About
There are six Dunkelds' around the world (one
in north America, one in South Africa and three in Australia).
This is the original Dunkeld, located in a place
of great natural beauty on the banks of the mighty River Tay, it
can trace its origins back to 6th century, when followers of St
Columba are reputed to have established a monastery here.
Dunkeld Cathedral was built in the 13th century and is a
wonderful place to visit, with its location on the River Tay,
with large lawns and well established trees adding to the
magnificence of the setting.
The original town lying to the north of the Cathedral, was
destroyed by the Jacobite army, during the Battle of Dunkeld in
1689. The new town, as we see it today was built east of the
Cathedral, so as not to obscure the site of Dunkeld Cathedral from
the then residence of the Dukes of Atholl.
On YOU TUBE - A short video
of Dunkeld in Scotland (3mins 12 secs) taken in
September 2009
Great credit must be given to the National
Trust for Scotland for saving large areas of Dunkeld from
demolition in 1953. By this time many of the 18th
century buildings were in a poor state of repair and a local poll
voted in favour of their destruction. At the very last minute the
National Trust for Scotland produced a rescue package that saved
many of the houses for domestic use in Cathedral Street and the
Cross. The National Trust continues to play an important roll in
Dunkeld and has its offices located in the Square.
The town is well worth a visit. Allow yourselves at least a
morning or afternoon, to visit the cathedral, wander the
streets and see the 18th century buildings, before you stop off at
many of the independent retailers who add so much to your
trip.
