Pitlochry is Europe star Town makes‘best of ’list

A popular Perthshire tourist destination has been named one of the best in Europe.

‘Travel Awaits’, a worldwide tourism blog, has named Pitlochry as one of the best European places to visit in October.

The site says the Highland Perthshire town warrants being one of the best autumn destinations because of its mountain views and the award-winning Enchanted Forest.

The Enchanted Forest takes place in Faskally Woods every October, and last year attracted more than 80,000 visitors.

In the Travel Awaits blog, it said: “It’s hard to beat fall foliage anywhere in the world, but the fullblown foliage in the heart of Scotland is bound to take your breath away.

“Pitlochry in central Scotland is adjacent to the United Kingdom’s largest park, Cairngorms National Park, which is known for splendid foliage and mountain views.

“Beyond the park, Pitlochry is home to a distillery for cozying up on those chilly fall days and a lovely garden to explore on unexpectedly sunny afternoons.

“But while these attractions are all delightful, the best thing to do in Pitlochry in the fall is to experience the Enchanted Forest. This award-winning event features a spectacular light show set to an original score with the dazzling woods as a backdrop.

“The Enchanted Forest drew more than 80,000 visitors in 2018. The 2019 event will run through the month of October - there are 32 dates available.”

The guide put Pitlochry alongside Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, the Filmekimi Film Festival in Istanbul, Turkey, the Les Muscadetours wine festival in France’s Loire Valley and seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland as the best things to do in Europe in October.

Cllr Xander McDade, who represents the Highland Perthshire region at Perth and Kinross Council, reckons everyone who works in the tourism industry around Pitlochry should be proud.

He said: “This is yet more international recognition of the wonderful destination that is Pitlochry. We receive hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, many returning year on year for the scenery including our autumn colours and outstanding service. Everyone working and managing businesses locally can be proud of being