Places to Visit in Scotland
- The Fair City of Perth (2)
Scone Palace
It is however worth getting out of the city to experience the surrounding heritage. Two miles away is the most famous and unmissable - Scone Palace, originally the seat of Government and one of the most historically important places in the country. Scone was the capital of the Pictish Kingdom in the 6th century and home of the Celtic Church. Kenneth MacAlpin united Scotland and in 838AD placed the Stone of Scone on the Moot Hill, opposite the Palace entrance. This became the crowning place for all 42 Scottish Kings, on the fabled Stone of Destiny, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.
This Coronation stone was removed to Westminster Abbey by one of Scotland's most hated enemies, Edward 1, in 1296. It was only recently returned to Scotland and is now preserved at Edinburgh Castle. In 1651 the last coronation in Scotland took place when King Charles II was crowned by the Scots on the Moot Hill. Part of the church for this ceremony still remains, together with a replica of the Stone of Destiny.
Today the family home of the Earl of Mansfield, Scone Palace has magnificent collections of art, porcelain needlework and furniture, beautiful gardens stretching to 100 acres, full of roses, rhododendrons and bluebells, as well as strutting peacocks and highland cattle.
Sport
Perthshire is a sporting paradise especially for golfers with around 40 Golf courses, for the novice to the enthusiast, in idyllic parkland settings, scenic highland layouts and world famous courses, such as at Gleneagles.
Perth stands on one of the finest salmon fishing rivers in the country and this area is thus a mecca for the keen angler. The sport of kings still takes place at Perth Racecourse, situated near Palace Park. The oldest fixture is the Glorious Finale, held in the autumn each year. There are numerous activities for the athletic - mountain-biking, walking, horse-riding, canoeing, hang-gliding, flying lessons, river rafting, rock-climbing, water skiing and off-road driving - it's an adventure playground for everyone.
More Places to Visit
Bell's Cherrybank Gardens, Cherrybank.
Home of Bell's Scotch Whisky and Scotland's cherished National Heather Collection
Caithness Glass Visitors Centre, Inveralmond
See the skills of glassmakers. Well-stocked factory shop. Licensed restaurant. Audiovisual theatre. Admission free.Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth
Home of the Black Watch regiment in the 18th century.Huntingtower Castle
Though not as impressive as Scone, Huntingtower, three miles west of Perth is worth a visit. It consists of two complete towers, dating from the 15th century. Prior to the building of an linking bridge, legend has it that a daughter of the house once leapt between the two towers to avoid being caught in her lover's bedroom.
Elcho Castle
A few miles east of Perth, overlooking the river and across to Kinnoul Hill. Lots of stairs and battlements to roam around.
Perthshire Visitor Centre, Bankfoot
6 miles north of Perth, this is the "Macbeth Experience" - an audio visual presentation comparing Shakespeare's Macbeth with the Scottish king.Some Places to Stay
Salutation Hotel, 34 South Street, Perth.
Established 1699, reputed to have been visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie during the `45Jarvis Hotel, West Mill Street, Perth
Centrally located in converted 15th century water mill. 2 restaurants.Ballathie House Hotel, Kinclaven (2 miles north of Perth).
Country house hotel on the River Tay.Huntingtower Hotel, Crieff Road, Perth
Edwardian mansion.The Royal George Hotel, Tay Street, Perth
Traditional inn. Queen Victoria stayed here in 1848 when she visited Perth.New County Hotel, County Place, Perth
An independent hotel, privately owned and run in a central but quiet part of the city.Perthshire's Best
A range of graded B&Bs, hotels, guest houses and self catering properties, each with a photograph and price range.
Other Links
Tourist Information Centre - for all other information about where to go, what to do and where to stay in and around Perth.Scotland's Heart - some superb new package holidays designed for whatever kind of activity you would wish to enjoy, either energetic or relaxing.
The Real Perth - information on what's on in Perth and Perthshire, a Perth pub guide, an eating out guide, brief history of the town, a wee tour of the Fair City, local news, photographs and more.
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