Blairgowrie, Perthshire

Blairgowrie lies at the heart of raspberry growing country and is also a main accommodation and facilities centre for the Glen Shee Ski Resort 24 miles (39km) to the north. Its fame as a soft fruit producer started in 1898 when a local resident decided to grow wild raspberries as a commercial crop. Today, with its favourable soil and climate, it is the major raspberry-growing district in the British Isles. The town has a relaxed air with a selection of woollen mill outlets and pleasant cafes or ice cream shops. The tourist information outlet overlooks the main square.

Keithbank Mill and Heraldry Centre is located on the Braemar Road, the A93, just north of town. There is an engine house and water-wheel still in working order. A coffee shop is located in the mill's lower section serving Blairgowrie Cream Teas. A footbridge leads over the River Ericht to explore Cargill's Leap as well as interesting short woodland walks leading back into town or up to the Knocky, a rise overlooking the town. Well Meadow in the heart of town is a nice place to sit and watch the world go by.

North of Blairgowrie in Perthshire is the Spittal of Glenshee, home to Scotland's largest skiing area. Blairgowrie hotels accommodate many of the skiers during their time on the ski slopes.

For the historians amoungst us - Blairgowrie has a great geneology centre that is open to the public.