Positioned beautifully on the River Tay’s fertile banks and named lovingly the Fair City inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s Fair Maid of Perth, it is a cosmopolitan gem that impresses in its appearance and the quality of life it offers. For five centuries, Perth was the capital of Scotland and has acquired a wealth of heritage.

It is the city of the county of Perthshire and the administrative centre of Perth and Kinross. St. John's Kirk is the most ancient landmark of Perth, which sits at the very centre of the city. Its distinguishable broad spire has dominated Perth's skyline for over 500 years.

By the 12th Century, Perth has become a key trading centre and market town. It received the charter as a Royal Burgh by King David I. It was the capital of Scotland and seat of government until the assassination of James I at Blackfriars monastery in 1437.

Perth was the inspiration behind Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Fair Maid of Perth. And, since its publication in 1828, Perth became to be known to this day as the ‘Fair City’ of Perth. The Fair Maid’s House, which is the house where Catherine Glover, the protagonist of Walter Scott’s novel, lived, is still a visitor attraction in Perth. It is the city’s oldest secular building and now houses the Royal Scottish Geographical Society's visitor and education centre.

The Stone of Destiny once stood at the grounds of Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings, where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned.

The city is at the southern end of a fertile plain, nourished by River Tay flowing through it. Kinnoull Hill to the east, Moncreiffe Hill to the south-southeast, and Friarton, St Magdalene’s, Hilton, & Mailer Hills to the south-southwest skirt the city. Perth has one of the mildest climates in Scotland. Its oceanic climate brings cool summers and mild winters.

Perth City

Perth was the winner of Scotland’s first Food Town in 2018. The buzzing city centre is a hive of activity with independent shops lining the streets, high street brand names, award-winning distilleries as far as the eye can see, electric restaurants, a vibrant café culture, and rich arts & crafts scene. Perth is known for its extensive parklands and gardens. North Inch and South Inch are the largest parks. The Norrie Miller riverside walk is a stunning way to end an evening. And, you will appreciate the river’s public art trail that is suitable for some quiet musing or Instagramming quality content. Kinnoull Hill has spectacular views over the River Tay and the city below.

The Balhousie Castle is home to the Black Watch Museum that celebrates Scotland's elite military regiment. Formed in 1725 to control rebellious Highlanders during the days of the Jacobite uprising, the Black Watch has played a key role in both the World Wars.

A mile south of the city centre is the Perth Harbour, the highest point of the River Tay. Located along the banks of Tay at the lowest natural crossing point, the Auld Brig connects the eastern and western banks.

• There are plenty of river activities to engage in your spare time, such as rafting, boating, kayaking & canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing.
• There are some picturesque cycling routes for those who want to adventure on two wheels.
• The Cairngorms National Park is at Perth’s doorstep and extends all the way to Inverness. It offers exciting opportunities for hill walking, mountain climbing, skiing, and camping.
• If you love watching horse racing, Perth Racecourse in the parklands of the Scone Palace is an electrifying place to be. It is also the most northerly course in the UK.
• Perth Highland Games is an annual event that showcases traditional sports of Scotland and highland dancing.

• Perth Festival of the Arts is a ten-day dynamic spectacle of music, literature, stand-up, and visual arts that takes place in May every year. It is one of the oldest independent arts festivals in Scotland.
• Pitlochry Festival Theatre hosts a packed cultural calendar of events.
• Perth Festival of Yarn brings together fibre crafters, yarn dyers, and wool farmers.
• Perth Festival of Chocolate and the Blair Castle Craft & Food Fair take place in November and December months.
• There are winter festivals and markets too to look forward to.
• Perth Concert Hall and Theatre is the principal venue for music, comedy, dance, theatre, and kids’ events.

Perth is fully serviced by Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, Asda, Metro, and Farmfoods. Perth farmers’ market that takes place on the first Saturday of every month except January offers fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish locally produced and sourced. St John’s Shopping Centre has your favourite retail names. When it comes to wining and dining, Perth expands your horizons like a culinary champ.

Perth has a selection of good primary and secondary schools, including SEND (special educational needs & disability) provision. Independent primary schools Ardvreck School and Craigclowan School boast above-average ratings. There are 10 secondary schools in the city. Perth Academy and Perth Grammar School have excellent amenities and competencies. Perth College UHI and the Scottish Agricultural College are within the city.

Perth, often referred to as the Gateway to the Highlands, is in the north eastern fringe of central Scotland, only an hour away from Edinburgh or Glasgow, and accessible easily from the rest of the country. Perth can be reached from London with two direct rail services per day, or if you are travelling from south of the border, a change in either Glasgow or Edinburgh is required. Perth station is operated by First ScotRail and is on the Highland Main Line from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness.

There are hourly trains to Dundee (22 mins), Glasgow (just over an hour), Edinburgh (1hr 20), Aberdeen (90 mins). Regular service to London King’s Cross and London Euston via the Caledonian Sleeper service is also available. The city’s central location puts it at the meeting point for A35, A90, and M90, connecting Perth with Scotland’s other six cities: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, and Inverness. An extensive bus network covers the entire Perthshire area connecting all towns and villages.