Pitlochry

A brief history of Pitlochry

The Queen
Initially, little more than a crossing point for a ferry that used to operate over the River Tummel, the town grew in popularity after Queen Victoria's favourable comments. The addition of a railway station brought about a significant increase in visitor numbers.

The Dam
In 1947, a dam forming part of a hydroelectric power scheme began construction, resulting in an artificial loch, Loch Faskally. Four years later, the Pitlochry Festival Theatre was born, initially in the form of a tent. John Stewart, whose theatre club in Glasgow had closed down. Conceived the theatre idea, but, unable to obtain permission from the authorities to build a theatre, he decided to overcome this hurdle by using an all-weather tent. 

The theatre
The tented theatre operated for some 30 years. It needed substantial renovation, and the decision was then taken to replace it with a permanent structure.  The foundation stone was laid by Lord Home in September 1979 - opening exactly 30 years after the first performance in the tent. It is today an important cultural feature in the Perthshire area. It stages a whole host of shows during the summer season.

What to do and see
Pitlochry's stunning setting within lochs, rivers, mountains, and forests is, in itself, a significant attraction. The town retains a fine Victorian charm and is a popular visitor destination with many attractions within both the town and the surrounding area.

Both the towns two whisky distilleries are popular attractions, each being an example of entirely different production methods. The Edradour is the last example of a genuinely traditional distillery. It employs just three men and produces just 12 casks per week. The other, the Blair Athol Distillery, produces some two million litres a year and features the latest whisky production methods. It is owned by Bells, part of the mighty Diageo group.

The Whisky Trail; Please note that the Whisky trail is an easy day tour from Pitlochry. Our Tour-Designers can book private or public tours at most of the distilleries. In any event we will tailor the day to your requirements and make all the arrangements. 

Blair Castle
Blair Castle has been a home of the Atholl family for seven hundred years. The castle has had a dynamic history, experiencing both turbulent and peaceful times, enlarged and adapted over 700 decades. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and a private army. Blair Castle is a 15 minute drive from Pitlochry. 

The Power Station Visitor Centre is another top-rated attraction for information on the operation of the hydroelectric generator and the fascinating 'fish pass.' In early summer, visitors can watch the salmon making their way up the ladder to their spawning grounds upstream in the River Tummel.

The summer season of the famous Festival Theatre features a programme that changes daily and is well worth attending. 

Within easy access of Pitlochry are several other locations also worth a visit. Among them; Drum Castle, a 13th century keep given to Robert the Bruce; Crathes Castle and Gardens, a 16th-century castle near Banchory; Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve, an ancient mixed woodland area and Ballater, an old railway and spa town. 

Touring and accommodation
Pitlochry sits in centre of Scotland allowing you access to most of the Highlands, the Whisky Trail, St Andrews and Stirling Castle are within reach. For those with limited time is makes sense to stay in Edinburgh and Pitlochry only. This will allow you to tour the Highlights of Scotland. For any itinerary Pitlochry is a town which is useful as a launch pad to exploring large swathes of Scotland including the magnificent Cairngorms National Park and to the south The Trossachs National Park. 

Experience 4x4 Off-Road Driving in Scotland, choose between various picturesque sites, including the Pitlochry area. 

Within the same region of is Scotland’s greatest resort, Gleneagles Hotel. Our recommended Pitlochry Hotel is Fonab Castle Hotel - Fonab is a short walk from the town centre, and has all the amenities you would expect from a five star property.