Perthshire is teeming with architectural delights to please lovers of buildings, bridges and design. Built by some of the greatest bygone and present day architects, countless castles, country homes, churches and old tower houses lie waiting to be discovered. Architectural styles from Baroque masterpieces and neoclassicism, marked by the imitation of Greco-Roman forms (giving Edinburgh the name ‘Athens of the North’) to great Gothic mansions tempt you to visit.

Scotland celebrates many eminent architects, notably Robert Adam, famous for his Georgian influence.  Adams designs include Edinburgh’s impressive Register House, the grand Culzean Castle in Ayrshire and the stunning Hopetoun House in South Queensferry just outside Edinburgh. Charles Rennie Mackintosh was responsible for a unique style instantly recognisable and in which he followed through to produce highly collectible art pieces sought after for his inimitable style. Love it or hate it and the subject of great debate, Edinburgh’s Scottish Parliament building is a sight to behold. Built in the shape of an upturned boat on the doorstep of Holyrood Palace the design and build was overseen by Scotland’s first minister the late Donald Dewar.

‘The Fair City’ of Perth’s High Street is a traffic free zone and the city is laced with many wonderful streets lined with Georgian Terraced houses. There are alleys and shortcuts that will delight the visitor as every turn reveals an olde worlde shop, a stunning cathedral or colonnaded monument.
Two very different bridges span the famous River Tay in Perth, which runs dark and deep through the City.  The first, built in 1766 by Smeaton taking five years to build, a second bridge followed in 1900 later replaced in 1960 by the modern Queen’s Bridge.

Perth Concert Hall is a perfect example of modern day Architectural artistry and has been a contender and winner of a number of building and design awards since opening in 2005.  Check out their programme and enjoy a show whilst surveying the unique design!
The Horsecross
Blairgowrie to Perth (A93)      16 miles/25.5kms

The handsome neo-baronial Balhousie Castle houses the Regimental Black Watch Museum. Originally a medieval tower house and later extensively restored in the 19th Century the Castle sits graciously in peaceful grounds with towering Redwoods and a quiet contemplation garden.
Balhousie Castle
Blairgowrie to Perth (A93)      16 miles/25.5kms

Dunkeld Bridge & Cathedral
Picturesque Dunkeld bridge with its 7 fine arches designed in 1809 by Thomas Telfer peacefully straddles the river Tay close by the beautiful 12th century Dunkeld Cathedral. Both merit a visit and should be on your list of places to see.
Dunkeld Bridge & Cathedral
Blairgowrie to Dunkeld  (Follow the A923)    12 miles/18.5kms

Scone Palace, crowning place of Scottish Kings since the 9th Century is one of Scotland’s most important seats, remodelled in the Gothic Style in the 1800’s.
Scone Palace
Blairgowrie to Scone        14 miles/23 kms

Glamis Castle
An outstanding example of Scottish Baronial architecture and of great historical importance. Dating from the 15th century Glamis Castle was Childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen mother. With fairytale turrets and splendid balustrades you will admire and delight in your time spent exploring this magnificent building and the rooms on display.
Glamis Castle
Blairgowrie to Glamis       15.5 miles/25 kms

Huntingtower Castle with its two fine and complete tower houses date from around 1480.  A unique and interesting castle where the two towers were later joined together to form one residence. It is believed the original intention of two towers was to allow the two Ruthven brothers their own property with only 3 metres distance between them. Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned here with her new husband Lord Darnley in 1565.
Huntingtower Castle
Blairgowrie to West of Perth       19 miles/28.5 kms

Elcho Castle dates back to 1570 and is one of Scotland’s most well preserved late medieval castles. Walls up to 6 feet  thick in places, great fireplaces, towers, turrets and barred windows. The visitor can experience a real sense of how it was to live here in medieval times.
Elcho Castle
Blairgowrie to Perth (4 miles east of)     19 miles/28.5 kms

House of Dun
Built by William Adam in 1730.  Capture the spirit and style of this famous family of architects in a visit to this impressive example of a grand house of Georgian design.
House of Dun
Blairgowrie to Montrose      39 miles/63.4 kms

Edinburgh
Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
The Scottish parliament
Blairgowrie to Edinburgh      58 miles/93 kms

Robert Adams Register House, Edinburgh
Robert Adams Register House

Edinburgh’s Landmark Buildings
Edinburgh

Glasgow
Glasgow’s Landmark Buildings
Glasgow

Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Charles Rennie MacKintosh
Blairgowrie to Glasgow      77 miles/123 kms

Aberdeen
Landmark buildings photo-gallery
Aberdeen
Blairgowrie to Aberdeen      70 miles/113 kms

Doors Open Day is Scotland’s largest free annual architectural event. 
On certain days of the year it is possible to visit buildings otherwise not easily accessible. Take a look at the list for dates and if you missed out this year, save the link in favourites and check out next years dates.
Doors Open Day

Architecture in Perth - A fascinating and informative read.
Architecture in Perth

For info: Dictionary of Scottish Architects 1840-1940
Dictionary of Scottish Architects