Situated on the east coast of Scotland, St Andrews is a town made world famous both by its university and as ‘the international home of golf’, although its earliest origins lie back in the Dark Ages, when its predecessor town, Kilrymont, was more simply home to hardworking fishermen and farmers. The ruins of its once-fine cathedral, are a consequence of a combination of fire damage, disuse following the Reformation and, more prosaically, being plundered for building materials, although now its remains are lovingly curated and preserved for visitors.
The centrally-located county of Perthshire has a wide variety of landscapes, and is known by many as ‘Big Tree Country’, for the presence of numerous tall trees, conifer plantations, and the tallest and longest hedge in Britain – and possibly the world – the latter being the beech hedges at Meikleour.
To the north lies Tayside, a region of fabulous rivers which offer numerous wonderful opportunities for anglers, with abundant stocks of fish, including wild brown trout and grayling, Atlantic salmon fishing and excellent course fishing, and where perch, pike, roach and tench are just some of the available species to be caught.
Things to do in St Andrews, Perthshire and Tayside With Carnoustie, St Andrews and Gleneagles all within the region, golf is obviously a key attraction for many visitors, with numerous golf courses catering for all skill-levels and sizes of pocket. In addition to fishing, hill walking and climbing, the area is a mecca for those who love the great outdoors writ large. Orienteering is a popular pursuit, as well as more extreme activities, including canyoning, whitewater rafting, snowsports, cliff jumping and microlight flights.
Top Destinations
Dundee – In the central Lowlands on the northern banks of the Firth of Tay, Dundee was founded on the textile industry, with the export of raw wool leading on to the production of finished textiles, first linen and then jute. Named after one of the ‘jute barons’, James Key Caird, the Caird Hall is the principal concert hall in the city, and just one of a variety of local venues which regularly host a wide range of arts events.
Montrose– This resort town is perched on the coast between the mouths of the North and South Esk rivers, in a natural habour that has been an area of trading since mediaeval times. The two-mile square lagoon basin that is known as the Montrose Basin is a nature reserve of national importance, celebrated for its pink-footed geese, Peregrine falcons and wigeon, as well as for a myriad of other birdlife and wildfowl.
Arbroath – An important fishing port, Arbroath has fine sandy beaches as well as spectacular red sandstone cliffs, making it popular family holiday resort. The ruins of the 12th century Arbroath Abbey dominate the centre of the town, and the Abbey is believed to have been the place where the Declaration of Arbroath – a declaration of Scottish independence – was drafted.
Blairgowrie – Perhaps lesser known for being the home of Tayside Ferret Rescue, Blairgowrie is a town of red stone buildings, lying on the banks of the River Ericht near to the spectacular gorges in Strathmore. Nearby the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve at the Loch of Lowes is a super location from which to spot ospreys and otters. To the north, the Spittal of Glenshee is home to Scotland’s largest centre for skiing.
Carnoustie – World famous for its golf course, Carnoustie is also well known for its gloriously fine windswept and sandy beach; Carnoustie Bay offers visitors ample opportunities for canoeing, sailing, yachting and windsurfing, making it a popular location for any holidaymakers who happen to be a little less focused on the golf links.
Pitlochry – A town with plenty of the architecture that still reflects its Victorian heyday, the mountains surrounding Pitlochry attract hill walkers and climbers, making it a popular touring base for visitors to the local area. The eastern end of the Rob Roy Way – a long distance footpath – runs across to the village of Drymen in the west, where it meets with the longer West Highland Way. This 93 mile path crosses the Highland Boundary Fault, the geological feature where the Lowlands and Highlands intersect, giving the route some spectacular views during the course of the typical seven days that it takes to walk the path.
Glenrothes – In the heart of Fife, Glenrothes has won numerous awards for the quality of its parks and landscaping. Although a modern construction, created as one of Scotland’s post-war ‘new towns’, the area was already established as several hamlets which had been built to house workers from the local paper mills. Home to a number of ancient stone circles, today the town also plays host to a selection of modern sculptures and artworks, many of which not only act as local landmarks, but have also been recently earmarked for listed status, such is their noteworthy nature.
