Historic villages want folks to walk their way
Blue plaques will highlight heritage to boost tourism
Historic buildings around Dunkeld and Birnam are to be promoted in a proposed new walking trail.
The local historical society has moved to install plaques on several buildings in the communities as part of a plan to show off their heritage and boost walking tourism.
The plaques would be similar to those seen at famous people’s houses around the UK.
Bringing together sites from the train station to the cathedral gates, as well as a number of venues and eateries, people will be taken on a tour using a leaflet guide which will be made available at venues and tourist spots in Dunkeld and Birnam.
Plans have been lodged for plaques to be erected on a number of buildings, with a total of 34 sites identified in the proposed route.
A supporting statement for the application states that Dunkeld and Birnam Historial Society has been working with an artist and organisations such as Perth and Kinross Council on the leaflet and trail.
Members and historians have spent more than a year researching the scheme for the ancient city of Dunkeld and Victorian holiday village Birnam. Cash has been offered by the Griffin Wind Farm Fund and advice and support has been offered from Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council and the tourist association.
The statement says: “The proposed leaflets, walks and blue plaques will be of great benefit to people wishing to explore these two historic but very different villages.
“They will compliment and add to the range of attractions that already bring people to the area and assist in retaining visitors in the two villages for longer.
“It is very much hoped that local businesses will benefit from those who choose to explore the Cathedral Dunkeld area more fully on foot using the guided walks and very much complimentary to the existing core footpaths, cycle routes and tree trails which are already proven attractions.”
The society says that further plaques could be added over the coming years depending on response.