Killin
Killin offers peace and tranquillity lying as it does below the impressive Tarmachan and Ben Lawers range of mountains at the head of Loch Tay, with the celebrated and much photographed Falls of Dochart tumbling through the very heart of the village.
An eastern gateway to the Breadalbane area of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Killin provides an ideal base to explore the Southern Highlands, from the busier National Park locations to the peace and quiet of the more remote glens.
In the village of Killin and in the surrounding glens there is much evidence of Scotland's past, from distant Celtic legends to the days of the clans, for these were the homelands of Campbells, McNabs, McLarens and the infamous Macgregors of Rob Roy fame. Glen Lochay is noted for mysterious cup and ring marked stones, providing evidence of very early settlement, as do the many standing stones and other ancient sites to be found throughout the area.
The McNab clan lived in Glen Dochart and Strathfillan for 800 years and their burial ground may be visited on the little island of Innis Buidhe situated at the bridge over the Falls of Dochart. Finlarig Castle, now in ruins, was once the home of Black Duncan of Cowal, one of the most ruthless Campbell chiefs. The National Trust for Scotland has sensitively restored Moirlanich Longhouse, in Glen Lochay. The Breadalbane Folklore Centre, housed in St. Fillan's Mill overlooking the magnificent Falls of Dochart, gives a fascinating insight into the life and legends of Breadalbane.
Killin Church, rebuilt in 1744, to replace earlier buildings dating to the 9th century, has a font believed to be over 1,000 years old. The first Minister of the new church was the Rev. James Stewart who translated the New Testament into Scottish Gaelic and whose ministry had far reaching consequences for the whole of Scotland.
In and Around Aberfeldy
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