Location

Where we are

If one placed one's finger in the centre of the map of Scotland, Blairgowrie, in the county of Perthshire, would probably be the nearest town! Less than 11 2 hours from Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports, and 2 hours from Glasgow, Inverness and the West Coast, the Royal Hotel is the ideal base for touring the beautiful Scottish countryside and for participating in the many outdoor activities.

Situated in the heart of the town on the A93 main road from Perth, the Hotel stands prominently at the end of the High Street. Parking spaces are available. The nearest airport is at Edinburgh and the Zeebrugge/European ferry docks at Rosyth, just north of Edinburgh, less than an hour away.

Out and about

There’s so much to see and do. Set in panoramic landscapes, Blairgowrie stands amongst the hills, forests and glens of the beautiful Perthshire countryside. The town is centrally located to access the extensive range of outdoor pursuits, recreational activities and visitor attactions that abound in the area.

The Royal offers the best in Scottish hospitality and service to all our visitors. Tourists, Walkers, Golfers, Anglers, Horse Riders, Cyclists and Hunters & Stalkers can all be assured of a warm and friendly stay.

Sightseeing

Whether visiting local places of interest or exploring 'the water of life' - following the Whisky Trail, Scotland's history and heritage stands all around.

Notable castles, stately homes and places of historical interest are located throughout the region and are open to the public during the summer months. As an example, you can visit :-

Glamis Castle (home to the Earls of Strathmore and a royal residence since 1372)
Scone Palace (the crowning place of Scottish Kings)
Blair Castle (ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl with the only private army still in the UK)
The Crannogh (home of Iron-age Man on Loch Tay)
Dunkeld cathedral
The birthplace of J. M. Barrie in Kirriemuir
The Angus Folk Museum in Glamis (showing how country folk lived in years goneby)
Meigle Pictish Museum (with its display of ancient carved stones): Corgarff Castle (which played a prominent role in the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745)
The 'Discovery' Centre in Dundee (the berth of Scott's Antarctic exploration ship)
And, of course, Balmoral Castle (our present Queen's Scottish royal residence)

Walking

The scenic setting is perfect for walking the Perthshire Hills and the Angus Glens. Walkers can enjoy the challenge of the local Cateran Trail - a long distance staged route which follows in the steps of the marauding clans and cattle thieves of the Highlands.

Many other walks are available to suit all ages and level of abilities. For the real enthusiast, hill walking and climbing abound. Of the 284 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet) in Scotland, 12 or more can be found in the vicinity of Glenshee about 20 miles to the north.

Squirrel picture

For those with an interest in nature, ospreys can be observed nesting at the Loch of the Lowes by Dunkeld. There is a wide range of wildlife and different species to regularly spot in the surrounding area - including red squirrel, grouse, buzzards, roe deer and red deer.

Cycling

The cyclist can choose between travelling on the relatively traffic- free roads that wind through breathtaking scenery or the numerous forest tracks and mountain trails. And, for those who wish four-legged transport, riding stables are in the vicinity.

Golfing

There are some 30 or more courses within an hour's drive of the Royal Hotel, from the championship courses of St Andrews, Carnoustie and Rosemount (Blairgowrie Golf Club), to name but three, to nearby Alyth Golf Club, Glenisla, Strathmore and Dunkeld. We can make the necessary arrangements for booking a day's play.

Fishing

Anglers can obtain permits to fish for rainbow and brown trout on the many rivers, lochs and reservoirs in the area. And, of course, there is the salmon fishing on the Tay, one of Scotland’s premier rivers, and the local rivers Ericht and Isla.

Shooting

Grouse, pheasant, partridge, duck and woodcock - there is a certain charisma about shooting in Scotland, and perhaps Perthshire in particular, with its variety of game, the quality of the birds and the challenge of the countryside.

Skiing

Don’t forget, during the winter months, skiing and snowboarding takes place on the slopes of Glenshee - weather permitting!