About the area
Glenshee
Glenshee lies in the north eastern corner of Perthshire. The glen is sometimes known as the Glen of the Fairies as the name comes from the Gaelic word "shith" (pronounced "shee"), which means fairies.
At the northern end of the glen, where Perthshire and Aberdeenshire meet, is the Cairnwell Mountain, home to Glenshee Ski Slopes. This is the largest skiing area in Scotland with 38 runs and 20 lifts catering for all abilities. In the summer this is a popular area for hill walkers who appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding area. During the short winter days, droves of red deer can be found looking for food, while in the summer they can be seen happily grazing with their calves in the long evenings. In the hill country, you might also catch a glimpse of grouse, ptarmigan or mountain hare.
The Shee Water flows down the Glen, skirting the foot of Ben Gulabin and passing through the Spittal of Glenshee down to the Lair where it flows into the River Blackwater. Both these rivers contain salmon pools, and fishing permits can be obtained from local landowners. The River Blackwater then continues on through Blacklunans, and at Bridge of Cally it joins the River Ardle, becoming the River Ericht, from where it flows on to Blairgowrie.
At one time there were two schools in the glen at Glenshee and Blackwater, but as farming and forestry became mechanised, employment became hard to find and people had to move elsewhere to find work. The Glenshee school was forced to close, followed several years later by the school at Blackwater when the roll fell to two pupils.
Nowadays, the inhabitants of the glen are a mixture of those born and bred here,and those who have moved in to the area for a better quality of life. Some of those who live in the glen work from home, while others choose to commute. Primary age pupils who would previously have gone to the schools in the glen now travel daily "over the hill" to Kirkmichael, while older children travel into Blairgowrie for their secondary education.
Employment now comes from primarily from farming, field sports and the tourist trade. The hotels, bed and breakfasts and outdoor activity centres in the glen make Glenshee an ideal base. Royal Deeside, Pitlochry, Dundee and Perth are all just a short drive away. The long distance Cateran Trail passes through the glen, following some of the routes taken by cattle rustlers in the past.
There is only one way to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the wildlife, the outdoor activities and to meet the friendly people who live in Glenshee and that is to come and experience it for yourself!
Strathardle
Strathardle runs from the east side of the Moulin moor through to Bridge of Cally. The glen has been populated since at least the iron age, and remains of iron age huts can still be seen in many places across the area. The glen continued to be settled throughout Roman and Pictish times, and the first church was built on the site of the present Kirkmichael Church following the granting of a Charter in 1184. Throughout the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Strathardle is said to have been part of the hunting grounds of the Kings of Scotland. It was also in a strategic position for travellers, traders and cattle dealers hence a highland market being established at Sillerburn in Kirkmichael around this time.
The plague came to Strathardle around 1500, and for several centuries the local people were involved in feuds and skirmishes with caterans. The Earl of Mar raised his banner in Bannerfield, Kirkmichael during the 1715 uprising and set forth from there with his men to the battle of Sheriffmuir.
Queen Victoria travelled through Strathardle on her way between Balmoral and Dunkeld or Pitlochry and so established the area as a place for holidays and relaxation.
Strathardle remains an area of outstanding beauty with wooded glens, extensive wildlife, and good walking. Agriculture, tourism and small businesses now exist side by side the length of the Ardle. Kirkmichael is the main focal point of the glenwith its village shop, church, fire station and primary school. The Seer Centre and Kindrogan Field Study Centre attract many outside visitors, as do the area's self catering establishments, Bed and Breakfasts, hotels and caravan sites. Heather Hills honey, on sale in many Scottish shops, is produced at Bridge of Cally, and in the summer months, bee hives can be found in many spots throughout the area.
