Studio
The Birch Tree Studio
Aberfeldy
A ceramics studio producing handmade pottery inspired by the textures, colours, and light of the Highland landscape.
Discover
Makers, shops, local produce, and the stories that make this place unforgettable.
Makers · Shops · Culture
Loch Tay is more than scenery. It's blacksmith galleries and working tweed mills, organic farm shops and community cafés, 5,000-year-old trees and Monty Python filming locations. This is where you find the soul of the place.
Culture & Stories
The stories behind the scenery
Film locations, literary connections, ancient legends, and guest writers — editorial pieces that go deeper than the guidebook.
Guest writer·Guest
Chasing the Flower Moon on Ben Lawers
Mountain writer and photographer Alan Rowan recounts a magical night ascent of Ben Lawers to catch the Flower Moon and a perfect Highland sunrise — with a BBC Scotland film crew in tow.
Alan Rowan·15 June 2025
Culture
10 Stunning Lochs of Central Scotland You Need to Visit
Everyone knows Loch Lomond and Loch Ness, but central Scotland is scattered with dozens of lochs that are just as beautiful and far less crowded. Here are ten of the very best — from vast wilderness reservoirs to tiny hidden gems you can have entirely to yourself.
Explore Loch Tay·12 February 2025
Culture
Loch Tay in Film, Literature & Legend
Monty Python fought the Killer Rabbit here. James Bond's house was here. Robert Burns scribbled on a hotel wall. Pontius Pilate may — just may — have been born here. Loch Tay's cultural footprint is far bigger than most visitors realise.
Explore Loch Tay·10 February 2025
Culture
7 Surprising Facts About Perthshire That Will Change How You See It
Perthshire likes to call itself 'Big Tree Country', which makes it sound like a forestry brochure. But behind the marketing sits one of the most historically strange, geographically fascinating, and culturally rich counties in Scotland. Here are seven things you almost certainly didn't know.
Explore Loch Tay·11 February 2025
Culture
Hidden Gems of Breadalbane: 8 Places Most Visitors Miss
Breadalbane — the ancient Highland territory centred on Loch Tay — has a tourist trail, and it's a good one. But the best things here aren't on any trail. They're down unmarked side roads, behind unlocked gates, and at the end of tracks that look like they go nowhere. Here are eight of them.
Explore Loch Tay·9 February 2025
The best souvenirs from Loch Tay aren't tartan scarves from a gift shop. They're a piece of forged iron from a blacksmith's gallery, or a jar of heather honey from a farm you actually visited.
Loch Tay Explorer · Editorial
Makers & Artisans
Craft worth seeing
Mill
Glenlyon Tweed Mill
Aberfeldy
A working tweed mill with a strong heritage story, producing beautiful Scottish tweed and stocking a shop full of textiles.
Artisan
Keltneyburn Smithy Gallery
Aberfeldy
A working forge and gallery where recycled scrap metal is transformed into extraordinary sculpture and artwork.
Gallery
Killin Gallery
Killin
A warm, curated gallery in the heart of Killin showcasing local and Scottish art, prints, and handcrafted gifts.
Food & Drink Producers
Taste the landscape
Distillery
Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
Aberfeldy
One of Scotland's finest Highland malt distilleries — tours, tastings, and an exceptional visitor shop.
Producer
Falls of Dochart Smokehouse
Killin
Artisan smoked salmon, cheese, and local products with a tasting counter — right in the heart of Killin.
Producer
Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier
Aberfeldy
Award-winning artisan chocolatier in Grandtully with tours, tastings, and a shop full of exceptional handmade chocolates.
Producer
Heather Hills Farm
Aberfeldy
Local heather honey, preserves, and bee products from a Highland Perthshire apiary — a taste of the landscape.
Shops & Local Produce ££ £ ££ ££
The good stuff, straight from the source
Organic farm shops, community stores, artisan delis, and stockists — the places where you find what you can't get anywhere else.
Stockist
Karelia House
Kenmore
A major craft destination for yarn, fabric, and creative workshops — plus a beautiful shop stocking artisan materials.
Stockist
Kenmore Village Shop
Kenmore
A charming village shop that actively stocks local artisan products alongside everyday essentials.
Stockist
Taymouth Courtyard
Kenmore
A gift shop and deli near Kenmore, stocking local makers, Scottish foods, and carefully chosen homewares.
££ Farm Shop
Tombreck Farm Shop
Lawers
Organic rare-breed farm on the south shore of Loch Tay, selling free-range pork, venison, lamb, and more direct from the land.
£ Cafe
MacGregor's Community Store & Café
Killin
Community-owned organic shop and café in the heart of Killin — local produce, proper coffee, and a genuine Highland welcome.
££ Cafe
The Watermill, Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy
Award-winning independent bookshop and café in a converted watermill — a perfect rainy-day destination near Loch Tay.
££ Cafe
Thyme Deli & Bistro at Errichel
Aberfeldy
Award-winning farm bistro and artisan deli above Aberfeldy — Scottish Thistle Award winner for food tourism.
Newsletter
Stay in the loop
New guides, seasonal tips, and the odd hidden gem — straight to your inbox. No spam.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.