About rural Perth and Kinross

Perth and Kinross sits at the heart of Scotland, a gateway county that spans lowland valleys, Highland foothills, and countless miles of pastoral beauty. It is one of Scotland’s most agriculturally significant regions — and also one of its most visually diverse. From the rich farmland of Strathmore to the forested glens of Highland Perthshire, this is a county where rural life is as deep-rooted as the ancient trees that line its riverbanks.

The River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, runs through its core, nourishing the fertile lands of the Carse of Gowrie and the Blairgowrie area, where soft fruit farming is a cornerstone of the rural economy. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants thrive here in summer, and seasonal fruit-pickers have long been part of the rural rhythm. Elsewhere, arable crops, livestock, and upland sheep farming are mainstays — especially in the more rugged terrain around Aberfeldy, Killin, and Rannoch.

Villages like Dunkeld, Comrie, and Alyth maintain a strong rural identity, blending historical charm with vibrant local communities. Weekly markets, agricultural shows, and traditional Highland games remain fixtures of the social calendar. Forestry is another key industry, and the county’s extensive woodlands — including those near Pitlochry and the Tay Forest Park — provide both economic value and recreational opportunities.

Tourism plays a major role, but often in ways that enhance rather than dilute the rural character. Visitors are drawn to walking trails in Glen Lyon, fishing on Highland lochs, and the country estates that punctuate the landscape. Conservation and land management are increasingly central to rural life here, with estates and farms adapting to balance tradition with sustainability.

In Perth and Kinross, rural Scotland is experienced in all its forms — working, wild, cultivated, and deeply cherished.