Gleneagles – Once again, golf is a central focus for visitors to this town, although there are ample opportunities for horse riders and walkers, in this fine glen location between the Ochil Hills.
Crieff – Lying on the southern edges of the Scottish Highlands, the ancient market town of Crieff has developed into a tourist hub, from its origins in whisky distilling and cattle trading. Each year the Market Park in the town plays host to the traditional Crieff Highland Games, and throughout the rest of the year Macrosty Park is a great place for Summer picnics, and indeed is said to be one of the most picturesque parks in the whole of Scotland.
This most attractive 19th century traditional red stone holiday cottage is at one end of a row of three, peacefully set down a quiet side street in the popular town of Kirriemuir, most famous for being the birthplace of J ...
Located deep in the heart of an attractive rural area, these two holiday cottages enjoy a peacefully idyllic setting by the tumbling Fochy burn. A striking mill conversion, the Waulkmill Cottages retain original beams and ...
'Close to sandy beaches and picturesque villages ? with golf at St Andrews nearby . . .' Ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, select weddings or corporate events, Pitcairlie House can accommodate up to 21 guests ...
Converted from the old stable buildings, this wonderful holiday cottage is bright, spacious and modern. The open-plan living area is set on the first floor taking full advantage of the seasonal views over surrounding ...
Set in the conservation village of Ceres, only 7 miles from St Andrews, these delightful holiday cottages provide an ideal base for those wishing to enjoy the best Fife has to offer. Set in the heart of the village only ...
In the heart of Perthshire, nestling quietly on a private, 1,200-acre estate in the mighty Tay Valley, these four very comfortable holiday cottages enjoy far-reaching views over a patchwork of farm and woodland. Laundry ...
Designed by William Bell circa 1899, Dunvarlich House is a superb example of Arts and Crafts movement architecture and has a Historic Scotland listing category B. The house occupies a stunning position with breathtaking ...
These two lovely properties (refs SDDL and SRRR) are surrounded by outstanding Perthshire countryside. Sitting within a quiet woodland setting, spacious Earnbank Cottage ref SRRR offers comfortable living, with lovely ...
Set amidst one of the most breathtaking and scenic views within Perthshire?s Tay Valley, these beautiful secluded properties nestle in the hillside above the historic 19th-century Kinfauns Castle, ideally situated to offer ...
Ardens Lodge, Glendevon, Glendevon, Perth and Kinross
Riverside locationSituated on the bank of the River Devon, this detached timber chalet offers cosy holiday accommodation with attractive views and is ideally positioned for touring the centre of Scotland. Some of the best ...
This delightful detached stone cottage offers very pleasant and peaceful accommodation with elevated views of the Quharity Glen from the front garden. Restored to a very good standard, with stone floors and woodburner, ...
This detached, picturesque cottage enjoys a wonderful rural location, perfect for touring Perthshire, enjoying the Fife coast and St Andrews or even an easy journey into Edinburgh or Glasgow. Just 1 mile from Milnathort or ...
Nestling in the shadows of Melgund Castle, in the heart of Angus, this delightful, semi-detached holiday cottage offers a wealth of leisure opportunities. Situated on the family farm in the quiet surroundings of the Angus ...
Blawrie Cottage, Coupar Angus, Coupar Angus, Perth and Kinross
This sumptuous and very comfortable detached house sits in a stunning location between Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus. With panoramic views in all directions over farmland, it creates a tranquil environment for a memorable ...
Secluded gardensBoatland Lodge is a unique 19th century detached lodge house set in a secluded mature garden on the banks of the River Taym, a great place for relaxing and walking by the river. An ideal holiday base for ...
This lovely, semi-detached holiday property is in a peaceful, rural setting, overlooking the Sidlaw Hills in the Vale of Strathmore. Explore walking in the beautiful Angus Glens or play golf locally at Alyth and Rosemount ...
Built in 1885 Cardy Cottage is a grade C listed building located by the beach in the village of Lower Largo on the Firth of Forth. The history of the village is dominated by the real Robinson Crusoe (Alexander Selkirk) and ...
This first floor apartment within a Grade B listed property, formerly the gate house to Murthly Estate, makes a beautifully refurbished, comfortable holiday home. Set in an AONB, off the main road through the village, all ...
