Trip to Perth (Scotland)

Early this morning we took the 15A bus to Perth, a small town north-east of Crieff, to pick up our rental car. We wanted to keep our rental to less than 30 days, if not, it becomes a lease and the rules change so we waited for a couple of days before renting a car. Today the high is around 52⁰ with overcast skies. Looks like today will be the last day for good weather for a while. Rain is forecast for the next 4 days so day trips may be a little wet, but the show must go on.

The city known as “Perth” began life around 70AD as a Roman fort called, “Bertha”. There is evidence of earlier encampments and communities in this area, but nothing substantial.  Bertha / Perth is translated as “wood” from Cumbric and Pictish Gaelic languages. Even today “wood” is a reference for Perth in that it has the oldest tree in Europe (really?), the Fortingall Yew, estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old.

Perth has been the scene of battles for independence, clan disputes, plagues, a cholera epidemic and because it’s located on the edge of the river Tay, several devastating floods. Today, it’s much more appealing with St. John’s church, Huntingtower castle, and located just to the north of the city, the most picturesque site in Scotland, “the Queen’s View”.

We won’t be visiting any of these sites today. Instead, we’re going to see the Black Watch castle and museum. The Black Watch is an infantry division that was formed around 1715 as part of six “watch” companies to keep tabs on the Highlanders and help bring criminals to justice. Where the name originates depends on who you ask, but most commonly it is said that the name is associated with the color of their tartan; dark green / blue / black.

The crest of the Black Watch (the chair is covered in their tartan colors)

In 1818, the Black Watch was officially incorporated into Scotland’s modern army with the 42^nd Regiment and the 73^rd Regiment combining to form the first two battalions. Scotland’s Black Watch has served in both World Wars and most major conflicts since then. During World War I, the Black Watch lost over 8,000 soldiers. The Black Watch also served in Ireland during the “Troubles”. The Black Watch still serves today, most recently with NATO in Afghanistan. Side note: The Black Watch fought in WW2 and was known by the Germans as, “the ladies from Hell”.

For those who wanted a picture of us….. I think the helmet is a little small

But not as small as hers!

A “trench club”

Kilt worn by Capt. W.D. McL Stewart, killed in battle September, 1919

You need to give up some things in a gas attack!

Bagpipes in the Black Watch colors

The museum is located in a rebuilt castle now called, “Balhousie Castle”.  “Rebuilt” may be a misnomer as the entire castle was “rebuilt” with a rubble wall being the only original structure remaining today. Cost was 13GBP or $15.99USD with our senior discount which gave us access to all 13 exhibit rooms. The displays included everything from early 1800 paintings and drawings of the Black Watch, to current uniforms and weapons. In all, a pretty good museum.

Balhousie Castle

Memory wall of wooden crosses

Now the drive back to Crieff. Only about 30 minutes or so, through mostly countryside but I need to get back into British driving mode. First and foremost, the driver is always to the center of the road. This is really the only “hard” rule, and it pretty much has a self-cleansing effect if you forget. Fortunately, we’ve done this several times during our trips to Europe so not too hard to remember. Next would be a round-about going to the left, with a twist, stop lights! Why not? If one method of traffic control is good, two have to be better. And lastly, parking half in the road and half on the sidewalk, anywhere. Approaching traffic just needs to stop and wait to go around, not a big deal. Knowing the rules really helps.

Made it home with no problems. Tonight, will be a planning session to pick out our destination for tomorrow.

So, gu ruige amàireach.