Dunblane

There's a seasonal Tourist Information Centre on Stirling Road, Tel. 824428, open May-September. The main attraction is the beautiful Dunblane cathedral, dating mainly from the 13th century, though the lower part of the tower is Norman. The cathedral was restored to its former glory in the late 19th century. Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1830, Sun 0930-1800; Oct-Mar Mon-Sat 0930-1630, Sun 1400-1630 (HS). Free. Take note of the fragile blue-purple stained glass, the beautifully carved pews, screen and choir stalls.Among the many memorials in the cathedral is the tenth-century Celtic cross-slab standing stone   as well as a modern, four-sided standing stone, the work of Richard Kindersley in memory of the 1996 tragedy (killing of sixteen Dunblane schoolchildren and their teacher by Thomas Hamilton).

Close by on the square, housed in the 17th-century Dean's house, is the tiny cathedral Dunblane museum, with a display on local history. May-Oct Mon-Sat 1000-1230 and 1400-1630. Free. Nearby is Leighton Library, the oldest private library in Scotland, now open to the public. Established way back in 1684, this library houses 4500 books in ninety languages, printed between 1500 and 1840. Among the very many rare books which visitors get a chance to browse here is the first edition of Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake. May-Oct Mon-Fri 1000-1230 and 1400-1630. Outside Dunblane at Bridge of Allan is the Bridge of Allan Brewery on Queens Lane, a micro brewery that offers free tours and tastings. Tel. 834555, open daily 1000-1700.