Nestled on the banks of the River Ericht in the heart of Scotland, the historic Perthshire town of Blairgowrie and Rattray sits on either side of the River Ericht as it emerges from spectacular red sandstone gorges into the Vale of Strathmore.

‘Blair’, as it is known locally, boasts a fantastic mix of independent shops as well as cafes and restaurants. Its central location – just half an hour from both Perth and Dundee and a couple of hours away by car from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness – makes it the perfect location for walking and touring holidays.

Popular with anglers, golfers and snow sports enthusiasts, it is also home to the start of the Cateran Trail – a 54-mile circular walking route that takes in spectacular scenery in the surrounding glens, following the historic trails used by cattle drovers – and the Snow Roads, providing a gateway to stunning mountain scenery and the Cairngorm National Park, which lies to the north on the A93.

Historically, Blairgowrie and Rattray played a significant role in Scotland’s linen industry with more than a dozen mills situated on the banks of the Ericht. The remains of some of these once busy mills can be found when strolling along the river side.

Today, Blairgowrie is the largest town in Perthshire and the ‘Berry Toon’ is perhaps best known for its succulent soft fruit – raspberries, strawberries and others, some of which are supplied to the Lawn Tennis Association during Wimbledon fortnight – and which are available to buy locally in shops, often on the day they are picked, or directly from the growers during the summer season.