Perthshire

Riverside, Accessible, Elegant

Perthshire, often called Scotland’s “Big Tree Country,” is one of the nation’s most versatile and elegant destinations for events. Located at the very heart of Scotland, Perthshire combines the cultural vibrancy of the city of Perth with the grandeur of Highland estates, historic castles, and world-class resorts. Its landscapes of rivers, forests, and mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for weddings, conferences, incentive travel, and community celebrations alike. For organisers, Perthshire offers a rare blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and infrastructure.

In the city of Perth, the jewel of the region, event infrastructure is anchored by the Perth Concert Hall and the adjoining Perth Theatre. These venues host everything from major conferences and exhibitions to concerts and civic events, supported by modern technology and flexible spaces. Perth Racecourse, located just outside the city, adds another dimension with facilities for corporate hospitality, outdoor festivals, and trade shows, all set against a scenic riverside backdrop. Perth itself provides a compact, walkable centre with a range of hotels, restaurants, and historic buildings that suit both local and international gatherings.

Luxury and exclusivity are hallmarks of Perthshire, most famously represented by the Gleneagles Hotel, one of Scotland’s most prestigious resorts. Known globally for its golf courses, spa, and fine dining, Gleneagles is also a premier venue for corporate retreats, international summits, and luxury weddings. Its elegant ballrooms, modern conference facilities, and outdoor pursuits make it a complete package for high-end events. Delegates can pair meetings with activities such as falconry, shooting, or golf, ensuring a memorable programme.

Heritage venues further enrich Perthshire’s offer. Blair Castle, seat of the Dukes of Atholl, provides an unforgettable setting for weddings, banquets, and cultural events, with its historic halls and sprawling grounds. In Dunkeld, the atmospheric Dunkeld Cathedral, partly ruined yet profoundly beautiful, offers unique options for concerts and ceremonies. The Pitlochry Festival Theatre, located on the River Tummel, doubles as both a cultural landmark and an adaptable space for conferences, performances, and community festivals.

Accommodation across Perthshire caters to every scale and budget. In addition to five-star resorts like Gleneagles, boutique hotels such as Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa in Pitlochry and country estates around Crieff and Dunkeld offer exclusive-use options. Smaller lodges, guesthouses, and self-catering cottages provide intimate and affordable alternatives, ensuring organisers can accommodate both high-profile international conferences and local weddings or community celebrations.

Accessibility is one of Perthshire’s greatest strengths. Perth lies just an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh by road and rail, with excellent motorway links via the M90 and A9. This centrality makes it a natural gathering point for Scottish national associations, regional businesses, and international organisers seeking a convenient yet distinctive location. Once in Perthshire, the compact road network ensures easy access to rural estates, Highland villages, and scenic venues.

Incentive opportunities are abundant. Delegates can explore the forests and glens on guided hikes, enjoy whisky tastings at Edradour Distillery near Pitlochry or Glenturret Distillery near Crieff, or experience traditional Highland games in local communities. Outdoor activities such as fishing, golf, mountain biking, and white-water rafting in Aberfeldy make Perthshire ideal for team-building programmes. Seasonal highlights, from autumn foliage in the forests to summer Highland festivals, add natural spectacle to events.

What distinguishes Perthshire is its balance of elegance and authenticity. It has the sophistication of world-class resorts, the historic gravitas of castles and cathedrals, and the natural beauty of rivers and mountains. Local communities also play a strong role, with cultural festivals, ceilidhs, and agricultural shows contributing to the region’s event calendar. This makes Perthshire equally attractive for local weddings and community events as it is for luxury international gatherings.

For organisers seeking a destination that is accessible, diverse, and memorable, Perthshire delivers. From a global summit at Gleneagles to a wedding at Blair Castle, a festival at Pitlochry Theatre, or a corporate meeting in Perth Concert Hall, the region provides a seamless mix of venues and experiences. Perthshire is Scotland at its most elegant and welcoming, ensuring every event is enriched by its natural and cultural splendour.