Why We Moved To Blairgowrie

Blairgowrie

The reason we moved to this area is because of the easy access to the highlands but also to all the major cities in Scotland. We bought the Ericht Lodge (and Heather Lodge) in early 2002 and have been working on it and its extensive gardens to bring up to its former glory.

Blairgowrie was very much a busy market and industrial town with many mills dotted along the river Ericht.

The red stone towns of Blairgowrie and it's sister Rattray lie on either side of the River Ericht where it emerges from spectacular gorges in Strathmore.

The town became a burgh in 1634. The military road north to Braemar was opened in 1724.

By the end of the 18th Century the Blairgowrie area was a huge centre for the growing of flax. Initially the linen weaving industry was home based but the first industrial mill was erected in 1798. Others followed throughout the 19th Century. In 1855 the railway arrived as a branch line from Coupar Angus.

Recently the area has become the focus of Perthshire's soft fruit growing, specially raspberries. Every summer the towns population almost doubles with influx of students from central and Eastern Europe brought in to help with the fruit picking. Over these months Blairgowrie really comes alive and has very much a multi cultural feel to it.

Nearby Rosemount golf course was designed by some of the great early names of Scottish golf and is considered one of the best inland courses in Scotland.

Between Blairgowrie and Dunkeld lies the Loch of Lowes, a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve where you can watch otters or the rare osprey.

To the north lies the Spittal of Glenshee with Scotland's largest skiing area. Blairgowrie is a common stopover for skiers traveling to and from the ski slopes.

Blairgowrie and Rattray now host their own highland games every summer usually in the beginning of September. These games are great for families as you can get involved and their are loads of stalls.

The wildlife in Blairgowrie and Perthshire is huge and diverse from birds to stags, from ducks to salmons.

Ivybank Guesthouse Blairgowrie

Please email to check availability or book online heather@selfcatering-scotland.net