Perthshire Visitor Attractions

A few Perthshire Visitor Attractions.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Located in Pitlochry, founded in 1951, the theatre is one of the finest attractions in the local area. Known as 'Scotland's Theatre in the Hills' the theatre shows a wide selection of plays ranging from farce and comedy to tragedy, catering for appreciative audiences which return every year to enjoy this theatre's special strengths. In addition to performances in the main auditorium the main season also features regular Foyer events, Concerts, Art and Craft demonstrations and pre-performance entertainment. And there is now a winter season programme.

Pitlochry Dam. Located in Pitlochry, each year between April and October an average of 5,400 salmon fight their way upstream from Atlantic feeding grounds to spawn in the upper reaches of the River Tummel. They must by-pass the Hydro-Electric dam at Pitlochry by travelling through the interconnected pools that form the Pitlochry "fish ladder" up and around the dam. Three resting pools provide patches of slack water for a break in the struggle against the current. The flow from the bottom of the fish ladder attracts the salmon into the first pool and from there they rise in steps through connecting pipes from pool to pool until they have climbed the height of the dam. Witness all at a very special attraction.

Blair Castle. Located five miles to the North of Pitlochry, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Blair castle enjoys one of Scotland's finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. With its roots in the 13th century, Blair Castle's history extends over some 740 years, during which time it has welcomed countless generations of visitors. At the gateway to the Grampian Mountains on the route north to Inverness, the location was highly strategic. Today we can enjoy the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape but centuries ago it was a threatening and dangerous place.

Queens View, Loch Tummel. Located approximately five miles North of Pitlochry, the spectacular view, considered one of the most famous in Scotland, is just one of the scenic views to be seen. There is now an exhibition and audio visual display "The cradle of Scottish Forestry" telling the history of people and forests in Highland Perthshire. There are the usual facilities such as tea room, toilets and shop (wheelchair access to all facilities) and car park. There is a car park charge (£1 at the time of writing) which includes entry to the exhibition and helps to maintain the site.

The Pass of Killiecrankie. Located three miles North of Pitlochry, The Pass of Killiecrankie, is renowned for its outstanding beauty and natural history. It has been gouged into the landscape by successive ice ages and meltwaters. The River Garry flows at the bottom of the Pass, while ancient mixed woodlands dominate the sides. Located 3 miles north of Pitlochry the site is owned and managed by The National Trust for Scotland.

Killiecrankie Visitor Centre. Located three miles North of Pitlochry, the Killiecrankie centre was the first purpose built countryside visitor centre in Scotland and provides the visitor with the opportunity to discover about the formation and history of the Pass, to experience the sights and sounds of its wildlife and to delve into the gory history of the Battle of Killiecrankie (1689). The centre holds the Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award for excellent environmental management.

Castle Menzies. Located south of Pitlochry. Built in the late 16th Century and the seat of the chiefs of the Clan Menzies. Menzies castle was occupied by Cromwell's General Monck in the 1650s and by the Jacobites in 1715.Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here in 1746 but in revenge the family were thrown out and the castle used by Hanoverian forces.Much of the present castle dates from around 1840 when extended during the Victorian era.During WWII it was used by the Polish Army. Now a clan centre for the Clan Menzies Society who acquired the castle in 1957.

House of Bruar. Located ten miles North of Pitlochry, the House of Bruar offers a variety of quality goods ranging from textiles to food to art, from wild flowers to all that is best from the Scottish countryside. Many of the items, especially the quality clothing is available.

The Falls of Bruar. Located ten miles North of Pitlochry, The Falls of Bruar walk - located just adjacent to The House of Bruar, a very tranquil and relaxing walk through a gourge of great natural beauty. Bruar gorge is a living memorial to the poet Robert Burns, who came here in 1787 to admire the falls. Burns wrote The Humble Petition of Bruar Water in which he urged the 4th Duke of Atholl to plant its, at the time, bleak banks with trees. The Duke duly obliged in 1796.

Bells Blair Athol Distillery. Located in Pitlochry, one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Here in Pitlochry, you can see the distillers utilising the most valuable of local resources, the crystal clear waters of the Allt Dour, the burn of the otter. After absorbing a few secrets of the distiller's art on a leisurely conducted tour, you can mull over the distinctive character of the finished article as you sip your complimentary dram. You'll find the doors of this Perthshire Distillery open to visitors all year round.

