Fortingall
A few miles west of Kenmore a minor road turns off the A827, which runs along the north bank of the loch, and heads to Fortingall, a tiny village of classic beauty which features on many a calendar.
Fortingall is a small village in highland Perthshire situated in the valley of the River Lyon. The village is famous for its unique a-z arrangement of cottages around the old inn in the village MacLaren. These Kirkton Cottages stand out for their simple charm of white painted exteriors and reed-thatched roofs, which continue to set the theme for the village even today.
It's little more than a row of thatched cottages which wouldn't even get a mention were it not for two amazing claims. The 5,000-year-old yew tree in the churchyard is claimed to be the oldest living thing in Europe. More astonishing is the claim that this is the birthplace of Pontius Pilate, said to be the son of a Roman officer who was stationed here. Furthermore, it is believed that Pilate returned here to be buried, and a gravestone in the churchyard bears the initials 'PP'. Fortingall is famous for its rich concentrations of prehistoric archaeological sites in Scotland,which include many standing stones and bronze Age tumulus among others.
There's accommodation in the village at the wonderful, and very popular, Fortingall Hotel, Tel. 01887-830367, next to the churchyard.
Region
PerthshireCastles Nearby
-
Carnban Castle
The castle is three miles west of Fortingall in Glenlyon. It's on the north side of the road above the bends and among the trees. It is largely ruined.
-
Garth Castle
Daringly located and inacessible castle built by the fearsome Wolf of Badenoch in the 14th century. Not open.
Nearby Ancient Monuments
-
Fortingall Stone Circles
A set of three stone circles near the famous church yard at Fortingall at the head of Glen Lyon.
-
Fortingall Yew Tree
Ancient 5000 year old Yew Tree - one of the oldest living things in Europe - much despoiled but fascinating for all that.
-
The Crannog Centre
Reconstruction of brnonze age island house called a Crannog. Well worth visiting.
Fortingall Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
-
New Cottage in Fortingall, Glen Lyon - Sleeps 5
A delightful semi-detached cottage in the village of Fortingall and within walking distance of the famous Fortingall Yew Tree and the shores of Loch Tay. Sleeps 5 in great and stylish comfort! Wifi Yes. 2 Dogs welcome. -
The Salmon House in Fortingall Glen Lyon - sleeps 4
Cottage in the small village of Fortingall near to end of Glen Lyon in Perthshire. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms.