Dunkeld & Birnam Organisations
Churches
Arts and Music
Historical Groups
Sports and Recreation
Children & Youth

Hospitality
Hotels
Places to eat
Bed & Breakfast
Caravan Parks

Visit Dunkeld

The particular charm of the town of Dunkeld, which is in reality a cathedral city, on the north bank of the River Tay, is its cathedral and attractive location for touring much of Scotland.

As early as AD 700 Dunkeld was the site of a monastic establishment which was to become, for a brief spell, the kingdom's principal ecclesiastic centre under Kenneth MacAlpine in the 9C (AD 843). Confirmed during the reign of Alexander I. the bishopric was held by such historic figures as William Sinclair and the scholar poet. Gavin Douglas (1474-1522). The settlement which developed around the majestic cathedral (14C-16C) never grew to any great size. By 1650 the cathedral itself was a ruin and in 1689 the village was burnt to the ground in the aftermath of Killiecrankie when the Cameronian regiment held out against the remainder of Viscount Dundee's Jacobite Highlander army.

Dunkeld Cathedral
In an beautiful riverside setting surrounded by tree-shaded lawns, the cathedral is divided into two distinct parts, a roofless ruined nave and the choir.

Choir
Begun in 1315 by Robert the Bruce's "own bishop', William Sinclair, building continued until 1400. In 1600 the choir of the ruined cathedral was renovated to serve as parish church. There have been several restorations since. Inside, recumbent effigies portray Bishop Sinclair (headless), and Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch, in an impressive suit of armour. The 15th Century chapter-house serves as Atholl mausoleum and houses a small museum on local church and social history. At the choir's west end is a copy of the 1611 Great SHE Bible.

Nave
The nave dating from the 15th Century was begun by Robert Cardney whose mitred effigy lies in the Chapel of St Ninian (south aisle). Others buried here include Colonel Cleland, leader of the Cameronians. and Count Rohenstart, the last of the Stuart line (d 1854). The windows of the triforium level are unusual. The Late Gothic tower (1469-1501) was the last addition. Inside are two mural paintings, while the platform offers a good view. Behind the cathedral is one of the first larches imported from the Tyrol in 1738 by the Duke of Atholl.

From the grounds can be seen Telford's bridge (1809). the predecessor of which was built by Alexander Mylne, canon at Dunkeld, Abbot of Cambuskenneth. first President of the College of Justice and ancestor of the family of master masons. The imposing cathedral gates (1730) came from Dunkeld House (now a hotel), once the Atholl ducal seat.

Cathedral Street
Like The Cross, this was rebuilt to the original street plan after the destruction of 1689. Many of the 17th Century houses were derelict by the 1950s. An extensive restoration programme, by the National Trust for Scotland and the local authority, has recaptured the 17C-18C aspect of these streets, thus providing an attractive approach to the cathedral. Cathedral Street is lined with houses where the characteristic door and window trims set off the pale coloured harling. and pends interrupt the succession. No 19, Dean's House was where Gavin Douglas (1474-1522), the poet and scholar of the Scottish Renaissance, was consecrated Bishop of Dunkeld in 1516. Apart from his politicising for the Douglas faction, he is remembered for his translation of Virgil's Aeneid into Scots.

The Cross
Bordering this square is the National Trust for Scotland's Ell Shop, named after the ell or weaver's measure fixed to one of its walls.

Loch of Lowes Wildlife Reserve
2 miles northeast by A 923. Access is limited to the south shore, visitor centre and observation hide. The 242-acre reserve covers the freshwater Loch of Lowes and its fringing woodland and has a consequently rich flora and fauna. The tree-top eyrie of a pair of ospreys, one of only two nests accessible to the public, can be observed from the hide (binoculars are provided).

The Hermitage
A woodland walk along the banks of the River Braan. Built in 1758, the Hermitage was a famous 18th Century beauty spot and is portrayed in one of Charles Stewart's landscapes in the Dining Room at Blair Castle. It overlooks the Falls of Braan, where this Highland torrent rushes through the cleft and under the bridge. Further on is Ossian's Cave, another folly of the same period as the Hermitage. Also, the River Braan at Rumbling Bridge is well worth a visit.

The tales of Beatrix Potter
It was during her many childhood holidays in the area that Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) created the lovable characters (Peter Rabbit. Jemima Puddle-Duck...) which have so enthralled generations of children.

A wee Dunkeld Photo Album

Return to sample itinerary