Edradour Whisky Distillery. Just outside of Pitlochry, Edradour hold's the proud distinction of being the smallest distillery in Scotland. They are also the last original 'farm' distillery in Perthshire. You'll find Edradour nestling in a pocket glen in the hills above Pitlochry in the Southern Highlands.

Ben Vrackie. Standing 2759ft above Pitlochry, Ben Vrackie is one of the most popular walks starting above Pitlochry. On a clear day the summit represents one of the very best view's of the surrounding area. Take the East Moulin Road from the centre of Pitlochry up to the pretty village of Moulin. From behind The Moulin Inn follow the road up to the car park, sign posted "Ben-y-Vrackie". The height, gradient and very good path means the summit is accessible in most weathers.

Pitlochry Golf Course. Designed by Willie Fernie and established in 1908, Pitlochry is a neat little course located at the north end of the village off the A924. A gradual climb over the first three holes is well rewarded by the view from the fourth. Generous fairways and many natural hazards make this an ideal holiday course. A number of open tournaments are held here throughout the golfing season, including the Pitlochry Golf Week.

Scone Palace. Scone Palace outside Perth is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield, the Ancient Crowning Place of the Kings of Scots, beginning with Kenneth MacAlpin and including Robert the Bruce, and the original home of the Stone of Destiny.

Aberfeldy Distillery. Aberfeldy Distillery was constructed somewhere around 1896-97, depending on your source, but opened for production in 1898. Aberfeldy is located in the rasberry-growing region of Scotland and overlooks the Tay Valley. The red squirrel on the label is inspired by the beautiful woodland setting that borders the distillery and is home to a colony of rare red squirrels. The distillery has been in continuous production since its inception, except for a short period during World War II.

Drummond Castle and Gardens. Drummond Castle was built by the Drummonds from Stobhall in 1491. After it was built, the castle became the residence and seat of the family. The castle itself is located outside of Crieff, 25 miles away from Stobhall, which is near Perth on the river Tay. The original portions of the castle are a classical tower keep that is found frequently in Scotland.

Loch Tay. Loch Tay is sixteen miles long and at its widest is more than a mile across. It runs from the south west (Killin) to the north east ( Kenmore ) and is flanked on either side by mountains. These include the Munros of Ben Lawers and Meall Greigh. On the north side is the main A827 road which also links Killin and Kenmore and is an important east-west corridor. On the south shore is a single track road which, although it takes longer, offers some fine views Loch Tay is renowned for its water sports, including River and Loch Tay salmon fishing, canoeing, paragliding, rafting, yachting and pleasure boating.

Perth Farmers' Market. At Perth Farmers' Market on the first Saturday of each month there is an abundance of fresh ingredients and quality products. From slabs of fresh red meat and slippery oysters to green, leafy veg to home made cakes, pies and wines you will find everything you need to create delicious meals.

Perth Theatre. Perth Theatre is a well-used and much-loved theatre. It has a charming Edwardian auditorium and contemporary front of house, backstage and production facilities, with rehearsal studio, wardrobe, construction workshops and paintshops on site. Perth Studio Theatre is currently home to Perth Youth Theatre (PYT) and is used as a rehearsal space. There are plans afoot to upgrade the studio for small-scale activities - intimate concerts, comedy, jazz, book events, children's theatre, music and drama clubs and workshops.

The Rosemount Golf Course. There are two eighteen hole courses at the Blairgowrie Golf Club, the Rosemount designed by James Braid and the Lansdowne designed in the 1970's by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas. In addition there is an excellent 9 hole course, The Wee Course, so it is easy to arrange a full day's golf at Blairgowrie.The Rosemount is a beautiful heathland course lined with forest of pine and silver birch, and is one of the most admired in this area. There is a liberal sprinkling of heather, broom and gorse off the fairways which at the right time of year add considerable colour to a lovely setting.

Big Tree Country. Visit some of the most remarkable trees and woodlands anywhere in Europe. Travel along our leafy country roads and explore remnants of Scotland's ancient wildwood, discover where modern forestry began in this country, marvel at the stunning specimens they introduced from around the world and perhaps have a close encounter with some of our woodland wildlife. Just a short walk from the city of perth is Europe's oldest tree, the world's highest hedge, Britain's tallest tree, the sole survivor from Shakespeare's 'Birnam Wood', and Europe's oldest living thing.