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Perth in Scotland , a once royal burgh, is sited at the head of the Tay estuary. During the 12th and 15th centuries Perth fought with Dunfermline for the title to be the capital of the nation. In the article below I discuss 3 places to visit in Perth, Scotland; Huntingtower Castle, Elcho Castle and Scone Palace:

Scone Palace

At this time, home of the Earls of Mansfield is Scone Palace, and a increasingly popular attraction to visitors from around the planet. Scone Palace is an integral part of the history of Scotland, as the kings of Scotland were once crowned there. In 1306, Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone Palace, as well as Charles II when he took possession of the Scottish Crown in 1651. There is a mysterious and beautiful atmosphere to the palace, which is rightly so.In the past the area acted as an important meeting place of the Picts and there was also an early Christian church on the site.

Elcho Castle

Located about three miles from the city of Perth, with breathtaking vistas across the River Tay, is Elcho Castle. Elcho Castle is one of the prime examples of 16th century constructions in Scotland today. The Wemyss family authorized the construction of the castle in the 1570’s. The land had belonged to the family since 1468, when it was handed over to them by King James III. In 1633, the head of the family was given the titles of Lord Elcho and Earl of Wemyss. Elcho Castle and it’s lands stayed the property of the Wemyss family until 1929. It was then, the 11th Earl of Wemyss, gifted the castle to the nation. The castle has recently been restored and is now in the care of Historic Scotland.

Huntingtower Castle

Found just to the west of Perth is the medieval Huntingtower Castle. Even though the castle is medieval in origin, it has been redeveloped significantly throughout most of it’s history. The Ruthven family were the owners of the lands and castle from the 1100’s to the 1600’s. During this time the castle consisted of 2 separate towers, constructed 3 meters apart. When the Murray family took possession, later on in the 17th century, they decided to merge the two towers, making the house appear more like a conventional country manor house. The bridging work between the two towers is still clearly visible today, on both the outside and the inside.

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