There’s plenty to do in pretty Perthshire

Perthshire has everything that makes Scotland so special.

I confess I’m biased, because it has been my home for 31 years, but I still think that if there’s one place that encapsulates all that’s best about Scotland, it’s got to be Perthshire.

Located slap bang in the centre of old Caledonia and crossing the Lowland and Highland divide, it’s got the lot mountains, lochs, pretty villages, fishing, golf, lovely market towns and some wonderful restaurants and shops.

Here you’ll also find some of the most remarkable trees and woodlands in Europe.

In one day you can see Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Britain’s tallest tree, and once you’ve done all that, if golf’s your thing, then you can round off the day playing on some of the most famous courses in the world such as Gleneagles, where this year’s Ryder Cup will be played, Alyth and Blairgowrie’s Rosemount.

And when to go to Perthshire? Well, regular seasonal highlights include the Perth Festival of the Arts in May, the Scottish Game Fair July 46, The Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair August 2124 and the Glenfiddich Piping and Fiddling Championships in Blair Atholl on October 25.

Perth Theatre is closed for renovations, but don’t forget Pitlochry Festival Theatre, or why not have a day out at Perth Racecourse?

The city of Perth boasts the Black Watch Castle & Museum, recently re-opened after a £3.5 million redevelopment.

The origins of The Black Watch stretch back to 1725 with the formation of the Independent Companies to watch over the Scottish Highlands.

The Black Watch was raised in 1739. Its history as an independent regiment came to an end in 2006 when the 1st Battalion The Black Watch became The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Black Watch served with great distinction in peace and war in almost every country and campaign where the British Army served.

The Museum is housed in the historic Balhousie Castle. It contains a superb collection of artefacts spanning the history of The Black Watch.

Visitors are shown a short video, introducing them to some of the key symbols of the Regiment, including their famous red hackle.

The majority of the galleries are organised chronologically, taking the visitor though nearly 300 years of history.

The final galleries look at a day in the life of a soldier, remembrance of those who died in action, medals and links to the Royal Family. Entry is £7.50 (£6 for concessions), and it’s open daily.

A lovely base for a Perthshire break is the country house hotel of Ballathie, on the famous River Tay (where, of course, you can fish, if that’s your thing).

This 4-star, 53-bedroom mansion near Perth is offering dinner, bed and breakfast plus a day’s fishing on the river from £139 per person per night. This includes the services of a ghillie and boat, but those seeking to hook “the king of fish” must provide their own equipment.

The package is available until March 30 (no fishing on Sundays). Ballathie has won a host of awards, including best Scottish country house and country sports hotel, best rural restaurant and best country weddings venue.

For a traditional country house hotel experience, stay in the main house. The lodges and rooms at Riverside are more modern. Dinner is £43.50 for three courses and tea or coffee. Call 01250 883268 or visit ballathiehousehotel.com.

Things to do

Spend an afternoon at beautiful Blair Castle (above), protected by the only private army in Europe.

Row out to the island castle on Loch Leven where Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned for almost a year before making a dramatic escape.

Stand in the Church where John Knox fuelled the fires of the Reformation at St. John’s Kirk in Perth.

Walk to the stunning waterfalls that inspired Robert Burns’ poem; The Birks O’ Aberfeldy.

See the oldest library in Scotland at Innerpeffray, near Crieff, founded by Lord Madderty in 1680.

Be stunned by the beauty of the Queen’s View, one of the most famous in Scotland, across Loch Tummel to Schiehallion. Queen Victoria took tea here in 1866, but the viewpoint actually commemorates Queen Isabella, first wife of Robert the Bruce.

Take a trip to the magnificent Scone Palace where Kings of Scots, including Robert the Bruce, were crowned.

Visit the home of a Clan Chief at Castle Menzies, by Aberfeldy, where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed on his way to the Battle of Culloden.

For more information, go to VisitScotland’s website.