Perthshire - a quick history and a longer history
Perthshire - where history is as wild and rugged as the Highland landscapes. Brace yourself for tales of bloody battles, royal rivalries, and some downright bizarre happenings.
Ancient Beginnings: Clans, Cairns, and Chaos
Perthshire’s history kicks off with the ancient Picts, those tattooed warriors who left behind mysterious stone circles and cairns. These early residents were known for their fierce tribal clashes and elaborate body art. Think of them as the ancient equivalent of a rowdy biker gang, but with more spears and fewer motorcycles.
Medieval Madness: Castles, Kings, and Killings
Fast forward to medieval times, and Perthshire becomes a hotspot for royal drama. Scone Palace, where Scottish kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny, was the medieval version of Westminster Abbey. The crowning ceremonies were grand, but behind the scenes, it was a Game of Thrones-esque struggle for power.
The Black Dinner: A Bloody Feast
One particularly gruesome event was the Black Dinner of 1440, held at Edinburgh Castle but involving key figures from Perthshire. The young Earl of Douglas and his brother were invited to a grand feast only to be dragged out and executed after dinner, all under the orders of King James II. Their heads were displayed on the table as a final, horrifying course. Talk about a dinner party to remember!
The Battle of Dupplin Moor: A Medieval Bloodbath
In 1332, the Battle of Dupplin Moor saw a savage clash between the Scots and the English during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the English forces used clever tactics to decimate the Scottish army. The battlefield was left strewn with thousands of bodies, a grim reminder of the brutal medieval warfare.
Witch Hunts: Trials and Torment
Like many parts of Scotland, Perthshire wasn’t immune to the witch hunt craze of the 16th and 17th centuries. Dozens of women (and a few men) were accused of witchcraft, tortured, and executed in grisly fashion. Dunning is infamous for its witch trials, with poor Maggie Wall being one of the most notable victims. Her supposed grave is marked with a stone monument inscribed with "Maggie Wall burnt here 1657 as a Witch."
The Jacobite Risings: Highland Havoc
Perthshire played a significant role in the Jacobite Risings, those ill-fated attempts to restore the Stuart monarchy. The Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 was a major victory for the Jacobites, but their luck ran out at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Highland Perthshire was left scarred by these uprisings, with many Jacobite supporters facing execution or exile.
Industrial Revolution: Mills, Murder, and Mayhem
During the Industrial Revolution, Perthshire became a hub for textile mills, particularly in towns like Perth and Pitlochry. Conditions in these mills were horrific, with workers (including children) enduring long hours and dangerous machinery. To make matters worse, the influx of workers led to a rise in crime, including the infamous murder case of Madeleine Smith, a young woman accused of poisoning her lover with arsenic.
Modern Marvels: From Castles to Computers
In the 20th century, Perthshire saw significant modernization. Hydroelectric schemes transformed the Highlands, providing power but also displacing communities. Today, Perthshire is known for its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and a vibrant cultural scene, blending ancient traditions with modern innovations.
Fun Facts or Legends?
The Wolf of Badenoch: Alexander Stewart, known as the Wolf of Badenoch, was notorious for his ruthless raids across Perthshire in the late 14th century. He burned Elgin Cathedral to the ground in a fit of rage.
Birnam Wood and Macbeth: The real Birnam Wood, mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, is in Perthshire. According to legend, it moved to Dunsinane Hill, fulfilling the witches’ prophecy and sealing Macbeth’s doom.
Drummond Castle Gardens: These beautiful gardens have a dark side. Legend has it that the architect who designed them was executed to prevent him from creating anything more beautiful elsewhere.
Perthshire’s history is a rollercoaster of royal intrigue, bloody battles, and industrial strife. It’s a place where the past is never far from the present, with every castle, hill, and loch whispering tales of yesteryear. So grab your tartan, sharpen your claymore, and dive in.
Ready for a bit more? Here goes.
Ancient Beginnings
Perthshire's history dates back to prehistoric times. Evidence of human habitation in the area exists from as far back as the Mesolithic period (around 8000 BC) when hunter-gatherers roamed its dense woodlands and fished in its rivers. The region's Neolithic period witnessed the construction of enigmatic standing stones and stone circles, such as those found at Croft Moraig and Fortingall, hinting at complex ritualistic practices.
The Bronze and Iron Ages saw the emergence of more permanent settlements. The Carpow logboat, discovered in the River Tay and dating back to around 1000 BC, is a remarkable artifact that provides insight into the sophisticated craftsmanship of these early inhabitants. Hill forts, like Moncrieff Hill and Castle Law, became prominent features of the landscape during the Iron Age, serving as powerful symbols of community and defence.
Roman encounters
Roman incursions into Scotland during the first few centuries AD left an indelible mark on Perthshire. The Romans established temporary forts and roads, with the most notable being the Roman fort at Inchtuthil near Dunkeld. This site, constructed in the 1st century AD, demonstrates the strategic importance of the region in the Roman efforts to control and monitor northern territories. The Roman influence, though relatively short-lived, introduced new technologies and interactions that would shape local developments.
