Blairgowrie and Rattray

Blairgowrie and Rattray (Blairgowrie - likely Scottish Gaelic Blàr Ghobharaidh and Rattray - possibly from an English language cognate of Scottish Gaelic ràth, meaning fortress + a Pictish term cognate with Welsh tref, meaning settlement) is a burgh (old scottish term for a chartered town) in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, lying to the south of the ski centre at Glenshee. The twin burgh stradles the River Ericht, which flows into the River Isla and then the River Tay. Rattray is on the east bank and Blairgowrie is on the west. The town expanded greatly in the 19th century around the many jute mills on the river. It is the market town for the surrounding area and a centre for holidaymakers. Blairgowrie is well known as a passing point for tourists and ski-ers. The town of Rattray dates back to the mid 11th century.

Much of the expanding population works in the nearby cities of Dundee and Perth. Soft fruits such as raspberries and strawberries are grown locally.