Things To Do in Perth, Scotland
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Perth, Scotland Attractions
For the best view of this scenic part of Scotland, take Bowerswell Road 1.6km (1 mile) to the east of Perth center to visit Kinnoull Hill, rising 240m (787 ft.). After an easy climb, you get a bird's-eye view of the geological Highland Line dividing the Highlands from the Lowlands. A marked nature trail beginning at the Braes Road car park leads, after a 25-minute walk, to the panoramic view from the top. Here you can see a folly, the Kinnoull Watch Tower, and its counterpart, 1.6km (1 mile) to the east, Binn Hill. Both structures are imitations of castles along the Rhine.
- Landmark
Balhousie Castle
In the 16th century, this was the home of the earls of Kinnoull, but today it houses the Black Watch Regimental Museum, with hundreds of weapons, medals, and documents of the Black Watch Regiment from the 18th century on. The regiment was recruited in 1739 by Gen. George Wade to help… - Park/Garden
Branklyn Garden
Once the finest private garden in Scotland, the Branklyn now belongs to the National Trust for Scotland. It has a superb collection of rhododendrons, alpines, and herbaceous and peat-garden plants from all over the world. - Religious Site
Kirk of St. John the Baptist
This is the main sightseeing attraction in "the fair city." It's believed that the original foundation is from Pictish times. The present choir dates from 1440 and the nave from 1490. In 1559, John Knox preached his famous sermon attacking idolatry, causing a turbulent wave of… Round House and Fergusson Gallery
If you're interested in Scottish art, head for the Fergusson Gallery, which displays some 6,000 works by Scottish artist J. D. Fergusson (1874-1961). He is acclaimed as one of the best watercolorists in the country, and his Scottish scenes are widely produced on postcards and…
Perth, Scotland Shopping
Cairncross Ltd., 18-20 St. John's St. (tel. 01738/624-367; www.cairncrossofperth.co.uk), sells jewelry, both custom-made and from other manufacturers. The specialty is Scottish freshwater pearls. Timothy Hardie, 25 St. John's St. (tel. 01738/633-127), deals in antique jewelry and has a large selection of Victorian pieces. It also sells antique silver tea services. Whispers of the Past, 15 George St. (tel. 01738/635-472; www.perthcity.co.uk), offers an odd mix of items: jewelry, both new and antique, ranging from costume baubles to quality gold and silver pieces; china; pine furniture; and some linens.
C & C Proudfoot, 112 South St. (tel. 01738/632-483), is an eclectic shop whose merchandise includes leather jackets, hand-knitted Arran sweaters, Barbour waxed-cotton jackets, sheepskin jackets and rugs, and wool rugs, as well as a range of handbags, briefcases, scarves, and gloves.
Watson of Perth, 163-167 High St. (tel. 01738/639-861; www.watsonsofperth.co.uk), has been in business since 1900. It specializes in bone china produced by Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, and others; it also offers cut crystal from Edinburgh, Stuart, and Waterford.
Caithness Glass, Inveralmond Industrial Estate, on A9 (tel. 01805/626-262; www.caithnessglass.co.uk), is a glass factory on the edge of Perth. Follow A9, going through the roundabout marked A9 NORTH to Inverness; the factory is in the industrial complex a short way past the roundabout. Its outlet sells paperweights, vases, and bowls, balanced with a range of Royal Doulton items. While here, you can watch the glass blowers at work.
Perthshire Shop, Lower City Mills, Mill Street (tel. 01738/627-958), sells jams, mustards, and oatmeal along with items produced in the neighboring mills. On the shelves are wooden bowls, spirtles (wooden stirrers often used in making porridge), and Perthshire tartan scarves and ties, along with a large selection of cookbooks.
Perth, Scotland Nightlife
The Victorian Perth Repertory Theatre, 185 High St. (tel. 01738/621-031), hosts performances of plays and musicals between mid-September and May. From the end of May to early June, it's also a venue for some of the events of the Perth Festival of the Arts. The box office is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Tickets cost £10 to £35.
