Country House Hotel in Pitlochry

The Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry is a magnificent country house hotel with staff that will give you a warm and friendly welcome. An old world hotel with acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands, and perhaps a roaring log fire in the lounge. Visitors return to the town of Pitlochry year after year given its extraordinary location at the foot of the Scottish Highlands. If the weather is not good, sink into a comfortable chair in the lounge of this Pitlochry hotel and read a book or play a board game.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea and scones in the restaurant overlooking gardens and a small pond - you might even see a deer or two. The sumptuous local fare make as stay in this area very popular. Choose from fish, lamb or game served with fresh vegetables, or if you're feeling more adventurous try dishes such as haggis tartlet or pigeon in sherry sauce. The Pitlochry shortbread is not to be missed.

The Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry is the ideal choice for your stay whether you are seeking peace and quiet, or a base from which to explore Perthshire and the Scottish Highlands. This hotel is perfectly located between Edinburgh and Inverness. Bring your dog too! Dogs are welcomed here in Pitlochry with a bag of treats.

In the center of historic Pitlochry you can visit interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. There are also many good walks in the area. Visit the Cairngorm National Park or some of the area's lochs and hills. Alternatively, enjoy a day of climbing, cycling, fishing or golf.

Autumn is one of the best times of year to visit Perthshire's "Big Tree Country," often compared to the fall foliage in New England, USA. This is also a perfect time of year to take a nature safari or go to the Pitlochry Highland Games. Check with the hotel about special events going on during your stay.

In the evening, catch a show at the famous Pitlochry Festival Theatre. With its friendly staff, grand marble staircase, and country manner charm, staying in an old country Pitlochry Hotel can be reminiscent of being on the set of Downton Abbey. Upon returning from your Pitlochry excursions you can enjoy fine wines and Scottish whiskies at your hotel's comfortable bar.

There is something for everyone in the town of Pitlochry. Often visitors realize that they could have happily stayed for longer. Whether you are active and keen to enjoy the great outdoors, or looking for a relaxing cultural break, you will find it all in this Highland Perthshire town.

A holiday to Scotland is simply not complete without a visit to Pitlochry.

Heathergems from Pitlochry in Scotland

There are, of course, many attractions and things to do on a visit to Pitlochry. One of the unique days out that a visitor can plan is a trip to the Heathergems factory that is situated in Pitlochry. Heathergems is a jewellery company that makes beautiful and original earrings,  bracelets, brooches and other pieces by using a patented approach that sees heather being transformed in to Scottish 'heather jewels'. These items are then sold throughout the UK and indeed, the rest of the world and we can proudly boast that every piece is created right here in Pitlochry.

We would certainly recommend all visitors to have a look at how Heathergems Celtic jewellery is processed. The on-site Visitor Centre does a great job in explaining how all the 'heather gems' are created. Interestingly all the heathergems from Scotland are never exactly the same. Thus, you can be satisfied that giving a heather gem as a present will be a unique gift.

Given the abundance of heather in the hills around Pitlochry, you can be assured that Heathergems will continue to manufacture their product whilst being fully sustainable for years to come. If you are visiting Scotland, make sure you take a piece of the countryside back home with you!

Spring Breaks in Pitlochry, Scotland

The last week has seen some beautiful weather. The temperatures remain crisp but we have been lucky to enjoy a succession of perfect winter days. Ideal for enjoying the surrounding countryside and getting a good dose of fresh air.

Our attentions are beginning to turn to Spring and with it the lengthening hours of daylight and warmer temperatures. Spring is a great time of year to visit Pitlochry given it is not yet peak tourist season yet there are many events and attractions to enjoy and visit.

Of course the big event in May for Pitlochry is the Etape Caledonia where 5000 cyclists take part in a challenging and picturesque route around Highland Perthshire. If you are competing, perhaps consider stealing a march on your rivals by coming up in advance to cycle some of the route... with march just around the corner the longer daylight hours will allow you to get your long rides in - just like 'Wiggo'!

With the Ryder cup coming to Gleneagles in 2014, Perthshire golf is in the spotlight like never before. Here at Pitlochry we are lucky to have access to a real 'hidden gem' on the Scottish golfing scene. Pitlochry course has always allowed players to enjoy stunning views. This season there is the added bonus of the course becoming a 'centre of excellence'. Visitors will now have access to a state of the art driving range from late spring 2013.

