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Perthshire: In the Heart of Scotland!

Perthshire, in central Scotland, was described by Sir Walter Scott as "the most varied and beautiful county, with gentle hills, high mountains, winding rivers, and shimmering lochs." Scott's assessment couldn't have been more accurate. The varying terrain and multifaceted landscape make Perthshire an excellent setting for a Scottish vacation. A day's itinerary can include fishing, golf, hunting, shopping, horseback riding, hiking, and visiting local and historical landmarks. Perthshire offers a wealth of activities and also makes a good base of operations for visiting other parts of Scotland.

Golf is king in Scotland. The game began here. The game is revered here. Rules are followed with devout zeal. A good golf swing is as highly regarded as a college education. Gleneagles Golf Club, one of the most revered courses in the world, is located just outside the quiet little village of Auchterarder. The oldest course opened in 1919, and these hallowed grounds have been the sight of numerous British Open Championships, and will hold the Ryder Cup in 2007. The three main courses are the Kings Course, the Queens Course, and the Monarchs Course. The King and Queens courses were designed by the legendary golf architect James Braid, and are both considered among the finest courses in golf history. The Monarchs Course opened in 1993 and was designed by famous golfer and course architect Jack Nicklaus.

In true Scottish style, the courses are hewn out of the landscape and use the naturally rolling terrain and local plant life as obstacles to a player's success. Gorse, bracken, and heather snatch up wayward shots. Stay in the fairways and you have a shot at a good score. Splay it left or right and your consolation prize is the mesmerizing views of the Scottish countryside. Lee Trevino, the famous American golfer said of Gleneagles, "if Heaven is as good as this, I sure hope they have some tee times left!"

If golf is king in Scotland, fishing is a close second. Around Perthshire there are numerous rivers and streams that offer salmon anglers ample opportunity for trying their luck. The river Tay has the distinction of surrendering a salmon registering 63 ¼ lbs, a record in the United Kingdom! Brown trout are prime targets in Loch Leven. The fishery hosts many Scottish fishing championships, and the marinas on the loch will take you to the best spots.

Almost every year since 1870, the small town of Crieff has held the Scottish Highland Games, a celebration of music and physical competitions that pay homage to Scotland's history. Favorite activities include shot putting, caber tossing, hammer throwing, and throwing the weight for height and distance. Bag pipers from all over the globe come and compete in a series of different categories. Scottish dances, such as the wildly popular Highland Fling, accompany the pipers, and add frenetic zest to the festivities.

For a couple of sight-seeing opportunities, Crieff is also the locale for Drummond Castle, where the famous garden is set out like a giant green chessboard. Shown in the film Rob Roy, starring Liam Neeson, the gardens are Scotland's most formal, and were first constructed in the 17th century.

The Perthshire region of Scotland is like stepping into some magical wonderland. The rivers, lochs, valleys, and quaint towns form a melody for the senses. The history of Scotland is omnipresent, and deserted, but preserved castles line the countryside. Scottish pride is exhibited in the many scotch breweries that permeate the area. Everyone has their favorite batch, and contrasting views welcome taste tests to determine whose is most pleasing. Perthshire is also a great spot for basing your Scotland vacation. St. Andrews, Loch Ness, and Edinburgh are all a day-trip away.