Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 24 on 05/01/2006.

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Scotland’s ‘big county’ (Perthshire)

Perthshire has often found itself at the epicentre of Scottish events, not least because of its geographical location. Ian Buxton acts as tour guide

Located in the very centre of Scotland and known to all as ‘the big county,’ Perthshire has seen some of the major events in Scottish history. It’s also one of the fastest growing and most affluent areas of Scotland, with its 135,000 residents passionately convinced of the quality of life to be found here.

And, naturally, it’s hugely popular with visitors, attracting large numbers of tourists each year who come for the magnificent landscape, the history, the many attractive small towns and villages and the museums, arts centres and attractions that are dotted around the countryside.

Offering as it does both Highland and Lowland scenery, Perthshire has something to delight visitors year round. A trip might begin in Perth itself, or St John’s Town or the Fair City as it is also known. Once known as the home of such famous old whisky brands as Dewar’s and Bells, it’s now the thriving centre of local government, insurance companies and, of course, tourism businesses.

The compact city centre is undergoing a process of regeneration the first phase of which, a major new concert hall, has just been completed.

This exciting project is designed to help transform Perth into one of Europe’s most successful and dynamic small cities by 2010.

The concert hall is located at Horsecross, within a short walking distance of Perth Theatre, Perth Museum and Art Gallery and a growing array of restaurants, bars and galleries.

Hopefully, this new arrival will only enhance Perth’s other charms: .....

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By Ian Buxton

Section : Regional Focus

Page number : 33