Blackford, near Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland

The small village of Blackford is situated off the A9 road, 6.4km [4.0 miles] south-west of Auchterrarder town centre.

At first glance visitors may think that this apparently sleepy little village has nothing to offer but, if you take a closer look, there are surprises to be found.

In 1979, Highland Spring started bottling its pure, refreshing water, drawn from a protected source in the Ochil Hills of Perthshire.

Still on a liquid theme, you can also find the Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford. The Distillery draws its water from the same source which fed the first public brewery in Scotland and from where King James IV purchased beer to celebrate his coronation in 1488.

Today Tullibardine, which is built on the site of the former brewery, produces a fine malt whisky that is considered to be "Eminently quaffable". The Tullibardine Visitor Centre is open seven days a week and tours and tastings are available. There is also Café 1488 that has views of the surrounding hillside.

A final word on Blackford. When we walked across from Gleneagles to the village, we found a lovely shop selling cakes and take-out tea. So if you are in need of refreshment, give them a try - we sat on the bench in the church garden and yes, it was summer in Perthshire that day!