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Surrounded by fertile agricultural land and beautiful scenery, the bustling market town of PERTH was Scotland’s capital in the fifteenth century, and expanded in the eighteenth. Today, with the whisky and insurance trades employing significant numbers, it remains an important town.

Two large areas of green parkland, known as the North and South Inch, flank the centre; the city’s main shopping areas are High Street and South Street, as well as St John’s shopping centre on King Edward Street. Perth is at its most attractive along Tay Street, with a succession of grander buildings along one side and the attractively landscaped riverside embankment on the other.

Perth’s highlight is the Fergusson Gallery, housed in a striking round Victorian sandstone water tower and home to an extensive collection of work by J.D. Fergusson, the foremost artist of the Scottish Colourist movement. For 7-day Scotland trips that include Perth, the gallery adds a rewarding cultural stop to the city’s historic setting and surrounding Highland scenery.

Greatly influenced by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, Fergusson developed a distinctive approach that combined their freedom of style with bold use of colour and light, as seen in his portrait of Elizabeth Dryden, The Hat with the Pink Scarf. As well as oils, the collection includes sketches, notebooks and sculpture; among the latter, look out for Eastre: Hymn to the Sun, an exotic and radiant brass head inspired by his dancer wife and collaborator Margaret Morris.

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Trip ideas for Scotland

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Alnwick Castle
Crafted by Marcela

8 days

Guided tour of Scotland: Highlands and iconic locations

Step into the spellbinding world of Harry Potter on a guided tour of Scotland, where cinematic magic and real landscapes come together. Among the most memorable Scotland trips, this journey invites you to follow the paths of young wizards through ancient courtyards, misty moors, and storied stone walls.Walk in the footsteps of Harry and his friends as you explore dramatic scenery, timeworn villages, and iconic filming locations that bring the story to life. With expert guidance and seamless travel, each stop reveals both the history behind the setting and the magic that made it unforgettable.Bring your curiosity, your sense of wonder, and your wand. Your next chapter begins in Scotland’s most enchanting landscapes.

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Scotland
Crafted by Marcela

9 days

Luxury Scotland tour: Highlands, Skye and Loch Ness

On a luxury Scotland tour, the country reveals itself in its most refined and unhurried form. Among the finest Scotland trips, this journey unfolds through quiet glens, sea-salted air, and landscapes rich in history and atmosphere. In Perthshire, forests glow with shifting light, leading you toward the legendary waters of Loch Ness and the charm of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.Ancient mountains rise around you, not as a backdrop but as part of the experience, inviting you to pause, take in the silence, and travel at a more considered pace. Along the untamed west coast, walk secluded sandy beaches before continuing to the Isle of Skye, where dramatic cliffs, still lochs, and remote villages create a sense of rare and understated luxury.This is a journey defined by space, comfort, and depth, designed for travelers who value authenticity, privacy, and a more meaningful way to experience Scotland.

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Scotland
Crafted by Marcela

7 days

Private tour of Scotland: Highlands and family adventures

Dreaming of a journey your family will talk about for years to come? This private tour of Scotland invites you into misty Highlands, storybook villages, and cities rich with legend and local life. Thoughtfully designed among the most engaging Scotland trips, it brings together iconic sights and meaningful moments in a seamless, family-friendly experience.Picture castle courtyards where children’s imaginations run free, landscapes that inspired Hogwarts, and quiet loch shores where time slows and connections deepen. Created for curious families, this journey blends discovery, comfort, and a sense of wonder, turning every stop into a shared memory.

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Scotland
Crafted by Marcela

7 days

Scotland walking tour: Highlands and Outlander locations

Step into a Scotland walking tour inspired by the landscapes and stories of Outlander. Follow quiet trails through misty glens, past ruined castles, and across hills shaped by centuries of history and legend.Walk in the footsteps of Claire Beauchamp as you explore places where story and landscape meet. Pause in historic inns, hear Gaelic in remote villages, and take in sweeping Highland views. Among the many Scotland trips you could take, this one invites you to slow down and experience the country step by step, at your own pace.

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Scotland
Crafted by Marcela

11 days

Scotland tour from Edinburgh through the wild Highlands

Ready to explore Scotland’s wild heart and shape a journey that feels truly your own? This Scotland tour from Edinburgh takes you deep into the Highlands, far from the everyday. Windswept moors, misty lochs, and story-filled glens set the scene for one of those Scotland trips that feels both immersive and personal.Follow quiet roads through remote landscapes and pause in villages where traditions still shape daily life. Discover local flavors around welcoming tables and fireside stories. Each day unfolds at your pace, from dramatic viewpoints to meaningful encounters with Gaelic culture. This is where you move beyond a checklist and begin to experience Scotland in a way that feels rare and truly your own.

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scotland
Crafted by Marcela

6 days

Christmas in Scotland trip: festive holiday experience

Let this Christmas trip stir your senses in the wild beauty of the Highlands. Crisp air carries the scent of pine and peat fires, village squares glow with fairy lights, and market stalls brim with handmade crafts and local delicacies. Fiddles and pipes drift from historic pubs, drams are shared with welcoming hosts, and stories unfold across snow-dusted glens. It is in moments like these that Scotland trips feel at their most atmospheric and alive.This journey is shaped around you, from hidden Christmas markets to intimate winter gatherings, with the chance to return for lively summer festivals in the same timeless landscapes. Leave behind crowded, generic breaks and step into an experience that feels personal and carefully crafted, where every stop reflects your pace and style of travel. The Highlands wrap your trip in atmosphere, tradition, and the quiet thrill of discovery.

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Rough Guides Editors

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Rough Guides Editors

For over 40 years, Rough Guides has been a trusted name in travel, offering expert-curated guides, inspiring articles, and tailor-made trips. Our passionate team of writers and local travel specialists provide in-depth insights into destinations worldwide, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. We help you travel smarter and experience the world authentically.