day to remember, you could always get married and have your reception here.
With over 40 golf course in Perthshire and 60 others close by, there’s something to suit all ages and golfing abilities
www.perthshire.co.uk/golf for full details
Perthshire is home to some of the finest inland golf courses in the world and with 40 to choose from … you'll be spoilt for choice!
Perthshire has a long golfing legacy, indeed it is ironic that James IV of Scotland, who tried to ban the game as it conflicted with archery practice, made the first recorded purchase of golfing equipment - a set of clubs from a Bow Maker in Perth in 1502!
This golfing heritage and recent course developments ensures that there is a wide range of options for golfers of all ages and abilities. Choose from scenic Highland layouts, idyllic parkland settings, world famous centres such as Gleneagles and Rosemount at Blairgowrie and many 'hidden gems' spread throughout the area. The main challenge won't be navigating your way successfully around the course, more keeping your eye on the ball amidst such stunning surroundings.
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Perthshire is ideal for the keen cyclist
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Cycle Highland Perthshire has all the information you could possibly need to get around on 2 wheels
Highland Perthshire is situated in the geographic centre of Scotland, 25 miles north of Perth and 75 miles south from Inverness. When driving by car or coming by train from the south you realise you are reaching the Highlands just before you reach Dunkeld; there is a sudden and dramatic change in the landscape, with steep sided hills above the fertile wooded landscape in the glens.
What makes Highland Perthshire special is that no matter where you travel within the region you will find each area distinctive and unique. You will find a number of towns and villages each with their own special character, lochs, a whole variety of glens from the small hidden gems to the large wide long glens that are so associated with Scotland. There is the spectacular vastness of Rannoch Moor on its extreme west, the moor that nearly defeated the west railway line to Fort William over a century ago.
www.perthshiregardens.co.ukThe fertile soil and gentle climate of Perthshire have long inspired botanists, gardeners and horticulturists. That’s why you’ll find some of Britain’s most colourful gardens here – from small, privately-owned and lovingly-tended gardens full of specialist plants and flowers, to sumptuous, formal gardens in the grounds of stately homes.
Branklyn GardenThis attractive garden in Perth was developed by John and Dorothy Renton with the help of seed collections from plant hunters such as Forrest, Ludlow and Sherriff. Gardeners and botanists from all over the world come to see the outstanding plants - rhododendrons, alpines, herbaceous and peat-garden plants.One of the most striking plants is the blue Himalayan poppy, Meconopsis.
Branklyn also holds National Collections of Cassiope and Lilium (Mylnefield lilies), and is developing a collection of Rhododendron taliense
Bolfracks Garden, Aberfeldywww.bolfracks.comBolfracks Estate is a 4,000 acre privately owned family estate surrounded by the glorious arena of highland Perthshire. Perched on the banks of the River Tay the estate enjoys some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. Its central location means it is the ideal base for families or groups wishing to explore this picturesque area of Scotland. As one of Europe’s last great wildernesses the Scottish Highlands are renowned for their stunning landscapes, abundance of wildlife and sporting opportunities.
Drummond Castle GardensDrummond Castle was built on a rocky outcrop by John, 1st Lord Drummond. The 2nd Earl, a Privy Councillor to James VI and Charles I, succeeded in 1612 and is credited with transforming both the gardens and the castle. The keep still stands but the rest of the castle was restored and largely remodelled by the 1st Earl of Ancaster in 1890.
Glendoick Gardens and Garden Centrewww.glendoick.com
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The great outdoors - Perthshire style!
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Highland Adventure Safaris, Aberfeldywww.highlandsafaris.netOperating within 250,000 acres of Highland Perthshire Estate, Highland Safaris offer a unique range of Safari products combining breathtaking scenery, Scottish heritage and inspirational adventure.
Perthshire Big Tree Countrywww.perthshire.co.ukWalk with countryside rangers in native woodlands and moorlands which are havens for animal, bird and plantlife. Capture on film ospreys, red deer and red squirrel and listen for the distinctive call of the capercaillie, this rarest of woodland birds. Perthshire's outdoors is a Mecca for botanists, ornithologists or for those who simply appreciate the majesty of a landscape of mountain, water, farmlands and forest.
Atholl Estateswww.athollestates.co.uk Atholl Estates is one of Scotland’s best known Highland estates. Its history dates back to the 13th century but through the ages it has adapted to its time and today it manages a range of operations in the tourism, events, forestry, farming, property and country sport sectors.
Located in Highland Perthshire with offices in Blair Atholl, the Estates are centred around the famous landmark of Blair Castle. Steeped in history, the Castle and grounds are open to the public for day visitors, corporate events, functions and weddings.
Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre
Ospreys have been nesting at this reserve in the heart of Perthshire since 1969 and the hides provide a real bird's-eye view of their nest.
Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve covers 98 hectares and from early April to late August the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys. Their nest is situated within 150 metres of our observation hide, allowing osprey family life to be observed through binoculars, telescopes and closed-circuit television (CCTV).
Red squirrels and great spotted woodpeckers can be seen from our viewing windows, and fallow and roe deer are often seen from the hide. Red squirrels and pine martens visit the feeders at the viewing windows.
Vane Farm Nature Reserve, Kinross
Part of the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, Vane Farm is an ideal day out for all the family. If you're new to birdwatching, visit our viewing hides for close-up views of wildlife.
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Perthshire is practically made for the walker.
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www.walkhighlands.co.uk/perthshirePerthshire straddles the Highlands and the Lowlands, offering a rich variety of scenery. Highland Perthshire is magnificently forested and the region has become branded as 'Big Tree Country' - a name well deserved. The wide and graceful River Tay - Scotland's grandest river - flows through the region from its source in serene Loch Tay, whilst great rolling mountains make a perfect backdrop. Hidden gems include winding Glen Lyon and beautiful Glen Tilt.
www.fifecoastalpath.wanadoo.co.ukThis is a walk along the Coastal Fringe of Fife offering commanding views across the Firth of Forth to the City of Edinburgh, over to the Isle of May, then northerly to the Angus Coast and the Firth of Tay.
The Way has been measured at 82.5 miles / 132 km * in length and is generally divided into six sections passing through North Queensferry, Burntisland, Kirkcaldy, Leven, Pittenweem, Crail, St Andrews, Tayport and Newport-on-Tay.
Perthshire is one of Europe's finest Adventure playgrounds and as well as the traditional activities of walking, cycling, angling and golf boasts an additional and unrivalled range of unique outdoor experiences (36 in total)
White water rafting, kayaking and canyoning to clay pigeon shooting, quad biking and horseriding are just a selection of the activities on offer.
See www.perthshire.co.uk for full details
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