Area Programmes

Vulcan Works at 5 Melville Street is a new building combining parts of both old and new structures. The building includes artist and architect studios with workshops and a living space.

The frontage has a single large contemporary window, which is planned to house artworks and installations.

Originally built between 1979 and 1983 as the world headquarters for General Accident, and designed by James Parr and Associates, this unique five storey ‘deep’ open plan office is rather like a chest of drawers built into the Perthshire hillside, with each drawer pulled out slightly further than the one above. These modern architectural features combine to provide an excellent working environment for over 1700 staff at Aviva Insurance, the biggest life and general insurer in the UK.

Highlights include roof gardens, the rosewood boardroom, ponds, kinetic and stone sculptures. Pre-booking essential - please contact PKHT (01738) 477082.

Set in beautiful gardens close to the centre of Perth, the Museum of The Black Watch is housed in the dramatic Balhousie Castle, a medieval tower house extensively renovated by David Smart in 1864. A visit to the ancestral home of The Black Watch brings this glorious Regiment’s past vibrantly to life, with ten rooms displaying an amazing variety of artefacts illustrating the history of the regiment.

Local storyteller Dolina Wallace will be delighting visitors, young and old with stories, folk tales, and legends of Old Perth. Enjoy the magic of live stories in this wonderful setting. Disabled Access on ground floor. Parking on site or at Bells Sports Centre.

A fine late-15th-century towerhouse that underwent a luxurious makeover in the 16th century to become a courtyard palace. Built by the Murrays of Balvaird, who became the Earls of Mansfield, it was their principle seat until 1658 when they moved to Scone. The L-shaped towerhouse had deteriorated into a ruinous state by the 19th century and in 1974 was taken into care by Historic Scotland’s predecessor.

Historic Scotland staff will be on site with more information about the castle’s main features. Please note the staircase has no hand rail. Located off the A913 between Gateside (A91) and Bridge of Earn.
Car park at bottom of hill signed off the A913. Half mile walk uphill to castle.

Blair Adam, the home of the Adam architectural dynasty, was built by William Adam ‘upon the plan of an ordinary manse’ in 1736. Descendants added to the house and extended it in a rambling, hotchpotch of buildings arranged around a central courtyard. Sir Walter Scott was a frequent visitor and the interesting collection of objects within the house reflects several periods in Scottish history.

Pre-booking essential – please contact PKHT (01738) 477082. A minibus service will be run from Kinross for access and return.

Join craft specialists Maggie Langelaan and Angela Porchez to learn about historic spinning and weaving techniques at this homely modern cottage set within the grounds of Beech Hill House.

Built in 1847, by Andrew Heiton Jnr, this Italianate villa was the home of the influential Gray family. Notable historic residents include Effie Gray whose notorious relations with the Pre-Raphaelite artists were recently dramatised in a popular television production. In 1946, Bowerswell House was purchased by the people of Perth and converted into a retirement home as a WWII memorial for Perth.

Visitors can enjoy a special talk by local historian Rhoda Fothergill about the fascinating role of the Pre-Raphaelites in the history of Bowerswell. This will be followed by a guided tour of sites in the surrounding area, including Kinnoull Parish Church and the historic Kinnoull Aisle.

Talk 14.00 – 14.40 and guided walk 14.45 – 16.00.

Limited parking available.

Visitors will be able to taste the fine range of wines made from berries, leaves and flowers produced by Cairn O’ Mohr Winery at the farm of East Inchmichael.

The farm dates from the 18th century and includes a unique farmhouse with a small private chapel. This discreet chapel with a hammerbeam roof was built for the Rev Alexander Penrose Forbes when he became Bishop of Brechin in 1875.

Tours of chapel and winery on Saturday, tours of winery on Sunday. Café open both days 1000 – 1600. Located on B958 between the Inchmichael Junction of the A90 and Errol.

On-site parking. Wheelchair access restricted in some areas.

Situated by the banks of the river Tay, Upper Springland was built in 1977 for the charity Capability Scotland and houses fifty-four disabled adults. The facilities are located in the historic grounds of Springland House, previously owned by the Sandeman family. Highlights include a 19th-century watchtower and icehouse, walled garden and extensive lawns.

Guided tours of the theatre, hydrotherapy pool and sensory garden will be available. Visitors are also invited to take part in a pottery workshop led by a professional ceramicist. Guided tours hourly. On-site parking available. Please keep dogs on leash.

The Heritage Association was established in January 2000 with the aim of raising awareness of the local historic environment. In 2006, a four year project came to fruition when the Association opened premises in George Street.

There will be an exhibition of local photographs on display.