| Blairgowrie - Perth and Kinross - is always associated | | | | Tourism started to take off in the 1900s as more |
| with its twin settlement of Rattray which is on the | | | | visitors travelled to the nearby Glenshee ski area. To |
| opposite side of the River Ericht. It is the second | | | | cater to the increased number of visitors many |
| biggest town in the county. Its fame first took off in | | | | hotels were constructed as well as ski shops. Also a |
| the eighteenth century when it developed as the | | | | Golf Club was created in 1889 which now has an |
| start of the military road leading up north to Braemar. | | | | eighteen hole championship course. |
| The construction began in the early 1700s and was | | | | The region has also developed as a centre for soft |
| completed in 1725. | | | | fruits, of which the most common is raspberry. If |
| There has been a bridge across the River Ericht | | | | you explore the region around the town then you will |
| connecting the two communities of Blairgowrie and | | | | come across acres of fields full raspberry canes. |
| Rattray since the time of the military road. The | | | | There are many beautiful walks to be had around the |
| bridge has been washed away on numerous | | | | area, many of which follow the river. An interesting |
| occasions, but now has been strengthened and | | | | site is the fish ladder placed on the river bed which |
| expanded to cope with modern traffic levels. | | | | allows salmon to migrate even when the water levels |
| The main reason for the growth of both settlements | | | | are low. |
| was the water mills built on the fast flowing river to | | | | If you drive to Blairgowrie from Perth then you |
| serve the linen industry. Many people were employed | | | | cannot miss the famous Meikleour Beech Hedge |
| as weavers. At one time more than 1500 people | | | | which stands at over 100 feet high and is claimed to |
| were employed in this industry. | | | | be the tallest hedge in the world! |