PerthshireYour guide to perfect Perthshire

Work LiveDiscover

DISCOVERThe inner beauty of classic Scotland

EXPLOREDREAM

HelloWelcome to Perthshire.

We hope this magazine will give you aglimpse of the things that makePerthshire an unrivalled place todiscover, live or work.

From adrenaline-pumping adventuresports to ancient monuments, and so much in between – Perthshire hasan abundance of riches for you to discover.

Take a peek inside the lives of those whohave the privilege to call this place home,at the vibrant communities, rich cultureand wealth of opportunities.

And find proof that, whether yourbusiness is large or small, traditional orcutting edge, there is no need to be in thebig city to be innovative and successful.

So, whether this is your first visit, or youand your family have lived here forgenerations, we hope we can help youappreciate all that is here.

Enjoy reading the magazine– we know you’ll enjoyPerthshire.

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64DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Perth & Kinross Council and itspartners. Perth & Kinross Council does not endorse any goods or services advertised, nor any claims or representationmade in any advertisement that appears in the magazine and accepts no liability to any person for loss or damagesuffered as a consequence of their responding to, or placing reliance upon any claim or representation made in anyadvertisement. Readers should make appropriate enquiries and satisfy themselves before responding to any suchadvertisement, or placing reliance upon any such claim or representation. By so responding, or placing reliance, readersaccept that they do so at their own risk. Every effort has been made to ensure thatcontent is correct and accurate at time of going to press. On no account may any partof this publication be reproduced without the written permission of the copyholder andpublisher, application for which can be made to the Council. Written, designed andproduced by Connect Communications (Scotland) Ltd, www.connectcommunications.co.ukPublished by Perth & Kinross Council, 2 High Street, Perth PH1 5PH.Copyright Perth & Kinross Council, 2008.

03WHAT’S INSIDE

Fun for the whole family

The land of legends

Work, rest and play

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Chills and thrills

Rich diversity

05WELCOME

Sir Walter Scott once said: “If anintelligent stranger were asked to describe the most beautiful province inScotland, it is probable that he would

name the County of Perth.” Perthshire and Kinross-shire cover the heart of

Scotland. The outstanding natural beauty of thearea is incredibly varied, from the peaceful LochLeven in the south, with its island castle whereMary Queen of Scots was imprisoned, to the wildbeauty of Loch Tummel and Rannoch Moor inthe north west. There is a diverse mix of scenery,with the rolling farmland divided by sparklingsalmon rivers giving way to the foothills of theGrampians, where ospreys and golden eagles canbe seen, and ultimately to snow-cappedmountains – home of the ptarmigan andmountain hare.

The Fair City of Perth, once the capital ofScotland, and for centuries Scotland’s second city,is an historic town. Here is St John’s Kirk, wherethe confrontation between Jenny Geddes and JohnKnox sparked the Reformation in Scotland, andhere also, across the river, is Scone Palace andMoot Hill where Robert the Bruce was crowned.Around Perth are dotted small market towns andlarge castles, conservation villages and adventuresports centres, golf courses, magnificent hotelsand a network of footpaths and cycle tracks.

Perthshire’s unique quality of life attracts a widerange of dynamic entrepreneurs and forward-looking businesses. Food, drink and tourismdominate the economy and complement eachother, with the best of Perthshire’s produce beingserved in its hotels and restaurants. The strongeconomy supports a thriving arts and culturalscene and a host of speciality shops. There are twoimportant theatres – in Pitlochry and Perth itself– museums, art galleries and, of course, Perth’sstate-of-the-art Concert Hall. This hosts a veryvaried programme from the best Europeansymphony orchestras to rock and folk concerts.

From Perthshire, Scotland reaches out to the world.

Provost John Hulbert

Just what you’d expect from the heart of Scotland

a warmWELCOME

John Hulbert

THIS &THAT

There are more than 3000 listed buildings in

Perth and Kinross, of which 18 are castles.

Some of them you’ll be able to stay in, along

with another 170 four and five-star hotels in

the area. There are around 40 Munros* and

Corbetts* within half an hour’s drive of Perth,

or if you prefer a more horizontal walk, there

are also 40 superb golf courses. For an even

more leisurely pursuit, you could try your luck

salmon fishing on the Tay, where the largest

fish caught weighed 64lbs. What better

way to wash that down than with a dram of

the national drink from one of the 5 whisky

distilleries in the area?

*A Munro is a mountain that peaks over 3000ft, a

Corbett is between 2500ft and 3000ft high.

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Your Perthshire

Gallowglass

“It’severy-thingabout

Perthshire whichmakes it sofabulous – thepeople, the stunning scenery. Isuppose it’s the quality of the lifein Perthshire that’s so muchbetter than elsewhere.”

Pat Ayre

WELCOME06

Perth was the first Cittaslow city in Scotland, joining an

international network of more than100 towns and cities that arededicated to enhancing the quality oflife for residents and visitors alike.Cittaslow cities support localproducers, uphold local traditions,protect the environment, conservehistoric buildings and artefacts, andencourage everyone to be involved in the life of their community.

1

NevilMaskelyne

used themountainSchiehallion in1774 to estimatethe mass of theearth. Followingthe experiment,Schiehallionbecame the firstmountain to bemapped usingcontour lines.

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Locallegend

states thatFortingall inPerthshire wasthe birthplace ofPontius Pilatewho, accordingto the canonicalChristianGospels, presidedover the trial ofJesus andordered hiscrucifixion.

Loch Leven, near Kinross,is an important site for

thousands of wading, water and migrating birds.Loch Leven Castle, which is perched on a small islandin the water, was where Mary Queen of Scots wasimprisoned in 1567.

Rannoch Station, on the edgeof one of Europe’s last great

wildernesses, was used in a scenein Danny Boyle’s cult movieTrainspotting, starring EwanMcGregor (right).

Ewan McGregor is one ofPerthshire’s most famous

children. Others in the currentbrood include film and TV star Alan Cumming, golfer ColinMontgomerie, snooker championStephen Hendry and comedianFred MacAulay.

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Despite being landlocked, the city of Perth has its own thriving harbour, using the Tay to transport and

receive cargos of more than 2000 tonnes at a time. TheTay is the largestriver in the UK with a catchment ofapproximately2000 square milesand at more than120 miles, it’s alsothe longest inScotland.

At the last census in 2001, Perth and Kinross had a total of just under 136,000 residents, spread

out across 3285 square miles. The largest town andadministrative centre, Perth, has a population of around 45,000.

2Bruar Water, the waterfall nearBlair Atholl, inspired Scots poet

Robert Burns to scribe The HumblePetition Of Bruar Water in 1787 (seebelow). During the same tour hegave locals the immortal toast: “Thegrace be – Atholl’s honest men, AndAtholl’s bonnie lasses!”

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THINGS10

The Stone of Destiny, or the Coronation Stone, was historically kept at the now-ruined abbey in

Scone, near Perth. It was used for centuries in thecoronation of the monarchs of Scotland, the monarchs ofEngland, and, more recently, British monarchs. Long a symbol ofScottishnationhood,it is now ondisplay atEdinburghCastle.

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The Humble Petition Of Bruar Water (excerpt)

Would then my noble master please To grant my highest wishes, He'll shade my banks wi'tow'ring trees, And bonie spreading bushes. Delighted doubly then, my lord, You'll wander on my banks, And listen mony a grateful bird Return you tuneful thanks.

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you might not have known about Perth and Kinross

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ECO-TOURISM0808

Aberfeldy: The area aroundAberfeldy boasts Perthshire’s highest mountain, deepest loch,longest glen and unrivalled outdoorrecreation. Explore Castle Menzies,St Mary’s Church at Grandtully,Dewar’s World of Whisky and LochTay’s unique Scottish CrannogCentre. Or follow in the steps ofRobert Burns by taking a walk to seethe Birks o’ Aberfeldy and the Fallsof Moness, which are among themost spectacular and accessiblewaterfalls in Perthshire.

Auchterarder: Known locally as The Lang Toon (thanks to itsextended High Street), the quality of its shops make Auchterarder awindow shopper’s paradise! Nearest town to the world-famous Gleneagleshotel and resort.

Ben Lawers and Loch Tay: Perthshire’s highest mountainoverlooks its largest loch.

Blair Atholl: Close to this handsome village is Blair Castle, themagnificent seat of the Dukes of Atholl where 32 rooms are open to the public.

Blairgowrie: Once a centre for growing flax, nowadays Blairgowrie is the focus of the Perthshire soft fruit growing industry. It is the main start point for the 60-mile circular Cateran Trail that walkers can follow around the historic drove roads used by brigands andcattle rustlers. Blairgowrie also acts as a gateway to Glenshee that caters for year-roundsports including skiing, golfing, mountain biking, abseiling, hang-gliding and paragliding. Close by, the village of Meikleour boasts theMeikleour Beech Hedge, which was planted in 1746 and at 30 metres tall,is officially recognised as the tallest hedge in the world.

Comrie: Comrie is a past winner in the Britain in Bloom campaign, and lies on the Highland Boundary Fault. If you are lookingfor something a little less ordinary, you should visit Britain’s firstseismological station at Earthquake House, which was built in 1874.

Crieff: Enjoy a taste of fine malt whisky atGlenturret, Scotland’s oldest distillery, or take afascinating stroll around Scotland’s oldest lendinglibrary at Innerpeffray. In the Battle of Flodden (1513),between the Scots and English, Crieff was devastatedby the loss of many local lairds and their followers.

Dunkeld: A cathedral town that was proclaimedthe first ecclesiastical capital of Scotland by thecountry’s first king, Kenneth MacAlpin. Stroll alongthe banks of the River Tay (Scotland’s longest river)and cross Thomas Telford’s Bridge, which leads to the

village of Birnam.See the BeatrixPotter Garden andExhibition, and walkto the Birnam Oak, afragment of ancientforest described inShakespeare'sMacbeth.

Fortingall: Home to a 5000-year-old yew treethat’s believed to be Europe’s oldest living thing.

Fowlis Wester: Once the centre of the Scottishweaving industry. The village is dominated by the13th century Church of St Bean’s. There has been achurch on this site for well over 1000 years.

LANDLEGENDS

An A-Z of the communities and landscapesthat make up Perth and Kinross

Your Perthshire

Bagpiper and pipe maker

Perthshire is beautifulscenically with lots ofoutdoor activities fromhillwalking to other

walking to kayaking and sailingand skiing and everything youcould possibly want. The key to itis an identifiable Highland culture. Yet you canjump on a train and be in Edinburgh in an hour and 20 minutes. It’s at the heart of things.”

Hamish Moore

of

09WELCOME

Kenmore: Home to the Scottish Crannog Centre. Thought to datefrom before 2000 BC, crannogs were built by dropping stones by boat tothe floor of the loch and driving piles and posts to support horizontalbeams. The biggest “crannog island” that can be seen today was theburial place of Queen Sybilla, wife of Alexander I, King of Scotland.

Kinloch Rannoch:Dominated by Schiehallion,one of Scotland’s best-knownand most popular mountainsand close to Rannoch Station.From here, the West HighlandRailway Line crosses one ofEurope’s last remainingwildernesses – Rannoch Moor.

Kinross: One of the town’s most unusual features is the steeplestanding by the Town House. When a church was designed in 1742without a steeple, a committee was formed to raise money to have oneadded. The money was raised but the church was moved, leaving thesteeple stranded! Kinross is the nearest town to Scotland’s biggest musicfestival, T in the Park, held every summer.

Kirkmichael: It’s thought the area has been settled since 200 BC. Although tranquil today, Kirkmichael has played its part in Scotland'shistory. Oliver Cromwell's troops were stationed in the village in 1653and a battle took place in the churchyard. It was in Kirkmichael thatclans sympathetic to the Jacobite cause mustered in 1715 beforemarching south.

Meigle: The village of Meigle has a collection ofancient stones, which representsome of the finest Pictishmonuments in Scotland.

Milnathort: Lying in theshadow of the Ochil Hills, thisvillage hosts a popular folk festival every spring.

Perth: A former capital ofScotland, rich in history with itseyes fixed firmly on the future.The state-of-the-art Concert Hallcomplements the much-lovedPerth Theatre, Museum and ArtGallery. With excellent shoppingand a wide variety of eateries, thecity was the first in Scotland tojoin the slow eating movement.

Pitlochry: A popular resortfor more than 100 years. Famousfor its Festival Theatre, salmonladder and woollens shops, thetown is well placed for exploringPerthshire. Learn the secrets ofmalt whisky at nearby BlairAtholl or see the stems ofheather being made into unique

jewellery at Heathergems. To thenorth is the Pass of Killiecrankie,scene of a famous battle.

Scone Palace: Now thehome of the Earls of Mansfield,the palace is steeped in history.Fifteen hundred years ago, it wasthe capital of the Pictish kingdomand the centre of the ancient Celticchurch. Since then, it has been theseat of parliaments and thecrowning place of kings. It housedthe Stone of Destiny – the seat onwhich monarchs were crowned –and was immortalised inShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Queen’s View: The vantagepoint at Queen’s View, reputed tobe a favourite spot of QueenVictoria, gives a spectacular andworld-famous outlook over LochTummel towards Glencoe.

Wade’s Bridge: Designedby William Adam, Wade’s bridgewas built in 1733 and still carriestraffic near Aberfeldy today. Thebridge was named after GeneralWade, who was appointed by theBritish government to oversee thebuilding of roads and bridgeslinking army garrisons across thehighlands in the wake of theJacobite rebellion of 1715.

GETTING AROUNDHere are the distances from Perth to some of the main townsaround the county and beyond:

Aberdeen 87 miles

Aberfeldy 32 miles

Auchterarder 14 miles

Blair Atholl 34 miles

Blairgowrie 16 miles

Crieff 18 miles

Dundee 26 miles

Dunkeld 14 miles

Edinburgh 43 miles

Fortingall 40 miles

Glasgow 62 miles

Inverness 113 miles

Kinloch Rannoch 51 miles

Kinross 17 miles

Milnathort 16 miles

Pitlochry 27 miles

Stirling 37 miles

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TRANSPORT10

Travelling around the regionis easy thanks to anextensive public transportnetwork that includes bus,

train and park and ride facilities. Here isa whistle-stop guide to the region’spublic transport facilities:

Train travelThere are seven stations in Perthshirethat transport travellers throughout theregion, Scotland and beyond.

Some of the journeys will take yourbreath away. Few stations are renownedfor their beauty, but a trip to RannochStation, on the picturesque WestHighland Railway line, is a must.Business travellers can take a directservice to Perthshire from major cities, while there is also a sleeper service for those who want to take amore leisurely trip and still arrive intime for breakfast.

Bus travelRegular buses ferry passengers to allcorners of Perth and Kinross.

There is a range of ticketing options, from special day rover passes and multi-journey tickets fortourists to commuter cards for regularpublic transport users. For example,Stagecoach Perth sells Megarider ticketsgiving unlimited travel on StagecoachPerth buses for a week.

For those wishing to go further,Scottish Citylink and National Expressoperate coaches in and out of Perthshireto every major city and town in Britain.

Park and rideParking the car and travelling to yourdestination on the bus is a popularoption in Perthshire. There are threepark and ride sites to choose from; theScone and Perth Park sites provide easyaccess to Perth city centre, while Kinrossoffers a service to Edinburgh as well assome local routes.

More informationThe Council provides full informationon public transport facilities on itswebsite www.pkc.gov.uk

GETTINGAROUNDin Perthshire

Rannoch Station on theWest Highland line

Situated in the very heart of Scotland,Perthshire has all the ingredients foreverything you would expect from afantastic Scottish holiday. Just a little

over an hour by road or rail from Glasgow orEdinburgh, Perthshire provides an idyllic breakfrom the norm.

Perthshire is a great location for a short breakor holiday – but perhaps I’m a little biased! Onmy own travels of Perthshire I never cease to beamazed by the range of attractions, things to seeand do and places to explore in an area that hasso much to offer.

Perthshire is one of Europe’s finest adventureplaygrounds. As well as the traditional activitiesof walking, cycling, angling and golf, Perthshirealso boasts an unrivalled range of uniqueoutdoor experiences, more than 35 in total.Why not try your hand at sphereing (far right),an activity unique to the area, revitalise thesenses with a cliff jump and a spot ofcanyoning or get closer to nature with aHighland Adventure Safari?

Those looking for a slightly more relaxed timewon’t be disappointed either. Famous the worldover for its superb natural environment andoutstanding tree and woodland heritage,Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country. Thelandscape boasts some of Europe’s mostremarkable trees and woodlands withspectacular seasonal colour changes. Throw inthe fact that most of the local woods, forests andcounty gardens are free of charge and you’rereally on a winner to finding some of the bestoutdoor spots in the country.

One of the many things that makes Perthand Kinross such a fantastic place to visit is thetremendous variety of events on offerthroughout the area every month of the year.Regular highlights include the Perth Festival ofthe Arts, the Scottish Game Fair, Perth Show,the Blair Castle International Horse Trials andCountry Fair and, of course, Scotland’s largestmusic festival, T in the Park at Balado, Kinross.

Highlights for the year include Perthshire

Archaeology Month, the Johnnie Walker (golf)Championship at Gleneagles and the ColinMcRae Forest Stages Rally, all confirmingPerthshire as a major events destination.

After such fun-packed days, what better wayto unwind and finish the day than with aleisurely meal? From pub grub to some ofScotland’s finest dining experiences, Perthshirehas a tremendous range of opportunities for

eating out and the emphasis here is very much on freshlocal produce.

Away from the leisuremarket, our popularitywith major corporations,political parties andscientific conventions,not to mention thehosting of the G8Summit in 2005, stands testament to theprofessionalism of servicesand conference venues. This,paired with the outstandingquality of our hotel accommodation,puts Perthshire high on the agenda in theconference sector.

