History: Dundee to Dunkeld

Set in a lovely tranquil setting by the banks of the River Tay, Dunkeld Cathedral was constructed on the site of an ancient ecclesiastical centre. The area became important when the relics of St Columba were transferred here from the island of Iona in 849 to protect them from Viking raids. The Cathedral that we see today was begun in 1260 and completed in 1501. Must see are the paintings dating from the 1500’s on the ceiling vault of the bell tower and the life size stone knight effigy of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, the notorious “Wolf of Badenoch” who burnt down Elgin Cathedral in 1390.

An excellent and highly interactive exhibition which celebrates the life of the popular childrens author. Adjacent is the Beartrix Potter Gardens. Beartrix Potter is said to have developed a lifelong interest in the natural world between the ages of 5 and 15 when her family stayed at nearby Dalguise House every year throughout the summer. Her “Picture Letters” from this time are regarded as first drafts of her later books “The Tales of Peter Rabbit” and “The Tales of Jeremy Fisher”.

Designed by the Dukes of Atholl as a pleasure ground in the 1700’s, the magnificent giant Douglas Fir trees, reputed to be amongst the tallest trees in Britain, together with the thunderous Black Linn Falls, provide a stunning setting to engage with nature. All is brought together in Ossian’s Hall, originally an extravagant summerhouse built in 1757. The circular building was designed to surprise and delight using the mystical contrasts of light and sound overlooking the falls.