Situated either side of the River Ericht, a tributary of the rivers Isla and Tay, in Eastern perthshire, the towns of Blairgowrie and Rattray have a population of around 10,000 - the second largest community in Perthshire. The separate towns were joined in 1928 by an Act of parliament.
In the 18th Century, "Blair" had around 400 inhabitants but, in the following century, grew into a major manufacturing town when the River Ericht powered 12 textile mills. Keathbank Mill had the largest water wheel in Scotland. During this period the area also gained the title as the "Berry Capital of Scotland" with its prodigious yields of soft fruits. Itinterant workers flocked to work in the rich fertile fields around the towns.
In the 18th Century, "Blair" had around 400 inhabitants but, in the following century, grew into a major manufacturing town when the River Ericht powered 12 textile mills. Keathbank Mill had the largest water wheel in Scotland. During this period the area also gained the title as the "Berry Capital of Scotland" with its prodigious yields of soft fruits. Itinterant workers flocked to work in the rich fertile fields around the towns.
Today, these bustling Perthshire towns mainly rely on Tourism for their prosperity offering a host of shops, restaurants, hotels and pubs. Blairgowrie and Rattray is the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside with a choice of outdoor activities - golfing (Blairgowrie Golf Club boasts two renowned championship courses), fishing on the Ericht and nearby lochs, walking the "Cateran Trail", with many other designated paths/routes and wintersports in season.
Its location provides easy access north to Glenshee, Braemar, the Cairngorms, northwest towards the highland towns of Pitlochry and Dunkeld and, just 30 minutes South, the county town of perth and the city of Dundee.
Its location provides easy access north to Glenshee, Braemar, the Cairngorms, northwest towards the highland towns of Pitlochry and Dunkeld and, just 30 minutes South, the county town of perth and the city of Dundee.
