The picturesque farming town of Alyth is known to have existed for at least 1,000 years. William the Lion, King of Scotland from 1143-1214, signed a number of charters in the town and it is known that Christian missionaries established a presence in the area from the 6th century onwards.

Farming and tourism made Alyth, for it was once a popular resort for holiday makers from nearby Dundee. Alyth museum is the best place to learn more about its past.

The centre of Alyth is particularly attractive with a burn cutting through the town crossed by little footbridges, the oldest of which dates back to the 16th century. Alyth Arches stand on the site of the 6th century St. Molagg’s Church and date from the Reformation. The Den of Alyth, to the west of the town, is a deep wooded valley where Robert the Bruce once hunted. It is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest where you may spot deer, herons, and owls.

Alyth is something of a Mecca for golfers with the excellent Alyth Golf Club, Glenisla Golf Centre and Strathmore Golf Centre, which boasts two courses and a floodlit driving range. The area is also well provided with local craftworks from handcrafted dolls houses and wooden toys of the Camno Workshop to the colourful Jus-Tina Knitaer and craft demos at Peel Farm where you can also visit the red deer paddock and follow a walking trail through an idyllic gorge.

To the north of Alyth, Glenisla is one of the most beautiful of the Angus glens and an important centre for Nordic and cross country skiing. It is also a popular area for horse riding. Glenmarkie Equestrian Centre has horses for riders of all ages and abilities, while the Health and Beauty Spa offers top to toe therapies for ladies and gentlemen – ideal for soothing tired muscles.

There are all kinds of small roads and tracks off the main road that lead on to secret beauty spots like Backwater Reservoir and Reekie Linn falls. Good pair of walking boots perhaps helps you appreciate the best of Glenisla, although the less energetic can also have a day to remember at the Glenisla Highland Games, held every August.