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Attractions in Dunkeld and Birnam
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Dunkeld and Birnam are two
small towns/villages that nestle either side of the river Tay. Both
are very ancient, although the buildings are relatively modern,
except for Dunkeld Cathedral. The village of Dunkeld was rebuilt
after being destroyed in the Jacobite rising of 1689. They are
well worth visiting as they offer some superb attractions that
are well worth visiting.
 The
Birnam Institute. Off the A9, this arts/community centre,
hosts a wide programme of music, dance, theatre and monthly art
exhibitions. The Beatrix Potter Exhibition and garden celebrate
the life of the author who drew inspiration for her books whilst
on holiday here, the gift shop has gifts for all ages. The Foyer
Café serves lunch, snacks, and home baking.
Open 7 days 10 to 5pm daily. 11 to 4.30 Sun, Nov to Mar.
Tel:01350 727674 Station Rd, Birnam, by Dunkeld. PH8 0DS
www.birnamarts.com
The Hermitage. On the banks of the River
Braan, the Hermitage has been visited and admired for nearly 250
years and continues to draw people from all over the world. An
attractive woodland walk leads along the river banks through
mixed woodland to the picturesque folly of Ossian’s Hall. Each
season offers something different here but the autumn colours
are particularly striking. Open all year. Situated beside
the A9, 0.5 mls north of Dunkeld & Inver turnings.
Dunkeld and Birnam Walks Leaflet
highlights eight way-marked trails, including a map, covering a
total of nearly 36 miles of paths and tracks in the countryside
surrounding Dunkeld, Birnam, Inver and Fungarth. The countryside
is noted for its flora, places of interest and associations with
the famous fiddler Neil Gow, the writer Beatrix Potter and the
naturalist Charles Macintosh. The leaflets are available from
the Tourist Information Centre in Dunkeld.
Loch
of the Lowes Wildlife Centre. Excellent views of ospreys
from observation hides by the loch shore. Stunning close-up live
CCTV footage directly from the nest. Visitor Centre with
displays & friendly staff. Open All year 10am to 5pm. Hides
24hrs. Adults £3.50 (Conc £2.50) Fam£7.00. Scottish Wildlife
Trust members free. A923, 2 mls from Dunkeld. PH18 5TW.
Tel:01350 727337 email:lochofthelowes@swt.org.uk
www.swt.org.uk/visit/visitor-centres/loch-of-the-lowes-visitor-centre
 The
medieval - Dunkeld Cathedral, on the banks of the River
Tay. The C13th choir of the cathedral is used as the parish
church. Through the church in the C15th sacristy there is a
small museum. The Cathedral Tower was built in 1469. There are
some rare Medieval carved stones, and also a stone from the
first church, showing a man on horseback blowing a horn and
holding a spear.
Behind the High Altar, you will find King Robert II’s son, the
Wolf of Badenoch, who was excommunicated by the Pope and in rage
burnt down the towns of Elgin & Forres, destroying Elgin
Cathedral in 1390. He was forced to make public penance in
sackcloth and ashes at Blackfriars Monastery in Perth in front
of his brother King Robert III. Guided tours available - details
from the Tourist Office, Tel:01350 727688. Open Apr to
Sep, 9.30am - 6.30pm; Oct - Mar, 9.30am-4.30pm. Historic
Scotland.
Neil Gow’s Tree a gnarled oak
adjoining his croft at Inver where he used play his famous
fiddle, and his friend the Duke of Atholl used to listen from
across the river. The Dukes became his patron, an account book
contains his signature for wages of £5 a yr in 1770. He is
regarded as the father of the Strathspey and Reel music. His
portrait by Henry Raeburn, and his famous fiddle are still to be
seen in Blair Castle he was Born at Inver, Strathbraan in 1727-
1807.
Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon / Blair Atholl and Killiecrankie / Dunkeld and Birnam / Pitlochry / Strathtummel a | 
