The region of Perthshire could be considered the heart of Scotland, with its central location encircled by the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee, Fife and Stirling. Perthshire sits on a geological fault line between the highlands and lowlands, which over millennia have shaped the mountains and valleys, lochs and rivers – including the River Tay - that characterise the area.

Perthshire is a hub for those that enjoy the outdoors, with a massive choice of activities on offer. These include adventure sports, gliding, fishing, golf, cycling or hiking. The area is also ideal for enjoying Scotland’s natural beauty, with many bird and plant species amidst the flora and fauna, or a little history harking from the region’s Stone Age, Iron Age and Roman occupations.

Perth is probably the best-known town in Perthshire. Perth has an extensive royal history thanks to its position as the former capital of Scotland. Scone Palace, once the spot where Kings of Scotland were crowned, is a popular visitor attraction. Perth is also a transport hub and a convenient place to stop while travelling through Scotland.

Perthshire is filled with small and pretty towns in which to spend an afternoon. For example, the Victorian-founded Pitlochry is a good base for exploring the highlands, and hiking on the Ben Vrackie Mountain. Pitlochry Dam is also a visitor site, and the area holds a well-attended annual Autumn Festival.

Those looking to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding of Glenshee Ski Resort often descend on the east Perthshire town of Blairgowrie. This, along with Blairgowrie’s role in the fruit industry, producing raspberries and strawberries, makes Blairgowrie the second largest town in Perthshire.

West of Blairgowrie sits Dunkeld and Birnam. These little towns are positioned facing each other on opposite banks of the Tay. Dunkeld is filled with traditional buildings dating back to the 1700s and carefully restored by the National Trust of Scotland. Birnam is also Victorian in origin, although Birnam Wood was mentioned many years earlier in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Birnam is also famous for its links to Beatrix Potter, who spent many summers there during which she was inspired to create the Peter Rabbit stories.

Another town worth mentioning is Crieff, just outside of which is the Glenturret Distillery. The Glenturret Distillery is home to the five-star Scottish Tourist Board-awarded Famous Grouse Experience and an important part of Scotland’s whisky heritage.