Dunkeld Cathedral

This area, with its rich natural resources, has been a settlement since ancient times. Dunkeld's position guarding one of the main passes from Lowland into Highland Scotland made it an attractive location from a strategic point of view and there is evidence of both the Romans and the Picts.

Dunkeld emerged as a centre of Christianity during the 7th Century, when Columba came over from Iona, and much work was carried out by his successors. In the 9th Century, Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scots, made Dunkeld head of the Celtic Church and capital of the newly-formed nation created by the union of the Scots and the Picts. The Church grew in power and wealth and the Cathedral, started in 1325, was extremely important in ecclesiastical terns until the Reformation in the 16th Century, when it was destroyed. The Choir of the Cathedral was re-roofed in 1600 to serve as the parish church, and there was relative peace until 1689, when there was a short, but extremely violent Battle between the Jacobites and the Cameronians (a newly-raised regiment supporting William of Orange) and most of Dunkeld was burned to the ground.

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The history of Dunkeld can be traced to the ninth century when it emerged as an important religious centre for the early Celtic Church. No building of this period survives, the present Cathedral dates from 1318. Partly destroyed during the Reformation (1560), the choir is roofed and now serves as the parish church for regular Sunday worship. The rest of the cathedral is ruinous, but is preserved as an Ancient Monument in the care of Historic Scotland, who are also responsible for the grounds.

THE LITTLE HOUSES
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

The Little Houses Improvement Scheme (LHIS) was set up in 1960 (ie after works at Dunkeld had been begun) to promote the conservation of smaller buildings of merit and character. Neglected buildings are acquired by the National Trust for Scotland, restored to high standards and then sold on the open market. As well as direct restoration funded by the Trust, LHlS aims to encourage private individuals and regional authorities to restore in partnership with the Trust, and to do works to Trust specifications. LHlS properties are protected by a Conservation Agreement by which all future owners are bound to maintain the appearance and fabric of the building.

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The 26th Foot or Cameronian Regiment, was raised on 14 May 1689 in Douglas Lanarkshire from the ranks of the Covenanters, taking its name from one of the most famous of their number, Richard Cameron, 'The Lion of the Covenant'. The Covenanters were men and women who had fought for - and won – the right to follow their Presbyterian faith and discipline when the Stuart kings tried to impose the episcopal form of church government upon the Scottish people. The unique background and the traditions of the Presbyterian Church were maintained by the Regiment throughout its long and illustrious history.

Only three months after its formation and with no battle experience, the Regiment was despatched to defend Dunkeld, arriving there on Saturday 17 August. Experts felt that the town would be unable to hold out against the impending attack of some three thousand Jacobite soldiers jubilant and confident after their victory at the Battle of Killiecrankie.

ALEXANDER MACKENZIE
became 1st Liberal Prime Minister of Canada (and second prime minister).

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THE ATHOLL
MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN
was funded by public subscription and built in 1866 'to the memory of George Augustus Frederick John 6th Duke of Atholl.

NIEL GOW
was a man who was highly respected in all levels of Society primarily as a musician but also as a straight forward, honest man with a pawky sense of humour.