Whatever the reason for a trip to Perthshire,be it business or pleasure, the area really doeshave it all, making it a “must visit” and mostdefinitely a “must return” destination.

OF MY WORLD

I never cease to be amazed by therange of attractions, things to seeand do and places to explore in anarea that has so much to offer”

Heart&soul

Head of local marketing, VisitScotland

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

To begin to discover therange of activities tokeep all ages and abilities amused,browse VisitScotland’swebsite dedicated toPerthshire:www.perthshire.co.uk e-mail: perth@visitscotland.comPhone: 0845 225 5121(+44 (0) 1506 832 121if outside UK)

Vicki Miller

Therange

of activitiesmake Perthshire anadventure hotspot

DISCOVER

Vicki Miller

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FEBRUARYScottish Snowdrop FestivalTaking place in gardens and woodlandsacross Perthshire over February and March. www.perthshire.co.uk

MARCHNiel Gow FestivalCelebrates the life and music of Perthshire'sfiddle legend. www.musicinscotland.com

APRILAnnual Celtic Food and Drink Festival Sample some of Perthshire’s finest plusmany other activities at the ScottishCrannog Centre. Tel 01887 830583, info@crannog.co.ukwww.crannog.co.uk

Glenfarg Folk FeastThis family event sees concerts, ceilidhs,song competitions and legendarysingarounds. Tel 01577 830370,www.glenfargfolkclub.co.uk

Perth Racing FestivalAn early highlight of the racing season. www.perth-races.co.uk

MAYScottish Open VolleyballTournamentThe largest volleyball event in the UK at theBell’s Sports Centre, Perth, held on the lastweekend of May. Tel 01738 622301, info@sovt.infowww.sovt.info

Central Scotland Horse Trials at Scone Palace Tel 07778 928115,jamesoakden05@aol.com, www.centralscotlandhorsetrials.co.uk

Etape CaledoniaBritain's first closed road cycle race open tothe general public. It offers the ordinarycyclists closed roads to cycle on in safety. www.etapecaledonia.co.uk

Perth Festival Once again set to thrill music and arts lovers at Perth Concert Hall and St John’s Kirk. Perth Festival Box Office 0845 612 6330,artsfestival@perth.org.ukwww.perthfestival.co.uk

Highland GamesThe Atholl Gathering is the first Highland Games of each year in Scotland, held on the last Sunday in May at Blair Atholl. Throughout the summer, manycommunities hold Highland games. For a sample, turn to pages 14 and 15

JUNE Pitlochry Golf WeekVarious competitions mixed with tuition andevening entertainment. Tel 01796 472862,pro@pitlochrygolf.co.ukwww.pitlochrygolf.co.uk

Perthshire Archaeology MonthGuidance on the best archaeological sites inthe area through guided walks, excavations,exhibitions and talks. Tel 01738 477081,DLStrachan@pkc.gov.ukwww.perthshire.co.uk/archaeology

Summer Solstice Live Musicand Real Ale FestivalMelodic sundown in Iron Age setting ofScottish Crannog Centre. Tel 01887 830583, info@crannog.co.ukwww.crannog.co.uk

Perth Gold CupThe busiest and most valuable day in theracing calendar. Tel 01738 551597 www.perth-races.co.uk

WHAT’S ON12

Your Perthshire“You’ve got room to breathe andit’s much nicer to drive on theroads here. It’s a really beautifulplace and the people are super.”

Anne Edgar

Whether you’re interested inworld-class piping or featsof strength, Perth andKinross has more than 700

local, national and international eventsevery year and we’ve picked out a few of the highlights.

For more details please visit thecorresponding websites, or call thenumber if listed.

For events in 2009 and beyond, visitwww.perthshire.co.uk

Whatever the weather, there’s always loads to do…

DULL MOMENTNEVERa

JULYThe Gleneagles Scottish PGAChampionshipThe flagship competition of the PGAScottish Region’s schedule. Tel 0800 704 705,resort.sales@gleneagles.comwww.gleneagles.com

The Great KindrochitQuadrathlonOne-day event including 1.35km swim in Loch Tay, 24km run over seven Munros, 11km canoe and 54km cycle. Tel 01567 820409,david@eventsandactivities.co.ukwww.eventsandactivities.co.uk

Scottish Game Fair, Scone Palace The Game Conservancy Fair is regardedas one of the main countryside events of the year.Tel 01828 650639, www.scottishfair.com

T in the ParkScotland’s biggest outdoor music festival,featuring more than 170 artists playing across11 stages at Balado, near Kinross.www.tinthepark.com

AUGUSTFestival of OrchidsIncludes displays at Scone Palace from six ofthe UK’s top orchid nurseries. Tel 01738 552300, visits@scone-palace.co.uk, www.scone-palace.co.uk

Johnnie Walker (Golf)Championship at GleneaglesTel 01764 694360,resort.sales@gleneagles.comwww.johnniewalkerchampionship.com

Perth ShowThe annual agricultural show features trade stands, craft and food fair,competitions with exhibitions and a rare breeds tent. Tel 01738 623780,secretary@perthshow.co.ukwww.perthshow.co.uk

Blair Horse TrialsTaking place in the grounds of Blair Castle,this annual three-day event tests theall-round ability of horse and rider. www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk

SEPTEMBER Doors Open DayThe annual chance to see inside historic and other interesting buildings not normallyopen, including Atholl Palace andGlenalmond College.Tel 0141 221 1466,dod@scottishcivictrust.org.uk

Colin McRae RallyThe final round in the Championship isbased in Aberfeldy and covers some ofBritish rallying's most famous forest stages.www.coltnesscarclub.co.uk

OCTOBEREnchanted Forest inFaskally WoodThis spectacular journey of light and soundhas increased in popularity over recent years. www.enchantedforest.org.uk

Blairgowrie and EastPerthshire Walking FestivalMore walks added to the busy schedule this year from easy riverside walks to Munro-bagging events. Guided night walks includedfor the first time.Tel 01828 640763,www.walkingfestival.org

Annual Crieff andStrathearn Drovers’ TrystThis event celebrates the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff thecrossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. Tel 01764 652578,www.droverstryst.co.uk

Glenfiddich PipingChampionshipsAt Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.Tel 01698 573 536, liz.maxwell@wgrant.com

Celtic Samhain FestivalCelebrate the ancient Celtic Hallowe’enfestival at the Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay, Kenmore.Tel 01887 830583, www.crannog.co.uk

Perthshire Amber FestivalThis festival is a celebration of the history,culture and musical heritage of the area andhas become a major event in the calendar. www.perthshireamber.com

NOVEMBERGalloway Antiques FairNationally known antiques and fine art dealersdisplaying a wide variety of items for sale.Tel 01423 522122,www.gallowayfairs.co.uk

Wild Harvest Food and Drink FairFeatures hot cordials, Scottish wines, spit-roast beast, clay baked fish, and more. Tel 01887 830583, www.crannog.co.uk

Christmas Craft MarketThirty stalls selling local crafts – ideal forChristmas presents or as a treat for yourself!www.perthcity.co.uk

DECEMBERChristmas WeekendA festive music programme provides theperfect backdrop for shopping in the gift and food shops and visiting Santa in hisgrotto at Scone Palace. Tel 01738 552300www.theoriginalwindows.com

HogmanayFlambeaux ProcessionThe Flambeaux is an ancient torchlightprocession originally performed to drive evil spirits from the village of Comrie.crieff@visitscotland.com

13WHAT’S ON

The enchanted forestlets you see trees in awhole new light

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T in the Park is Scotland’s biggest music festival

There areopportunities

to see rare andmigrating birds

at Loch LevenNature Reserve

A great day out, a great place tosocialise and meet your friendsand an entertaining spectacle – all are true of Highland Games.

Perthshire offers a regular helping ofHighland Games through the summer.Picturesque venues and family fun are all partof the attraction, according to Jean Swanstonof the Perthshire Highland Games Association(PHGA), the umbrella organisation for all thedifferent games in the area.

She said: “Every Highland Games event

you go to is different – they all have someelements in common, such as the piping, theHighland dancing and the heavyweight events,but the variety of events will vary.

“Some games make a bigger feature of thepipe bands or the track events, while at othersthe heavyweight athletes are the mainattraction. The venues too are all different –from small arenas by the river to venues with acastle as the back drop.

“The games are a great family day out.”The PHGA leagues run for the duration of

FLINGA Highland

Highland Games are a familiar and popular part of Scots culture for residents and visitors

Get out ofthe way!

GAMES14

15GAMES

the games season. There are leaguesconfined to Perthshire competitors in theheavyweight events and Highlanddancing, and a junior piping league is inthe planning stage.

The Association runs training days inthe winter so athletes can prepare for theheavyweight events under the tutelage ofworld champions. The coaching days andthe heavyweight league are sponsored byMiller Hendry, Tayside Solicitors andEstate Agents.

The social aspect to the Games issomething else Jean is keen to promote.

“You meet a lot of people and makefriends through going along to theHighland Games. We’re farmers so goingto the games is our ‘holiday’.

“I’ve been involved for more than 50years and I met my husband through theHighland Games – that’s actually quitecommon. A lot of people meet theirpartners through the games.”

Native New Zealander andheavyweight athlete Pete Hart originallycame to Scotland to play rugby.

Over the years he took part in tug o’ war competitions, but neverparticularly enjoyed it. Watching theheavyweight athletes, however, wassomething else. He reckoned he would toss a caber, tried it and washooked. He came top of the Perthshire Highland GamesHeavyweight league for the in 2006 and 2007, the same year he was ranked5th in the Glenfiddich Scottish open league.

“I’ve taken part in every PerthshireHighland Games since 2003,” said Pete.

“You meet some fantastic people andI enjoy beating them!

“Heavyweight events are verytechnical and I’ve benefited in recentyears through coaching by the worldrecord holder Bruce Aitken.

“We get a lot of support and helpfrom our sponsors Miller Hendry andI’d also like to thank my lovely wife andtwo sons for their backing.”

• Highland Games are said to date back tothe reign of King Malcolm III in the 11thcentury.• Highland dancing was traditionally doneby men only, but the first woman, JennyDouglas, entered the competition in the19th century and the majority of dancersnowadays are female.• Highland Games were a way for Scotsmen to practise their fighting skills whenthey were forbidden to carry arms duringtimes of English occupation and followingthe Jacobite wars of the 18th century.

HIGHLAND GAMES THROUGH THE AGES

To find outmore aboutthe PerthshireHighlandGamesAssociation,visit thewebsite: www.perthshirehighlandgames.co.uk

ACTIVITIES16

Scotland may be the home of golf andfishing, but Perthshire has carved out aniche for itself as the country’s adventure capital. Only an hour’s drive from

Glasgow and Edinburgh, Perthshire’s variedgeography makes it an ideal setting for the new wave of adventure sports which are attractingadrenaline junkies from around the world.

Perthshire lies on the Highland Boundary Fault, a geological event which fused the Highlands and Lowlands to provide the area with the mix of terrain which forms the playground for many of the outdoor pursuits, be they on land, water or in the air.

Nae Limits, based at Dunkeld, is one suchcompany that has embraced the concept of providing white knuckle experiences through its

ON TOP OF

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or an indulgentpamper, few places offer more ways to help you feel your best

wide range of extreme sports. White water raftingover swirling rapids is popular when rivers are in full spate, but when they are not, Nae Limitsintroduces groups to the excitement of canyoning along steep-sided eroded river channels, and evencliff jumping. It was also the first to introducesphereing to Scotland (see over).

Perthshire is home to the rivers Tay and Tummel and these provide great opportunities for all sorts of water sports, including an internationalkayaking festival.

For those people who like their kicks behind the wheel, Perthshire offers lots of on-road and off-road fun, from racing quad bikes up hills andlearning 4x4 driving skills, to enjoying the dramaticscenery and wildlife in mountain safaris.

The mountains are also a draw for keen climbers

17ACTIVITIES

the

Continued overleaf

and mountain bikers, and at Glenshee, on thePerthshire-Aberdeenshire border, there iseverything for people seeking winter sports such asskiing, snowboarding and ice-climbing over four mountains and three valleys.

If the mountains are not high enough for you,then take to the air in a microlight and you willappreciate a real eagle’s eye view of thisextraordinary region.

If, however, you are looking for a bit of serious‘me’ time, with fluffy towels, sensual oils and arelaxing massage in fabulous surroundings, thenPerthshire is the place.

The region not only boasts one of the world’sgreatest hotels, but a wide selection of salubrious 4 and 5-star country house venues for you to de-stress and enjoy the very latest in pampered spa treatments.

The great thing about staying in hotels withexclusive spas is that everything is on your doorstep. You can just breeze down for a swim,Jacuzzi, sauna or steam treatment, then lie back

and enjoy a bit of serious body indulgence – be it massage, aromatherapy, or a full beauty treatment.

It this all seems a bit genteel, you can go for agame of golf, fishing, off-road driving or shooting,though today more and more of us are discoveringthe benefit of a good massage and manicure!

Here are a few of Perthshire’s gems when it comes to state-of-the-art relaxation:● The Gleneagles Hotel, near Auchterarder, isinternationally renowned as one of the world’s finest luxury hotels and one of the world’s greatest golf resorts.

As you would expect from a 5-star hotel,Gleneagles has luxurious bedrooms and suites,wonderful restaurants and extensive onsite facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools. However, for pure self-indulgence, you should head for the sanctuaryof the Gleneagles Spa.

Treatments include Shiseido Qi massage,

WORLD

LIKE IT, LIVE ITThere really isNae Limit to theadrenaline-pumping adventures. For more information onthe range ofactivites, visit: www.naelimits.co.uk or call 0845017 8177

For an altogether moresedate – but noless satisfying –experience, youcould try the Spa atGleneagles.www.glenea-gles.com, or call 0800 389 3737.

Pictu

re co

urte

sy o

f VisitS

cotla

nd

ACTIVITIES18

Scottish baronial splendour, overlooking woodedparkland near the town of Pitlochry.

Originally opened as the Athole Hydropathic in Victorian times, its Lavender Spa has an extensive range of holistic, rejuvenating and anti-ageing treatments to enhance your health andbeauty: one involving an relaxing aromatherapymassage using a blend of geranium and rose essential oils then a rose quartz luxury facial toawaken your senses.● If you want a pampered weekend, but can’t find ababysitter, then head to the Crieff Hydro – anotheroriginal Victorian spa hotel that is popular withfamilies. There’s a choice of 213 en-suite bedroomsand lots of leisure and entertainment ideas to keepthe kids occupied while you enjoy the pool andbeauty treatments available.● Also in Crieff is the Roundelwood Health Spa at Knock Castle, which is another hotel thatoffers a peaceful setting for guests to unwind andrelax. However, unlike other spas, it offers completelifestyle packages, designed to help manage andimprove a range of health and lifestyle issues through five-day spa breaks.

So, whether it is a bit of simple pampering you need or a serious attempt to ease a health issue, Perthshire has all you need to rest the body and mind.

which works on acupressure points to ensure thatQi, or energy, can flow smoothly throughout thebody, to a wide range of revitalising and relaxingfrom aromatherapy massages to mud or algae body wraps. ● You can get some more 5-star pampering at theKinloch House Hotel, near Blairgowrie, set in 25 acres of woodland and parkland.

The 18-bedroom bijou hotel boasts a 35ft indoorswimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath andfitness room offering aromatherapy and Swedishmassage, Reiki healing, reflexology as well as facial treatments.● Kinnaird House is another Perthshire gem – an 18th-century mansion and a 5-star Relais andChâteaux hotel in a peaceful wooded valley on the banks of the Tay offering a wide range ofholistic massage or beauty treatment at its Retreat spa. ● Another luxury hotel on the River Tay is theHilton Dunkeld House Hotel, where its Living Wellhealth club offers aromatherapy, Swedish, hot stoneor head massage, plus facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures.

Perthshire also boasts two original Victorian spahotels that have been helping people relax for over150 years.● The 4-star Atholl Palace Hotel is the epitome of

The region boasts a wide selection of salubrious 4 and 5-starcountry house venues for you toenjoy the very latest in pampered spa treatments”

Continued from p17

19ACTIVITIES

A more unusual massageexperience, which will appeal topeople who are not comfortableabout being disrobed, is ‘TheEgg’ – an automated and privatemassage treatment pod.

Roundelwood Health Spa atKnock Castle in Crieff hasinstalled The Egg to offer atotally private, fuss-free and fullyclothed massage.

Simply step in, lie down andpress the button to begin. Inside,the lights of The Egg dim to bereplaced with a star-studded sky,relaxing music begins to playand aromatherapy oils aregently released into the air.

Simultaneously, gentlevibrations in the bed work upfrom the feet through the entirebody. At the end of theprogramme the massage easesas the lights come back up andthe music fades.

The user then spends a coupleof minutes in peaceful relaxationbefore leaving The Egg.

Scrummy.

PICK YOUR PLEASURE: ORB OR EGG?

There are a wide range of localcompanies who can provideyou with an unusual adrenalinerush. Nae Limits are the firstcompany in the country tolaunch ‘sphereing’ – known as the human hamster ball experience.

Also known as zorbing or sphereballing, it involves

climbing into a speciallyconstructed cushioned plasticsphere, fixing yourself to aharness and being pushed down a hill!

It’s a huge adrenaline rush asyou tumble down at greatspeed before coming to a halt.

You can also share theexperience with a ‘close’ friend

as there are double harnessesin the balls. For the masochists,try aquasphering – basicallythe same thing, with a coupleof buckets of water sloshingaround in there alongside you – allegedly the perfecthangover cure!

Two rolls and you’ll beaddicted, apparently.

