Scotland4me.net Out and About

	Scotland4me.net	'Out and About'
'Perth'
	Known to the Romans as Bertha from the Celtic 'Aber The' meaning mouth of the Tay. The cityof Perth has been a 'Royal Burgh' since the 13th Century and was a 'Royal' residence throughout the middle ages. The City is often referred to as the 'Ancient Capital of Scotland'. In 1396 the Battle of the Clans took place on the North Inch of Perth. It was a gladiatorial fight to the death to settle a long running feud between the powerful Chattan and Mackay clans. Rumour has it that the Chattans were a man short so a local saddler was paid to take the place. He survived, having joined the winning side! The city is a bustling market town with much to offer the tourist. Shops, galleries and theatre in the town centre. Scenery, castles, history, walks and attractions in the country around. Nearby is historic Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
	Scone Palace is all kings and queens of Scotland were crowned up until the Union into the United Kingdom. Today the site is marked by the early 19th Century Palace of Scone. In the ninth century Kenneth MacAlpin chose Scone as the royal residence and brought the Scottish coronation stone 'Stone of Scone' to the area but in 1297 Edward I took it to Westminster Abbey in London. The stone was once placed on Mote Hill a spot where according to legend earth from all parts of the kingdom had been scattered. The main part of the palace was built at the beginning of the 19th Century and it is the seat of the Earls of Mansfield whose ancestors are shown in the portraits which line the Long Gallery.
	Perth Racecourse is situated in one of the most picturesque settings in the country it is within the grounds of historic Scone Palace, the course follows the banks of the mighty River Tay and twists its way past trees that have survived for centuries since the time when it was the playground of the Kings and Noblemen of Scotland. Along with the excitement of racing Perth Racecourse offers excellent private and corporate hospitality, conference and banqueting facilities all within the wonderful setting. Attracting competitive fields has always been high priority at Perth and with substantial prizemoney on offer for 2009 it is hoped that this trend will continue. Edinburgh and Glasgow are all within an hours travelling distance while racegoers from Carlisle, Aberdeen and Inverness can reach the course in under two hours.
	Kinnoul Hill is for the energetic and keen hill walker who is not faint hearted, a footpath leads up the hill which rises to 729ft/222m and from the top you can see for miles across the surrounding countryside. There are various footpaths to choose from depending on how brave the walker is, but to make the effort to reach the top and follow the path along the open area from where the fantastic views can be seen is worth every ounce of breath.
	In 1328, King Robert 1 asked the Abbey at Scone to allow stone to be taken from its quarries to repair St. John's. In 1585 the Kirk was said to be in a "ruinous, pitiful and lamentable state".The oldest part of the existing building is the choir which dates from the 15th century.This was the most important part of the building where the clergy carried out the daily services. The tower was completed by 1511. The nave, which was built to allow the people of Perth to come and listen to the services (not necessarily participate in the way we do nowadays) would probably have been enlarged when the choir was rebuilt, but its architectural history is confused. Maintaining and cherishing the fabric of a building like St. John's must be ongoing. The Trust for St. John's Kirk was set up in 1951 to provide a means of additional funding to help cover costs. Major fund raising took place in 1983 in order to carry out a programme of repairs and the work continues at the present time.
	The Bothy Restuarant in Kinnoull Street is full of surprises. Lovely surroundings pleasant friendly staff and a menu to die for. A selection of dishes are available for the descerning foodie. The Restuarant also boasts 'Private Dining Rooms' which are an ideal choice for a celebration dinner, intimate family get together or business meeting. They can cater for up to 25 and have packages available to suit every taste. On Sundays the mandatory roast is served from noon offering a choice of roast meats which changes weekly, ideal for a family sunday afternoon out!
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