Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PERTHSHIRE & KINROSS
For sheer scenic variety, Perthshire is the pick of Scotland's regions and a place where
everyone will find a special, personal spot − whether it's a bleak moor, snaking loch,
postcard-perfect village or magnificent forest. Highlights are many: the enchanting valley
of Glen Lyon strikes visitors dumb with its wild and remote beauty; stunning Loch Tay is
nearby; and the River Tay runs east from here towards Dunkeld, with its cathedral among
the most beautifully situated in the country.
Things begin sedately in the southeast corner with Perth itself, a fine country town with a
fabulous attraction in lavish Scone Palace, and get gradually wilder as you move north-
wards and westwards, moving through wooded slopes and river-blessed valleys, culminat-
ing in the bleak expanse of Rannoch Moor.
T TIME
Scotland's biggest music festival,
T in the Park
(
www.tinthepark.com
)
rocks this nook of the country over the
second weekend in July. A major event, with six stages and top-name acts, it takes place on the former Balado air-
field near Kinross. It's a three-day affair, with camping available from the night before. The park is off the A91, just
west of junction 7 of the M90.
Kinross & Loch Leven
POP 4681
Kinross, just off the M90, sits on the banks of pretty Loch Leven. Stretch your legs or take
a bike on the
Loch Leven Heritage Trail
(
www.lochlevenheritagetrail.co.uk
)
, which runs
8 miles around three-quarters of the loch, with sightings of deer common, or head across to
the island in its centre to visit evocative
Lochleven Castle
(HS;
www.historic-scot-
land.gov.uk
;
adult/child incl boat £5/3; 9.30am-5.30pm Apr-Sep, to 4.30pm Oct, last
sailing 1hr before)
, which served as a fortress and prison from the late 14th century. Its
most famous captive was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was incarcerated here in 1567. Her
famous charms bewitched Willie Douglas, who managed to get hold of the cell keys to re-
lease her, then rowed her across to the shore. A bistro by the ferry dock, near the centre of
Kinross, serves decent light meals and you can rent bikes here (£20 per day).
