History: Dundee to Dunkeld

Scone Palace, Home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield is one of the finest examples of a late Georgian, Gothic Style mansion, dating from the early 1800’s. The site however, has a much older history. 1,500 years ago, it was the Capital of the Picts. Shortly after it became the site of an early Christian church and the crowning place of the Kings of Scotland, home to the famous stone of destiny, which is now kept in Edinburgh Castle. The palace houses an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings and rare artefacts and the garden and estate grounds are renowned throughout the world. There is so much to see here that it will take a good part of the day.

On the way from Scone to Dunkeld a must see location is Meikleour Hedge, regognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the highest hedge in the world. It was planted in 1745 and is one third of a mile long and 100 feet high (30 meters). It is thought that the men who planted it were called up to fight in the Jacobite Rebellion with Bonnie Prince Charlie and none of them returned alive. In tribute the hedge was allowed to grow as a living memorial.