Perth (Scotland)

Scone Palace, Scone (2 miles / 3km north of Perth, follow A93 and signs), 01738 552 300 (visits@scone-palace.co.uk). Scone is the historic crowning place of no less than 42 Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Where you can now see the Palace, built early 19th century, stood once the Abbot's Palace. You can see a replica of the Stone of Destiny, upon which the kings were crowned. The original one was stolen by Edward I and brought to London, but there is some doubt if he really stole the real one and whether the real one is still hidden somewhere. A few years ago the stone was finally returned to Scotland and now resides in Edinburgh Castle. Visitors more interested in medieval history might not want to buy the rather expensive ticket for the Palace, as you can walk around the Palace park for free. The Palace offers an extensive collection of 17th and 18th century Ivories in the State Dining Rooms, 18th century French furnite, a big collection of Poreclain, Queen Victoria's boudoir and information of the Scottish kings. Palace & Grounds £6.75/5.70/3.80 (adult/student, senior/child). Open April-October, Mo-Su 9:30-17:30 (last entry 16:45). Scone Palace Homepage (http://www.scone-palace.co.uk/)
St. John's Kirk is the center of the town and the oldest building in Perth, dating back to to 1159. It is currently closed for visitors but should be opened again in 2005.
St Ninian's Cathedral, not as old but none the less impressive.
The Black Watch Museum, Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, 0131 3108530 (fax 01738 643245). Military history of the 42nd/73rd Highland Regiments. Paintings, medals, uniforms and weapons on display. No admission fee, but donations welcome. May-September Mo-Sa 10:00-16:30, October-April Mo-Fr 10:00-15:30.
Perth Museum & Art Gallery, 78 George Street, 01738 632488 (fax 01738 443505). Collection of Pictish Stones, art and information about natural history, human history and archeology. Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00, closed Christmas to New Year inclusive. Free admission. Perth Museum Homepage (http://www.pkc.gov.uk/ah)
Fergusson Gallery, Marshall Place. The works of J.D. Fergusson, the Scottish colourist artist and Perthshire local. Admission free. Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00.

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If you are fit enough you can cycle up to Kinnoull Hill to have a superb view over the landscape. Cross River Tay over the Perth Bridge to the east side of the river. Go straight across the intersection and follow the road for about 3km and then turn right at the sign to Kinnoull hill. You probably want to leave the bike at the car park unless you're up for some 2km off-road biking, but the walk to the summit is worth it!
You can also drive up with the car to Kinnoull Hill and walk from the car park 2km up to the summit to get an impressive view over Perth and its surrounding.

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