Meikleour Beech Hedge

The Meikleour Trust

You can’t miss the great hedge of Meikleour. It forms an incredible living wall of beech trees (Fagus sylvatica), 30 metres/ 100 ft high and 530 metres/ a third of a mile long.

The trees were planted in 1745 and are now officially recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest hedge in the world.

Legend has it that following the death of her husband Robert Murray Nairne at the battle of Culloden, Jean Mercer of Meikleour allowed the hedge to grow towards the heavens in a tribute to his memory.

Although it's at its most spectacular in the autumn, its size makes it impressive at any time of year.

Visit year round.

Location

Adjacent to the A93 approximately 12 miles/ 18 km north of Perth, 4 miles/ 6 km south of Blairgowrie and 10 miles/ 15 km east of Dunkeld.

Public transport & other facilities

Take the Perth to Blairgowrie bus.

Car parking is very limited with a layby for three or four cars.

Toilets and refreshments are provided in nearby Blairgowrie/ Perth/ Scone.

The shallow roots of the beech tree make it difficult for any other trees to grown up amidst or beneath it.

The beech gets its name from the Old English bece and is native to Britain.

The triangular brown nuts, released from the female catkins, provide food for a host of creatures including squirrels, wood mice, jays, rooks, wood pigeons, chaffinches and pheasants.