River Earn

River Earn National Scenic Area protects 31 square kilometers of distinctive Highland edge landscape in Perth and Kinross, centered on the upper reaches of the River Earn where it flows through Strathearn. This compact designation encompasses a remarkable transition zone where Highland and Lowland Scotland converge, creating a landscape of dramatic contrasts between gentle agricultural valleys and wild mountain terrain. The area focuses on the stretch around Comrie, a village historically known as the "earthquake capital of Scotland" due to its position on the Highland Boundary Fault. Deep wooded gorges, cascading waterfalls, and pastoral hillsides characterize this scenic corridor, while the surrounding peaks provide the mountain backdrop that distinguishes this section of Strathearn. The designation recognizes both the inherent landscape quality and the cultural associations that have drawn visitors since the early nineteenth century.