Perthshire

Perthshire is a historic county in central Scotland, traditionally known as the County of Perth. The county town is Perth, situated on the River Tay. Although the historic boundaries are no longer used for local government, the area remains a commonly referenced region and is largely part of the Perth and Kinross council area.

Geography: The landscape spans lowland river valleys and upland glens at the edge of the Scottish Highlands. It includes the Grampian foothills, the Tay valley, and notable summits such as Ben Lawers and Schiehallion, with the Glenshee ski area nearby. The primary watercourses are the River Tay and its tributaries; Loch Tay, Loch Rannoch, and Loch Earn lie within or near the county.

History and culture: The region has evidence of settlement since prehistoric times. Scone Palace near Perth hosted coronations of Scottish kings. The area figures in Gaelic history and clan narratives; Perthshire's role in medieval and Early Modern Scotland remains part of its heritage. Administratively, the historic county boundaries persist in cultural use even as local government shifted to the Perth and Kinross council area.

Economy and places of interest: Tourism, agriculture, and forestry predominate. Notable towns include Perth, Crieff, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, and Blairgowrie. Landmarks include Scone Palace, Blair Castle, and Dunkeld Cathedral; Gleneagles hotel and golf resort at Auchterarder; natural attractions around Ben Lawers, Schiehallion, Loch Tay, and Loch Rannoch. The region is accessible by road and rail through Perth on the A9 and the Edinburgh–Inverness line.