Eggs over easy

It takes all sorts!

20 ANCESTRY

T racing your familyhistory, or genealogy,has become a hugelysignificant interest for

areas with a history like Perthshire. The advent of the internet has

enabled a generation of genealogiststo identify ancestors from hundredsof years ago and to establishbiological, genetic or distant familylinks with Perthshire.

Among the reasons for thissurge in popularity are the manydedicated genealogical resourcesthroughout the county, includingthe UK’s first genealogy hotelat Dalmunzie.

Perthshire experienced large-scale migration throughout the18th and 19th centuries as Scotsheaded for North America,Canada, Australia, South Africaand beyond. Indicative of this fact,it’s estimated that today 11 millionAmericans have some Scottish

ancestry, making them the eighthlargest ethnic group in the UnitedStates. Events such as Tartan Daycelebrate that fact and have led toa huge increase in genealogyresearch from across the Atlantic.

John Irvine is DeputyChairman of the Tay ValleyFamily History Society, avoluntary group promoting thestudy of family history acrossPerthshire and beyond.

The Society, a member of theScottish Association of FamilyHistory Societies, has more than2000 members worldwide. It alsopublishes family history booksand CDs each year.

He has good advice for anyonekeen to seek out their long-lostPerthshire cousins: “Beforebeginning your search it helps toknow just what it is you arehoping to find out.

“Prepare a plan. Don’t try to

undertake too much work in tooshort a time as this will result inmaking mistakes.”

According to John, it’s best tostart your historical research in thehere and now: “Almost always it isbest to work backwards, startingwith information about already

identified ancestors. Start bytalking with and writing to allyour relatives with questions, anddo it as soon as possible.

“Ask what documents such asbirth certificates, family Bibles,photographs, letters or familypapers anyone possesses.

“Try to establish as carefully aspossible the basic genealogical facts(date and place of birth/baptism,date and place of marriage, and dateand place of death/ burial) of asmany near relatives as you can.”

Perth & Kinross Council, as well as VisitScotland, offers

genealogical services,many of which arefree. Perth & KinrossCouncil can evenundertake researchon your behalf.

Many of theservices available arefocused towards the

‘Year of Homecoming in 2009’, anevent aimed at encouraging theglobal Scottish family to pay the oldcountry a visit. The event coincideswith the 250th anniversary of thebirth of poet Robert Burns andwelcomes everyone with a love of allthings Scottish.

Australian LainieGrugan (left)discovered aPerthshireconnection and isfollowing the trailwith the help ofPerth & Kinross

Registration Services. Hailing from Sydney, Lainie’s

paternal great-grandmother,Elizabeth Mortimer McIntosh, wasborn on 5 January 1859 inAuchtergaven, Perthshire.

During her research, Lainie

discovered that of the nine children ofAlexander and Ellen McIntosh, fivemigrated to Australia between 1884and 1896. Her great-grandmotherElizabeth and husband Thomas Irwinarrived in 1884.

Lainie said: “I had alreadyobtained my great-grandparentsmarriage certificate and knew fromthat the names of my great-greatgrandparents – Alexander McIntoshand Ellen Donaldson. On searchingthe Scotland Census, I discoveredAlexander was born in Logierait andchristened on 24 May 1824.”

His date of death is a mysteryas no record exists. With the helpof Helen Moist at the Council’sRegistration Services, Lainie hopesto one day track it down.

She added: “I think Helen is asintrigued as to the mystery ofAlexander as I am and has goneback into the records to see if shecan find an answer. Unfortunately,she hasn’t been able to yet.

“I will be visiting Perthshire andhope to spend some time not onlyresearching but visiting the placesthat I have uncovered.”

Before beginningyour search it helps toknow just what it is youare hoping to find out”

MAKING THE CONNECTION

An abundance of historical resourcesdating back centuries means tracingyour family tree has never been easier

Back to yourROOTS

ANCESTRY 21

WHERE TO LOOKThe internet is a good place to begin yourresearch. You can find out the location of publicrecords, get contact numbers or join onlinediscussions with others researching their familyhistories. Some of these services may involve fees.

Some internet sites of interest:www.perthshire.com/ancestrywww.ancestry.co.ukwww.scotlandspeople.gov.ukwww.ancestralscotland.comwww.nationalarchives.gov.uk/censuswww.gro-scotland.gov.ukwww.perthshireheritage.co.uk

Burleigh Castle, a 16th-century ruinedtower house, is said to be haunted by “GreyMaggie”, the ghost of Lady MargaretBalfour, while “Green Jean” hauntsNewton Castle in Blairgowrie. She is saidto be Lady Jean Drummond – who usedwitchcraft to seduce and marry the locallaird, but was taken away by the samewitchcraft on her wedding night. She nowsings love songs from the tower and can beseen passing through the castle.

Another ‘green’ lady has been witnessedat Huntingtower Castle, west of Perth. Shehas been named “My Lady Greensleeves”and, although she is sometimes seen inadvance of a death, she is also said to havecured sick people.

Mary, Queen of Scots, visitedHuntingtower soon after her marriage toLord Darnley, but she is reputed to hauntLoch Leven castle near Kinross, where shesigned her abdication of the Scottish throne.

While castles would seem the idealplaces to haunt, there are other spectresthat can be found in and around morehumble dwellings.

A ghostly apparition, known as a bogle,has been reported at the crossroads outsidePitlochry by a cyclist. He described it as acolumn of light forming in the middle ofthe road that eventually formed tendrils asit chased a father and son that were comingdown the road on a hay cart! Apparentlypeople who know of its existence areanxious to avoid it as it is said that if ittouches you with its ‘cold white fingers’ youwill meet your death shortly afterwards.

Perth had its share of horror, havingwitnessed acts of murder, witchcraft,cannibalism and plague, including body

snatcher John Larg who was executed in1817. In the evenings he is resurrected byan actor as a popular tour guide to thehorror and history of Perth’s dark past.

For an even more enjoyable brush withthe supernatural, head for the EnchantedForest sound and light show at FaskallyWood in the autumn. It includes anotherghost tour and lots of spooky Hallowe’enactivities – always a hit with the kids!

Killiecrankie is a popular site fortourists and school visits where theNational Trust of Scotland has a visitors’centre for people to experience the sitewhere William III’s forces attempted tocrush a Jacobite rebellion in 1689.

Although the Jacobites were victorious,their leader Viscount John Graham ofClaverhouse, also known as BonnieDundee, was killed in the battle.

However, it appears the battle still rageson – especially around the anniversary on27 July. There have been many strangesightings at Killiecrankie: an eerie redglow in the sky above the battlefield andeven people seeing soldiers marching intobattle. One woman, while picnicking inthe area, reported seeing the bodies ofEnglish soldiers lying around her feet.

Oh, and the pesky poltergeist? Thisentity spent 20 years harassing a shopowner in Crieff by pushing items offshelving, opening doors and flicking lightswitches – but we aren’t telling you whichshop. For your own good, of course!

BUMP in theNIGHTLIKE IT, LIVE IT

PLAN AHEAD:Are you lookingfor a particularrelative or just where yourname originatesfrom?

STARTING ASEARCH: Workbackwardsstarting with living relativesor those youknow mostabout.

KEEP RECORDS:You will find that an extra-ordinary amountof time can bewasted lookingfor previouslyfound records.

VISIT YOURANCESTRALHOME: Somearchives thatcould be vital toyour searchmay not beavailable onlineyet. So why notcome and seethem for your-self? Rememberdo not rely solely on onlinesources!

The ghost of Mary, Queen ofScots, haunts LochLeven Castle(above), while inDunning, thismonument to alocal witch isbeautifullymaintained (left).Nobody knows whotends the memorial

The FortingallYew, thought tobe the oldestliving thing inEurope, goesback furtherthan mostfamily trees!

At the AK Bell Library in Perth,the Local Studies sectionwelcomes you to a wide range ofinformation about the area. Youcan access maps, photographs,newspapers and specialist journals,as well as books and pamphlets toanswer enquiries on particularparishes, villages or buildings.

And at the Registration Office inPerth High Street, the FamilyHistory Centre has access to allstatutory registers of Births,Deaths and Marriages from 1855 tothe present day for the whole ofScotland. They also have digitisedimages of Census returns from1841 to 1901 and Old Parish Recordsin some parishes from 1553.

You can either book a search withthe Registrar or a search can becarried out on your behalf. You canalso take advantage of the enhancedservice which supplies your familyhistory in book format.

Mysterious ladies, ghostlyfogs, pesky poltergeists andphantom soldiers – just some of the things that go…

Wildlife Trust, which has a visitor centre at Loch ofthe Lowes, even keeps an online diary of how thebirds are doing – such is the interest in these majestic creatures.

Famous the world over for its superb naturalenvironment and outstanding tree and woodlandheritage, Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country.Located in the heart of Scotland, its spectacularcountryside changes colour from season to season,reaching an autumnal woodland crescendo withblazing red and gold leaves still visible in mid-November.

With an amazing variety of things to do and see,wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers will find plenty ofplaces to cycle or walk along forest tracks, gorges andriverside trails, keeping their eyes and ears peeled for aglimpse of remarkable birds and animals – deer, pinemarten and red squirrels, to name just a few. You mayeven be lucky enough to spot a rare osprey nestingamong the top branches of the tallest evergreens.

Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust has been

FLORA & FAUNA22

In the wild is of course the best place towitness nature and throughout the county there is an abundance ofopportunities to do so.

‘Scotland’s squirrel’, the red squirrel, can be seenwidely in Perthshire, which is a stronghold for thisacrobatic and endangered species.

Likewise red and roe deer can be seen in largenumbers nibbling on the moor or moving throughwoodland areas.

One of the most rarely seen birds of prey, thegolden eagle, lives high in the mountains ofPerthshire and if you’re lucky, and very quiet, youmight just see one.

Other rare birds, including the capercaillie andosprey, have small but thriving communities inPerthshire and the osprey in particular has been ahuge success for the county. The birds werereintroduced to the area in the 1960s and Loch of theLowes, near Dunkeld, is one of the best places to viewthese magnificent fish-eating raptors. The Scottish

THE HIGH Some of the most

spectacular plantsand wildlife inEurope can be

found in Perthshire

23FLORA & FAUNA

andMIGHTY

Continued overleaf

improving paths and bridges to ensure people of allabilities are able to enjoy the stunning countryside.Through the Big Tree Country Heritage & AccessProject, 25 woodland sites have benefited fromupgrading and enhancement including the Falls ofBruar, the Birks of Aberfeldy and Kinnoull HillWoodland Park.

Working with Perth & Kinross Council’s RangerService, the Trust is helping to encourage locals andvisitors alike to enjoy the green spaces in and aroundthe region.

The Countryside Ranger Service in Perth andKinross is responsible for protecting, promoting andpreserving the scenery and natural heritage.

The team of seven Countryside Rangers are basedat Blairgowrie, Aberfeldy, Crieff and Perth and coverEast Perthshire, Highland Perthshire, Strathearn,Crieff and Comrie, and the Perth, Carse and Kinross-shire areas.

Niall Lobley is a senior ranger and he says that

The Land Reform (Scotland)Act 2003 established astatutory right of responsibleaccess to land and inlandwaters in Scotland for outdoorrecreation, crossing land, andsome educational andcommercial purposes.

The Scottish Outdoor AccessCode gives detailed guidanceon your responsibilities whenexercising access rights and ifyou are managing land andwater.

The three key principles for responsible access apply to both the public and landmanagers:

● Respect the interests ofother people: be considerate,respect privacy and livelihoods,

and the needs of thoseenjoying the outdoors.

● Care for the environment:look after the places you visitand enjoy. Care for wildlife andhistoric sites.

● Take responsibility for your actions: the outdoorscannot be made risk-free for people exercising their access rights; land managersshould act with care forpeople’s safety.

To order your personal copy ofthe Code, phone 01738 458545,email pubs@snh.gov.uk or visitwww.outdooraccess-scotland.com

ACCESS ALL AREAS?A guide to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Ospreys and reddeer are twomajestic creatures breeding in the area

Perthshire’snotable wildlifespecies include red squirrel, reddeer, roe deer,pine marten,capercaillie,mountainhare, goldeneagle, osprey,wild Atlanticsalmon andpuffins.

Nature lovers can enjoy a greatday out at the Vane Farm LochLeven visitor centre near Kinross. The centre gives wonderful viewsover the nearby Loch Levennational nature reserve – hometo the largest concentration of

breeding ducks found in the UK.There are three viewing hides,which offer close up access to thewildlife. As well as ducks, geese,ospreys, swans, lapwings,oystercatchers, snipes, ringedplovers and common sandpipersuse the water. Check the skies forbuzzards, marsh harriers, white-tailed sea eagles, sparrowhawks,kestrels and peregrine falcons.

Vane Farm Loch Leven visitorcentre is open from 10am to 5pm every day, and the trails and hides are open 24 hours a day throughout the year.

OH, SO VANE!

FLORA & FAUNA24

visitors to Perth and Kinross will experience a wonderful natural experience.

He said: “This is an area of outstanding naturalbeauty and it’s our job to provide the day-to-daymanagement of a variety of sites, paths and outdoorareas around the county. We also have a widerinterest in access and rights of way in parts notdirectly controlled by the Council.

“Our job is essentially about the promotion of

being outdoors so we are always on hand toencourage visitors and provide facilities for them to get out there and enjoy it.

“We try to inform people a little bit about thenatural environment so that they can understandwhat they are seeing.

“Perthshire is famous for a number of iconicwoodland areas such as Crieff Woods, with its veryhigh diversity of lichens, and it’s also noted forsnowdrops and, of course, bluebells.

“There are also many sites around the county thathave been designated of special scientific, geologicalor conservation interest. So there is a lot to beenjoyed in the outdoors across the whole county,”said Niall.

Continued from p23

Ben Lawers, in the Breadalbane MountainRange of Highland Perthshire, is renowned forits outstanding flora. The alpine calcareousgrasslands, treeline woods and rocky slopessupport a diverse range of flowering plants,lichens and bryophytes.

Operated by the National Trust forScotland (NTS), Ben Lawers is described as abotanical Mecca by Plantlife International(Scotland), which has identified the mountainand the surrounding hills as one of the mostoutstanding plant sites in the UK.

NTS works in collaboration with ScottishNatural Heritage on a number of conservationprojects at Ben Lawers aimed at ensuring thelong-term survival of the native species ofplant and animal and their habitats.

Among the rare plants to be found are theAlpine forget-me-not (Myostris alpestris),Perthshire’s county flower the Alpine gentian(Gentiana nivalis), mountain sandwort(Minuartia rubella), and Alpine meadow-grass(Poa alpina).

Dr Deborah Long is Conservation Officer for Plantlife Scotland, a UK charity working to protect wild plants and their habitats.

She said: “Plantlife Scotland has been championing plant conservation since 1989 and is involved in campaigning,promoting and protecting Scotland’sthreatened wild plants.

“We’ve been involved in a number ofinitiatives in Perthshire, including our CountyFlower competition and the listing of BenLawers as an Important Plant Area.

“The county flower – Alpine Gentian(Gentiana nivalis), the sweet ‘gentian of thesnows’ – is among the botanical gems of BenLawers. It can be found on rock ledges and itsblue petals only come out in sunlightbetween July and September.”

Plantlife Scotland is always looking forvolunteers interested in plant conservation inPerthshire and beyond to monitor both rareand common plants and their habitats.

If you would like to get involved then please contact: Plantlife ScotlandBalallan House Allan Park Stirling FK8 2QGTel 01786 479382Scotland@plantlife.org.ukwww.plantlife.org.uk

BEN LAWERS: A ‘BOTANICAL MECCA’Blooming marvellous

Perthshire’s known asthe Big Tree Country andit’s famous for a number of iconic woodland areas”

Perthshire is a stronghold for the native red squirrel

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

Find out moreabout the work ofthe Trust anddiscover therange of guidedwalks and eventsled by theRangers byvisiting:www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk orwww.pkc.gov.uk

To contact thePerth and KinrossCountrysideRanger Service,phone 01738475349 or emailcountryside@pkc.gov.uk

For moreinformation, visit:www.perthshire.co.uk, orwww.swt.org.uk

OFF theBEATEN TRACKS

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

For details on anyHighland Safari, contactHighland AdventureSafari at: www.highlandoffroad.com

To hire a sports car, visitthe Open Road Hirewebsite: www.openroadhire.co.uk

Now you can enjoy the thrill of driving a sportscar in the country that is made for the experience.

Open Road Hire, based in Perth, offers thechance to drive a Caterham Seven – the cheekylittle car with the big reputation.

When Lotus ceased production of thelegendary Seven in 1973, main agents CaterhamCars took over production and have continued todevelop and improve the car for both track androad use.

But despite appearances, this is no ‘old classic’,but a thoroughly modern sports car whichcontinues to set the standard for performance,handling and comfort.

Perth and the surrounding area is a popularvisitor destination for activity breaks in the

great outdoors. Not only are there quiet roads throughoutPerthshire, withmagnificent scenery foryou to enjoy, but youradventure on wheels willtake you to a wide range ofvisitor attractions andoutdoor activities withaccommodation alwaysavailable just around thenext bend.

Where the motorway ends and the fun begins

Open Road HireNow you can go on safari in Perthshire – andhelp clean up the environment at the same time

Safari so goody

Highland Adventure Safaris, based near Aberfeldy, won the 2007Best Business in Perthshire award for its 4 x 4 Highland safaris andoff-road experiences.

Armed with camerasand binoculars, you canchoose from a range ofmountain and forestsafaris, and marvel atthe amazing scenerywhere, if you’re lucky,you could catch sight ofmagnificent red deer,grouse, pine marten or the most elusivemountain hare.

