Perthshire
Situated in the very heart of Scotland, Perthshire boasts some of the finest and most accessible scenery anywhere in the Scottish Highlands.
A mecca for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, Perthshire's outdoors is also perfect for those simply looking to appreciate the majesty of the glorious landscape.
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s national bard, Rabbie Burns, who dedicated a song to the Birks of Aberfeldy or, if you feel like going for a hill climb, tackle the summit of Ben Vrackie near Pitlochry. Whatever route you decide to take there is always the chance you might come across some wildlife, ranging from the majestic deer to the rare red squirrel as well as countless species of birds.
Perthshire offers a terrific mix of terrain that forms the playground for many outdoor pursuits. Try your hand at wet and wild canyoning in steep gorges or canoeing on the tranquil waters of Loch Tay. For the golfers, Perthshire is home to the championship golf course, Gleneagles, which will host the 2014 Ryder Cup.
There is a reason why Perthshire is known as the Big Tree Country. Here you will find some of the most remarkable trees, from the world's highest hedge, Europe's oldest tree, the widest conifer in Britain to the sole survivor from Shakespeare's Birnam Wood.
Perth is a fascinating city, ideal for a spot of shopping or a night at the theatre. Soak up the city’s architectural heritage with a visit to the Fergusson Gallery.
Nearby, you can discover the rich history of Perthshire with a visit to the beautiful Scone Palace, once the crowning site of the Scottish Kings and Queens.
Blair Castle is also a fine example of a Scottish castle, or if you wish to delve further back in time, pay a visit to the Crannog Centre on Loch Tay and discover a reconstructed Iron Age dwelling.
