Attractions in Alyth & Perthshire

Cairnleith Cottage is ideally situated to explore the wealth of tourist attractions Perthshire has to offer the visitor.

Angus Folk Museum, Glamis

Housed in a row of terraced cottages and stable yard, 8 miles from Alyth, the museum provides a picture of everyday rural life in the 19th century.

Glamis Castle

Although most of the remaining castle dates back to the 17th century the site was the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne from the 14th century. Glamis castle was also the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The castle is reputedly haunted and contains fine examples of period paintings and furniture.

Scone Palace

This largely 19th century Palace is situated 16 miles to the south and is the home to the Earls of Mansfield. The palace contains a good range of period furniture and china, while the extensive grounds are a haven for wildlife.

St. Andrews Aquarium

Located close to the sea, near the Old course, the aquarium has an impressive collection of native marine fish, shellfish and sharks as well as a seal sanctuary, tropical aquaria, restaurant and gift shop.

Discovery Point, Dundee

On Dundee waterfront is located the Royal Research Ship Discovery which was built in Dundee and used by Captain Scott to sail to Antarctica in 1901. The visitor centre contains interactive exhibits that recreate the Antarctic voyages and the experiences of the crew and scientists. The ship itself is also part of the experience so visitors can experience first hand what life aboard was like. Also berthed nearby in Victoria Dock is HM Frigate Unicorn, one of the last sailing warships still afloat.

Other attractions in Dundee include the Science Sensation with six zones themed around sound, touch, light, taste and smell. Over 80 hands-on exhibits to entertain kids - large and small. Finally, the award winning Verdant works in West Henderson's Wynd recreates life in a working jute mill.

In nearby Kirriemuir you can visit the birthplace of Peter Pan author J.M Barrie as well as the Camera Obscura on Kirrie Hill which provides excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

Brechin:

Slightly further afield in Brechin, visitors can take a trip on the Caledonian Heritage railway which runs for 4 miles to Bridge of Dun, where a trip to the National Trust for Scotland's House of Dun, an 18th century country house, is well worth a visit.

Also in Brechin is the Pictavia exhibition which describes the life of the Picts. a Celtic people who inhabited the area in the 1st Millennium AD. Pictavia is part of the Brechin Castle Centre which includes a garden centre, country park and animal farm, coffee shop, children's adventure playground, picnic areas, ornamental lake nature trail and vintage farm machinery.