While the 4 x 4 vehicles do use fossil fuel, you can offset thecarbon emissions of your safari experience by choosing to plant atree at nearby Cashel Forest.

Highland Adventure Safarisalso provides activities forcorporate days out, team-building challenges, stag andhen parties, birthdays,anniversaries and weddings,including sumptuous cateringin a marquee set high in thegrandeur of the Perthshirehills. What could be nicer?

25ADVENTURE

Ewan McGregor, Colin McReadie, JasonConnery, the late Gordon Jackson and James McAvoy all began treading the boards at Perth Theatre. Their talent was

nourished and encouraged before they all went onto fantastic things.

Perth Theatre has undergone a comparablegraduation since it became part of the glitteringHorsecross project.

Horsecross – named for the old market area uponwhich it stands – was set up to run Perth Theatre andlaunch the Concert Hall.

Since then, the reputation of the city as host toworld-class productions and performers has grownand grown.

Horsecross Chief Executive Jane Spiers said: “Thebiggest draw is our Horsecross Exclusives.

“We programme unique performances that can’tbe seen anywhere else, and these are what really raise the bar.

“International pianist Mitsuko Uchida’s onlyperformance in 20 years … percussion guru TrilokGurtu working with local musicians… Scotland’sown world percussion star Colin Currie workingacross Perthshire and performing rarely heard music… combinations of Scottish and world musicians andplays that we mount exclusively for Perth, such asSteinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.

“These are the things that set Perth apart from thecrowd and gets the critics in a lather.”

In the first two years of Horsecross’s existence, thebenefits for Perthshire were clearly evident.

According to an economic impact analysis, 355performances and concerts took place, attracting135,000 people – a third of whom travelled fromoutside Perth. This suggests the city is clearly takingon Scotland’s bigger cultural centres and giving thema run for their money.

As well as the Theatre, Concert Hall and an arrayof watering holes and meeting places, Horsecross alsooffers extensive conference facilities.

Jane said: “Some 22,000 delegates have attendedconferences and many are so bowled over with Perthand with Perth Concert Hall that they make plans to return to see concerts, visit the theatre and take in the countryside.”

RAISING Just why are critics gushing that

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

To begin to discover therange of activities to

keep all ages and abilities amused,

browse VisitScotland’swebsite dedicated to

Perthshire:www.perthshire.co.uk,

e-mail: info@visitscotland.com

Tel: 0845 225 5121(+44 (0) 1506 832 121

if outside UK)

CULTURE26

We programmeunique performances

that can’t be seenanywhere else”

ItseemsPerthConcertHallanditswiderHorsecrossprojecthavemanagedtoachievethevirtuallyimpossible: providing something for everyonewithout letting their standards slip for an instant.

Cutting-edge comedy giants such as Jimmy Carrand Dylan Moran rub shoulders with traditionalstars such as Karine Polwart. At other times theScottish national orchestra plays almost alongsideKatie Morag and her young fans. Somewhere nearerthe middle, Marti Pellow and Barbara Dickson havedelighted their respective audiences.

Flushed after a recent thrilling performance, TheHerald’s critic gushed: “Heaven is a place in Perth.”

Horsecross is certainly working very hard to live upto such fulsome praise.

Across Perthshire, cultural excellence isrife – from the finest fine art to new andgroundbreaking folk creations.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre provides anexcellent backdrop for its vision of “staysix days and see six plays”. Its repertorycompany is one of Scotland’s largest.

Award-winning Perth Museum and ArtGallery is one of the oldest museums inthe UK, and holds more than half amillion objects.

Exhibits include watercolours by BeatrixPotter and oils by John Everett Millais andSir Edwin Landseer.

However, one of the region’s mostfamous painting sons, John DuncanFergusson, earns a gallery all to himself.

The Fergusson Gallery in Perth displaysa large collection of the most admiredworks by an artist who is now recognisedas one of the leading exponents of theScottish colourist movement.

Elsewhere, Crieff’s Strathearn andArtery Galleries, The Glenlyon Gallerynear Aberfeldy (showcasing the work ofAlan Hayman) and The Watermill inAberfeldy are all good places to discoverwhat talent Perthshire has to offer.

OTHER CULTURAL HOTSPOTS

OUT AND ABOUT

theROOF‘heaven is a place in Perth’?

SPORT28

T he Sport of Kings is firmly at home inPerthshire and can be enjoyed at oneof the UK’s most elegant locations.Perth Races, set in the stunning Scone

Palace Park on the outskirts of Perth, has thedistinction of being voted one of Britain’s top 10racecourses.

The present course opened in 1908, but recordsshow racing in Perth as early as the 1600s.

The course is now exclusively linked to jumpracing with many of the sport’s greats including thelegendary Jonjo O’Neill and Tony McCoy enjoyingmajor triumphs there.

Perth Races has enjoyed something of arenaissance over the last few years, rising from asmall provincial course to its position as one of themost popular courses on the jump circuit.

Sam Morshead is the General Manager at PerthRaces and responsible for the day-to-day running of the course.

He is proud of the reputation that Perth Races has developed.

He said: “Racing at Perth has increased steadilysince the 1970s. There were only about five days’racing a year in the 1970s and we have managed tobuild that up to 13 days over the last 10 years.”

Included in those 13 days is the Stan James PerthFestival, three days of racing in April marking thestart of the season for Sam and his staff – and, ofcourse, the punters!

A safeBETWhether you prefer to watch or participate, there’s a sporting pursuit to suit in Perthshire

The festival offers £250,000 in prize money andcan attract 12,000 people over the course of theevent, many of whom can enjoy stunning viewsfrom the Nelson Grandstand. The £2.1 million standwas opened in 2005 and offers visitors a superbviewing restaurant, bar and betting facilities below.

The course also caters for corporate guests and isopen all year round for conferences and banqueting.

Sam added: “We have grown significantly overthe last few years and the corporate business is verypopular. That growth gave us the confidence to

build the new main stand.“Perth Races is a family course and people

of all ages are welcome. The atmosphere, facilities and competitive racing are what makes this place so special.

“It was described as a little piece of heaven by one racing publication and we are all very proud of that.”

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

To find out moreabout PerthRacecourse,including fixturesTel: 01738551597 or visit:www.perth-races.co.uk

For further information onadventure sports,contactAdventurePerthshireHotline Tel: 01887829010www.adventure.visitscotland.comwww.activityscotland.com

People of all ages arewelcome. The atmosphere,facilities and competitiveracing are what makesthis place so special”

29SPORT

W hatever type of extreme sport youenjoy, you’ll find it in Perthshire. Asthe adventure capital of Scotland,there’s plenty of opportunity to

indulge yourself in white water rafting, bungeejumping, mountain biking or even microlight flying.

The Adventure Perthshire Hotline (01887 829010)should be your first port of call before beginning yourwhite-knuckle visit to Perthshire. Staff can helpcheck availability and also book your activity. Theycan even help with advice on which activity is rightfor you and your party.

The AdventurePerthshire Hotline shouldbe your first port of call”

TAKING it toEXTREMES

SPORT30

Golf’s premier international teamcompetition, the Ryder Cup, comes toPerthshire in 2014. Gleneagles will hostthe event – the first time the biennial

tournament has been contested in Scotland since1973, enhancing Perthshire’s reputation as a centre forsporting excellence.

The Ryder Cup is played for between the US andEurope and is one of the most eagerly anticipatedevents in sport. The eyes of the world will be onGleneagles when the players take to the first tee.

Of course, golf isn’t just for the Tiger Woods of theworld, it’s a sport enjoyed by millions of serious,

semi-serious and not-so-serious enthusiasts. Anabundance of courses throughout Perthshire meansyou are never too far from the fairways wherever youvisit, live or work.

Golf in Perthshire is often described as its “best-kept secret”, as many of its courses are not aswell known as the likes of nearby St Andrews orTurnberry – something that’s reflected in thesurprisingly low cost of golf in Perthshire.

VisitScotland operates its own discount schemes,the Perthshire Green Card and the PerthshireHighlands Golf Ticket, which offer golferstremendous value for money.

greenGO

A little birdie tells us the Ryder Cup is coming to Perthshire

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

For moreinformation on golfing inPerthshire, visit:www.perthshire.co.uk

golf.visitscotland.com

www.perthandkinrosscountygolf.net

31SPORT

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Housed in modern McDiarmid Park Stadium, St Johnstone Football Club has a proud history.

The club has spent manyseasons of its 124-year historyjousting in Scotland’s top flight,but sometimes finds itselfpushing for promotion from theScottish League First Division.

McDiarmid Park is one of themost modern sporting venues inScotland, attracting other sportsapart from football as well asinternational rock concerts.

The ground itself is namedafter farmer Bruce McDiarmid,who donated the land for thestadium which replaced theclub’s previous home at MuirtonPark in 1989.

Among the club’s honours are

three First Divisionchampionships and the Bell’sChallenge Cup for season 2007-2008.

The ground is located close to the main roads to and fromPerth, Glasgow and Edinburghand as well as concerts andsporting events the stadium is a popular location for weddingsin its modern conference andevent facilities.

Among the club’s notable ex-players are Scotland greatAlly McCoist and ManchesterUnited manager, Sir AlexFerguson.

St Johnstone Football Club Crieff Road, Perth PH1 2SJ Tel: 01738 459099www.stjohnstonefc.co.uk

Curling victory at the 2000Winter Olympics forScotland’s women alerted the wider public to the joys of

the ‘Roaring Game’. But Perthshire haslong been a centre for curling excellenceand is served by three rinks attractingnovices and international competitors.

Perth, Pitlochry and Kinross all haverinks that are open to the publicthroughout the season.

PerthThe Dewar’s Centre is one of Scotland’smain curling venues and hosts the PerthMasters each year. Curling is available fromSeptember to April.Dewar’s Centre, Glover Street, Perth PH2 0TH Tel 01738 624188 Fax 01738637810, info@CurlingScotland.comwww.CurlingScotland.com

PitlochryAtholl Curling Rink Ltd, Lower Oakfield, Pitlochry PH16 5DS Tel/Fax 01796 473337 athollicerink@aol.com

KinrossA four-sheet rink in the Green HotelComplex in Kinross is home to KinrossCurling Club, the oldest in Scotland, dating back to 1668.Green Hotel, 2 The Muirs, Kinross KY13 7ASTel 01577 863467 Fax 01577 863180curling@green-hotel.comwww.green-hotel.com

When the Saints go marching in

ICE toMEET YOU

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33LIVING

Scotland is traditionallysplit into five mainwhisky producingregions – the Highlands,

Lowlands, Speyside, Islay andCampbeltown – with Perthshireunder the Highland banner.Broadly speaking, each regionproduces whisky with a uniqueflavour shaped by thecharacteristics of the regionalterrain and climate – as well asother factors such as theequipment and productionmethods used.

For example, Islay malts aredistinguished by a smoky aromacaused by the peat fuel that isused for malting the barleyduring production.

Perthshire overflows with asupply of good clean water anduntainted fresh air, which tends

to produce a medium-bodied,slightly fragrant whisky with adry finish.

There are several distilleries inthe region, all drawing on theabundance of water coming offthe local hills and crops from thefertile land along the River Tayand its tributaries the Earn andthe Tummel.

Each distillery has a uniqueheritage; for example, theGlenturret distillery in Crieff,which produces the FamousGrouse blend, is Scotland’s oldestdistillery, while Edradour inPitlochry is the smallest distilleryin Scotland – the single malt ishandmade by three men on thesame wooden equipment that was used when it was establishedin 1825.

With around 90 per cent of the

whisky which is produced inScotland being exported, thedrink reaches millions of peopleacross the world. It is estimatedthat one million tourists visit adistillery in Scotland every year,with a large percentage of themheading to Perthshire on a‘whisky trail’ around the variousdistilleries – many of which havecreated their own visitor centres.

Campbell Evans from theScotch Whisky Association sayswhiskies in Perthshire have aworldwide reputation and play akey part in bringing visitors to the region.

He said: “The whiskies ofPerthshire are renowned in theirown right, but each distillery isunique and, therefore, there isa range of differences betweenthem all.

“They tend to be fairly fullwhiskies which reflect thecharacter of the hills around themthanks to the abundance of watercoming off the mountains.

“They are also importantbecause they bring a hugeamount of tourism. There hasbeen enormous investment in thefacilities, not just in terms ofwork on the actual distilleries,but also to create a much largervisitor attractions.”

WATER ofLIFEYou’ll find an abundance of the ‘national drink’ in Perthshire

Perthshire’swhisky trailGLENTURRETScotland’s oldest distilleryproduces the Famous Grouseblend, the biggest-sellingwhisky in Scotland. Its visitorcentre, the Famous GrouseExperience, is hugely popular,making this also the mostvisited distillery in Scotland.

EDRADOURScotland’s smallest distillery. Itmay be small, but this reveredwhisky is a big player on theinternational market andexports across Europe and issold in USA, Japan, Taiwanand New Zealand.

ABERFELDYMakes Aberfeldy Single MaltScotch Whisky, one of the keyingredients in blending Dewar’sWhite Label, the leading whiskybrand in the US.

TULLIBARDINEThis distillery in the village ofBlackford sits on the site ofScotland’s oldest brewerydating back to 12th century.It uses high-quality springwater from nearby Ochil Hillsto create a smooth, easydrinking malt.

BLAIR ATHOLLAnother of Scotland’s oldestdistilleries, Blair Atholl was firstestablished in 1798.

CASK MATUREDBy law, all Scotchwhisky must bematured for at leastthree years, butmost single malts liein the wood foreight, ten, 12, and15 years. Up to twoper cent of allmaturing whiskyevaporates eachyear – this is known as the‘angels’ share’.

SLOW FOOD34

Pick of the crop: Perthshire’ssheltered position and climatehelp create ideal growingconditions for local produce.

35SLOW FOOD

Modern life is often hectic and rushed– but there’s no reason for our foodto be that way. Perth is leading theway in promoting good food as it

should be – using the best local produce, lovinglyprepared and shared in good company.

The city was Scotland’s first location to be awardedCittaslow (pronounced chit-a-slo) status. Cittaslowgrew out of the Slow Food movement and is anetwork of more than 100 cities and towns across theworld that are improving the quality of life in localcommunities.

The principles of Cittaslow include supportinglocal food producers, using good environmentalpractices, maintaining the historical fabric andproviding a warm welcome.

Douglas Ritchie is the leader of Perth’s Slow Foodgroup. He said: “A Cittaslow city aims to be a goodplace to live, work and visit. Food is a key componentof this. We believe that food should taste good and itspurchase, preparation and consumption should be acommunal activity that is a main part of our lives.

“I used to be one of those who visited a

supermarket once a week to stock up on food. I didn’treally enjoy what I was eating so I started visitingPerth’s Farmers’ Market and our local farm shops –and there are many good ones in Perthshire – to buymy food there because it tasted so much better.

“I also agreed with the principles of the slow foodmovement – eating locally produced food that hasn’ttravelled miles and miles to get to your plate. TheSlow Food Movement is good for the local economyand good for small producers in general.”

Many Perthshire farms have taken up the organicbaton and produce organic crops and meat, whileabundant supplies of local game, cheese, honey,venison, whisky and speciality beers offer foodietreats for all tastes.

Douglas continued: “Our local Slow Food group isprimarily for people to get together and enjoy goodfood. We have a serious purpose, but our meetingsare informal, fun events. We hold regular dinnerswhere those who come along get to try locallyproduced food and we visit local producers to get abetter understanding of what they are trying to do.

“To make the most of Perthshire’s food and drink,I would recommend visiting our growing number ofregular farmers’ markets and farm shops. Also lookout for restaurants and speciality food shops thatpromote local produce in their menus or theirwindow displays.

“We hold regular food events throughout the yearto celebrate our quality local produce as it comes intoseason. But mainly, I would simply recommend thatvisitors take a little longer to unwind and enjoy localfood as an integral part of a restful visit to Perthshire.”

All over Perthshire, there are farmers, foodproducers, chefs and brewers who really care abouttheir product, its effect on the local environment and its taste.

TIMEgood ALL IN

Savouring your food is something that’s encouraged in Perthshire

Continued overleaf

Perthshireproduces 90 per cent ofall Scotland’sberries.

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

FIND OUTMORE ABOUTCITTASLOW

www.cittaslow.org.uk

SLOW FOOD36

Jamesfield Organic FarmIan Miller runs Jamesfield Organic Farm. Organicsince 1988, it supports a restaurant, bakery, shop and butchers.

The farm works in tandem with the organic boxdelivery scheme Bellfield Organics, which rents landon the farm to produce more labour-intensive crops.Jamesfield Organic Farm produces and sells a widevariety of food.

Ian said: “I had numerous reasons for wanting togo organic. I wasn’t happy with what I was sellingand didn’t like spraying chemicals on the crops. I wasaware that the farming was damaging local wildlife.”

Ian works closely with chefs Craig Mellor andDarin Campbell to ensure dishes served in therestaurant showcase outstanding organic food. Jamesfield Organic Farm

Abernethy KY14 6EW

Tel 01738 850498

www.jamesfield.co.uk

Provender Brown“Wonderful artisan producers” stock the shelves of Perth delicatessen Provender Brown.

The independentlyowned fine fooddelicatessen stocksfarmhouse cheeses,cured hams, artisansalamis, hand-selected olives,traditionallysmoked salmon and

hand-made preserves.Owner Diane Brown’s philosophy is based on

quality, provenance and passion. The food stocked is made by small-scale producers from all acrossScotland, the UK and beyond.

Diane said: “People shop here because it is afriendly and happy shop. They get a warm welcomeand there’s a bit of banter, which is always good.

