The rich farmlands of Blairgowrie and East Perthshire stretch from the banks of the River Tay to the high Grampian Mountains. Agriculture is king here and the area is particularly famed for its berries and soft fruits. Berry picking has long been part of the local culture attracting visitors from all over Europe.

Blairgowrie and East Perthshire also have a rich Pictish and medieval history and more than its share of myths and legends. You can even walk in the footsteps of King Arthur or follow the trail of the ancient Cateran warriors. Alternatively, you could enjoy the many local craft centres and antique shops that maintain other links with the past.

Today Blairgowrie and East Perthshire offers unrivalled facilities for walkers, anglers, shooters and golfers as well as winter sports enthusiasts who flock to Glenshee, the largest ski area in Britain. There is also an excellent choice of adventure activities from hand gliding to canyoning to snowboarding.

Blairgowrie and its sister community of Rattray form the second largest town in Perthshire with a population of around 8,000. The town sits on the banks of the River Ericht, which once powered a dozen spinning mills. Keathbank Mill was the last to close in 1979.

A converted mill now acts as the Riverside Granary, which displays antique and contemporary prints, jewellery and craftwork, while Roy Sim Antiques has 4,500 square feet of antiques, furniture and decorative and collectable items.

The riverside offers a woodland walk and play areas, while the waters are popular with anglers. Angling permits and equipments are available from James Crockart & Son and Kate Fleming in the town centre. On dry and Blairgowrie Golf Club boats two 18 hole championship courses and a 9 hole wee course.

The town is also the main start point for the 60 mile circular Cateran trail that walkers can follow around the historic drove roads used by brigands and cattle rustlers. In addition to walking, companies such as Nae Limits, Mountains & Glens, and Scottish Cycling Holidays can provide every type of activity from white water rafting to snowboarding.

Blairgowrie enjoys a full programme of entertainment throughout the year including regular public performances in the Wellmeadow during the summer. And don’t miss Blairgowrie Highland Games – held in early September with the longest Tug O’ War rope in the world.