About Auchterarder
The name “Auchterarder” derives from the Scottish Gaelic roots uachdar, ard, and dobhar; meaning ‘well-watered place on a high ridge.’ The town is Strathearns only Royal Burgh. The motto of the town is ‘A city set on a hill cannot be hid’ which is incorporated in our association’s logo. The centrally placed town lies 14 miles from Perth ,20 miles from Stirling, 50 miles from Glasgow and 55miles from Edinburgh.
Looking across from the steep sided glens of the Ochil Hills across the broad Strath or wide valley of the River Earn, Auchterarder is set amongst some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. It has stood in the path of a thousand years of history. As long ago as 1200 it gained the title of Royal Burgh Today, little of the original Burgh remains and most development took place after the 18th Century. It is a well visited stop for those travelling from and to Highland Perthshire and is known for the quality of its variety and quality of it small cafes and shops.
In the Middle Ages, Auchterarder was famous for its ‘100 drawbridges’, a description of the many narrow walkways leading from the road level across wide gutters to the doorsteps of houses. The Jacobite Earl of Mar's army burned the town in 1716 and it took many years to obtain compensation. Though the Earl of Mar claimed victory at the Battle of Sheriffmuir his own forces retreated after the battle back to Perth. He issued an order to Colonel Patrick Graham, commander of the forces stationed at Auchterarder,
“Whereas it is absolutely necessary for our service and the public safety that the enemy should be as much incommoded as possible, especially upon their march towards us …..(we are) therefore ordering and requiring you …..to burn and destroy the village of Auchterarder, and all the houses corn and forage whatsoever within the said town, so that they might be rendered entirely useless to the enemy.”
As a result ,the towns folk sided with George II in 1745.
A controversy over the selection of a parish minister would eventually ultimately lead to the 1843 schism within the Church of Scotland. The remains of the old parish church – the tower – were renovated in 200. Auchterarder became one of the first towns in Scotland to build its own independent Free Church, indeed appearing to pre-empt the Disruption so that it was completed in 1843 as soon as the Free Church formally came into existence.
The town rose to prominence with the growth of its handloom weaving industry from the early 1840s . The Burgh (Police) Scotland Act of 1892 bestowed Burgh status upon the town and the appointment of a provost, two bailies, an honorary treasurer, Dean of Guild and six councillors to manage its affairs.
Nearby the rolling fields and woodlands of the area lead southwards into narrow Glen Eagles, a name derived not from the bird but possibly from the Gaelic eaglais meaning church or pass. Enjoy the panoramic views that were the inspiration for the location of the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel built in 1924. Unsurprisingly, this whole area abounds in challenging golf courses in Auchterarder, Whitemoss, Aberuthven, Dunning, and of course the famous golfing experience at the 5-star Gleneagles itself.In 1983 the main A9 road north bypassed Auchterarder and Aberuthven, to improve the connection between Stirling and Perth. The G8 summit of world leaders was held in the town in July 2005 hosted by UK Prime minister Tony Blair at the Gleneagles hotel. The hotel and golf resort were the picturesque venue for the 2014 Ryder and 2019 Solheim cups. The town continues to grow with new housing developments and presently has over 5000 inhabitants and many small businesses based around its high street. For many years the town was affectionately referred to as the ‘Lang Toon’ reflecting it long high street.
Our Heritage map guides you through many places of historic interest in the town.
There are also plenty of places to visit throughout the Auchterarder District too. These include Pictish forts, Roman roads, Celtic chapels, Benedictine abbeys and Innerpeffray Library, which is Scotland's oldest surviving public library. Braco, a small village nearby, is close to the ancient Ardoch Roman Camp guarding the approach to the Antonine Wall. On the way to Braco is found Tullibardine Chapel a fine example of a 15th century church.To the east at Dunning is the 12th century Norman Tower of St Serf church dominates the charming village. On the way you can pass a monument to Maggie Wall who was reputedly burnt at the stake as a witch in 1657.
Fourteen miles to the North-East lies the city of Perth with its Georgian buildings, museums, galleries and shops and impressive views of the River Tay.