Muthill is a sizable conservation village lying between Auchterarder and Crieff. Its name means either ‘hill of meeting’ or ‘soft place’ depending on which historian you believe. The village contains no less than 96 listed buildings including some fine examples of 18th century Scottish vernacular architecture.

The tower of the ruined parish church dates back to the 11th century, while the nave and choir were added in 1430. An area known as Highlandman’s Green is a relic of Muthill’s historic cattle droving days when the village lay on the main route south to the major cattle sales at Falkirk Tryst. Vast herds from the Highlands were regularly rested on the green on their way to market.

Drummond Castle lies a mile to the north of the village and is built in Scots Baronial style with famous formal Italian style gardens than mainly date from the early 19th century. The garden featured prominently in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Rob Roy’ and is recognised a one of Europe’s finest formal gardens.

While you’re in Muthill don’t forget to visit Muthill Village and Parish Museum, a volunteer run labour of love that collects and displays fascinating local objects from yesteryear.