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Perth and Kinross

Unitary authority in central Scotland, created in 1996 from the district bearing the same name in Tayside region.

Area

5,388 sq km/2,080 sq mi

Towns

Blairgowrie, Crieff, Kinross, Perth (administrative headquarters), Pitlochry, Aberfeldy

Physical

the geological fault that gives the distinctive character to lowland and highland Scotland passes southwest-northeast through the area. The population is largely centred in the lowlands, along wide fertile valleys such as Strathearn, and the Carse of Gowrie. To the north and west are the Grampians intersected by narrow glens with lochs in their valley floors. Among the highest elevations in the Grampians are Ben Lawers (1,214 m/3,984 ft) and Schiehallion (1,083 m/3,554 ft); in the south are the lower Ochil and Sidlaw Hills

Features

Highland Games at Pitlochry; Dunkeld Cathedral; Scone Palace; Glenshee Ski Development

Industries

woollen manufacture, whisky distilling and blending

Agriculture

highly productive and varied agricultural area with soft fruit (Carse of Gowrie), arable crops (to the south), livestock, salmon fisheries (to the north)

Population

(2001) 134,950

History Macbeth defeated in Dunsinane in 1054; victory of Scots (under Viscount Dundee) over English at Killiecrankie in 1689; Mary Queen of Scots' escape from Loch Leven castle in 1568.

Economy To the north, there is afforestation and 14 hydroelectric power installations. The attractions of the natural scenery of mountains and lochs has made tourism an important part of northern Perth and Kinross' economy. In the south, agriculture plays a more central role in the local economy.

Architecture Dunkeld Cathedral was founded in 1107, and the church of St John, Perth, in 1126. The area is particularly rich in fine mansions, such as Kinross House (17th century), designed by William Bruce; and Scone Palace (1803-08); there are also many good examples of castles, such as Grandtully (1560) and Blair (1269).

Environment There are 111 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, six National Nature Reserves, three Ramsars (wetland sites), one Special Protection Area, and five National Scenic Areas.

Archaeology There are many remains of prehistoric stone circles and standing stones, and several Roman sites of great interest, notably Ardoch Roman Camp, near Braco.

Administrative history Prior to 1975, the area was divided between the counties of Perthshire and Kinross-shire.

Alyth Atholl, Forest of

Auchterarder Ben Lawers

Ben Vorlich Kinross

Perth (Scotland) Rannoch, Loch