“People are a lot more discerning about what theyeat nowadays and Perthshire is very firmly associatedwith quality produce.”Provender Brown

23 George Street, Perth PH1 5JY

Tel 01738 587300

Atholl GlensHigh animal welfare standards and quality are theprinciples behind Atholl Glens Organic Meat.Thefarming co-operative was established in 2005. Thecountryside in the Atholl region forms one of thelargest Special Protection Areas in the UK – anaccolade for its high level of land management.Small wonder then that the farmers wanted a systemof farming that would help maintain the quality ofthat countryside.

David Greer, Atholl Glens’ director, said: “We setourselves up so that we could directly market ourorganic meat.

“We tick all the right boxes in terms of what people look for these days – high standards of animalwelfare, confidence in the product and delicious food.

“We compete on price too – our meat is the sameprice as supermarket organic ranges.”Atholl Glens Ltd

Atholl Estates Office, Blair Atholl

PH18 5TH

Tel 01796 481482

www.athollglens.co.uk

Inveralmond BreweryFor centuries, Perthshire has been renowned for thequality of its water and microbrewery Inveralmondhas taken advantage of this to produce cask-conditioned specialist ales.

Fergus Clark set up the brewery in 1997 afterworking for multinational drinks companies.

The company produces four permanent cask-conditioned ales throughout the year, a rangeof speciality brews that change every twomonths, seasonal beers and bottled ales.

The ales are available across the UK,USA, Italy and Scandinavia.

Fergus said: “All our products aremade with the finest ingredients –Maris Otter malt, choicest hops, yeastand, of course, the water! The

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

WHAT IS THESLOW FOODMOVEMENT?Founded in 1989,Slow Food is a non-profit, membershiporganisation set upto counteract fastfood and fast life,disappearing localfood traditions, andpeople’s dwindlinginterest in the foodthey eat, where itcomes from, how ittastes and howtheir food choicesaffect the rest of theworld.

The Slow Foodmovement believesthat food shouldtaste good, that itshould be producedin a clean way thatdoes not harm theenvironment,animal welfare orpeople’s health andthat food producersshould receive fairprices for their work.

There are morethan 90,000 SlowFood members in90 countries acrossthe world.

To find out more about the Slow FoodMovement, visit:www.slowfood.org.uk

Continued from p35

37SLOW FOOD

Graeme Pallister(above) useslocal produce toserve a rare treat

beautiful scenery around us provides inspiration forour recipes and Perth is a great place to distributefrom because it’s so central and has great road andrail links.” The Inveralmond Brewery Ltd

Inveralmond Way, Perth PH1 3UQ

Tel 01738 449448

www.inveralmond-brewery.co.uk

63 Tay StreetOne of many local restaurants who have signed up to the movement. Local laddie Graeme Pallister works hand in hand with Perthshire’s foodproducers to bring good food to the table. Graemereturned to Perth several years ago because hewanted to bring up his family here.

He describes the cooking style as modernScottish and his menu changes to make the most of seasonal produce.

He said: “We take a simple and honest approach to food – we use fresh, local ingredients and

showcase them, not mask them with lots of different flavours.

“Working at 63 Tay Street is my dream. It appealsto a broad range of diners and we’re building upour own clientele who return for the great serviceand food.

“I work closely with local producers who are verypassionate about what they produce and their food is fantastic.”63 Tay Street, Perth PH2 8NN

Tel 01738 441451

Fortingall HotelThe hotel re-opened under current ownership in2006, and has since established itself not only as a hotel of some repute, with its delightful setting,stylish décor and friendly welcome, but AshleyMiles, the Head Chef, is producing a fantastic daily-changing menu using locally sourced produce (including game, fruit, vegetables and herbs from the Glenlyon Estate) where possible and using seasonal ingredients. The menu includes‘slow’ options.

As well as winning four stars from VisitScotland,the hotel won Hotel Review Scotland’s ‘Best Small Country Hotel’ in 2007, followed by ‘Rising Star Green Hotel’ in 2008, along with a Highly Commended in the Country Sports Hotel category. They were awarded a Gold level fortheir environmental policy by the Green TourismBusiness Scheme – one of only two hotels inPerthshire, the other being Gleneagles. They haverecommendations in the Michelin Guide as well asScotland the Best and are currently awaitingassessment from the AA for the cuisine.Fortingall Hotel, Fortingall, Aberfeldy,

Perthshire PH15 2NQ

Tel 01887 830367

● Local producers get help andpromotional support from Perth& Kinross Council● There are regular monthlyfarmers’ markets throughoutPerthshire that showcase localproduce as it comes into season● Perth College specialises intourism training, ensuring thereare well-trained people workingin the area’s tourism industryand providing a warm welcomefor visitors● The air and water quality inthe city is monitored and actionis taken to maintain standards● Perthshire has one of thehighest waste recycling rates in

Scotland and actively encourageshome composting of waste● The Fair City has well-keptgreen spaces and alternativemobility options, such as plentyof cycle and footpaths, and goodpublic transport links.

A FINE RECIPE FROM THE FAIR CITYWays that Perth meets the Cittaslow principles

Diners enjoy ataste of freshlocal food andthe fresh local air in Perth

PRODUCE38

Perthshire is Europe’spremier soft fruitgrowing region

intensive business and the season lasts for five to sixmonths. Then there’s the preparation – we have to turnthe ground, lay irrigation pipes and put up the newbuildings or lay roadways.”

He has a high regard for the people who work on thefamily farms: “Perthshire people have always been loyal,committed, hardworking and conscientious.

“And it’s not just the older generation who are like that.We’re getting young guys in their 20s who are showingjust as much commitment. The technology of farminghas changed. There are a lot more machines doing thework now and that has made farming more efficient. Butyou still need people to drive the machines.”

Columba Cream has only three ingredients – singlemalt whisky, honey and cream – and all are sourcedwithin a few miles of the Scottish Liqueur Centre justnorth of Perth, where it’s made.

With no artificial flavourings, colours or sweeteners,Columba Cream – based on a 200-year-old family

recipe – has been described by drinkers as “smooth,creamy and full of flavour”.

And it’s going down very well withcustomers of national supermarket Waitroseafter proving a smash hit in their Edinburghstores in 2007.

Columba Cream national sales directorJamie Morrison said: “We outsold Britain’smost popular cream liqueur by 300 per cent

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

There are numerous placesacross the regionwhere you canpick your ownseasonal fruit.Try: www.pickyourown.org.ukfor details.

There may alsobe opportunitiesto earn somecash picking fruitin the summermonths. See thelocal JobCentrefor vacancies, orvisit: www.job-centreplus.gov.uk

We know our produceis firstclass”

Berry GOOD SHOW

The only entirely natural creamliqueur in the UK is full of fantasticPerthshire flavour!

CROPCREAMof the

The Vale of Strathmore, nestling between theGrampian Mountains and the Sidlaw Hills,provides sheltered growing conditions and just the right balance of sun and rain to make

for perfect strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.Look at the evidence – identical “60-day” strawberry

plants planted at the same time in May will take 45 days to produce a ripe berry in Spain, 60 to produce a similar berry in Kent, and75 in Perthshire. But it’s the extra ripening time that makes the softer, sweeter fruit well worth waiting for, according to Perthshirebusinessman Geoff Bruce.

“We don’t have the temperatures that Spain gets, butovercast and rainy weather keeps the place cooler andmakes fantastic fruit.”

Bruce’s of Balmyle may be a “new” name insupermarkets, but it has a superb pedigree as a familybusiness that has farmed berries, peas, beans andpotatoes just outside Meigle for four generations.

“New” because until recently, most of their producedidn’t carry the Bruce name. The produce goes tocustomers such as Birds Eye, Tesco and Ribena.

Geoff Bruce is behind the family’s recent decision topromote their name on the very best of their berry fruits.He said: “We knew that restaurants, hotels, caterers andspecialist shops would appreciate our top-of-the-rangesoft fruits and began marketing our own brand.”

Picking and packing is important. The product mustbe off the field, chilled, packaged and in the customer’shands within 24 hours.

Some of Britain’s top eateries are now customers –London’s Ritz gets a regular supply – and some of thecountry’s celebrity chefs have also been impressed by the quality of Bruce’s products.

“A lot of our business comes from word of mouth,”said Geoff. “Top restaurants want the very best quality.But continuity is also high on their list, and they must get a guaranteed supply. They know they have an audittrail right back to the field in Perthshire where theirberries were grown.

“Some people think we enjoy a nine-month holidayevery year, but these days, berry growing is a very

Loch Leven Larder, a farm shop situated fivemiles from Kinross, has become a magnet for

local suppliers and discerning shoppers.It is the brainchild of Robin and Emma

Niven (pictured), a couple who havecombined their experience and found awinning formula. Their motivationwas partly as a result of their ownfrustration about the lack of good local

produce available in shops, but they alsorecognised that the local population wantedmore from a farm shop than they hadpreviously.

When they opened for business in 2005, the facility was more of a café. Locals wereattracted to the larder, but the Nivens knewthey needed to do more to make the businessmore sustainable.

So in 2007 they virtually doubled thefloorspace with a new extension. As well as thecafé, the Larder now contains substantialretail space with room to stock a range largeenough to cater for all tastes.

They have added a patio for those seekingto take advantage of the fresh air as they enjoylunch, and completed a nature trail throughtheir land to join the trek that follows the loch.

This is very much a local success story. Loch Leven Larder now employs 35 localpeople, from waitresses and retail assistants to top-quality chefs, and provides those in the area with a realistic and attractivealternative to the supermarkets and chainstores. It also offers suppliers an outlet for their own high-quality products andartistic creations.

39PRODUCE

Larder makes most of local produce and talent

over the festive period in 2007 when Waitrosetrialled us in their Scottish stores – despitebeing more expensive. Waitrose’s nationalbuyers saw the figures and asked us to supplyall of their stores in the UK.

“It says a lot when a small Perthshirecompany can have its products sold in 200supermarkets across the country.

“That, together with our traditional outlets – the independent retailers and exportclients – means we have trebled our turnover to more than £1 million since buying thebusiness in 2005.”

Columba Cream may be the most famous ofthe brands created at the Scottish LiqueurCentre – but others are catching up.

Bruadar (Gaelic for ‘Dream’) is a Scots twiston the English favourite ‘sloe gin’. With a baseof malt whisky, it contains honey and sloeberries and has a lightness of style that makes it

refreshingly different from other Scottishliqueurs.

The centre’s ‘S’ range of fruit liqueurs blendmalt whisky, honey and fruits to provide thedrinker with the best flavours of Scotland.

And how about a Ginger Tam’s – the UK’sstrongest liqueur? It’s a spicy mix of single maltwhisky, honey and ginger that has a decidedkick to it!

Jamie added: “The secret of our success is thequality of the raw ingredients, all of which arelocally sourced. The malt whisky comes fromthe Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford, the

blossom honey from a beekeeper just outsideMeigle, and the cream is from Graham’s Dairiesin Bridge of Allan. They arrive at Bankfoot andare manufactured and bottled on site.

“More and more tipplers are demandingquality from their suppliers. They want to know where the product is made and what it’s

made from. More and more of them arelooking for locally sourced products and the Scottish Liqueur Centre’s offerings tick every box.”

The Scottish Liqueur Centre recently opened an upmarket coffee shop where visitors can try a complimentary glass ofliqueur with their coffee.

“When we took over the Scottish LiqueurCentre we decided to expand the visitorexperience, and opened the coffee shop servingwhat’s possibly the best coffee in Scotland.

“Now, depending on our productionschedule, visitors can go on a tour of ourfacilities and watch Columba Cream and other liqueurs being made.”

With the latest traffic census indicating that more than nine million cars, trucks and coaches pass the Scottish Liqueur Centre, it looks like Jamie, and his business partnersBrian Morrison and Kenny MacKay – bothformer directors of Morrison BowmoreDistillers – will be kept busy supplying their products to an ever-increasing customer list.

And that can only be good for Perthshire.

The secret of our success is the quality of theraw ingredients, all of which are locally sourced”

FRUITS of theLAND

This article first appeared in Land Business, the magazine for members of the SRPBA.

MARKETS40

Perth Farmers’ Market – the first of its kind in Scotland– is just one of a number of markets in the area

There’s always a fair going on somewhere inPerthshire. Whether it’s selling local crafts,antiques or some of the freshest food youcan imagine, you’ll find it all here.

Markets and fairs have drawn people to all parts of Perthshire for centuries – whatever the timeof year.

Local craftspeople are thick on the ground, andvisitors and residents alike can uncover trulystunning jewellery, woollen and leather goods, and

arts and ceramics at one of the regular fairs that popup in every corner of the county.

Antiques outlets and galleries are popular too, andthe Carse of Gowrie – between Perth and Dundee –has its own antiques trail! Just look out for the brownand white signposts that will lead you to a veritabletreasure trove of antiques outlets on both sides of the busy A90 road.

And for a good day out, look for the markets atErrol and Kinross. With an eclectic mix of goods forsale, they’ll keep the whole family happily browsingfor hours.

If food’s what you fancy, look no further thanPerthshire. When nature has blessed a region withfertile soils and the most magnificent growingclimate, it’s little wonder that the local food anddrink products are something to rave about.

Soft fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish areall sold over the counter at shops and market stalls intowns and villages across the region just a few milesfrom where they were picked, plucked or prepared in “Scotland’s larder”.

Perth Farmers’ Market – the original and arguablythe best-known farmers’ market in Scotland – is stillgoing strong after almost a decade.

The brainchild of local sheep farmer Jim Fairlie,

AFAIR toREMEMBER

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

Perth Farmers’Market takesplace in the citycentre on thefirst Saturday ofeach month.www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk

41ECO-TOURISM 41MARKETS

who’d seen similar markets in France, the PerthFarmers’ Market takes place all year round on thefirst Saturday of each month. It’s a real showcase forlocal producers and growers, and a very rewardingexperience for shoppers who appreciate being able to buy fresh Perthshire food from the people whoproduce it.

Around 40 stallholders visit on a regular or seasonalbasis, and they’re all rigorously checked andmonitored to make sure their products are top quality.

Organic producers are approved by The SoilAssociation.

Look out for the freshest fish, meat and game,baked goods, fruit wines and liqueurs, honeys andpreserves, fruit and vegetables and sweets and herbs.

Many of the stallholders will offer you a free tasteof their product, and will happily advise you onmenu ideas, cooking methods and traceability.

And you’ll find local chefs cooking up somedelicious dishes with the freshest ingredients too –every month specialist chefs are invited to come alongto the market to show off their skills.

And of course, you can pick up the free recipecards that are handed out each month and try amagical taste of Perthshire when you get home at theend of a great day out.

It’s a real showcase for local producers and growers, and a veryrewarding experience for shopperswho appreciate being able to buyfresh Perthshire food from the people who produce it”

43LIVING

Sir George Mathewson isone of Scotland’s best-known and mostinfluential business

figures. He rose to prominenceduring a 19-year career with theRoyal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Sir George steered the companythrough a period of dramaticgrowth that peaked in 2000, when,as Chairman, he masterminded the£21 billion takeover of NatWest – atthe time the largest acquisition inBritish banking history.

In 1999, he was knighted for hisservices to economic developmentin Scotland and to banking.

Though Mathewson steppeddown from his post at RBS in 2006,he retains a lot of influence – hechairs the First Minister’s Councilof Economic Advisers.

NO PLACE likeHOME

Mathewson moved back toPerthshire seven years ago – buyingand renovating a property inBlairgowrie.

He chose to settle in Perthshirehaving been brought up in theregion as a child. “I was born in Fifebut my family moved to Perthshirewhen I was four and I went toschool at Perth Academy. As aresult, I know Perthshire very well– I spent a lot of time as a childcycling, walking and climbing inthe area,” he said.

“I used to play rugby forPerthshire as well, so I have alwayshad ties to the area in one way oranother.”

George, who met his wife Sheilain a Perth café, believes the areaoffers a superb quality of life forresidents and visitors. Its location

makes it very accessible, he says,and also boasts unbeatablecountryside for outdoor activities –something he is very fond of.

“Perthshire has a lot going for itbecause it is central; Edinburgh isvery accessible from Perthshire andDundee airport is close by.

“I’m keen on outdoor activitiessuch as hillwalking and you’ve gotas much hillwalking here as it’spossible to do in a lifetime. Thenthere’s fishing, horse riding,watersports – it’s all here. The cityof Perth itself has a great deal tooffer too – from the concert hall torestaurants.”

Mathewson previously had asecond home near Aberfeldy butwanted a bigger property to act ashis main family home. After a longsearch, he fell in love with theproperty in Ballintuim.

He said: “We were looking for abigger house for quite a long time.A lot of my friends andacquaintances were looking for ahouse in the same area at the sametime, so we kept bumping into eachother at viewings.

The man who helped build one of the biggest banksin the world wouldn’t swap Perthshire for anywhere else

I’m keen on outdoor activitiessuch as hillwalking and you’ve got as much hillwalking here as it’s possible to do in a lifetime”

Your Perthshire

Blairgowrie

It’s quite amazing whoyou meet – I meet a lotof people who I used todeal with

in business here.It’s a verygregarious placein terms of itssocial life.”

Sir GeorgeMathewson

“The house required a hugeamount of renovation which tookover a year – we’re still improving itand recently converted the cottagein the grounds too.”

Mathewson says he loves livingin Perthshire – on the eve of hisretirement from RBS, he wasquoted as saying: “I don’t want toget up on a beautiful morning inPerthshire and think that I have gotto get down to London on a plane.Why would I want to do that?”

INSPIRATION 44

A FIGMENT ofIMAGINATION

Standing in Birnam Wood adorned withelegant birch and larch trees, it’s easy to seewhy Shakespeare chose this as a setting fora scene in Macbeth, one of his most

famous plays.You can understand why he placed Malcolm’s

army there amid the heather and blueberry busheswhile they cut branches from young trees to disguisethemselves for their march to Dunsinane.

