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4 Stars - 40 Opinions
November in the Highlands
Nature builds the best bridges
Kinnoull Tower
Burleigh Castle
It may seem a little incongruous but i like the juxtaposition of sculpture with shop signs.
This is the very centre of Perth, and the usual "meeting place", and this sculpture (see Must Do tips about the Sculpture Trail in Perth) is quite fascinating.
All the locals take it for granted, yet it is part of everyday life, and it speaks so much.
A rarity. The piper is one of the Atholl HIghlanders - a member of one of the few private armies still in existence in the UK. This privilege was granted to the Duke of Atholl following a visit by Queen Victoria back in 1844.
There is the "Calyx", Cherrybank Gardens and Branklyn gardens (NTS) but also many more beautiful gardens managed by the council - and in July / August the town is festooned with displays and hanging flower baskets.
Perth centre is between two parks, the North and South Inches, with sports fields, mature trees of all species, and public horticulture. It is very peaceful and best enjoyed by walking - one day can be enjoyed delighting in this, combined with heritage, architecture and ending in a nice cafe, bar or picnic beside the River Tay.
Allow a day - it need not cost anything and is most relaxing - quite unlike most rushed, frenetic tourism. Time to get back to being on holiday! (Of course, I live here, perpetually on holiday).
Perth: Travel Tips for Beautiful Scotland
- Perth, 40 miles north of Edinburgh, is really where Scotland began, but its too modest a place to promote it, or sell itself to tourism.
Perth is a significant place, that grew up as a town on the River Tay, a historic port, meeting place and former "capital", where Kings started the Scottish Nation. A place where later Kings met, were "assassinated" and religious plots began. It prospered as a dynamic medieval trading and commercial centre - and remains busy but modest today.
With most historic sites marked by plaques, because they have been built upon by later occupiers (even these later buildings are 'old' and very appealing), no-one thinks to talk of the significance of Perth.
However, because the site lies close to the river, waterlogged soil has preserved medieval remains in superb condition - and Perth is an archaeologist's delight. Each time a new building was erected an archeaological dig unearthed evidence of lifestyles, trade and fashion of national significance. There may not be much remaining on the surface, but a walk around Perth is, with a little imagination, like stepping back in time. The streets still follow the medieval grid pattern giving a real 'sense' of history. Alley ways and names reveal it past - Skinnergate, Cut Log Vennel, Mercat cross.
Today, Perth is charming, unassuming, relaxing, fascinating and full of interesting places, but you have to go looking for it, because Perth and its people don't show off.
Perthshire encompasses most of the catchment area of the River Tay. This area is therefore also called Tayside (beside the Tay). Have a look at my Tayside Page for places to see close by.
After reading my Perth & TaysideTips, I recommend reading my Scotland Travel Tips
News! - G8 Summit 2005 coming to Gleneagles - Perthshire!
In addition to all my tips and photographs - See www.perthshireg8.com for detailed information and pictures! (The banner photos on this site refresh - it's the best photo overview of Perthshire you'll ever see).
The original 'seat of power', the Stone of Destiny is a cut block of granite (now securely housed in Edinburgh Castle) upon which the early Kings were throned.
The history surrounding the Stone, the myths and the grounds of Scone Palace (modern construct on the site of original Abbey) are well worth exploring.
Look at www.scone-palace.net
The Centre of Perth is small and cosy, relaxed and a delight to explore. Many shops are still small, family run and unique (if more expensive than huge stores) - giving a comfortable, if sleepy and unhurried feel.
This picture was taken after the shops had closed, to avoid pictures of people, so you can see the architecture and the "mood".
*See my tips for many more pictures and useful information.
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