Balnakilly

Settlement in Perthshire

Scotland

Balnakilly

Kirkmichael Village Stores On the main road. — Kirkmichael Village Stores Credit: Andrew Abbott

Balnakilly is a small village located in the picturesque region of Perthshire, Scotland. Situated amidst rolling hills and stunning scenery, it is an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility. The village is situated approximately 10 miles west of the city of Perth and is easily accessible by road.

Historically, Balnakilly has been a rural settlement, with a small population primarily engaged in farming and agriculture. The village is characterized by its charming stone cottages and traditional architecture, giving it a timeless and rustic feel. Its close proximity to the surrounding countryside makes it a popular spot for hikers, cyclists, and birdwatchers, with numerous trails and paths to explore.

Despite its small size, Balnakilly offers some amenities to its residents and visitors. There is a local pub where one can enjoy a pint of ale and mingle with friendly locals, as well as a small convenience store for everyday essentials. For more extensive shopping and entertainment options, the nearby city of Perth provides a wider range of amenities.

One of the notable attractions near Balnakilly is the beautiful Loch Leven, which is just a short drive away. This freshwater loch is famous for its stunning views and is a paradise for anglers, boaters, and wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, the world-renowned Gleneagles golf resort is within easy reach, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the globe.

Balnakilly offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat in the heart of Perthshire, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a break from the bustling city life. Its natural beauty and rural charm make it a hidden gem within the region.

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Balnakilly Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.722373/-3.5212599 or Grid Reference NO0760. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kirkmichael Village Stores

On the main road.

Andrew Abbott

Memorial near Kirkmichael

Mike Pennington

Inscription on memorial near Kirkmichael

Mike Pennington

Junction south of Kirkmichael

Mike Pennington

Roe deer near Kirkmichael

Roe deer are shy creatures, most active at dawn and dusk, and feed mainly on tree shoots and shrubs. The foxy-red summer coat thickens and darkens to grey-brown in autumn, but the white patch on the rump remains visible. These two bucks are resting near the boundary fence between a grass field and woodland.

Maigheach-gheal

Roe deer near Kirkmichael

The Roe Deer is a relatively small deer, with a body length of 95-135 cm, a shoulder height of 65-75 cm, and a weight of 15-30 kg. It has rather short, erect antlers and a reddish body with a grey face. Its hide is golden red in summer, darkening to brown or even black in winter, with lighter undersides and a white rump patch; the tail is very short and barely visible. Only the males have antlers. The first and second set of antlers are unbranched and short ( 5-12 cm), while older bucks in good conditions develop antlers up to 20-25 cm long with two or three, rarely even four, points. Unlike most cervids, roe deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed. The Roe Deer is primarily crepuscular, or primarily active during the twilight, very quick and graceful, lives in woods although it may venture into grasslands and sparse forests. It feeds mainly on grass, leaves, berries and young shoots. When alarmed, the Roe Deer will bark a sound much like a dog and flash out its white rump patch. Rump patches differ between the sexes, with the white rump patches heart-shaped on females and kidney-shaped on males. Males may also bark, make a low grunting noise or make a high pitched wolf-like whine when attracting mates during the breeding season, often luring multiple does into their territory. The Roe Deer spends most of its life alone, preferring to live solitary except when mating during the breeding season.

Maigheach-gheal

Roe deer near Kirkmichael

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) This small, graceful deer, reaching 28" at the shoulder, is the most attractive deer in Britain. It is delicately built and has an intelligent soft expression. The coat is foxy red from May to September but turn dark grey-brown with a white rump patch in winter. Roe deer are common in parts of England and widespread in Scotland, liking plantations and thickets which are sheltered and dry.

Maigheach-gheal

Memorial, Kirkmichael

The memorial stands on the junction of the A924 and the B950.

Maigheach-gheal

Memorial, Kirkmichael

For a wider view of the memorial NO0859 : Memorial, Kirkmichael

Maigheach-gheal

The Strathardle Hotel

Just to the south of Kirkmichael on the A924.

James Denham

Abandoned church, Kirkmichael

We were told locally that this fine old church had been used to store farm machinery after it was completely gutted (there is a large hole in the wall facing the road, blocked by a crude double door). Latterly, it was due to be turned into a dwelling but this seems to have foundered - the economic downturn?

Karl and Ali