Heilan Roo

Blair Castle, near Blair Atholl, has been the home of the Atholl family for centuries. Its 30 rooms show off fine 18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture, with collections of weapons, paintings, furniture and needlework. The story runs from medieval times to the present day, and takes in the Jacobite risings and a visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Tip: Buying tickets online in advance is cheaper than at the ticket office, which takes card payments only. If you want to see the red deer feeding, call ahead to check days and times.

Blair Athol is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery on the south edge of Pitlochry in Perthshire, close to the River Tummel. It takes its water from the Allt Dour burn, which gave the distillery its first name, Aldour.

Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery stands on the eastern edge of Aberfeldy, on the southern bank of the River Tay. It is the only distillery built by the Dewar family, and it makes Aberfeldy Single Malt, the largest malt component in Dewar's blended Scotch. The water comes from the Pitilie Burn, which runs alongside the site.

Tip: If you're new to whisky, book the signature Dewar's Aberfeldy Experience, and leave time for the café before or after your tour.

Castle Menzies is a sixteenth-century Z-plan castle at Weem, near Aberfeldy. It was the seat of the chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 500 years and shows the shift from rugged Highland fortress to more comfortable mansion house. Bonnie Prince Charlie rested here on his way to Culloden, and Duleep Singh, last maharajah of the Sikh Empire, lived here in the 1850s.

Tip: There are steep stone steps, spiral staircases and uneven floors, so wear sensible shoes. The ground-floor film shows the upper floors if stairs are difficult.

Scone Palace is a Category A-listed historic house near the village of Scone and the city of Perth. Built in red sandstone with a castellated roof, it is a fine example of Gothic Revival style. For centuries the site held the Stone of Scone, on which early Scottish kings were crowned, and Robert the Bruce was crowned here in 1306.

Tip: To follow the Stone of Destiny story further, Perth Museum displays it; tickets for that are booked through the museum's own website.

Dalwhinnie Distillery sits in the village of Dalwhinnie, surrounded by the Cairngorms National Park, and is one of the highest distilleries in Scotland. It produces a Highland single malt known for its smooth, heather-honey sweetness and gentle smoke.

Tip: Book ahead, especially in peak season. Dogs (except assistance dogs) can't join tours, but well-behaved ones on a short lead are welcome in the shop and bar.

Perth Museum sits in the former Perth City Hall, an Edwardian building that once hosted markets, concerts and political conferences. At its heart is the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, used to crown Scottish monarchs and still used in coronations of the UK's kings and queens. It has returned to Perthshire after more than 700 years.

Tip: The Stone of Destiny experience needs a timed ticket, which you book at the front desk, so sort this out early in your visit.

Huntingtower Castle sits about 5 km north-west of the centre of Perth, beside the A85, and is in the care of Historic Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1565 while on honeymoon with Lord Darnley, and the castle has seen plenty of other dramatic episodes, including the Raid of Ruthven in 1582, when the young James VI was seized here.

Tip: Tickets can be booked online for a set date and time, so book ahead before you go.