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The Highland border cuts diagonally across Scotland from Dumbarton to Stonehaven, dividing the county of Perthshire into two distinctive regions. Highland Perthshire, spreading north of a line from Comrie to Blairgowrie, is a land of mountains, forest and lochs, with some of the finest scenery in the UK. The ancient city of Dunkeld, on the main A9 road from Perth to Inverness, is the main gateway to the region.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Highland Perthshire.
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Opened in 2017, this architecturally stunning visitor centre is perched above the dam on the River Tummel, and houses an exhibition that details the history of hydroelectricity in Scotland, alongside the life cycle of the Atlantic salmon (all hydro stations need a fish ladder to allow salmon to migrate upstream past the dams). Includes an excellent cafe.
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This is proudly Scotland’s smallest and most picturesque distillery and one of the best to visit: you can see the whole process, easily explained, in one building. It’s 2.5 miles east of Pitlochry by car, along the Moulin road, or a pleasant 1-mile walk.
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The beautiful, rugged Pass of Killiecrankie, 3.5 miles north of Pitlochry, where the River Garry tumbles through a narrow gorge, was the site of the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie that ignited the Jacobite rebellion. The visitor centre has great interactive displays on Jacobite history and local flora and fauna. There's plenty to touch, pull and open – great for kids. There are some stunning walks along the wooded gorge, too; keep an eye out for red squirrels.
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This gem of a garden is based around plants brought to Scotland by 18th- and 19th-century Scottish botanists and explorers such as David Douglas (after whom the Douglas fir is named), and celebrates 300 years of collecting and the 'plant hunters' who tracked down these exotic species.
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Tours here focus on whisky making and the blending of this well-known dram. More detailed private tours give you greater insights and superior tastings.
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This combined art gallery, interpretation centre and bookshop is run by environmental charity the John Muir Trust. It stages exhibitions of contemporary landscape art, and sells maps, walking guides, and wildlife- and environment-related books.
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Located near the site of the Battle of Killiecrankie, 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.