The Specimen Trees

The Palace grounds contain several species of notable trees dating from around 1880. The pioneering seed collectors Menzies and Douglas returned from their trips with seeds from far off lands and the resultant trees can be seen in several gardens and estates around Highland Perthshire. The Hermitage, Blair Castle, Diana's grove,Castle Menzies and Fortingall are all linked to the Palace through their trees.

A recent visit from a well known tree expert saw him describe the collection in the grounds as " an undiscovered arboretum". Work is on-going in identifying and naming our important trees but whether you are an expert or an enthusiast, or just out for a stroll, enjoy these ancient specimens and wonder at the vision of those that planted them 120 years ago.

So far we have identified the following trees dating from the Menzies/Douglas era: Noble Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Black Poplar, Pea-fruited Cypress, Hiba, Norway Spruce, Larch, Norwegian Acer, Douglas Fir, Giant Sequoia and Coastal Redwood. There are others and if you have the expertise, let us know.

More details of the great trees of Perthshire can be found at www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk

The Castle Hotel Group also has a collection of fine Dublin hotels and student accommodation in Dublin City Centre, self catering holiday homes in Scotland and a Hotel in Prestayn , North Wales