Perthshire

Perthshire is often described as the heart of Scotland, a large inland county in the Southern Highlands occupying a strategically central position in the country. The landscape is exceptionally varied, encompassing the broad, fertile valley of Strathmore, the rocky glens and mountains of the southern Highlands, Loch Tay and its surrounding peaks, and the gorges and waterfalls of the River Tay, which is Scotland's longest river. Perth, the county town and sometimes called the Fair City, was the capital of Scotland in the medieval period and remains an important commercial and cultural centre. The county is also known for its spectacular autumn foliage, particularly the ancient stands of big-leaved lime and beech trees at the Hermitage near Dunkeld.