Dunkeld

Dunkeld is a historic town in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, located on the River Tay at the southern edge of the Perthshire Highlands, opposite the village of Birnam. It has a long religious and cultural history and is set among wooded hills and river scenery. The town’s central landmark is the Dunkeld Cathedral ruins, which mark the site of the medieval bishopric of Dunkeld and stand as a prominent reminder of its former ecclesiastical importance.

Nearby attractions include The Hermitage, a National Trust for Scotland property that offers a woodland walk along the River Braan with a notable stone bridge and the Ossian’s Hall folly. The Dunkeld Bridge over the River Tay is another historic crossing that forms part of the town’s historic landscape.

Today Dunkeld serves as a base for visitors exploring Perthshire, with a range of shops, pubs and guesthouses supporting tourism, alongside a resident community. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking, cycling and fishing, making outdoor recreation a common draw for the area.

Transportation in Dunkeld includes road access via the A9 and a railway link at Dunkeld & Birnam station on the Highland Main Line, connecting to Perth, Inverness and other destinations. The town’s compact size and notable historic sites help it function as a cultural and natural gateway to the wider Perthshire region.