Home of Sir David Baird

Pictured is Crieff’s Ferntower House, which lasted until the early 1960s, when it succumbed to dry rot and decrepitude.

Local historian Colin Mayall said:“Its ignominious end saw it blown up by the army leaving only the stable and servants’block remaining

“It was the home of Sir David Baird and his wife Lady Preston and was located below the Knock on what is now Crieff Golf Club.”

Resurfacing work is set to take place on Auchterarder High Street this week.

Perth and Kinross Council has said the first phase of a three-stage carriageway project will take place during the day on Saturday and Sunday.

The initial work will focus on the section between the junction with New School Lane and the Crown Wynd car park.

And the section of the road will be closed throughout.

The second phase runs from March 1 to 12 and will see the area between Ruthven Street and Rossie Place become the subject of a 10mph convoy system during the resurfacing.

The final phase will see the section of road across the Rossie Place junction close for resurfacing over the weekend of March 13 and 14.

Organisers of the Auchterarder town bus services have said the transport will be affected by the closures.

A spokesperson for Auchterarder Community Bus Group – the group of locals which established the service – said:“Due to resurfacing works in the vicinity of the Aytoun Hall, Auchterarder High Street will be closed to traffic on Saturday, February 27, during the day.

“As a result, Docherty’s Midland Coaches’town bus service will not be able to operate its normal route along the High Street.”

The spokesperson continued: “On Saturday, Service 49 will operate a revised timetable, with all journeys going via Rossie Place and Montrose Road.

“The nearest bus stops for passengers to the town centre will be on Montrose Road or at or opposite the Spar.

“Copies of the revised timetable also available from the driver.”

The group representative added: “In addition to Service 49, the closure of the High Street on February 27 will also impact on Services 17, 19 and 20.

“Service 19 will follow the town bus Service 49 diversion and pick up/ drop-off passengers in Montrose Road and at the Spar.

“Service 17 will not operate past the High Street to Townhead etc and will pick up in Montrose Road.

“Finally, a further full closure of the High Street is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 13, at the junction of the High Street with Rossie Place.

“The route of Service 49 will need to be changed again, with details of a different, revised, timetable for that day to be published in early March.”

Perth and Kinross Council has said traffic diversions will be in place throughout the duration of the work.