Things to see and do Perth

Scone Palace. To sound local, pronounce it scoune palace. This place has immense importance in Scotland's royal heritage. 1500 years ago it was the capital of the Picts, when they ruled Scotland. It is a historic coronation place for the country's monarchs. Indeed, Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II are among the thirty-eight kings who have been crowned there. The ritual was to hold the ceremony on top of Moot Hill and the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, which is now on display in Edinburgh Castle and has had a chequered history. A chapel now stands on the site where Kenneth MacAlpin became the first king of Scotland in 838, and a replica of the famous stone has been placed there.

Palace.

The original palace dates back to the 12th century, but was replaced in 1812 by the Georgian marvel we see today. Every room is a feast of luxury and pageantry, with valuable furniture, magnificent paintings and fine decorative art.

Gardens. The gardens are the playground of deer and highland cows. In the Pinetum, there are magnificent and rare specimens of giant sequoia and fir trees. This part of the garden is completed by the Douglas Pavilion, created in honour of the explorer and local boy David Douglas, plant hunter and discoverer of the Douglas pine, hence the name of the pavilion. It is also open free of charge in winter from Friday to Sunday.

The plant collection in this garden attracts specialists from all over the world, especially for rhododendrons, alpine plants, herbaceous borders and peat gardens. A two-hectare hillside garden, it was created in 1920 by enthusiasts. There is no season to visit these acres, considered to be the most beautiful private gardens in the country. Spring, summer and autumn each have their own intoxicating blooms and fragrances. Don't leave without stopping at the charming tea room, for its menu and breathtaking views.

The Perth Museum & Art Gallery traces the history of the city and the region, from geology, social facts, art, the environment... The statues, sculptures and paintings are interesting and some archaeological objects are more than 10,000 years old. There is also a collection of photos on local life that plunges into the past and temporary exhibitions all year round. The lovely neo-classical building alone is worth the trip.

Located in the Balhousie Castle, this is the museum of the Black Watch Regiment. Weapons, uniforms, medals, paintings, photographs, notebooks: the very complete collection plunges into the history of this military corps. Founded in 1725, it has been involved in every war and conflict since its creation. The visit breaks down into seven major chronological periods and ends with the current deployments of the Black Watch. History buffs will enjoy both the exhibition and its setting.

To the north of Perth is the small town of Dunkeld with its cathedral, which is of great historical interest and was very influential before the Reformation. Built between 1250 and 1501, the cathedral is rich in different styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. It is said that the relics of Saint Columba were kept here before being sent to Ireland. In 1689, the Battle of Dunkeld pitted the Jacobites against the Orangemen in the surrounding area, which was resolved by a victory for the latter. Today, the building is still used for services.

This 15th century castle was built for the Ruthven clan and called the House of Ruthven for most of its existence. It was here that Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley stayed during the Chaseabout Raid. The visit is an opportunity to discover this dramatic historical episode on site. The castle consists of two towers and a great hall, which brought them together in the 17th century. There are some beautiful painted ceilings and plasterwork, dating from around 1540. A treasure hiding place is also to be discovered: a cupboard in a closet, hidden by a stone.

A 16th century fortified manor house on the banks of the River Tay, Elcho Castle is remarkably well preserved. The historic holiday home of the Wemyss family, it is one of the best preserved buildings of its time in the region. You can walk through all the rooms, including the interesting kitchen, and enjoy the beautiful view from the top. The interior is not furnished, but still has its original features. Perhaps you will see the new tenants of the place: pipistrelles, frightened owls and grey squirrels?