Alyth

Alyth () (Scottish Gaelic: Ailt) is a town in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, five miles (eight kilometres) northeast of Blairgowrie and about 17 miles (27 kilometres) northwest of Dundee. In 2022 the town had an estimated population of 3,046. First mentioned by name in a 12th-century royal charter of William the Lion, Alyth for many centuries was an important market town and entrepôt on long-established drove roads by which Highland farmers brought their sheep and cattle to lowland markets. Another royal charter in 1488, from James III of Scotland granted Alyth the status of Burgh of Barony entitled to stage markets and fairs. The 17th-century stone Packhorse Bridge still stands in the middle of the town (now pedestrian-only), later joined by two other stone bridges for wheeled traffic, emphasising the settlement's importance as a river-crossing. Agricultural improvements and expanding markets for livestock in the south contributed to Alyth's prosperity during the 18th and early 19th centuries, while water-power provided by the Alyth Burn plus, later, steam-power helped the development of a local textile industry specialising in linen. Steam power also brought the Alyth Railway to the town in 1861, accompanied by growth during the later 19th century in retailing along with hotels for holidaymakers, golfers and country sports enthusiasts. Today, industry has largely gone, but Alyth retains many shops and businesses serving the local area. The town also has a flourishing community of artists and a growing tourism economy. The boundaries of Alyth Community Council also encompass the hamlet of New Alyth (population c350), about one mile (1.5 kilometres) southwest of the town, together with a handful of smaller hamlets and steadings giving a total population of just over 3,000.