Often called the Fair City, Perth, Scotland is a city of about 45,000 people. It is located in the Scottish Lowlands on the banks of the scenic River Tay. There is evidence that people lived in this area as far back as 7000 B.C. The name of the town is believed to have come from the Pictish word meaning "wood", but the Romans did have a fort here, which they called Bertha. Just two miles from Perth was the first capital of Scotland, established at Scone in 845. Viking raiders were defeated at Perth in the Battle of the Danes in 900. Perth was flooded by the River Tay in 1210 and a new town was built, but it still remained as the capital until 1452. During the 13th century, this town was the site of English occupation and was recaptured by Robert the Bruce in 1313. It changed hands several times over the course of history until Scotland was united with England.
Feuds between the clans were common and it was in Perth that the final combat was held with the Battle of the Clans between Clan Chattan and Clan Kay. Even though this was an event watched by many, even the King, it also resulted in a great loss of life. It was in Perth that John Knox started the Protestant Reformation in 1559. His sermon sparked rioting that destroyed much of the historic monastic property. The green surroundings of this city make it very attractive for tourists to use as a base for any vacation. The wooded slopes of Kinnoull Hill will provide you with a panoramic view of the Perthshire Hills, Fife and the Carse of Gowrie. Shopping is a delight in the many specialty stores in High Street and the St. John's Shopping Centre. Tourists love the Arts and Crafts market held by the Perth City Hall and the Farmer's Market is held every Saturday during the summer. Here you will get a chance to sample the fine produce of the area and the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts.
For history lovers, there are many historic sites to visit that will certainly take up a lot of your time. Visit Scone Palace, the place where the Kings of Scotland were crowned. Although it is privately owned by the Earls of Mansfield, visitors are welcome to tour the stately mansion and imagine themselves living in the midst of royalty. See artefacts from the Stone Age when you visit the Kincross Museum. Here you will also see paintings, embroidery, ancient farm tools and much more giving you details about life as it once was in and around Perth. You will not lack for exercise on your vacation to Perth. In addition to walking about the town, you can enjoy ice skating and bowling at the Dewar's Centre and since you are on the River Tay, take in some salmon fishing in the premier fishing spot in the world. Take in some horseracing at the Perth Racecourse or tee off at one of the four golf courses. When your day is over, you can relax in one of the many hotels and guesthouses you find in this city. You will be thrilled at the service and will certainly make plans to return.
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Southern Perthshire Tourism Association - The Southern Perthshire Tourism Association represents the area of Auchterarder, Greenloaning, Braco, Blackford, Gleneagles, Glen Devon, Aberuthven, Dunning and Forteviot.
