On the banks of the silvery River Tay, in the very heart of Scotland, you'll find yourself in the Fair City of Perth, your perfect centre for touring much of Scotland. Perth is a city that blends harmoniously with its glorious green surroundings. Indeed it is a city which has won many horticultural accolades including the 1999 Scotland in Bloom Champion of Champions.

Visit the city that inspired Sir Walter Scott to write " The Fair Maid of Perth " which in turn inspired Bizet's opera. Having at one time been Scotland's Capital City you will discover that Perth enjoys an air of elegant prosperity and retains the genuine atmosphere of a true country town with a rich history and tradition of welcoming visitors from all over the world.

A climb or drive through the wooded slopes of Kinnoull Hill is an ideal introduction to Perth. Enjoy the panoramic views to the north and west over the Perthshire Highlands, south to the rolling landscapes of Fife and east along the fruit fields of the Carse of Gowrie.

You can easily explore the centre of Perth on foot. Perth has been a market town for hundreds of years. Today long established businesses, specialist retailers and larger stores sit alongside each other on the traffic-free High Street and in St Johns Shopping Centre. Perth City Hall has regular Craft and Antique shows and the local Farmer's Market set up their stalls almost every Saturday throughout the summer months.

Aside from great shopping, history lovers will find Perth offers unsurpassed delights. There are numerous places to visit including Scone Palace, Elcho Castle, Huntingtower Castle, Megginch Castle and Balhousie Castle, home of the Black Watch Museum.

But, as an experienced Tour Guide, what I love best about Perth is its easy access to St Andrews. Edinburgh, Stirling, Pitlochry and a hundred points of interest in between. The Perth area truly makes for an excellent base from which to tour much of Scotland.

If you would like to visit this area as part of a highly personalized small group tour of my native Scotland please e-mail me at;