This cache centres on the village of Abernethy. There is much to see here. Coming into the village, just over the small roundabout on the Perth Road and Main Street, on the left, is Abernethy’s Heritage Garden. This garden reflects the rich history of Abernethy, and, across the road is, Nurse Peattie’s Memorial Garden, which is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Peattie who was the district nurse for this area for almost 30 years from 1936 to 1963.
Along Main Street is the Mercat Cross. This cross dates from the 15th century and marks the site of the village marketplace. Today the cross stands as a reminder of those lost in the two world wars and subsequent military conflicts.
Left down School Wynd is Abernethy’s Round Tower standing in Kirk of St. Bride’s kirkyard. This Round Tower is one of only two from this period remaining in Scotland. It is believed to date from about 1100 and is thought to have served as the bell tower for the adjacent church.
Scotland’s Churches Trust informs that ‘a church on this site was founded by Nechtan, King of the Picts and dedicated to St Bride of Kildare. The first stone church was built by Gartnaidh, King of the Picts around 590 AD. After the reformation in 1560 the church was in the care of the Superintendent of St Andrew’s until a minister was appointed. In 1733 the minister at Abernethy seceded with three others. The two churches united in 1951 to form the present parish church. The medieval building was demolished in 1802 prior to the construction of the present church which has interesting stained-glass windows’.
Further down the Wynd is the volunteer run Museum of Abernethy. The museum was opened in May 2000 by Magnus Magnusson, has held the Visit Scotland Four Stars Museum Award since 2001 and achieved the prestigious Museums Libraries Archives (MLA) Accreditation award in 2011. The museum stands within the lands of the old Culdees monastery and dates from the eighteenth century. Originally consisting of a byre, stable and cattle rede, it was renovated during the 1990s to house the Museum. Within the museum are a wide range of exhibits covering aspects of local life and history and in keeping with the aim of preserving the building’s heritage some of the original features such as the internal stone walls and an area of cobbled floor have been left visible.
The town of Abernethy is just 9 miles from Perth, 15 minutes in the car and by bus number 36. With a population of approximately 1,500 Parking is restricted.
To find the cache you will need to learn about Ancient Abernethy.