Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Birnam Hotel, Birnam, Scotland

Today, I ventured into central Scotland with trip aided by unusual sunny weather and blue sky.

Here there are two towns with an almost seamless join, namely Birnam and Dunkeld. Both of these towns are popular with visitors to Scotland. Birnam is, perhaps, most famous for its Macbeth connection with Birnam Wood and Birnam Oak. The latter can viewed on bank of the River Tay although unlikely to be a relic from Shakespeare’s time.

Above image shows the Birnam Hotel which dates from around 1850 and was probably built to accommodate the first wave of tourists to the area aided by a new railway and the fashion set by Queen Victoria of visits to Scotland.

The childrens’ author Beatrix Potter used to holiday in the locale in her teens and obtained inspiration for her series of books.

Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland

Above image shows the popular small town of Dunkeld which sits on the banks of the River Tay. Dunkeld means’ Fort of the Caledonians’ and trace its origins back about 1500 years, and possibly longer. The Cathedral  in centre of town, although part ruin, is a popular visitor attrraction and famous as an early Christian site dating back to the Culdees in AD 815.

The image below gives a perspective of Dunkeld in context of the mighty River Tay which comprises Scotland’s longest river system and is popular with anglers for salmon fishing.

Dunkeld and River Tay, Scotland

An interesting site nearby is Ossian’s Hall and the Falls of Braan. Today, following persistent heavy rain, the river was in full spate.

Falls of Braan at Ossian's Hall, Scotland

Overall, a worthwhile trip . In the distance snow capped mountains could be seen.

Black Spout Waterfall, Pitlochry, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on the Black Spout Waterfall at Pitlochry in central Scotland.

As this video clip shows the falls are an impressive feature. These are often overlooked by the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of tourists which visit  Pitlochry each year.

The falls do attract passing hikers owing to a trail passing the area. However, even fewer people are aware that close by are the remains of on Iron-Age building dating from 250BC-AD50 and which featured a complex circular wall. This was excavated around 2009, I know because I participated in the ‘dig’.

Overall, the immediate wooded area is very attractive with picnic facilities. A hidden gem which can only cope with small numbers of visitors and hence just as well the site is secreted away far from the madding crowds which patronise Pitlochry during the tourist season.

Famous Grouse, Crieff, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on the Famous Grouse whisky brand. This is, in fact, a very popular blend which ranks as Scotland’s biggest-selling whisky. There is the standard premium blend, a 12 year old de luxe blend Gold Reserve and another de luxe blend the Famous Grouse Prestige. Recently, the Snow Grouse has been introduced to the market, a blend of grain whiskies aimed at the younger, vodka drinking sector and to be served chilled.

Although Famous Grouse is a blend there is a very popular Visitor Centre at Crieff in central Scotland which reportedly receives up to 200,000 visitors per annum. This is located at the Glenturret Distillery, a tiny operation but with a history dating back to 1775. Glenturret produces a single malt which is a key constituent of the Famous Grouse blend.

Tours are available which demonstrate the entire whisky making process from malting and mashing through to fermentation, distillation and maturation. There are plenty of opportunities for tastings.

There are other famous brands within the same group which include Macallan and Highland Park.

Here is the tour guide in full flow at Famous Grouse. 

Tour Guide at Famous Grouse, Scotland

Tasting at Famous Grouse

Whisky Tasting at Famous Grouse, Scotland

Famous Grouse range of whiskies.

Selection of Whiskies at Famous Grouse, Scotland

At the bar at Famous Grouse.

Bar at Famous Grouse, Scotland

Snow Grouse at Famous Grouse. Serve chilled!

Snow Grouse at Famous Grouse, Scotland

View of the Distillery site.

Glenturret Distillery, Crieff

Draff residue being loaded on to trailer for cattle feed.

Loading Draff at Glenturret Distillery, Scotland

Whisky vats at Glenturret.

Spirit Vats at Glenturret Distillery, Scotland

Overall the Famous Grouse is a quality visitor attraction for persons wishing to learn about the brand and the whisky making process. Located in delightful Perthshire.