Sights in Perthshire & Kinross
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Scone Palace
'So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.' This line from Macbeth indicates the importance of this place (pronounced 'skoon'), 2 miles north of Perth. The palace itself was built in 1580 on a site intrinsic to Scottish history. Here in 838, Kenneth MacAlpin became the first king of a united Scotland and brought the Stone of Destiny, on which Scottish kings were ceremonially invested, to Moot Hill. In 1296 Edward I of England carted the talisman off to Westminster Abbey, where it remained for 700 years before being returned to Scotland.
These days, however, Scone doesn't really conjure up ye olde days of bearded warrior-kings…
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Castle Menzies
About 1½ miles west of town by the B846, Castle Menzies is the impressive restored 16th-century seat of the chief of the clan Menzies (ming-iss). The Z-plan tower house is magnificently located against a backdrop of Scottish forest. And inside it doesn’t disappoint: the place smells just like a castle should – musty and lived in. It reeks of authenticity despite extensive restoration work and is a highly recommended ramble. Check out the fireplace in the dungeon-like kitchens and the gaudy great hall upstairs, with windows unfurling a ribbon of lush, green countryside extending into wooded hills beyond the estate. You’ll get in for free if you share a surname with the…
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Black Watch Museum
Housed in a mansion on the edge of North Inch, this museum honours what was once Scotland’s foremost regiment. Formed in 1725 to combat rural banditry, the Black Watch fought in numerous campaigns, re-created here with paintings, memorabilia and anecdotes. Little attempt at perspective is evident: there’s justifiable pride in the regiment’s role in the gruelling trench warfare of WWI, where it suffered nearly 30,000 casualties, but no sheepishness about less glorious colonial engagements, such as against the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzies’ of Sudan. In 2006 the Black Watch was subsumed into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland. There should be a cafe here by the time you read…
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Highland Adventure Safari
Highland Adventure Safari is ideal for those wanting to spot some wildlife or simply enjoy Perthshire’s magnificent countryside. Standard trips include the 2½-hour Adventure Safari for £35/13.50 per adult/child, which includes a dram in the wilderness, and the Safari Hike for £60, which includes a walk in the mountains and a picnic. Wildlife you may spot includes golden eagles, osprey and red deer. There’s also gold-panning for kids at the visitor centre. It’s on the B846, just past Castle Menzies.
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JD Fergusson Gallery
Beautifully set in the round waterworks building, this gallery exhibits much of the work of the Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson in a most impressive display. Fergusson spent time in Paris, and the influence of artists such as Matisse on his work is evident; his voluptuous female portraits against a tropical-looking Riviera background are memorable, as is the story of his lifelong relationship with noted Scottish dancer Margaret Morris.
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Lochleven Castle
Evocative Lochleven Castle served as a fortress and prison from the late 14th century. Its most famous captive was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was incarcerated here in 1567. Her famous charms bewitched Willie Douglas, who managed to get hold of the cell keys to release her, then rowed her across to the shore. The castle is now roofless but basically intact and makes an atmospheric visit. A bistro by the ferry dock, near the centre of Kinross, serves decent light meals and you can rent bikes here (£20 per day).
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St John's Kirk
Daunting St John's Kirk, founded in 1126, is surrounded by cobbled streets and is still the centrepiece of the town. In 1559 John Knox preached a powerful sermon here that helped begin the Reformation, inciting a frenzied destruction of Scone abbey and other religious sites. Perth used to be known as St John's Town after this church; the football team here is still called St Johnstone.
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Scottish Crannog Centre
Just outside Kenmore on Loch Tay is the fascinating Scottish Crannog Centre. A crannog, perched on stilts in the water, was a favoured form of defence-minded dwelling in Scotland from the 3rd millennium BC onwards. This one has been superbly reconstructed, and the guided tour includes an impressive demonstration of firemaking. It’s an excellent attraction.
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Killiecrankie Visitor Centre
Located in a beautiful, rugged gorge, 3.5 miles north of Pitlochry, this visitor centre has great interactive displays on the Jacobite rebellion and local flora and fauna. There’s plenty to touch, pull and open – great for kids. There are some stunning walks into the wooded gorge, too; keep an eye out for red squirrels.
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Heathergems
Just behind the tourist office, Heathergems is a factory outlet of a most unusual and beautiful form of Scottish jewellery. The jewellery is made from natural heather stems, which are dyed and pressed to create colourful, original pieces. You can view the jewellery being made through windows into the workshop.
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Queen’s View Visitor Centre
Queen’s View Visitor Centre, at the eastern end of Loch Tummel, has a magnificent outlook towards Schiehallion (1083m). There are displays and audiovisual programmes about the area. The centre highlights the brilliant forward thinking of the replanting of Tay Forest 300 years ago. The results are all around.
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Perth Museum
The city's main museum is worth wandering through for the elegant neoclassical interior alone. There's a varied shower of exhibits, ranging from portraits of dour lairds to interesting local social history. A geological room provides more entertainment for the young, while there are often excellent temporary exhibitions.
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Blair Castle
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, magnificent Blair Castle – and the 108 square miles it sits on – is the seat of the Duke of Atholl, head of the Murray clan. It’s an impressive white building set beneath forested slopes above the River Garry.
The original tower was built in 1269, but the castle has undergone significant remodelling since. Thirty rooms are open to the public and they present a wonderful picture of upper-class Highland life from the 16th century on. The dining room is sumptuous – check out the 9-pint wine glasses – and the ballroom is a vaulted chamber that’s a virtual stag cemetery.
The current duke visits the castle…
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Explorers Garden
At the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, this excellent garden commemorates 300 years of plant collecting and those who hunted down ‘new’ species. The whole collection is based on plants brought back to Scotland by Scottish explorers.
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Edradour Distillery
This is proudly Scotland’s smallest distillery and a great one to visit: you can see the whole process, easily explained, in one room. It’s 2.5 miles east of Pitlochry, along the Moulin road, and it's a pleasant walk.
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Bell’s Blair Athol Distillery
One of two distilleries around Pitlochry, this one is at the southern end of town. Tours focus on whisky making and the blending of this well-known drop. More detailed private tours give you greater insights and superior tastings.
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Fish Ladder
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