The ‘Fair City’ of Perth in Scotland was, at one time, a royal burgh can be discovered at the head of the Tay estuary. Inbetween the 12th and 15th centuries Perth vied with Dunfermline to be the capital of the country of Scotland. In the following article I introduce three places to visit in Perth, Scotland; Elcho Castle, Huntingtower Castle and Scone Palace:
Scone Palace
At this time, Scone Palace is the home of the Earls of Mansfield, and a immensely popular attraction to travelers from around the world. The palace is an integral part of Scotland’s history, as the kings of Scotland were once crowned there. Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone Palace, in 1306, as well as Charles II when he took occupancy of the Scottish Crown in 1651. There is a mysterious and beautiful feel to the palace, which is rightly so.At one time the site was an important meeting place of the Picts and there was also an early Christian church on the site.
Elcho Castle
Lying approximately 3 miles from Perth, with breathtaking vistas across the River Tay, is Elcho Castle. The castle is one of the best examples of Sixteenth century architecture in Scotland today. The Wemyss family commissioned the erection of the castle in the 1570’s. The land had been in the family since 1468, when it was consigned 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, bestowed the castle to the nation of Scotland. The castle has recently been restored and is now in the charge of Historic Scotland.
Huntingtower Castle
Located just west of Perth is Huntingtower Castle, a medieval pile. Although the castle is originaly medieval, it has been significantly redeveloped throughout the majoprity of it’s history. The Ruthven family were the owners of the castle and lands from the twelth to seventeenth century. During this time the castle consisted of 2 separate towers, constructed three meters apart. When the Murray family took occupancy, later on in the 17th century, they decided to amalgamate the two towers, making the house appear more like a regular country mansion. The bridging work between the two towers is still rather visible today, both on the exterior and interior.
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