Perthshire And Fife

From the empty silent spaces on the edge of the Grampian mountains, down to a coastline of red sandstone cliffs and long beaches, Angus is an area full of surprises, from Scotland’s own Niagara Falls – the Reekie Linn waterfall near Alyth – to Macbeth connections at Glamis Castle.

Kirriemuir is the gateway to the Angus Glens, and noted for its associations with JM Barrie, creator of Peter Pan. Between hill and coast lies gentler country with Forfar and Brechin as the main centres.

East again, Carnoustie is a reminder that the quality of golf on offer hereabouts has few parallels. As well as fine coastal golf links, Angus offers a coastline worth exploring for its beaches and coves, especially around Auchmithie, north of Arbroath, and Lunan Bay.

Dundee offers a vibrant city experience, the wealth of its attractions symbolised by RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration vessel, berthed at Discovery Point,. It looks back to its former role as a jute and textile processing centre, at the Verdant Works (lots of hands-on activities for children), and forward by way of the innovative Dundee Contemporary Arts and also the Dundee Science Centre.

Across the Tay Bridge from Dundee, Fife is quintessentially Lowland and gentle. St Andrews uniquely combines a heritage as an ancient religious centre, university town and – perhaps most famously – as the home of golf. (Though everyone has heard of the Old Course, remember there is a huge choice of other courses in Fife.) St Andrews also has an excellent range of shops.

Fife also has more than its share of picturesque villages, making relaxed countryside touring very rewarding. Cuiross, bypassed by time; Falkland, clustered around the grand renaissance facade of Falkland Palace, Ceres in the green Fife hinterland, Crail, with its 16th -century Tolbooth a reminder of an old Scots burgh.

Over in the East Neuk (Scots for corner), the red-pantiled white-walled fishing villages are certainly colourful, with the Fife Fisheries Museum at Anstruther an excellent evocation of village life bound up with the sea.

Scone Palace

Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland’s most important stately homes. Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts. Poised above the River Tay in Perthshire, Scone Palace overlooks the routes north to the Highlands and east through Strathmore to the coast. The Grampian mountains form a distant backdrop, and across the river stands the city of Perth.

The palace runs a whole host of events throughout the year, here are some coming up soon…

Falconry Friday ( selected Fridays through out the year)

On certain Fridays Scone Palace will have a wonderful falconry display by the renowned Raptor World. These magnificent birds will be on display from 12.00 noon until 4.00 pm on the lawns in front of the Palace. There will be a fantastic flying display at 2.00pm.

More Info

Dundee Flower and Food Festival

A three-day extravaganza of floral displays, cookery demonstrations, crafts and kids’ activities as well as appearances from celebrity gardeners and chefs. Sounds like a great day out for all the family.

More Info

The St Andrews Spy Mission Treasure Trail

Can you follow the route, solve the sneaky clues & crack the code on the St Andrews Spy Mission Treasure Trail like a true secret agent? This self guided Trail is the fun way to explore St Andrews with the kids. Along the St Andrews Spy Mission Treasure Trail you’ll be hunting for the answers to the our sneaky clues. You’ll be looking high and low to find the answers which are set on permanent features such as historical buildings, signs & statues so you will also learn about the area as well, bonus! s this Spy Mission is a self guided Trail you are in control. You’re not tied to any start or finish times and can stop at anytime along the route. The Trail route is 2 miles long, should take around 2 hours to complete and is suitable for the whole family.

For full details and to buy and download the trail map click on the link below. Cost is just £6.99 and available to do all the year round.

More Info

Loch Tay Safaris

Runs April – November

A unique cruise on Loch Tay exploring the history, heritage and folklore of Perthshire’s largest loch. Experience the breath taking scenery and learn about this mysterious and dramatic landscape from our local and knowledgeable skipper, you will be enchanted by the Loch’s mystical charm!

More Info

Family Favourites

Deep Sea World, North Queensferry
Walk along one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels at Scotland’s national aquarium. 7 days a week – Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.00pm, Sat & Sun 10.00-5.00pm – More Info

Fife Coastal Path
Voted the best coastal path in Scotland – More Info

RRS Discovery, Dundee
Step aboard the RRS Discovery, the legendary ship that Captain Scott sailed on his expedition to the Antarctic. Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm (Sun 11am) – More Info

Suggested Walks

Balmaha Millennium Forest Path, Stirling – More Info

Loch of the Lowes and Fungarth, Dunkeld – More Info

The Rock and Spindle, St Andrews – More Info

Both the Lowland, salty air of the old fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, and the wide-open spaces of the upper Angus Glens, are included in this area offering contrasts in plenty on both sides of the Highland line.