This way they’d bring the witches’ prophesy that“Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until GreatBirnam wood to high Dunsinane hill shall comeagainst him”.

No one knows for certain whether Shakespeareactually paused on one of the rocks here to admirethe scenery. But local tradition has it that as atravelling player, young William visited the area.

Perth Kirk Session records for 1589 state that acompany of English strolling players were granted a

licence for a play in the town – Shakespeare couldhave been among them.

What is not in dispute is that Perthshire has long been the setting – muse, even – for creativity of all sorts.

Sir Walter Scott’s description of it as the “mostvaried and most beautiful province in Scotland”doesn’t quite cover it though.

Since the Picts took up their tools and created thestunning carvings now on display at Meigle, there’sbeen something inspirational about Perthshire andits people.

In 1721 Niel Gow was born, seemingly destined for a life of plaid making, but it didn’t take him long to discover his real talent for the fiddle.

By the age of 17, the Duke of Atholl had becomehis patron, securing his life of playing andcomposing.

In the wake of Gow, there has been a livelycommunity of traditional Scots musicians living and creating in the area.

In Gow’s honour an annual Niel Gow Festival waslaunched a few years ago.

World-renowned artistspicked up their brushesbecause of what they’d

seen in Perthshire”

1589 Shakespeare visits

1603 Publication date of Macbeth

1721 Niel Gow born

1759 Robert Burns born

1802 Sir Edwin Landseer born

1811 Beatrix Potter first visits

1828 Sir Walter Scott publishesThe Fair Maid of Perth

1867 George Bizet’s La JolieFille de Perth opens

1870 John Everett Milliaspaints Chill October

1874 John Duncan Fergussonborn

1971 Ewen McGregor born

MILESTONES

The stunning landscape of Perthshire has inspired artists, musicians and writers for millennia

Piper and pipe-maker Hamish Moore said:“There’s a huge history of traditional music in thisarea and it all started then.

“Energy and music making and creativity doesn’tstop when someone dies. It gets passed down.”

The stunning mountains and lakes of the LakeDistrict are the setting for many of author BeatrixPotter’s childhood classics, but she may not haveeven started writing without the influence ofPerthshire.

Between 1871 and 1881 she spent the summers ofher girlhood at Dalguise, near Dunkeld. It was there she struck up a friendship with youngpostie Charlie Mackintosh and they shared aninterest in flora and fauna.

From Dalguise, Potter wrote a fictional tale about four rabbits for a friend – it was to becomePeter Rabbit.

Potter said of the area: “The grass grows greener…clearly the birds sing, how long the twilight lasts.”

At the Perth Museum and Gallery some ofPotter’s watercolours often hang alongside works byJohn Everett Millais and Sir Edwin Landseer.

Both world-renowned artists, Millais and

The ancient woodland ofWeem Forest near Aberfeldyhas fevered the imagination forgenerations. The ForestryCommission now manages atrail through it, featuring the sculptures of John Hunter.

WOOD WALK

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Landseer picked up their brushes because of what they’d seen in Perthshire.

Robert Burns too was moved by being in Perthshire to pen “The Birks of Aberfeldy”. The Birks are a spectacular set of birch trees.

Just outside the town there’s a Robert Burns seat carved into the rocks affording a view of thestunning Falls of Moness.

Sir Walter Scott decided to set one of his WaverleyNovels in the area – the Fair Maid of Perth waswritten in 1828.

Also known as St Valentine’s Eve, the book was well received, probably signalling the height of Scott’s career and sparking a local tourist boom.

The Fair Maid of Perth caught the eye of French composer and pianist Georges Bizet.

His operatic version La Jolie Fille de Perth opened in Paris in 1867.

That Perth is still home to artists, writers,musicians and craftspeople is testament to the area’s nurturing qualities. It’s hard to visit and not be inspired.

When a cityreaches its 800thanniversary, it’s worth a big

celebration and that’s exactly what isplanned for Perth in 2010.

Perth was awarded royal burghstatus in 1210 by King William theLion and was used as a royal residencethroughout the Middle Ages, which iswhy the City was known as theAncient Capital of Scotland.

The 2010 celebrations will focus onand celebrate Perth’s past, present andfuture, but will also be aimed atattracting visitors and money to theCity – something that will help ensurePerth’s continued prosperity.

The 800th anniversary will come atthe end of national HomecomingScotland 2009 celebrations. The date25 January 2009 marks the 250thbirthday of Scotland’s national poet

Robert Burns and a whole series ofevents will mark the year andencourage the contributions the Scotshave made to the world – Burnshimself, whisky, golf, great minds andinnovations and, of course, our richculture and heritage.

Perth’s 800th year events willcontinue the celebrations, but alsohighlight the reasons why Perth issuch a special part of Scotland – agreat city to live in, work in, visit and enjoy!

Perth & Kinross Council ispreparing for the celebrations andwould like to hear from local peoplewho either have ideas for what theywould like to do or any celebrationsthey are planning themselves. If youhave ideas, please contact theCouncil’s Economic DevelopmentTeam on 01738 477940 or e-maileconomicdev@pkc.gov.uk

Eggs over easy

A MODERN CITY WITH A RICH PAST

Perth – 800 years of history1210 King William the Lion grants Perth Royal

Burgh status1296 King Edward I of England takes occupation

of the town 1313 Perth recaptured by Robert the Bruce1396 The Battle of the Clans takes place, a

gladiatorial style fight to the death tosettle a long-running feud between theChattans and the Mackays

1437 King James I of Scotland stabbed to deathby Robert Graham while staying at theHouse of the Dominicans or Blackfriars

1559 The Reformation (rise of Protestantism)begins in Perth when John Knox preaches a sermon at St John's Kirk

1652 Oliver Cromwell establishes a fortifiedcitadel

1689 City occupied by Jacobites supporters (and also in 1715 and 1745)

1760 Perth Academy founded1848 The railway comes to Perth1902 Victoria Bridge built1923-26 St John’s Kirk restored and made into one

Kirk again (it had been divided into three)1960 Queens Bridge built1992 The Fergusson Gallery opens2007 Perth becomes Scotland’s first

Cittaslow City

EDUCATION46

An education

Strathallan School is generally regarded asone of Scotland’s leading independentboarding and day schools for boys and girlsaged between nine and 18 years old. Located

on a beautiful campus in 150 acres of rural Perthshire,it is within easy reach of Scotland’s internationalairports, making it just two hours from London.

Strathallan’s supportive environment values thestrengths of each pupil and places emphasis on theimportance of the individual within a team. Theschool develops the ideals of responsibility, toleranceand integrity, and encourages its pupils to becomehappy and well-adjusted individuals, who areprepared for the challenges of adult life.

Strathallan’s junior house, Riley, is for pupils agedfrom nine to 13, and along with the six seniorboarding houses (a seventh is under construction)ensures a high level of pastoral care, while allowing

parents to remainclosely involved intheir child’sdevelopmentand upbringing.

The school’s academic record is one of the best inthe country with more than 95 per cent of its pupilsgoing on to university, and it offers both the Englishand Scottish curricula.

Sport is important too. There is an unrivalled rangeof sporting activities on offer at the school. The girls’netball team won the Scottish Schools’ Championshipsin 2007, the boys reached the semi-final of the ScottishSchools’ Rugby, and the girls’ hockey team won theIndependent Schools’ Championship.

The extra-curricular dimension allows the pupilsto extend their personal interests, to develop healthand fitness, and to experience success. Pupils learnspecific skills and by taking part in group activitiesenjoy a range of experiences.

The music department is one of the foremost in thecountry and holds more than 60 concerts each yearfrom a base of 20 different ensembles. Around 50 percent of the pupils take individual music lessons in awide range of instrumental and vocal areas.

Strathallan’s ethos is friendly, disciplined andcaring. The school aims to bring out the very best inevery individual child, encouraging each to develophis or her potential to the full, realising both evidentand hidden talents, and creating opportunities foreveryone to excel.

IN EXCELLENCEStrathallanSchool has built a reputation forencouragingpupils to makethe most oftheir abilitiesin all areas

49EDUCATION

Work is under way on an educationrevolution which is going to affecteveryone in Perthshire, not justschool-age children.

The Council is committed to setting up a series ofcommunity campuses which will provide a focalpoint for the surrounding area.

Under a £136 million public private partnership,six new community campuses are to be built – someare already under way.

By 2011, 25 per cent of Perth and Kinross’s childrenwill be at one of these new schools.

Chris Webb, Perth & Kinross Council’s Head ofEducation Services, said: “These are campuses for

the benefit of the community. There will besignificant advantage in terms of range of access toresources from libraries to sports facilities.

“It is part of our big agenda to raise attainment inall our schools as well as to improve facilities – wewant to get our learning and teaching fit for the 21st century.

“The quality of learning and quality ofenvironment are closely linked. With this purpose-built accommodation it is flexible enough to develop the curriculum to meet the needs of theyoungsters in the future.”

The Council has 86 schools across the region and

Innovation and enterprise are hallmarks of a fresh approachthat will equip Perthshire children for the 21st century

Continued overleaf

CHILDRENREVOLUTION

of the

EDUCATION50

new community campuses are being built atBlairgowrie, Breadalbane, Glenearn, Loch Leven,North Inch and Strathearn.

Facilities – planned to be open at the weekends anduntil 10pm every weekday – will include informationtechnology suites and drama spaces.

Setting the schools at the heart of theircommunities will encourage much closer linksbetween education and ‘everyday life’.

The community campus project, known as theInvestment in Learning Programme, is beingdelivered in partnership with the private consortiumAxiom Education (Perth and Kinross) Limited.

Axiom Education – a special purposes vehicle –will build, operate and maintain the six campusesover a 30-year period.

At the end of the 30 years, the buildings pass fromAxiom’s ownership to that of the Council, and must

be in an appropriate condition at that time.Part of the concept behind the campuses is that

the buildings be as energy efficient as possible. Heating and hot water will be provided at three of

the campuses (Blairgowrie, Breadalbane, andStrathearn) through innovative, environmentallysustainable means.

Biomass boilers, using locally-sourced woodchipsas fuel, will be installed at these locations, supportingthe equivalent of 24 full-time jobs and removing 620tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year.

The first campuses, at Glenearn and Strathearn,will open in 2009.

Meanwhile, the Council is at pains to point outthat the rest of the education department’s estate willby no means be overlooked.

A capital programme of renewal and improvementwill continue to keep schools in line with the highest standards.

This purpose-built accommodation is flexibleenough to develop the curriculum to meet the needs ofthe youngsters in the future”

Continued from page 49

ENTERPRISING EDUCATION

Perth & Kinross Council isfostering links betweeneducation and business.

Convener of the Council’sLifelong Learning CommitteeGeorge Hayton said: “TheCouncil has been pursuingopportunities for takingenterprise activities intoschools. This includes building partnerships withbusinesses, introducingvocational qualifications anddeveloping ways to introducepupils to some of the skills

required to run businesses.“Additionally, these

activities help uncover talentsand enthusiasms and alsooffer an interesting andstimulating twist on learning.”

Enterprise in Education looksset to continue. George added: “A tremendous effort has gonein to building a network ofpartners and developing theskills needed to deliver theselearning opportunities. I’mconfident the framework willconsolidate our success.”

53PROPERTY

Often described as the‘Heart of Scotland’, whenit comes to house prices,Perthshire is bang in the

middle of the country.A survey in early 2008 by Nationwide

that looked at the average cost of a homebreaks Scotland up into 13 regions.Perthshire sits proudly at number seven,with six areas above, and six below.

Of course, when you think abouteverything that Perth and Kinross hasto offer, buying property in the areameans you’re getting a lot of ‘quality oflife’ for your money.

Like anywhere else in the UK, there’sa variety of different properties – andprices – on offer. The area has its shareof £1m plus homes, but in generalterms, Perthshire compares

outstandingly well with other parts of the country.

PerthThe city attracts a range of differenthomeowners, it’s a great location forfamilies, single people and those wholike living near fantastic countryside.

If you’re searching for a smallerproperty you can opt for the city centre,which has great choice, or the modernestates on the northern and southernsides of the city.

The most expensive areas wereoriginally outlying villages and theyretain their individuality. Oneexample is Kinnoull Hill in the east of the city which has a range ofGeorgian, Victorian and modernfamily homes. It’s an area where

demand constantly outstrips supply.It’s similar on Perth’s west side,

although prices haven’t quite caught upwith the east. Glasgow Road is thelocation for period property, and there’sgenerally a gulf in price between oldand new homes, although Burghmuiroffers a wider choice and morereasonable prices.

Other areasAlthough homes have usually beencheaper in the areas around Perth city,an influx of people attracted by thebeauties and benefits of the region as awhole has meant rising prices all round.

One of the most popular areas isCraigie, which has terrific periodproperties, with spacious rooms, high

Old or new, in the centre of a bustling communityor remote seclusion, Perthshire has an abundanceof homes to suit most lifestyles and budgets

OurLOCATIONLOCATION

Continued overleaf

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

There are severalcomprehensivewebsites listingproperties of allsizes, ages andprices, including:

www.PSPC.com& S1homes.com

PROPERTY54

ceilings and original features. Other periodproperties around the town fetch slightlyless, while post-war, semi-detached housesmake good family homes.

There’s been a recent boost aroundBlairgowrie as people relocate from otherparts of the country to take advantage of itsgreat rural lifestyle. Another popularlocation is Dunkeld on the banks of theTay. Like other parts of the county it’s richin outstanding scenery, historical interestand great leisure opportunities. Thatcombination attracts eager buyers andmakes for a healthy housing market.

That buoyancy exists in much of the rest ofPerth and Kinross, from Auchterarder in thesouth to Pitlochry in the north, Longforgan in the east to Lochearnhead in the west.

It’s never simple to predict movement inthe housing market, but one thing’s forsure – setting up home in Perth andKinross always has its benefits.

A converted two-bedroom flat in Ealing

A modern three-bedroom home in Portobello

A substantial five-bedroomvilla close toBalhousie Castleand a fewminutes from thecity centre

MORE FOR YOUR MONEY?

All information and statistics correct at time of printing.

When you thinkabout everythingPerth and Kinross hasto offer, you’re gettinga lot of ‘quality of life’ for your money”

Period and historicproperties aren’t rare,

but are sought after

Continued from page 53

…and this in Perth

…can get you this in Edinburgh

In London, what you pay for this:

55PROPERTY

A place of great natural beauty, highlyaccessible, and an outstanding quality oflife – there’s no wonder local propertydevelopment has enjoyed a recent boom.

If choosing a place to set up home, few beat thissuperb part of the world.

Equally, few people know more about propertydevelopment in Perth and Kinross than architectJames Denholm. His local practice undertakes awide mix of work, including new homes for privateclients, affordable housing developments andrefurbishment of existing properties.

On the local market, James said: “It’s certainly beena hotspot in recent years. Obviously, it’s a fantasticplace to live, with lots of facilities and good schools.

“We’ve noticed a lot of growth in the top end. Forexample, we’ve been involved in building 40 homeson a 60-acre site. It’s a small number of homes in abig space, with prices starting at £650,000 andgoing to £1.5m. That kind of development mightnot have been viable here a few years ago.’

As with any large geographical region, Perthshirehas its own particular areas of high demand. “Around Gleneagles is very popular – anythingassociated with the hotel appears to have a dramatic

effect on prices, and there’s a ripple effect thatimpacts on the wider area.

“The area around Auchterarder and north toComrie commands slightly higher prices than theeast of the county.”

In terms of house style, it seems traditional isstrong. “A lot of our clients like fairly traditionalhouses that are laid out for today’s living. I dobelieve, though, that there will be a move towardsmore contemporary solutions. An increasinglyimportant factor is energy use, with people nowputting a priority on efficiency and sustainabilityand looking to use solar, thermal and other methodsof generating power.”

The buoyant local scene means that the JamesDenholm Partnership is not the only local practicewith a burgeoning order book. There are manyothers working on all sorts of projects county-wide.

That level of activity means there is always a needfor skilled labour, bringing additional opportunityfor local business and tradespeople.

“It’s always hard to predict how things will unfold,but as far as we’re concerned, the market is stillextremely buoyant and Perthshire is well placed forthat trend to continue,” James said.

WHERE HEART ISthe

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

For more onJames’ practice,visit: James-Denholm.co.uk

If you’re interested inbuilding yourown home in the area, visitwww.buildstore.co.uk

Local architect James Denholm designs homes that reflect his passion for buildings and the surrounding landscape

Ecological housesare a speciality ofJames Denholm

SHOPPING56

Besides a great range of chain stores, the towns and villages of Perthshire

have a fantastic selection of family-run shops, selling everything from antiques

to zen therapies – with all sorts in between

Perthshire is a haven for shoppersseeking bargains, incredible localfoods, original arts and crafts,antiques – or just retail therapy

in any shape or form!While Perthshire’s towns and villages

have their fair share of familiar high streetnames, what visitors will notice is thenumber of family-owned stores, specialistestablishments, unique shops and themed markets.

Perth’s compact shopping centre has thebest range of speciality shops in Scotlandand the intrepid retail experience hunterneedn’t worry about missing out by notshopping in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Whether you’re looking for great clothes,crafts gifts, furniture, antiques and artworkfor your home, jewellery, a great haircut oreven a smile makeover, you’ll find it inPerthshire.

Antique trailThe artistically minded will find antiquesoutlets and art galleries throughoutPerthshire – the Carse of Gowrie betweenPerth and Dundee even has its ownantiques trail – look out for the white andbrown tourist signs on the A90. Whereveryou travel in Perthshire, it’s worth lookingout for the signs directing visitors to craft

workshops or galleries or why not make aday of it by visiting the markets at Errol and Kinross or Abernyte, the specialityantiques market?

