Useful Information

The Local Area

Strathearn is in a very beautiful part of Perthshire in Central Scotland and the joint Parish extends from in the west, the villages of Strathyre, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead passing Loch Earn itself to pass through St. Fillans and Comrie before arriving at its eastern boundary in the small town of Crieff, covering a distance of some 25 miles.

It is an area mainly dependent on agriculture and tourism, but many workers commute to Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow, which are readily accessible via the very good road network or from the railway stations at Perth, Gleneagles, Dunblane and Stirling. It is also a popular retirement area. 

Population Guide

Crieff numbers about 7,800 residents and is currently growing due to housing development. All age groups are represented. Much the same can be said for Comrie where the population currently totals in the region of 2,400. The Lochearnhead area population has been fairly static for some years now, numbering around 760 residents across the 3 villages. The population however is predominately ‘over 50 years’.

Health

Crieff has an excellent medical centre, a small hospital and two dental practices. Comrie also has a medical centre and a dental practice and has recently established a ‘First Response’ medical team. The Lochearnhead area has no local medical services with people generally travelling to Comrie, Callander or Killin.

Education

Crieff has two primary schools and a High School which is soon to be rebuilt as a Community School with first rate facilities. In the fee-paying sector there is Morrisons Academy (primary and secondary). Ardvreck preparatory school is on the edge of the town. Glenalmond College is also in the locality being some 10 miles from Crieff. All primary schools have Nursery departments. Comrie Primary School provides a high standard education leading to secondary education in Crieff. There is also a thriving pre-school facility. Lochearnhead and Strathyre in the west both have primary schools, otherwise secondary pupils travel to school in Callander about 15 miles to the South.

Leisure

The countryside around Strathearn is ideal for hillwalking, cycling and sailing. There are opportunities for swimming, golf and other sports in Crieff and the town abounds in clubs and societies. Other leisure activities are available throughout the area – further details are available by following these links and other links:

• Crieff:  http://www.crieff.co.uk/
• Comrie: http://www.comrie.org.uk/
• Lochearnhead:  http://www.robroycountry.com/

For visitors there is an excellent cross-section of accommodation available to meet all tastes, together with good restaurants and hotels. In addition such local attractions as the ‘Famous Grouse’ distillery and the ‘Stuart Crystal’ works draw tourists from all over the world.