Perthshire

Perth is home to the famous Black Watch Highland Regiment - and is dubbed "Big Tree Country" because it does have many - largely (no pun intended) due to the efforts of the botanist, Douglas, who came from Scone by Perth and introduced seeds from the Americas.

So, here is a picture of the entrance to the Black Watch Museum. it is in Balhousie Castle in Perth, formerly the home ofthe Earl of Kinnoull - who kindly bequethed Kinnoull Hill (fantastic woods & views) to the City People.

Address: Perth City, Tayside, Scotland
Directions: See Perth Tourist Board for details at the website below.
Website: http://www.perthshire.co.uk

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The heart of this wee City. Only 50,000 residents. Beautiful.
Perth is a wonderful place to shop, its relaxed and small, cosy and interesting. This picture shows the recently pedestrianised street beside the Famous St John's Kirk (see the Protestant Reformation, John Knox etc in history).
Notice the beautiful 'department store' McEwens, a family owned local store and the Salutation Hotel at the street end. Very old.

Address: St John's Street, Perth, Scotland
Directions: City centre, by St John's Kirk and McEwens Store.

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Libraries in Scotland are wonderful.
There is a long tradition - stemming from Andrew Carnegie and other philanthropists (see also Innerpeffray library under "wedding" on Bluewoad.com)

Here it is always WARM, peaceful, with FREE internet access plus books and INFO and news, its the hub of life. Also a Cafe, good for writing a diary or hanging out waiting for a bus or friends. Plus a shop with lots of local material.

Upstairs there is a "local section" with lots of rare books and local history, precious maps, geneology etc.

Address: Glasgow Road, close to Coach Station
Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk
Other Contact: http://www.bluewoad.com

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Huntingtower is one of Historic Scotland's castles - well worth looking at. Save money by buying membership of HS on your first visit to any of their sites. Its well worth having, I promise you!

Combine with a visit to nearby Elcho Castle (you'll need a car to see both) - also very small and unspoilt by tourists.

Address: Outskirts of Perth.
Website: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Other Contact: http://www.perthshire.co.uk

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A real castle, fun and fascinating, small and little known but very enjoyable - in a beautiful setting - all the more special for NOT having coach parties and masses of tourists. This one is for connoissseurs!

My picture shows the Doocot outside the castle - by the beautiful, tranquil farm pond.

Elcho was designed as both as a stronghold and a private residence.The basic design is a 16th century Z-plan tower house, consisting of a long rectangular main block, with a square stair tower projecting from one corner and three other towers projecting on the opposite side.

The site of this castle is thought to have been in use since the 13th century, when William Wallace is supposed to have resided here, but nothing of his earthen castle remains.

The current building was most likely built by Sir John Wemyss, who died in 1572.

The castle was placed into State care in 1929 and is cared for by Historic Scotland.

- see my Tayside Tips for more info about the area.

Address: Perth City, Tayside, Scotland
Directions: South side of Tay Estuary, just SE of Perth - a beautiful road to cycle or drive! Open from Easter to September
Website: http://http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/perth/elchocastle/
Other Contact: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

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This is a scene from above Blairgowrie - one of Perthshire's beautiful small towns.

You can spend a day or a week exploring just this tiny area of Perthshire, there is so much History, Archaeology, Crafts and tiny shops.

Website: http://http://www.perthshire-scotland.co.uk/
Other Contact: http://www.perthshire.co.uk

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In the Parks, Gardens and Streets you'll find Perth's Sculpture Trail, which is a real delight and a relief to the senses in a country that generally is oblivious to urban beauty, style and aesthetics.
Perth is different, and worth exploring for that alone. No one will tell you that though (just me), in the tourist "industry", so millions visit scotland and remain oblivious to something fascinating.

Address: Perth City, all over.
Directions: Trust to chance, or contact the Tourist Info Office for a map.
Website: http://www.perthshire.co.uk

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Kinross house lies on the banks of Lochleven and was built by Sir William Bruce of Balcaskie in 1690.
This involved the relocation of parts of the town still on the headland, and significant development immediately outside the gates on the west side of the estate. Kinross House is now accessed from a side street in Kinross and through its gates the visitor can catch a distant glimpse of the first major house in Scotland not built as a castle.

The house itself is a private residence and not open to the public

The gardens are open April to September
Admission Charge £2,50

Directions: Kinross village, Lochleven, just off the M90
Website: http://http://www.kinrosshouse.com/

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Lochleven Castle is forever asociated with taht of Mary Queen of Scots. After being defeated at the Battle of Carberry Hill in 1567, she was detained here for almost a year.
The castle sits on an island on the Lochleven Loch
While at Lochleven, Mary was confined to bed for long periods of time, and it is believed that she miscarried twins. Mary's ghost is still said to haunt the castle in search of her offspring.
The castle was originally built in 1257 and has changed hands many times between the English and Scots.

The castle, still in good order is maintained by Historic Scotland

Admission charge is £3.50, including the 15 minute boat trip over to the island.

Phone: 0778 040483
Directions: Reached by boat from Kinross, just off the M90 OS Ref. - NO 137 017

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Kincraig wildlife park is a must see. Very educational for kids and adults. Lots of history charting past & present native species.
The wild cats are simply beautiful.....but the ducks.stole the show!!

Address: Kincraig, Kingussie, Inverness-shire
Website: info@highlandwildlifepark.org