Tour Innerpeffray on a relaxing small
group vacation of my homeland

" I look forward to showing you my historic
Scotland, as only a native Scot can. "

Innerpeffray, Madderty and Kinkell. These areas of the great and wide tract of mid-Strathearn lie between Gask and Crieff, the first two on the north side of the Earn, Kinkell on the south. Although they contain no true villages, they have always had their own importance in Scotland's story, their names recurring again and again over the centuries. These are level, fertile lands, between the Ochils and the Highland hills, dotted with farms, woodlands and old estates.

Innerpeffray is a strange place to find down at the end of a mile-long and unmetalled side-road, near the steep banks of the river, a place packed with history and interest, yet not even a hamlet. Here, there is a nationally-renowned ancient library, a pre-Reformation chapel of some distinction, an early endowed school and a ruined castle. The chapel was old in 1508, when it rebuilt by the first Lord Drummond, father of James IV's love, Margaret Drummond, as a Collegiate foundation, and long used as the burial-place of that great family, later Earls of Perth. It is a typically long and low, two apartment building, with stone-slated roof, warm sandstone dressings and moulded doorways. There is a niche high on the east gable, and a leper's squint in the north wall, where the unfortunates could watch the celebration of Mass without entering the church. Also a stone altar, part of a painted ceiling and a priest's loft.

Nearby is the handsome whitewashed 18th century building which houses the famous Innerpeffray Library, the oldest surviving public library in Scotland, and still open to the public. There are about three thousand volumes shelved in a fine, well-lit room on the upper floor, many of great age and value, one of the most interesting being the great Marquis of Montrose's personal pocket Bible, in French, bearing his autograph. The library was founded in 1691 by David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madderty, Montrose's brother-in-law, who also endowed the school in an adjoining building. Many of the books were added, about sixty years later by Robert Hay Drummond, Archbishop of Canterbury, who had inherited Innerpeffray and other great estates, and who erected the present library building.

For the Independent Traveler to Scotland we also offer help with Airfares, Hotel Packages, and Rail Travel.

Leave The Herd Behind With A Small Group Tour of Scotland

All my small group tours of Scotland, which often include my native Fife, are paced for discovery and understanding, not just notching sites. Each small group is limited to an absolute maximum of 18 people, with a typical small group being just 6 or 8 people. I prefer to guide these small groups through Scotland in a relaxing manner, staying at two or three base locations from which we can visit places of interest - and not have to move luggage every day.

Tour Scotland guests tend to be travelers rather than tourists, enjoying seeing behind the tourist facade, while visiting with " locals " and seeing sites not normally seen by the regular tourist. Many group members visit Scotland to trace their Scottish ancestry; others to golf or fish; most come to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, historic buildings and gardens, and most of all, to meet and enjoy the people of Scotland. My Tours of Scotland can be best described as being " couthy. " It's a Scottish word meaning " gentle."

What goes into an unforgettable Tour of Scotland ? Lots of great scenery, for sure. Perhaps also a smidgen of something you can't quite put your finger on, but nevertheless creates a lasting impression. Maybe a piper playing in the pub; perhaps a conversation with a local; a shepherd working his dogs; fishermen landing their catch. All my previous group members have their own lists of defining moments. I wonder what yours will be ?

Any time from April through October is a really good time to Tour Scotland. Spring and early summer are my particular favorites. Forests, fields and glens offer a wonderful array of colors during that time of year, while the long Northern days of sunshine let you get out and enjoy it. There is also no shortage of things to do as all the best attractions are already open, and are far more relaxed away from the mid-summer crowds, whilst in the cities the Arts season is in full swing. But whenever you visit, you're always guaranteed a warm welcome in my Scotland. June through August is the best time to attend Highland Games on a Tour Scotland tour.

Here's a built by a couple of Tour Scotland members from last year. I think you will find the site interesting and informative. A Journey Through Scotland. For my latest Tours of Scotland photos click: May 2003 or Loch Ness.

Tour Scotland group members will have the opportunity to shop, play golf, visit local pubs and simply go for walks and enjoy local sights and sounds. Let me know your reasons for wishing to Tour Scotland, and see if I can best fit your needs. If you would like to visit independently, or as part of a small group tour, or on another Tour of Scotland, please e-mail me:

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Sandy Stevenson All rights reserved 2000.