Fresh foodPerthshire is a real haven for foodies – somuch so that the area is known asScotland’s larder. You’ll find plenty of farmshops, farms offering the ‘pick your ownberries’ option during the summer,specialist delicatessens, good-qualitybutcher shops selling local beef, lamb andpork, artisan bakeries and organic outlets.

Retailers selling local food in Perthshireare passionate about their product and givea whole new meaning to the shoppingexperience – you’ll be given plenty ofinformation about what you’re buying andcan be reassured that local food is producedin a way that is sensitive to the environmentand good for the local economy.

Health and beautyThe spa experience is a great way to bring alittle affordable luxury into your life. Daytrips are an option at most spas or why notgo the whole hog and book in for a weekendof pampering? Crieff Hydro Hotel andGleneagles both offer plenty of beauty and relaxation treats, such as facials, hot

THINKINGIndependent

57SHOPPING

Independentshops such as

ProvenderBrown (above)

have realcharacter and

add extrainterest

stone treatments, swimming, sauna andsteam rooms, manicures, massages andmany more.

Changing the look of your smile is a verypopular and affordable option for many ofus these days. The Cherrybank Dental Spain Perth runs a smile makeover service,which can give customers the smile theyhave always wanted through straighteningand whitening options. The dental spa alsooffers a special service for young patients tohelp make sure they don’t grow up with afear of dentists.

Trendy haircuts, hair extensions, Japanesestraightening techniques and up-to-the-minute colouring, weaves and hair transplantsare often thought to be the preserve of big cityhair salons – not so! Whatever your hairneeds, worrying about bad hair days shouldn’tbe a problem with the wealth of salons onyour doorstep in Perthshire.

ClothingThere are a number of exclusive boutiquesin Perthshire, offering customers a range ofclothing options for weddings, cocktail

parties and other smart events. But youdon’t need to stop there – the boutiquescarry clothing labels for leisure activities,work wear and comfortable home wear.

For a personal and very pleasantshopping experience, try out BearNecessities and Bear Feet in Auchterarderfor beautiful lingerie, men’s underwear andfabulous shoes.

Retailers selling food inPerthshire are passionateabout their products andgive a new meaning to theshopping experience”

LOVEMARRIAGE

WEDDINGS58

The tinkle of Champagneflutes, the sweet scent offresh flowers and the sightof fairytale stone halls

bathed in warm light – these are thesensations of a dream wedding. Inromantic Perthshire, the reverie canbecome a reality!

Finding the venueThe venue is vital for the day that willlive among your precious memories, andPerthshire has plenty of both.

Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, forexample, is known as a place of luxuryand romance. And, like many venues inPerthshire, the hotel is just an hour awayfrom Glasgow and Edinburgh. Thedramatic Huntingtower Castle, on theother hand, offers the quintessentialScottish wedding in a timeless setting.

Capture the momentMost people spend months, if not years,

planning for their wedding day – butwith all the excitement, the hours can flyby, which makes immortalising themoments important. In Perthshire,there are many local photographers whocan provide memories for years to come.For example, Pitlochry based DavidBrown is one, with 16 years of experienceproviding wedding and portraitphotography throughout the UK.

Don’t forget the little thingsLittle flourishes can make the differenceto your big day and make those involvedfeel special. From jewellery that canmake the wedding party sparkle to giftsthat can make those involved in theplanning feel valued, you don’t have totravel far to find what you are lookingfor. In fact, jeweller Alex Cairncross hasrecently opened a business in Perthsupplying jewellery and silver gifts overthe web, meaning busy planners don’thave to leave their home to shop.

Perthshire has all you need to makeyour wedding, and your honeymoon,extra special.

For further information on DavidBrown’s photography, visitwww.dwbprophot.co.uk or AlexCairncross’ jewellery, visitwww.alexcairncross.co.uk

You’ve made your plans,but have you ensured thatthe marriage is legal?It is easy to get married inScotland by just attendingto a few details. You need tocomplete a marriage noticeform, which should besubmitted with a fee toPerth & Kinross Council,

ideally between four to sixweeks before the wedding.You then need to pick up amarriage schedule withinseven days of the ceremony,which needs to be signed inthe presence of twowitnesses and the personwho officiates the wedding.And once the big day is over,and the marriage isregistered with the Council,you will receive a marriagecertificate.For more information onwedding requirements inPerthshire, visitwww.pkc.gov.uk

MAKING IT LEGAL

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59LEISURE

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

For more information onleisure facilities in Perthshire,visit : www.liveactive.co.uk

When it comes to being greenand diverting waste from landfill,Perth & Kinross Council is upthere with the best.

It is the top rural recycler inScotland, having recycled 34 percent of the region’s waste in

2007, beating its target from the ScottishGovernment of 25 per cent.

Currently the Council is ontrack to recycle 37 per cent of itswaste and is bringing in a rangeof initiatives to help it go evenfurther in the future.

Mixed kerbside pickups are to be introduced, meaningresidents can have materialranging from cans to paper pickedup outside their homes. And therewill be a boost in the number ofrecycling points in public areassuch as supermarket car parks for a range of material.

KEEPING THE OUTDOORS GREAT

Perth & Kinross Council provides a variety of services to help you make the most of your time and the environment

LEISURE is yourPLEASURE

Getting active in Perthshire is easy – infact, the hardest part is choosing fromthe options on offer. Spread across thearea is a range of leisure facilities to

cater to all fitness levels and tastes. Of these, nine arerun on behalf of Perth & Kinross Council, givingresidents and visitors access to healthy activities.

Those facilities with pools don’t just give people thechance to splash around or perfect their swimmingtechniques – there are a range of water-based activities,such as basic canoeing and kayaking lessons.

At Perth Leisure Pool, adults as well as childrencan zip down flumes, float through a wild waterchannel or relax at poolside whirlpools.

The fun doesn’t stop there: like many otherfacilities in the area, it has a health suite, boastingsaunas and steam rooms. To build up a sweat, thereare gyms in the leisure facilities with state-of-the-artexercise equipment and a range of fitness classes.

But exercise shouldn’t be just about stayingindoors. There are a huge number of activitiesoutside. For example, there are around 40 golfcourses to choose from, as well as cycling routes and an abundance of rivers for anglers.

Even walking holds rich rewards. There is a vastnetwork of local trails, of varying distances anddemands. Weaving through stunning countryside,past ruined castles, the routes are waymarked for easynavigation, and some are even suitable for cycling orhorse riding.

For families, Perth & Kinross Council also providea range of public spaces, from play areas for thechildren to burn off some extra energy to parks for aleisurely stroll. Inside and out, Perthshire is burstingwith ways to get energised.

61BUSINESS

Whether you are a romantic ornot, whether you are a hard-nosed business person or not,Perthshire continues to hold

significant attractions for new and existingbusiness to start or expand.

The romantic is attracted by the naturalenvironment, the peace and calm, the relativelack of traffic, the open spaces, the closeproximity of town and country, and ofmountain, river and loch.

If you are looking at strictly economiccriteria, then the many ‘pull me’ factors areright there. Apart from the M8, virtually all themajor routes pass through Perth; Edinburgh –Dundee, Aberdeen or Inverness; Glasgow – the same. There is an excellent balance of largecompanies such as Stagecoach, Scottish andSouthern, The Famous Grouse Experience andHighland Spring, significant local companiesincluding McEwens, Watsons of Perth, A & J Stephen, James Barclay (Carpets &Furnishings) and Symphony Hotels andLeisure and many, many smaller employers.

It is no coincidence that Perth has beenvoted the best place in Scotland to live, andidentified as the site of the fastest-growingpopulation in Scotland.

Culturally, the Concert Hall has given a hugeboost to the city, while the Festival of the Artsis a major attraction in early summer.Recreationally, the population sits in themiddle of golf gems such as Rosemount. Interms of education, the people of Perth canchoose from schools that lead in their fieldincluding Craigclowan, Strathallan orGlenalmond among several others. In the

greater area of Perthshire, there are vibrantindividual communities where things are madeto happen. The Blairgowrie regeneration project and the Enchanted Forest Festival inPitlochry are excellent examples of what localco-operation and drive can achieve.

The area has a history of innovation to adaptto changing market conditions. The recentdevelopments in fruit farming are illustrativeof this fact, as has been the ability of the whole

farming industry to adapt to new marketconditions. Farming, tourism, finance, lightengineering and food provide a strong balanceof interests for Perthshire. New and existingbusinesses are encouraged to expand and adapt by the environment, the availability of wide varieties of labour skills, the transportnetwork and the sheer warmth of welcomefrom those who have benefited from thequalities of Perth over a period of time.

It is no coincidence that Perthhas been voted the best place inScotland to live, and identified as the site of the fastest-growingpopulation in Scotland”

President, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

For more information onthe Perthshire Chamberof Commerce, visit:www.perthshirechamber.co.uk, e-mailinfo@perthshirechamber.co.uk orphone: 01738 450401

Mike Beale

Mike Beale

PERTHSHIRETHE LURE of

It’s an area of a thousand opportunities. From wind farms to whisky and fromtourism to transport, Perth and Kinrossoffers an amazing range of employment

and job prospects.When it comes to the breadth of the local

economy, this really is a land for all seasons. It’s a place where hugely successful national companies sit side by side with dynamic small businesses,specialised rural industries and sole-trading artisancrafts men and women.

There’s no doubt that Perth and Kinross has oneof the most diverse and interesting economies inScotland. The area is forward thinking andenergetic, and home to pioneering companiesoperating in booming sectors of the economy.

It’s estimated that more than £45 million worth of goods are exported from Perthshire each year –on top of the hundreds of millions of pounds earned and spent locally.

Tourism and distribution are hugely important –they employ more than 31 per cent of the localworking population, in excess of 19,000 people.

Hardly surprising given this is one of the mostbeautiful parts of the country, making it a magnetfor visitors. Every type of holiday is catered for here,from opulent luxury through to small family-runbed and breakfasts and self-catering facilities.

Finance and commerce are also hugely important.They account for more than 13 per cent of the localeconomy, employing in excess of 8000 people.

One of the biggest companies operating locally is Norwich Union, which has shown a big commitment to the area by donating £1 million to Perth’s sparkling concert hall.

Another important company is Scottish and

ECONOMY62

Your Perthshire

CharlieStewart, adirector ofGrowing

Business atScottish Enterprise,said: “Perthshire isa fantastic place tolive, work and dobusiness, with good transportlinks to the rest of Scotland,excellent leisure opportunitiesand a high quality of life.

“We work with manyambitious and innovativecompanies in the area to helpthem grow their businessesthrough new products andservices and give them support toexpand into new markets.’’

Charlie StewartScottish Enterprise

It’s a place where hugely successful nationalcompanies sit side by side with dynamic small businesses”

Forestry,financial

services andtransport all play a

significant rolein the local

economy

With one of the most diverse economies in Scotland, Perthshireis well placed to give any business the opportunity it needs

ECONOMIC

63ECONOMY

Southern Energy, which supplies electricity and gasto customers across the UK. It owns brand namesScottish Hydro Electric and Southern Electric and isthe third biggest company in Scotland, employingmore than 12,400 people overall and making a profitof more than £1.1 billion in 2007.

Retail and shopping are also important. Perth citycentre in particular has a large range of chain storesand speciality outlets, making it one of the mostattractive and popular places to shop in Scotland.

In keeping with the area’s reputation for excellentproduce, food outlets – including the monthlyfarmers’ market – are a popular draw.

Technology firms are also booming. Companiesspecialising in web-based marketing such as CalinetUK have established successful operations and thereis plenty of support for the development of thesector through Perth & Kinross Council and Perth

College’s Advanced Technology Centre.The area’s position at the very centre of Scotland

also serves it well – transport and communicationsaccount for 4.2 per cent of the workforce. This ispartly because leading coach and rail operatorStagecoach, one of the largest transport companiesin the UK, has its headquarters in Perth.

Other sectors include public administration,education and health, which includes the vital servicessuch as schools, council functions and hospitals whichkeep the area going – accounting for 28 per cent of theworking population, or 17,000 people.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing are other hugelyimportant economic sectors. They maintain thearea’s strong reputation for farming, including itsworld famous soft fruits activity.

Manufacturing companies, large and small,employ more than 4000 people locally – that’s 6.5 per cent of the population.

So there’s a huge amount going on in Perth andKinross – it’s this huge and fascinating diversity ofactivity which helps to maintain its strength andassure its future.

Agriculture, forestryand fishing maintain thestrong reputation forfarming, including itsworld-famous soft fruits activity”

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

ScottishEnterprise willgive you help andinformation onhow to get themost from yourbusiness, andPerthshire.

Tel: 01382223100,www.scottish-enterprise.com

hotSPOTCrieff Hydro is a prime exampleof a world-class service provider

CONFERENCES64

In association with

The global market for conferencing andbusiness incentive travel is worth billionsof pounds every year – and Perth andKinross is working hard to make sure it

gets more than its fair share.The area is one of the most attractive in Europe

for conference organisers. It has a wealth of superbvenues, offers fabulous value for money and canprovide fantastic leisure options to give delegates aterrific all-round experience.

From bustling Perth city through to tucked awaycorners of the exclusive Perthshire countryside, thearea can offer venues suited to all tastes, with anincentive and leisure programme to match.

One of the area’s flagship venues is the fantasticPerth Concert Hall – a purpose-built conferencedestination which first opened its doors in 2005.

The stunning new facility is fully equipped withstate-of-the-art technology and provides flexible spacefor a whole variety of different purposes and events.Its main auditorium can seat 1200 people and, inaddition, there is a range of contemporary, flexiblespaces with capacity ranging from 16 to 100.

This adaptability makes the Concert Hall suitablefor a wide range of business functions includingconferences, events, business meetings, exhibitions,corporate hospitality and training.

The main meeting space, the GannochyAuditorium, can extend its capacity to 1600 and is

ideal for everything from political party gatheringsthrough to fashion events.

The venue can also host dinners for up to 300people and provide more than 500 square metres ofexhibition space. A stunning media art space whichgreets visitors provides a multimedia digital canvaswhich is perfect for branding opportunities. There isalso a café bar and smaller spaces abound.

Another venue in the city, Perth Theatre, is ideal forconference organisers seeking both traditional charmand character. Its Edwardian auditorium holds 450people and is ideal for delegates seeking intimacy.There is also a working studio and restaurant.

Horsecross, who run both Perth venues, has puttogether a team which can help with all aspects ofplanning. They said: “Our promise is to provide thehighest level of support to our customers, whatevertheir requirements and regardless of budget.

A MEETINGWith an unrivalled range of facilities,the smart choice for your businessconference is Perthshire

Our promise is to provide the highest level ofsupport to our customers,whatever their requirementsand regardless of budget”

Continued on p66

65CONFERENCES

ofMINDS

CONFERENCES66

In association with

“We’ve already won high-profile business includingan international Mountain Studies conferencebringing delegates from all over the globe, the annual Scottish Conservative Party conference and the Scottish Trade Union conference.”

Another unique conference option is Crieff HydroHotel and Resort, which offers 12 meeting rooms. It can seat 500 in theatre style or 360 for a banquet andis set in 900 acres of glorious countryside. TheVictorian building has been totally redeveloped over the last five years and offers a very high standard of accommodation.

Like Gleneagles, this is much more than aconference hotel – as well as a spa, gym and twoswimming pools, there’s golf, horse riding and both off roading and quad biking. An in-house team canalso organised team building ranging from HighlandGames to team challenges, either indoors or outdoors.

Another possibility is to hold a conference on thebanks of the Tay at the Ballathie House Hotel in rural Perthshire. It has all the necessary facilities forintimate conferences and can offer everything from a day delegate rate through to week-long events. The proximity of estates nearby means it is ideal forshooting, golfing, hunting and fishing.

Events planners who want to organise unusual and extreme sports can plan a whole host of high-adrenaline activities including white water rafting,canyoning, adventure tubing and river bugging. So if you want to work hard and play hard, you simplycan’t go wrong in Perth and Kinross!

World-class choice

The area is lucky in having one of the world’s most famous and prestigious meeting venues – the 5-star Gleneagles hotel near Auchterarder.

Gleneagles has been providing luxuryaccommodation for more than 80 years and aftera £70 million investment programme, it is nowbetter than ever. The 232-bedroom hotel sits in850 glorious acres and has an unparallelled historyof running high-level conferences – it hosted theG8 Summit of world leaders, including US PresidentGeorge Bush and then Prime Minister Tony Blair, in the summer of 2005.

It’s easy to see the attractions for conferences.The Ballroom and Gleneagles Suite each hold up to 360 people and there are plenty of opportunities

for breakouts. Staffwill help you planyour event fromstart to finish andeven offer to puttogether a mini website for youto help the eventalong.

It’s when conference organisers want to combine business with pleasure that Gleneaglesreally excels. It was voted Best European Resort by America’s Condé Nast magazine in 2006 and last year won the accolade of Best Golf HotelWorldwide at the Luxury Travel reader awards.

Its three championship standard golf courses areenhanced by a golf academy which includes acovered drivingrange. Shooting andfishing are also onthe agenda, withexpert instructionavailable. The BritishSchool of Falconry isbased at Gleneaglesand the nearbyEquestrian Schoolhas some of the world’s finest facilities.

There’s also a health club and spa and for thosewho fancy their entertainment to be exhilaratingrather than gentle, the hotel offers off-road drivingwith courses designed by some of the country’sleading specialists.