Medieval flourishes
The medieval period heralded the establishment of Christianity in the region. The 7th and 8th centuries saw the spread of monastic communities, with Culdee monks establishing religious sites such as Abernethy and Dunkeld. These became centres of learning, culture, and spirituality, anchoring the Christian faith in the region.
The Middle Ages also brought the construction of imposing castles, which both protected and dominated Perthshire. Scone Palace, perhaps the most famous, was the site of the Stone of Destiny, where Scottish kings were traditionally crowned. This established Scone as a symbol of Scottish royalty and governance medieval Perthshire also bore witness to the burgeoning of many towns and villages, which expanded around monastic settlements and castles. Perth, the county town, emerged as a significant trade hub due to its strategic location along the River Tay. Its mercantile prowess was underscored by events such as the signing of the Treaty of Perth in 1266, which ended hostilities between Norway and Scotland over the Hebrides.
The Renaissance of Perthshire
The Renaissance period transformed Perthshire culturally and architecturally. The 16th and 17th centuries saw the emergence of grand estates and gardens, inspired by Renaissance and later Enlightenment ideals. Places such as Drummond Castle Gardens and Blair Castle exemplify this blend of cultural elegance and natural beauty.
The Reformation of the 16th century also left a profound impact on Perthshire. Religious upheavals saw the decline of medieval monastic institutions and the rise of Protestantism. Perth became a stronghold of Protestant reformers, and John Knox, a leading figure of the Scottish Reformation, preached in the town, further affirming its central role in religious transformation.
Jacobite Risings
The 18th century was marked by the turbulence of the Jacobite Risings. Perthshire's strategic location meant that it was a key battleground during these conflicts. The county saw significant action during the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745, with key battles and skirmishes taking place in and around the region.
Blair Castle, for instance, played a pivotal role during the 1745 rising led by Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The castle served as a stronghold for Jacobite forces and witnessed various dramatic episodes throughout this tumultuous period. The eventual defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 marked the end of these uprisings, fundamentally altering the Highland way of life and impacting Perthshire's clans and communities.
Industrial Revolution and Modernisation
The 19th century ushered in the Industrial Revolution, bringing significant changes to Perthshire’s economy and landscape. The construction of railways and the development of industries in towns like Perth and Crieff spurred economic growth. Agriculture also underwent transformation with advancements in farming techniques and machinery, leading to increased productivity.
Victorian-era tourism began to flourish in Perthshire, with visitors drawn by the region's stunning landscapes and romanticized history. Notable literary figures, such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, celebrated Perthshire in their works, further entrenching its allure in the public imagination. The Victorian fascination with the Scottish Highlands led to the development of hotels, guesthouses, and scenic railways, making Perthshire an attractive destination for travellers seeking the picturesque and the sublime.
20th Century to now
The 20th century brought about several changes, marked by both World Wars which had profound effects on Perthshire’s communities. The region contributed significantly to the war efforts, with many from Perthshire serving in various armed forces. Post-war periods saw economic rebuilding and a gradual shift from traditional industries to more diverse economic activities.
Agriculture remained a cornerstone of the local economy, but tourism rapidly became a vital sector. The establishment of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which includes part of Perthshire, and the promotion of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports, have bolstered tourism.
Cultural heritage sites, such as Scone Palace, Blair Castle, and the ancient Fortingall Yew, continue to attract visitors, while events like the annual Highland Games and Perthshire Amber Festival celebrate the region's rich cultural traditions and contemporary arts scene.
Modern Perthshire balances its historical roots with progressive developments. Sustainable practices in agriculture, conservation of natural landscapes, and the promotion of local crafts and produce are central to the region's ongoing narrative. Innovative projects and community initiatives have aimed at preserving both the natural environment and the cultural heritage that makes Perthshire unique.
In the realm of education and arts, Perthshire continues to thrive. Educational institutions and cultural centres, such as the brand new Perth Museum (set in the historic City Hall), Perth Art Gallery and the Birnam Arts Centre, offer residents and visitors alike a chance to engage deeply with the region’s history and contemporary culture. Festivals, markets, and community events further enrich the social fabric, fostering a vibrant community spirit.
Technological advancements and infrastructure improvements have also played key roles in Perthshire's modern evolution. The integration of digital technologies in business and tourism, combined with improved transport links, has facilitated smoother connections both within and outside of the region. This connectivity ensures that Perthshire remains an attractive place to live, work, and visit, while still preserving the charm and tranquility of its more remote areas.
Perthshire’s history is a rich mosaic of ancient traditions, significant historical events, and progressive transformations. From the early hunter-gatherers and the grandeur of medieval Scottish royalty to the architectural elegance of the Renaissance and the resilience shown during the Jacobite Risings, Perthshire has always been a land of dynamic change and cultural richness.