Perth

Perth was finally granted city status in 2012. At one time almost any journey across the east of the country would have seen you arrive in Perth, though these days the changing infrastructure of the country has seen the motorways bypass the city. Despite the fact that the city is no longer on many of the main routes through the country it is never short of visitors. The city owes its origins to the Romans who built a fort at what they called ‘Bertha’ in AD83. Today’s modern city is based upon the town that was developed by King David in 1125. The grid layout of today’s city is very much still true to the original grid design of the town.

The River Tay

Perth has relied on the River Tay for much of its existence across the centuries. Despite bringing trade and wealth to the city it also proved a danger to the parts of the city that were built on the low ground. So great was the danger that in 1209 the city flooded destroying the first bridge that had been constructed across the river, it also badly damaged the earth work motte on which the castle keep stood, resulting in the destruction of the castle. The city has continued to flood since this time with the last major flooding occurring in 1993, since then millions of pounds have been invested in flood defences for the city.

Battles and Bloodshed

Like many cities in Scotland Perth has seen its share of bloodshed. One of the most famous battles that took place here was the Battle of the Inch which took place in 1396, overseen by Robert III it was designed to bring an end to the long running feud between the clans of Chattan and Kay. Unlike other battles this was a planned event between thirty men from each clan who would face each other in a fight to the death, watched by spectators, which included the Royal family. At the end of what was a harsh and bloody battle, eleven men from the Chattan clan survived.

Modern Perth

There are plenty of sights to see in the city including both ancient and modern attractions. The medieval St John’s Kirk of Perth and St Ninian’s Cathedral offer a taste of the ancient city. The Black Watch Museum offers a taste of military history and the art galleries offer plenty of historic and contemporary works to enjoy. A trip to Greyfriars Burial Ground will see you walking amongst some of the best collections of primitive gravestones to be found anywhere in the country. There are a number of properties and gardens that are cared for and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, not to mention the Palace of Scone just a short distance to the north and Huntingtower Castle away to the west of the city. As a modern city it offers all of the usual visitor attractions too such as shopping centres, cinemas, theatres and leisure centres as well as some beautiful parks and family spaces.