When it comes to dining, too, Gleneagles’standards are uncompromising – it can provide full

delegate dinners and its traditionalStrathearnrestaurant has beenpicked as one of theworld’s ten top greathotel restaurants.Another eatingexperience isAndrew Fairlie at

Gleneagles, run by the famous chef and Scotland’sonly two Michelin-starred restaurant.

The area isone of the mostattractive inEurope for conferenceorganisers. It has a wealth ofsuperb venuesand offers fabulous valuefor money”

Continued from p64

G rowing a business is always exciting –and if you can find accommodationwhich is ideal for your company’s needs,then you’re well on the way to success.

More and more entrepreneurs are finding that Perthand Kinross is an ideal place to build and nurture theirenterprises. For a start, its position at the centre ofScotland is ideal, with 90 per cent of Scotland’spopulation within a 90-minute drive.

The range of accommodation is also impressive. It’sgenerally cheaper than you’llfind in the centres of cities suchas Glasgow and Edinburgh – andyou’ll often get additional featuressuch as free car parking andwonderful views into the bargain.

Any businesses interested inmoving into the district will findthere’s there’s plenty of helpavailable. There are dedicatedbusiness teams within Perth &Kinross Council and ScottishEnterprise. They jointly fund the Business Gateway to act as a one-stop contact point.

Ken Macdonald, Head of EconomicDevelopment at Perth & Kinross Council said: “Weoffer support to existing businesses and work activelyto attract new businesses to the area.

“Through effective partnership working the aim isto ensure two things. Firstly, that the necessaryinfrastructure is available through the supply ofserviced land and buildings. Secondly, that Perthshirehas a well trained and well equipped workforce readyto meet the demands of business.”

Mike Beale from Perthshire Chamber of Commerce

pointed out that by having a supply of purpose builtoffice accommodation available, businesses would beencouraged to migrate to the area.

“Sites are available for bespoke building andcommercial property is available for rent. All thefundamentals for business growth are available in thearea. There are business banking centres, availabilityof legal and accountancy advice, marketing and PR.

“Costs of office accommodation, commercial spaceand business support charges make running abusiness from Perth and Kinross competitive.

And modern communications do mean thatbusinesses no longer need to be located in

centres such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.”A range of accommodation is

available, varying from smallcommercial, industrial and retail unitssuitable for start-up businesses throughto larger premises for well-established

companies seeking room for further growth.One local company, Castlecroft, providesa range of serviced, industrial and officeunits to suit every size of business. Its £5million flagship development is the

highly appealing King James VI BusinessCentre on the banks of the Tay. Castlecroft also hasfive further office developments and three industrialunit sites in Perth.

Glenalmond Business Park is a 24-acre businesspark by the same company, bought from SconePalace last year. The plan is to develop the site over anumber of phases and this is one of the very fewindustrial areas in Perth that can be purchased fordesign and build.

Whatever your choice, Perth and Kinross canaccommodate you – literally!

67BUSINESS

ROOMtoGROW

Value, space and flexibility –Perthshire is more than able and willing to accommodate your expanding business

MADE IN68

69MADE IN

“The Scottish people, especiallythose in Perthshire, are veryappreciative of beautiful things – particularly hand-

made beautiful things” – Pat Ayre, who runsGallowglass with her husband Roy, on whatprompted them to set up their business inBlairgowrie.

Former antique glass dealer Roy makes glass beads and jewellery using traditional techniques.

While drawn to the area for a range of reasons, the Ayres have found strong support from within the Perthshire glassworking studios.

Perhaps the most well-known of the glass-makers is Caithness Glass, famous for collectablepaperweights.

Business is also thriving for smaller studio-basedbusinesses such as Lorna Radbourne’s CatrionaGlass in Dunning who makes jewellery, lamps and bespoke windows.

There’s also Dunc Smith, who worked as alampworker for Perthshire Paperweights in

Crieff until 2002. A few months later he set up his own business making glass animal and birdornaments.

Whether they were trained during the heyday of the bigger Perthshire glass manufacturers orwhether they gravitated to an area where the skills of glasswork are still alive and well now seems irrelevant.

Many locals are using their imagination and theresources available to them to carve out a business

LIVINGCRAFTING a

Continued overleaf

The skills oflocals have beeninstrumental intheir success

The fact that things are made in Scotland carries a lot of weight especially when things are sent to America”

MADE IN70

Pat said: “There is no formal group for the glass workers, but they do come together and it’s very supportive.

“We have become friends with Dunc and nowknow a lot of the others. No one is going to give away any trade secrets, but we all understand each other.”

Roy and Pat are also learning that whatever you make, Perthshire is a highly desirable brand.

Roy has even created a range of jewellery inspired by the famous Blairgowrie raspberries.

Andy Moore found the same thing after he set up his business making wood carvings and guitars.

South African Andy said: “The fact that things are made in Scotland carries a lot of weight,especially when things are sent to America.

“My customers often ask for labels saying

Perthshire, Scotland so the person they give it to will know where it’s made.”

While he agrees the central location makesPerthshire attractive, he concedes that it makes little difference to his guitar making business. The customers for his Sharkattack electric guitarbusiness come from far and wide.

While Andy claims nothing more thancoincidence has him making guitars in Perthshire,other musical instrument manufacturers disagree.

Small pipe manufacturer and musician Hamish Moore (no relation) reckons the tradition of musical excellence began with the birth of fiddlerNiel Gow in Inver in 1727.

He said: “There’s a huge tradition of music in this area which probably started then. That energy,music-making and creativity doesn’t stop – it gets passed down.

“When you get a core group of people enjoying

Continued from page 69

STUART COSGROVE television executivePerth is thehome of mylifelong passionSt Johnstone.They are theonly team in the UK with a 'J' in their name. Juventus havea 'J' in their name. But they'venever won the Forfarshire Cup.

Stuart Cosgrove

Your Perthshire

71MADE IN

Perthshire has astrong traditionof glassmaking

It’s a problem the world over –many great ideas never make itpast people’s imagination. But inPerthshire, Tanya Ewing is showinghow they can become a reality.And, in her case, help reduceclimate warming and energy bills.

Tanya, pictured right, hasdeveloped an innovative wirelessdevice that clearly shows peoplehow much electricity, gas andwater they are using in theirproperties at any one time and,crucially, the cost and level of COemissions.

Her “eureka” moment came in2006 when she tried to work outhow much gas she was using buther bill was in kilowatt-hours andthe meter was in cubic feet.

“I suspected that I was wastingmoney, but I couldn’t see whatwas going on,” Tanya explained. “I then trawled the net for a devicethat I had in my head – but therewas nothing. It was an untappedmarket.”

So she set up a business, TayecoLtd, to develop and market thedevice called Ewgeco.

What is remarkable about Tanya, then a housewife, was thatshe had no experience ofelectronics, product developmentor running a business. What shedid have was creativity, passionand the strong belief that shewould succeed.

Tanya received help from localbusiness support organisations.

Initially, Ewgeco will be for thebusiness sector, but when the unitsgo into mass production, aconsumer version will be available.

Tanya said: “I get contactedfrom people all over the worldwanting one. It is this demand thatis helping to drive me, as well ashelping people change theirbehaviour to make a difference tothe planet.”

For more information visit www.ewgeco.com

A BREATH OF EVEN FRESHER AIRDevice helps consumers monitor energy usage

music they start teaching, which attractsstudents and one aspect feeds off another,

which leads to the instrument making.”His customers travel huge distances

for something which is made inPerthshire. One recently made the tripfrom Boulder, Colorado, to spend two dayswatching Hamish work and make sure the pipes he was planning to buy were exactly right.

Fiddle maker Joseph I Ross of Perthalso makes instruments which

attract discerning customers fromaround the world.

Meanwhile, Sam Gifford’s Birnam-based Pegasus Casesmakes high-quality cases formusical instrument, most ofwhich are sold to customers in America.

On a much smaller scale, othermusic-related businesses aremanufacturing a tuneful profit.

Neil Archbold retired to Perthshire and fell intothe business of composing music. Calling himselfthe Tunemaker, Neil explained: “I play the pipesand was playing a lot of folk music and found thatpeople started to ask me to write tunes for them.

“They ask me to write something for a wedding or anniversary or to mark other kinds of celebration.

“The most recent one I did was for someone’smum’s 70th birthday present. It turned out thatwhen she was young she enjoyed Scottish countrydancing so I wrote her a Strathspey.”

My customers often ask for labels sayingPerthshire, Scotland so the person they give it towill know where it’s made”

AD FEATURE72

Motor sales companyMacrae & Dick, whichhas its flagshipdealership in Perth, is

celebrating a milestone birthday thisyear – but we are still at the forefront of motor dealership.

At 130 years old, the firm is Scotland’slongest established motor dealershipand continues to provide a superb levelof support for all the customers.

The Dunkeld Road dealership has a team of fresh faces – assistant salesmanager Colin Robertson, salesmenGordon Taylor, Graeme Thomson andMike Collins, trainee salesman ScottMcGregor and motability expert JimClose – all looking forward towelcoming customers old and new.

Marcus Robertson, General SalesManager, said: “We’ve got lots tocelebrate this year. Reaching 130 is anexciting achievement and this year looksset to be a memorable one for us in.

“Today, we are among the leadingmotor dealerships in Scotland andrecently won the Ford Motor CompanyChairman’s Award at our Inverness sitefor high customer satisfaction levels.

“We are determined to build on thiswith our new sales team. I’m confidentthe team is able to achieve this.”

Our services

Macrae & Dick Rapid Fit Centre offers a while-u-wait service that combinesconvenience, Ford quality andcompetitive prices on tyres, exhausts,brakes and other ‘wear and tear’ repairsfor all makes. Every vehicle undergoes afree, no-obligation safety check, whichcan then be used as a basis forscheduling and servicing, repairs orMOT work your vehicle may require.

The Service Department can serviceany make or model of vehicle and offersa Ford Value Service from as little as £99.All work is performed by Ford-trainedtechnicians ensuring you get the verybest service and care for your vehicle.

The service team work alongside theFord Business Centre servicing all makesof commercial vehicles. When booking

in commercial vehicles for servicing,customers can benefit from the servicebackbone hours allowing them to dropvehicles off at 5pm and collect thembefore 9am the following day.

New models promise top year Macrae & Dick has seen hundreds ofnew designs come through itsshowrooms over the years and right now seems to be the most exciting yet.

With the new registration nowavailable, orders for the bold new lookFocus have been flooding in.

With on the road price from £11,945,the new Focus is just £250 more than theequivalent outgoing model. And giventhe array of new technology andequipment now fitted as standard, it’shigher value than ever before.

Bumper time for Budget The car and van rental business, alsorun by Macrae & Dick, announced anincredible 800 per cent rise in turnoverat the end of its first year.

The Budget franchise, which openedin November 2006, has tripled its fleet of vans to meet huge demand.

• We’re offering three days for the price of two at weekends on everythingfrom convertibles to Jumbos.

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

Whatever yourmotoring needsMacrae & Dickare the people to help.

A family firmdriven by service,it has beenawarded the Ford Chairman’sCustomer Car Leagueawards for four consecutiveyears.

Telephone01738 625121or log on towww.macrae-anddick.co.uk

UP for aCHALLENGEPerth-based Macrae & Dick are set to meet new challenges

The Perth dealership was delighted toprovide a four-wheeled boost to localcharity Caring for Kids, which helpsmore than 25,000 children and youngpeople every year.

The charity’s first branded car isalready proving crucial to Caring for Kidsstaff, who use it daily to raise funds andawareness of the charity in Tay Territory.

SUPPORTING LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE

Leisure time is precious!Therefore, having a bitof luxury in your freetime is essential. You

may prefer the executive style of a5 Series, the versatility of the X5,or the exhilarating excitement ofthe 3 Series Coupe. BMW Rentalis affordable luxury, available atGrassicks!

Pick up your car at Perth andmiss the congestion of the centralbelt. Perth has good rail links andwe can pick you up at the station.

We have a meet and greetdelivery and collection service for most of Scotland’s airports.Rates for airport delivery serviceare available on request.

With full BMW 24-hremergency cover and therenowned BMW Service, yourholiday in Scotland starts here!www.car-rental-scotland.co.ukEnquiry form on site, please quote PG01.

If its fun and adventure youwant, Mini rental is also available.

YOU DESERVE Luxury

T hink of a factory and it’s likely imagesof heavy industry come to mind. Whenit comes to the UK’s leading bottledwater supplier, Highland Spring, in the

village of Blackford, think again. The company’s fortune lies in the land above the

natural springs where it takes its water – also knownas the catchment area. The 2000 acres of pristineland are entirely devoid of any kind of development.There are no buildings or agriculture. This land, withstunning vistas, is as nature intended. In fact, thecompany was the first of its kind to have itscatchment area certified as organic by the Soil Association.

The importance of this can’t be underestimated;after all, Highland Spring relies on this land tosupply its product – rainwater that has been filteredfor 15 years through 60 metres of red sandstone andbasalt. In turn, the purity of this land relies on FrankFindlay and his team, who ensure nothing disruptsthe natural process that means Highland Spring’swater needs no treatment at all.

The company’s Water Resource Manager is theman with his hand on the tap. His role also involvescontrolling the supply and sampling of the water thatgushes up from the boreholes in the hills and downinto the bottling factory below every day.

Frank explained: “I have a fairly unique job, beingup in the hills in the day. All the boreholes arecontrolled by telemetry from the computers in thecompany, which I monitor. It is my responsibility tomake sure there is sufficient water to meet the

bottling programme and to make sure there issufficient water to meet the needs of the company.”

Despite the fact that the supply in many ways isdown to what nature offers, Frank’s job is to strike adelicate balance so that the springs sustain thecompany and the environment in the future.

“It’s not just a matter of harvesting the rainfall. We need to know what is going into the ground andwhat the ground water level is, and what is comingout of it. You can’t take out any more than what isgoing in.”

Sitting behind Frank and his team is a fully-equipped, accredited laboratory at the factory thatchecks the purity of the water daily. And behind it isa workforce of around 260 in the factory – a state-of-the-art facility that has trebled in size since it openedin 1980.

To Frank, Highland Spring isn’t just important tothe community as being a major employer. “It givessomething for people to be proud of,” he explained.“It is one of Scotland’s largest and strongest brands,known not just nationally, but internationally. We areat the top of the tree.”

It is one of Scotland’slargest and strongestbrands. We are at the top of the tree”

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

The naturalsprings that feedthe plant aremore than 400million years old.

The companyhas independentaccreditationunder the EcoManagementand AuditScheme, whichrecognisesorganisationsthat go beyondthe minimumlegal complianceand continuouslyimprove theirenvironmentalperformance.

Highland Springhas the highestethical ranking inthe GoodShopping Guide’slist of bottledwater suppliers inthe UK.

To find out more,visit: www.highlandspring.com

In 1503, KingJames IVissued a RoyalChartersanctioningBlackford Beer,which used thelocal water, ashis coronationbeer.

GOODNESSnatural

With more than enough to go round, it’s only natural that Perthshire should share its water with the world

BUSINESS74

75BUSINESS

Perthshire may be a verdant andpleasant land but thanks to onecompany, it is also the centre ofScotland when it comes to being

green in an entirely different way.Shore Recycling has become the leading

recycler of electrical equipment in Scotland, ifnot the UK, in terms of the size of its plant inPerth and the volume of work that comesthrough its doors.

The company’s £10 million investment inmachinery since it first opened more than fiveyears ago is paying off.

Shore has become so successful that is servesvirtually all of Scotland and it bought anotherplant in St Helen’s in Lancashire in Januarydoing a similar job for northern England.

Such is the success that it was recently takenover by one of the UK’s principle wastecompanies – Viridor Waste Management Ltd.

It all began back when Perthshire entrepreneurSimon Howie, himself a local success story –building up a butcher’s chain and food businessto now supply many major supermarkets – wasalerted to a need in the recycling market.

At that time, the press was warning of animpending fridge mountain as the OzoneDepleting Substances regulations came in toforce on 1 January 2002. There just weren’tenough specialist plants in the UK to deal withthe number of fridges that now by law had tohave their CFC – chemicals that are damaging tothe ozone layer – removed.

“From a standing start, in nine months we gotup to speed with learning about the business,building a factory and commissioning themachinery, before opening for business in 2002,”said Shore’s Commercial Director Malcolm Todd.

“It’s now become an important business forPerth – it’s the only plant of its kind inScotland.”

In fact, Perth is important to Shore as well. “Itis a good place to do business in, because we havea good workforce, a good work ethic and goodaccessibility from Shetland to Stranraer.

“We are at the geographical centre and are wellconnected to the motorway,” he explained. Andit is a good thing that the company has goodtransport links as it capitalises on a second pieceof legislation.

In July 2007, the EU’s Waste of Electrical andElectronic Equipment came into force in the UK,and Shore was ready to recycle anything with aplug on it and keep its customers on the rightside of the new requirements.

Malcolm Todd added: “With the introduction of the WEEE Directive, there will be a burgeoning of the material that require treatment and recycling. And it issomething that the public wants to get behind.We are poised for another great year. The take-over by Viridor represents the start ofanother exciting chapter for this successful Perth business.”

PROTECT&SERVEA local company is providing a valuable service dealing with a potential environmental hazard

Shore recycles300,000fridges and250,000 TVsevery year. Visitwww.shorerecycling.co.ukfor moreinformation.

We all have aresponsibilty to take care of the

environment for the next generation

LIKE IT, LIVE IT

There is help and advicefor you setting up orgrowing your businessin Perthshire.

Contact the EconomicDevelopment Unit ofPerth & Kinross Councilon 01738 47 79 40

Visit:www.bgateway.com tel 0845 609 6611,Scottish Enterprise onwww.scotent.co.uk

Meet and share experiences with fellowentrepreneurs at thePerthshire Chamber of Commerce.www.perthshire chamber.co.uk