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From the map of Scotland below, you
can see that Perthshire occupies the centre of mainland Scotland. The ancient
county of Perth is made up of even more ancient Earldoms which is some cases
date back into the mists of our Celtic past.
Atholl - The area around the
Rivers Tummel & Garry in north Perthshire containing
Pitlochry & Blair Atholl. One of Scotland's
early Celtic Earldoms. Originally the area of Clan Duncan who supported Duncan
I who was killed by Macbeth. The line expired in 1211 and the area and earldom
remained with the crown until 1457 when James II gave the title to a Stewart
of Balvenie. Queen Anne raised the title to Dukedom. The seat of the Dukes
of Atholl is Blair Castle.
Balquhidder - Originally the
area from Loch Earn spreading beyond Perthshire to Loch Lomond. Once home
to Clan MacLaren but usually associated with MacGregors and Rob Roy.
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County of Perth Map |
Map of Scotland |
Breadalbane - From
Braid Alban meaning upper Alban which implied a wider area in ancient
times. Essentially the region around the upper River Tay & Loch Tay
containing Killin, Kenmore &
Aberfeldy. Breadalbane was only carried as a
title from 1681 when John Campbell of Glenorchy was created Earl of Breadalbane
and Holland. Taymouth Castle was the seat of the Earls.
Gowrie - The area immediately
north of Perth City containing Dunkeld and
Blairgowrie. The Earldom of Gowrie lay with
the Ruthven family until the proscription of that name in 1600.
 Menteith
- On the southern edge of Perthshire and north of the River Forth. Although
part of ancient Perthshire proper, the area is not in modern Perth &
Kinross district. Contains Aberfoyle, The Trossachs,
Callander &
Doune. Another of Scotland's Celtic Earldoms held
by Gilchrist in the 12thC, the Comyns into the 14thC and then the
Stewarts.
Strathearn - Meaning Valley
of the River Earn and Strathearn runs from Loch Earn down through the open
river valley. Contains St Fillans,
Comrie, Crieff,
Muthill, Braco,
Auchterarder & Dunning. Another of Scotland's
early Celtic Earldoms, however the title expired and the lands became largely
royal hunting ground from the 12thC. |
