Oh -- I didn't notice the mention of House of Bruar. You can (very) easily give it a pass.

Fine for some high end shopping but definitely not instead of something else.

Thanks JanisJ! Should have clarified that I was really hoping to see Glamis and Eradour specifically, hence location for Pitlochry. And thx also for info on House of Bruar - I saw it as an option, but don't think it will make our list after all with so little time :) My husband and I really enjoy a good dinner (not fancy, just good food) and drinks/music at night after a day of sight seeing....does Dunkeld have a few options for this to offer as well? I can tell Pitlochry has many options so perhaps it might be smarter to do a day trip to Dunkeld and stay in Pitlochry after all....?

I would stay in Dunkeld -- there are more than enough places to dine/drink. At least two or three pubs, a few restaurants, and the wonderful Atholl Arms hotel

I guess I forgot to submit my post which gives Dunkeld a thumbs up over Pitlochry. I like it much better and think you will too. Love it's location on the River Tay. Feel the same as others about House of Bruar but then I'm not much of a shopper.

Just wanted to say I love this thread and all the help you've received. I'm planning my own 8 day trip for next August and am in the exact same quandary as how to narrow it down. There are some great ideas here.

I'm with historytraveler - Dunkeld is special, Pitlochry is sort of Fort William with a bit more there there.

Dunkeld is lovely with the beautiful cathedral ruins, river and less touristy 'stuff'

bookmarking for 2017 trip. Thanks everyone.

Thanks so much for all your great tips. I am beginning to plan for next summer too. Was thinking of a week in Scotland and a week in Ireland but now I might spend two weeks in Scotland!

Ttt