Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, A Drive Through.
Comrie is a village located in Perthshire, Scotland, which is nestled on the banks of the River Earn at the edge of the Scottish Highlands. This historic conservation town is known for its geological position on the Highland Boundary Fault, making it more prone to earth tremors than anywhere else in Britain, earning it the nickname "Shaky Toun/Toon".
The village sits at the confluence of Glens Lednock and Artney, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rivers.
The route today will take us initially along Drummond Street, Dundas Street and into Burrell Street, leaving the village. Thereafter making a U-turn before returning back into Burrell Street, Dundas Street and then turning onto Bridge Street and Dalginross. This will give the best possible views of the village.
With a population of around 1,900 as of mid-2020, Comrie has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times and has evolved through both the Pictish and Celtic eras. The village boasts historic landmarks like the White Church, which has been repurposed as the Comrie Community Centre, and other architectural gems that reflect its past. Comrie is also renowned for its outdoor activities, including guided walks to explore the natural treasures of the area and attractions like the Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre.
Comrie's charm lies in its blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit, making it an attractive destination for tourists. The village offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels to self-catering cottages, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors exploring this scenic part of Perthshire.
History of Comrie.
In AD 79, the Roman General Agricola strategically selected the outskirts of Comrie as the site for a fort and temporary marching camp due to its location on the southern fringe of the Highlands. The area was part of a line of "Glen blocking" forts built to protect Roman-occupied southern Scotland from Caledonian attacks.
Comrie's early prosperity stemmed from weaving and its role as a droving town for cattle destined for markets in the Scottish Lowlands and England. Over time, Comrie has evolved through significant historical events, including battles between Celts and Romans and royal visits for hunting expeditions.
Cultybraggan Camp: A Historical Overview. (Skip to 09:00).
Cultybraggan Camp, located just south of Comrie has a fascinating history that dates back to World War II. Initially used as a prisoner of war (PoW) camp during the war, it later transitioned into an Army training area and housed various military facilities like a Royal Observer Corps nuclear monitoring post and a Regional Government Headquarters.
During World War II, Cultybraggan Camp, known as PoW Camp No 21, was built in 1941 to accommodate up to 4,000 Category A prisoners, including young Waffen-SS, paratroopers, and U-boat crew members considered the most committed Nazi PoWs. The camp had separate compounds for Army, Navy, Air Force, and SS prisoners, with officers held separately. Notably, the camp held prisoners involved in the Devizes plot to break out thousands of PoWs across Britain in 1944.
After the war, from 1949 onwards, Cultybraggan served as a training camp for the Regular Army and was utilised by various military personnel until its closure in 2004. In 2007, the village of Comrie purchased the site under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, transforming it into a thriving community resource managed by the Comrie Development Trust. Today, Cultybraggan Camp stands as a unique heritage asset of international value, offering visitors insights into its wartime history and showcasing how it is being repurposed by local businesses and the community while preserving its historical significance for future generations.
Sources:
Comrie: Home https://www.comrie.org.uk
Comrie Family History https://comrie.one-name.net
About Comrie https://www.comrie.org.uk/about-comrie/
Historical perspective for Comrie - Gazetteer for Scotland https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townhistory145.html
Comrie, Perth and Kinross - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comrie,_Perth_and_Kinross
Comrie Visitor Guide, Hotels, Cottages, Things to Do in Scotland https://www.scotland.org.uk/guide/places/comrie-visitor-guide
Comrie Visitor Guide - Accommodation, Things To Do ... https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/comrie-p241941
CULTYBRAGGAN CAMP: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ... https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g609075-d12617883-Reviews-Cultybraggan_Camp-
Cultybraggan Camp | Scotland's Last Remaining Prisoner of War Camp https://www.cultybraggancamp.uk
Cultybraggan Camp, Comrie – Historic Sites | VisitScotland https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/cultybraggan-camp-p1189351
Cultybraggan Camp - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultybraggan_Camp
09:00 Cultybraggan Camp.