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Perth
Welcome to the town that inspired Sir Walter Scott to pen 'The Fair Maid of Perth' which in turn inspired Bizet's opera. Once Scotland's Capital City, you will find that Perth enjoys an air of elegant prosperity and retains the genuine atmosphere of a true county town with a rich history and tradition of welcoming visitors. A climb or drive through the wooded slopes of Kinnoull Hill is an ideal introduction to Perth. Enjoy the breathtaking views to the north and west. Otherwise explore Perth on foot; perhaps you could follow the Old Perth Trail (leaflet available from Perth Tourist Information Centre). Perth has been a market town for hundreds of years. Today, long established family businesses, specialist retailers and familiar chain stores sit alongside one another on the traffic-free High Street and in St Johns Shopping Centre.
History lovers will find that Perth offers unsurpassed delights. Not to be missed is Scone Palace (pronounced Scoon) original home of Scotland's Stone of Destiny where 42 of Scotland's Kings were crowned. Other wonderful houses to visit include Elcho Castle, Huntingtower Castle, Megginch Castle at the Carse of Gowrie and last, but not least, Balhousie Castle, - home to the Black Watch Museum.
Colourful floral displays and wonderful lush green parklands enhance Perth. These parklands survive today as the North and South Inches; superb public parks. While here, also enjoy the kaleidoscope of colours at Perth's many gardens including Rodney, Branklyn and Cherrybank Gardens (the latter incorporates the Bells National Heather collections).
Reminders of medieval times are plentiful and in the city centre you will find the striking St John's Kirk. Around St John's Kirk and Perth City Hall is the perfect place to pause and soak up the atmosphere in one of the many restaurants and coffee shops of the Café Quarter. If you'd like to find out more about the area's rich agricultural heritage, a visit to the Perth Mart Visitor Centre is a must. Children will love the highland animals here. At the edge of town, the Caithness Glass Factory and Visitor Centre demonstrate the delicate skill of glassmakers, while in the town centre, Perth's Museum and Art Gallery offers a collection of fine and applied art. More paintings and works of art are to be found at The J.D. Fergusson Collection, situated within Perth's historic Round House.
Before leaving this wonderful area visit Abernethy; home to an 11th century Round Tower and local history Museum. Glenalmond is especially picturesque in Spring and Autumn while nearby Pitcairngreen is a pretty hamlet with an English-style village green. The hamlet of Rhynd on the outskirts of Perth is home to Elcho Castle.
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