whisky & castles

Perthshire has become almost synonymous with whisky and castles. And the locality can hold its own with the famous Grampian Castle and Whisky Trails. Perhaps not the density but certainly the diversity and quality.

Scotland 's smallest distillery, Edradour in Pitlochry. And its oldest, Glenturret at Crieff, now featuring The Famous Grouse Experience. Also notable are Blair Athol, the Dewars World of Whisky Centre and distillery in Aberfeldy, and Dalwhinnie a little further north. All featuring excellent visitor centres and plenty of free samples!

And as for castles, Blair Castle, reputedly Scotland's finest, is a day out in itself - with Castle Menzies at Aberfeldy also a must visit, as is magnificent Scone Palace on the outskirts of Perth, and home to Perth Races.

Working Distilleries

• Glenturret - Scotland's oldest distillery, with a famous award winning visitor centre now housing 'The Famous Grouse Experience'. Guided tours, free tasting and woodland walk. Only 16 miles from Perth.

• Edradour - Scotland's smallest, and a real charmer! Only 39 miles from Perth.

• Dalwhinnie - home of one of the famous 6 Classic Malts, with a 5 star visitor centre and superb shop. Only 57 miles from the hotel.

• Blair Athol - Established in 1798 in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Only a 26 mile drive from Perth.

• Dewars World of Whisky - a unique exhibition and interactive centre that makes use of the latest technology to celebrate the courageous entrepreneurial spirit of the Dewar family. Only 30 miles from Perth.

Famous Castles

• Scone Palace - the original home of the Stone of Destiny and the site of the coronations of the Kings of Scots. Only 3 miles from the Lovat.

• Glamis Castle - the childhood home of The Queen Mother and the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Only 26 miles from Perth.

• Blair Castle - one of the most famous Scottish castles, is home to the 11th Duke of Atholl and his own private army. The history of the castle is inextricably linked with Scotland's national history. Open April – October. A 35 mile drive from Perth.

• Castle Menzies - a spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society. Only 32 Miles from Perth.