At the Pine Trees Hotel, we encourage you to have a look at some of our Spring offers that are available. You don't have to be a cyclist or a golfer of course - The Pitlochry Festival Theatre as ever has an exciting programme that is well worth experiencing.

For more information and some excellent Pitlochry Spring deals have a look at our webite, and discover for yourself why spring is such a special season in Pitlochry.
 

 

 

Edradour Distillery, Pitlochry

A short hop from Pitlochry lies the Edradour Distillery – an absolute must for any whisky connoisseur visiting Highland Perthshire.  Famous the world over for the fine single malt whisky it produces, Edradour also claims the title of Scotland’s smallest distillery, and just three dedicated gentlemen hand craft the amber liquid using the same machinery, and time-honoured skills, as when the distillery opened 150 years ago in Victorian times. 
 

Despite its diminutive size, the distillery does (just) manage to produce a commercial quantity although, at 12 casks per week during production times, only a relatively small number of people are lucky enough to have tasted it.  Edradour whisky acquires its special flavour as the result of a combination of the altitude of the distillery and the clear mountain water used in production.  Once in its cask, the whisky is then laid down for at least ten years, until it reaches its peak quality, and only then is it bottled. 
 

In the newly refurbished shop, there is a magnificent range of whiskies, many with different “finishes”, giving each a unique flavour.  Edradour also stocks an impressive variety of malts from “silent” distilleries – those that have ceased production – making it a haven for collectors and anyone seeking a present with a difference.  There is also a wide range of other whisky-related products such as honey, marmalade, household linen items, books and glasses.
 

The pristine white buildings, the pretty garden, and the burn flowing through it, make for an enticing welcome to this picturesque distillery, nestling in a tiny hollow just outside Pitlochry.  Take a step back in time and tour the distillery.  Small groups and larger coach parties are equally welcome and, for details of tour prices and opening times, visit the Edradour website:  www.edradour.co.uk

Click this link for more interesting days out in Pitlochry

Pitlochry Wildlife

At first glance, you might not think there is a lot of wildlife around Pitlochry. However, people are amazed to find out how much Pitlochry wildlife there is if you keep your eyes open and just observe. With the Cairngorms National Park to the northwest and the River Tummel and Loch Faskally being so near, the town is home to many animals, birds and fish.

Doe, A Deer, A Female Deer

The famous “Monarch of the Glen,” the Scottish red deer is the largest of mammals that Pitlochry wildlife offers a nature observer.  During the summer, this deer looks to be a dark red colour and in winter their coat turns to a dark brown or grey color. Found throughout Scotland, there are many to be seen in the Perthshire region. The roe deer, a smaller and more solitary deer than its red cousin, can also be found, but it is a little more difficult to spot because of its shyness. Its black stripe and white chin distinguishes it from other types of deer.

Wildcats

Scottish wildcats do exist in the Highlands. If you happen to see one, consider yourself extremely lucky!  Some reports say there are only about 40 left in the Scottish Highlands, though other reports place the number at upwards of 400. However many there truly are left, it is a small number and they are in danger of being bred out of captivity by the feral cat population. Hopefully there are steps being taken to halt this process, as it would be a true shame to lose this beautiful creature!

Red Squirrel

Red squirrels, one of the most popular attractions of Pitlochry wildlife, are still found all over Highland Perthshire. Due to their larger cousin, the grey squirrel, taking over a lot of their habitat, they are slowly disappearing in other parts of the country. With their bushy red tails, shaggy little ear tufts and big personalities, red squirrels can be a lot of fun to observe.

I Didn’t Say Stout, I Said Stoat!

A type of animal related to the weasel, a stoat is long and thin, about 12 inches in length. Probably not the easiest animal to spot as they tend to want to remain undercover, but they are definitely a working member of Pitlochry wildlife, living primarily on smaller animals like mice and squirrels, but also is partial to making the European Rabbit a part of their diet.  Another similar-looking animal you might see is the pine marten, which might even be more difficult to spot because of its nocturnal nature. Small and sleek, the pine marten’s population has been increasing.

Why not consider a Highland Safari, one of the best ways to view Pitlochry Wildlife