Crieff
is the main town of Strathearn lying on the southern edge of the Scottish
Highlands. It has been a holiday resort since Victorian times and is
second largest town in Perthshire with a population of almost 6000.The town spills from the Knock, the wooded hill above, down to the River Earn. James Square with it's fountain marks the centre of the town. There are a number of tourist attractions such as Crieff Visitor Centre, Glenturret Distillery (Scotland's oldest) and hotels including the grand Victorian spa - the Crieff Hydro.
Macrosty Park, Crieff was opened in 1902. It is named after it's benefactor, James Macrosty, who was Provost of the town. The park is one of the most picturesque in Scotland, with a fine collection of mature specimen trees and the Turret Burn flowing through it. The Victorian bandstand, gifted by the brother of James Macrosty, has brass band concerts in summer. There are tennis courts, a putting green, trampolines and two children's play areas. A number of picnic tables are placed around the park, making it an ideal place for a day out in fine summer weather.
Lady Mary's Walk was gifted to the town in 1815 by Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre. The walk was a favourite of his daughter, Lady Mary. A beautiful beech lined avenue runs alongside the River Earn for about 1500m. There is considerable variety of trees, plants and wildlife to observe on this fine walk.
Once an ancient cattle market and Scottish 'frontier town' where Highlanders would come for the great cattle trysts. Cattle were driven from all over the north of Scotland to be sold to lowland buyers. Montrose, Rob Roy Macgregor, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Burns and many others from Scotland's colourful history have walked Crieff's historic High Street.