' A traditional Highland retreat, flanked by mountains, forests and lochs... all the ingredients of an idyllic Scottish holiday...yet only 90 minutes from Edinburgh' Set on a magnificent Highland estate spanning 4500 acres ...
Situated within the grounds of Dalbeathie Estate, just 2½ miles east of the historical town of Dunkeld, this restored, detached villa, with garden, offers an ideal holiday getaway to explore the secluded central Highlands. ...
Within a terrace of 18th century fisherman?s houses, this holiday home is comfortably furnished, with spectacular sea views and a long narrow garden and access gate to shore. These villages of Fife are an attraction, aided ...
In the heart of Perthshire, nestling quietly on a private, 1,200-acre estate in the mighty Tay Valley, these four very comfortable holiday cottages enjoy far-reaching views over a patchwork of farm and woodland. Laundry ...
Designed by William Bell circa 1899, Dunvarlich House is a superb example of Arts and Crafts movement architecture and has a Historic Scotland listing category B. The house occupies a stunning position with breathtaking ...
These two lovely properties (refs SDDL and SRRR) are surrounded by outstanding Perthshire countryside. Sitting within a quiet woodland setting, spacious Earnbank Cottage ref SRRR offers comfortable living, with lovely ...
25% off for a 21 nights break starting Saturday, 18th of May
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, these two beautiful adjoining period stone cottages are situated in secluded Glen Lethnot - an unspoilt Angus glen. A great sense of peace is felt here among the green slopes and heather ...
Ideal base for touringThis charming, traditional holiday cottage is only 20 minutes from St Andrews, attached to the owner?s home with its own private area of landscaped gardens with several secluded sitting areas. The ...
Located deep in the heart of an attractive rural area, these two holiday cottages enjoy a peacefully idyllic setting by the tumbling Fochy burn. A striking mill conversion, the Waulkmill Cottages retain original beams and ...
This light and sunny holiday cottage has spectacular views over the Firth of Forth from every window, even the loo! A traditional end-terrace fisherman?s cottage, it has been completely renovated to provide cosy, ...
Nestling amongst a vast landscape of hillside scenery, this cosy detached holiday cottage will appeal to those wishing to enjoy peace and tranquillity coupled with stunning views. There are lovely local walks, literally ...
Only 3 miles from Perth?s excellent amenities and with access by footpath to historic Old Scone, this delightful holiday cottage has been superbly refurbished. Shown right in the photograph (with lower roofline), it is ...
Peacefully set in the pastoral grounds of Glenearn Estate, this delightful single-storey holiday cottage offers peace and tranquillity in a beautiful rural setting. The Lodge is elegantly furnished and is a very ...
Set in the heart of the tiny village of Pool of Muckhart in the Devon valley, just 11 miles south of Gleneagles, these cosy stone holiday cottages make a perfect base for exploring this lovely area. Inn Cottage (ref 19910) ...
Elevated settingIn a peaceful elevated setting overlooking the rooftops of the popular town of Crieff and the countryside beyond, this most attractive holiday apartment occupies the ground floor of this superb Victorian ...
Kinloch House, Kinloch Rannoch, Kinloch Rannoch, Perth and Kinross
This semi-detached holiday cottage adjoining the owner?s home, sits within a pretty garden in this tranquil village. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the Schiehallion Mountain, Rannoch Moor and the beautiful Loch ...
Set in the conservation village of Ceres, only 7 miles from St Andrews, these delightful holiday cottages provide an ideal base for those wishing to enjoy the best Fife has to offer. Set in the heart of the village only ...
Set in the conservation village of Ceres, only 7 miles from St Andrews, these delightful holiday cottages provide an ideal base for those wishing to enjoy the best Fife has to offer. Set in the heart of the village only ...
Just 10 miles from St Andrews, this charming, single-storey holiday cottage is attached to another property on a tiny lane beside the church in picturesque Upper Largo, just minutes? drive from the beach and golf course. ...
'Close to sandy beaches and picturesque villages ? with golf at St Andrews nearby . . .' Ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, select weddings or corporate events, Pitcairlie House can accommodate up to 21 guests ...
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