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Dunkeld

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Dunkeld is a small Town 14 miles northwest of Perth, just off the main A9 road.

The Town is popular for Dunkeld Cathedral with a Museum, The Old Square with the Atholl Fountain, Hand Made Pottery Shop, Golf, Fishing, 1 mile Riverside Walk to Birnam and many more Walks. Highland Offroad is just outside the town, the Hermitage with its tall trees and waterfalls one mile northwest, the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Centre 2 miles northeast, and Highland Safaris 20 miles west.

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The image top is from the 1 mile riverside path to the village of Birnam looking across the River Tay to Dunkeld Bridge and Dunkeld. This path takes you to the ancient Birnam Oak and other large trees, and to the Beatrix Potter Gardens in Birnam.

The image second top is looking down Atholl Street. Third top is of The Square with the Atholl Memorial Fountain, centre of Dunkeld.

Dunkeld Cathedral is situated by The Square on the banks of the River Tay, a real peaceful area. The Cathedral has a small Museum giving the history of the Cathedral and Town.

Dunkeld House Hotel is situated at the North end of the Town in a country estate. This is one of the most impressive country hotels in the area with a popular riverside walk.

Attractions

Going Potty is in Dunkeld centre on Cathedral Street with a range of Hand Painted Pottery. You can even paint Pottery for yourself.

Highland Offroad is on the outskirts of the Town with Quad Bikes, Off Road Driving, and Clay Pigeon Shooting.

Birnam village 1 mile south with the ancient Birnam Oak and Beatrix Potter Gardens.

Walking Routes include riverside and into the hills.

Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club is situated about 1 mile northeast of Dunkeld, a parks course that welcomes visitors.

Fishing Beats around Dunkeld are on the Rivers Tay and Tummel for Salmon and Trout.

The Hermitage is situated about 1 mile northwest with a woodland walk through some of the tallest trees in the UK out to waterfalls with an impressive viewing platform named Ossian's Hall.

The Loch of the Lowes is 2 miles northeast with a Visitor Centre that allows you to view Red Squirrel, Osprey, Beaver, Wildfoul, and Deer. Check the website for the best time of year for certain species.

Highland Safaris are 20 miles west with a wide range of activities such as Mountain Safaris in a 4x4, Off Road Driving, Boat Trips, Biking, Walking, Red Deer Centre, Gold Panning and more.

Dunkeld History

Pre 500s - tribal Picts controlled the area with Scotland divided into a number of Kingdoms.

500s - Saint Columba visited Dunkeld, leading to a small Church being built in his honour.

800s - a larger Monastery was built.

1040 - Macbeth became King of this area of Scotland, and tried to take control of all Scotland.

Macbeth was made famous by the William Shakespeare play Macbeth, set in and around the area of Dunkeld and Perth.

1057 - Macbeth was killed in Battle by the forces of Malcolm Canmore, who became King Malcolm III.

Malcolm III and his descendants took control of all Scotland, funding the building of large Abbeys and Cathedrals so loyal Christian communities could evolve around them.

1300s - the building of Dunkeld Cathedral began using stone from the earlier Church.

1400s - Dunkeld Cathedral was completed.

1560 - Dunkeld Cathedral was damaged during the Reformation, as Scots were forced to convert from Catholic to Protestant.

1684 - Dunkeld House was built for Sir William Bruce, 1st Marquis of Atholl, close to the Cathedral.

1688 November - King James, accused of being a Catholic with close ties to France, was deposed by his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange, leading to Scots Jacobite's fighting to have King James restored to the Throne.

The Scottish Highlands and area around Dunkeld had a large number of Jacobite's fighting to have James returned to the Throne.

1689 July - the Battle of Killiecrankie, 16 miles north of Dunkeld, saw the Jacobite's defeat troops of King William.

1689 August - the Battle of Dunkeld saw the Jacobite's defeated by troops of King William, leading to the Town of Dunkeld being destroyed. Much of the Battle took place around Dunkeld Cathedral, with musket ball holes still visible on the Cathedral east gable today. King James was forced to live in exile in France.

Further Jacobite risings took place, but all ended in defeat.

1700s - the centre of Dunkeld was re-built with many of those buildings still visible today.

1700s - Dunkeld is a top shoe making town supplying most of Scotland and exporting to the Continent. Linen was also made from Flax Plants crown locally and spun in Dunkeld houses.

1757 - The Hermitage was built in woodlands 1 mile northwest of Dunkeld for the Dukes of Atholl. A viewing platform was built by the waterfalls and Douglas Fir trees planted, becoming some of the highest trees in the UK.

1757 - the Ell Shop is built in the Market Square, said to be on the site of the town's medieval hospital, dedicated to St George.

1809 - the Dunkeld Bridge was built over the River Tay by Thomas Telford. Before this time, Drovers could hire a local swimming cow to lead their cattle across the river.

The bridge was funded by the 4th Duke of Atholl who set a toll to re-coupe his money.

1822 - Highland Games were held at Dunkeld, claimed to be the first in the world.

1827 - Dunkeld House was demolished.

1856 - the Railway reached Birnam and Dunkeld.

1800s mid - Queen Victoria visited Dunkeld a number of times, staying with her friend the Duchess of Atholl.

1866 - the Atholl Memorial Fountain was built in honour of George Murray, 6th Duke of Atholl.

1879 - Dunkeld locals began rioting at the toll gates on Dunkeld Bridge, claiming the Duke had by then recouped his money. The toll gates were dismantled soon after.

1892 - Dunkeld Golf Club was founded 1 mile northeast of Dunkeld centre.

1900 - the new Dunkeld House was completed for John Stewart Murray, 7th Duke of Atholl, on the north side of Dunkeld, in a country estate.

1930s late - Dunkeld House was sold to be converted to the Dunkeld House Hotel.

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