Central Scotland
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Central Scotland, the strip of mainland north of the densely populated Glasgow–Edinburgh axis and south of the main swathe of Highlands, has been the main stage for some of the most important events in Scottish history. Stirling, its imposing castle perched high above the town, was historically the most important bridging point across the River Forth. Popular for walking and, in particular, cycling, much of the Trossachs, together with the attractive islands and “bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, form the core of Scotland’s first national park.
Weather Averages
Be prepared for rain or shine
MARCH - MAY High 10.84°c Low 3.33°c Precipitation 0.06mm/hr
JUNE - AUGUST High 16.96°c Low 10.35°c Precipitation 0.05mm/hr
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER High 12.69°c Low 6°c Precipitation 0.04mm/hr
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY High 5.98°c Low 0.34°c Precipitation 0.06mm/hr
Perthshire
Central Scotland
Genteel, attractive Perthshire is, in many ways, the epitome of well-groomed rural Scotland. An area of gentle glens, mature woodland, rushing rivers and peaceful lochs, it’s the long-established domain of Scotland’s well-to-do country set. First settled more than eight thousand years ago, it was ruled by the Romans and then the Picts before Celtic missionaries established themselves. The ancient town of Perth occupies a strategic position at the mouth of the River Tay; salmon, wool and, by the sixteenth century, whisky, were exported, while a major import was Bordeaux claret.
Loch Lomond
Central Scotland
The largest stretch of fresh water in Britain (23 miles long and up to five miles wide), Loch Lomond is the epitome of Scottish scenic splendour, thanks in large part to the ballad that fondly recalls its “bonnie, bonnie banks”. In reality, however, the peerless scenery of the loch can be tainted by the sheer numbers of tourists and day-trippers. Designated Scotland’s first national park in 2002, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park covers a large stretch of scenic territory from the lochs of the Clyde Estuary to Loch Tay in Perthshire, with the centrepiece being Loch Lomond.
Fife
Central Scotland
The ancient Kingdom of Fife is a small area, barely fifty miles at its widest point, but one which has a definite identity, inextricably linked with the waters that surround it on three sides – the Tay to the north, the Forth to the south, and the cold North Sea to the east. Despite its small size, Fife encompasses several different regions, with a marked difference between the rural north and the semi-industrial south. Fishing still has a role, but ultimately it is to St Andrews, the home of the world-famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club, that most visitors are drawn.
LOCAL CUISINE
Scotland’s stunning landscapes are more than just scenery – its coast and countryside are where our high quality produce is reared, gathered and grown. Hand-dived scallops, Aberdeen Angus beef, Ayrshire potatoes and the soft fruits of Fife are just some of ingredients that Scottish chefs have to work with. Local butchers and fishmongers, as well as farm shops, food festivals and farmers markets, are great places to go to pick up tasty treats so you can cook up your own dishes.
GETTING HERE
You can travel here seamlessly from the rest of the UK and from overseas, with regular road, rail, ferry and air links to Scotland's incredible destinations. When you arrive, you'll find there is easy access to the region, and with a little more careful planning, you can reach the beautiful yet more remote areas and islands.