Sandwiched between the enduring beauty of Glencoe and the soaring Cairngorms National Park, Pitlochry is a small town in an epic setting. In whichever direction you point your compass in this part of Highland Perthshire, inspiration lies: enchanting woodland, glassy lochs and towering peaks. Not to mention artisan distilleries for raising a wee dram at your journey’s end.
HISTORY
Every corner of 13th-century Blair Castle has a tale to tell – whether it’s the tapestries that belonged to Charles I (and ended up in Paris after he lost his head) or the muskets fired at the Battle of Culloden. Trace Scottish history across its rooms, before crossing to Scone Palace to see where Scots Kings were crowned for centuries. Picture Robert the Bruce beneath rippling flags and (the real) Macbeth ascending Moot Hill. Then stand before the mystery-shrouded Stone of Destiny – now lying at Perth Museum.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Line the streets on any Monday evening in the summer, and the air will be filled with the sound of pipers piping. Highland Nights is a Pitlochry institution, as country dancers, local singers and even accordionists don their clan tartan to march through town. The season draws to a close with September’s Highland Games, where the caber is tossed, hammer thrown and tug o’war competition is accompanied by the beat of the drum majors. Come autumn, enter the Enchanted Forest for magical illuminations. .
NATURE
The unmistakable scent of Scots pine in Faskally Forest. The crooked tooth-like stone paths that lead up to Ben Vrackie’s peak. The bob of wild mountain hares. This is Scotland at its sense-stirring best. Strike out into the Cairngorms for simply spectacular hiking, across the Lochnagar corrie and beyond. Or for something a little closer to town, the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder promise a gentle (but no less glorious) walk – where you may catch the silvery glint of salmon leaping upstream.
Setting a truly beautiful stage, Pitlochry Festival Theatre is perched in the Highland hills – with a vibrant cultural programme curated by Alan Cumming.
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