Birnam

File:Birnam banner Oak - Birnam Oak Birnam is a village in Highland Perthshire, which grew up in the 19th C as a resort city when the railway reached it. It's on the west bank of the River Tay, which here makes an S-bend, so it becomes the south bank. It's connected by the 200-year old Telford Bridge to Dunkeld on the east bank.

A few ancient trees are all that remain of the primeval Birnam Wood - the one that marched off to Dunsinane in Shakespeare's play Macbeth - but there are extensive modern woodlands above Craigvinean.

The nearest Birnam Tourism Board Centres are in Perth and Pitlochry: the nearby TIC in Dunkeld closed in Nov 2018.

Birnam Institute ca 2003 - Birnam Arts Centre

Travel to Birnam

56.560 |-3.580

Travel by train to Birnam

Dunkeld and Birnam Station is close to the village centre. There are trains every hour or so from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling via Perth, continuing north to Aviemore and Inverness. The Highland Sleeper runs overnight (not Sat) from London Euston, dropping off here in the small hours - you might do better to take the Lowland Sleeper and change at Edinburgh for a daytime train. The southbound sleeper picks up around 23:00 to reach Euston for 08:00.

Travel by Bus to Birnam

Most of the buses along the A9 bypass Birnam and there's only one or two Citylink buses per day from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Inverness. Change at Perth Broxden for services to Dundee, Aberdeen, Stirling and towards London.

Stagecoach Bus 23 runs every hour or so from Perth via Birnam to Aberfeldy or Pitlochry.

How to travel to Birnam by car

Access from the A9 Edinburgh to Inverness road is from junctions at the north and south ends of the village.

Fly to Birnam

Edinburgh Airport is about an hour from Birnam. Reckon £75 for a taxi transfer to Birnam or Dunkeld.

Get Around in Birnam

Walking is fine for Birnam, Little Dunkeld and Dunkeld. Buses and trains run up the valley from Perth through Birnam to Pitlochry and Aberfeldy - see "Get in" - but you'll need your own transport to get anywhere else.

Taxi: Birnam Autocabs, based at Perth Road, Birnam. ☎ +44 1350 728828.

What to see in Birnam

Macbeth |He was born in 1005 and his full name was Macbeth MacFinlay, ie he was son of Finlay and his Christian name was Macbeth, meaning “righteous” or “son of life”. He was Lord of Moray, a large region stretching up to Sutherland; further north was Viking territory, while to the south lay the Kingdom of Alba. In 1040 King Duncan I of Alba attacked Macbeth, but was defeated and killed at Elgin, so now Macbeth became King of Alba. There’s no contemporary evidence that he was a tyrant and his reign was secure enough for him to make a pilgrimage to Rome in 1050. But in 1054 the English invaded, his forces were driven back by Duncan’s son the future Malcolm III and in 1057 Macbeth was slain at Lumphanan near Aberdeen.

Macbeth’s own line died out, whereas Malcolm’s line continued, with King James VI & I among his descendants. So when Shakespeare wanted a royal villain without impugning his own monarch, this was a shrewd choice. The play was written in 1606 and has proved a sure theatre-filler ever since, in multiple productions and adaptions. However circa 1900, a young JRR Tolkien was disappointed by the resolution of the witches’ prophecies:

"Laugh to scorn / the power of man, for none of woman born / shall harm Macbeth."

"Macbeth shall never vanquished be until / Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane hill / shall come against him." .

Macbeth is dismayed (spoiler alert) when Birnam Wood appears to advance, but in truth it doesn’t: it’s just the oncoming army using branches as camouflage. And he’s finally killed by Macduff, who "was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped." So, something like a Caesarean birth – but Macduff would still be "of woman born."

Tolkien reckoned Shakespeare had fudged it, so in Lord of The Rings he does better. The Ents are a real forest marching upon the sorcerer Saruman at Isengard. And the Witch-king of the Nazgûl, who is unassailable since "not by the hand of man shall he fall", is slain by Éowyn and Merry, ie by a woman and a Hobbit.

Birnam Oak - Birnam Oak

• Birnam Oak 56.5612,-3.5766 Down Oak Road across park to riverside Birnam Oak The Birnam Oak - - 1242507 An ancient oak tree: no-one's sure, but based on its girth of 7 metres, it will be 500 to 600 years old. It's a last remnant of Birnam Wood and the primeval forest that once cloaked this valley. There are several other old trees nearby, which many visitors mistake for the oak: the ancient sycamore is larger but is a mere 300 years old. Recognise the real thing by a) it not being a sycamore, b) it's specifically a sessile oak: the acorns grow direct from the twigs, not on stalks; and c) there's a pretty obvious sign.

• Birnam Arts - Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 56.55841,-3.57750 ☎ +44 1350 727674 Daily 10:00-16:30 Exhibition £3 Birnam Arts - Birnam Institute ca 2003 A multi-purpose building with a cafe, Beatrix Potter exhibition and shop, workshops, WiFi, visiting music and drama and the Library. Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) spent several childhood holidays at nearby Dalguise and it was on a later holiday to Eastwood, just across the river in Dunkeld, that she created the basis for Peter Rabbit. She was also a notable naturalist (Perth Museum displays her paintings of fungi) and conservationist. This exhibition recreates the creatures and environment that inspired her.

• Craigvinean Forest, one mile west of Birnam, is accessed via a track just west of the little River Braan. Autumn colours are gorgeous here but are best admired in the morning: the light fades early as the sun goes behind the crags to the south. (Alas the notable Douglas Fir blew down in Jan 2017.) Up the hill, The Hermitage is a collection of 18th C follies commemorating the Celtic Bard Ossian. These include the "Hall of Mirrors", effectively an artwork installation reflecting a waterfall and "Ossian's Cave", which they couldn't recruit a hermit to live in so they paid a guide to dress up as one. All this was inspired by the 18th C publishing blockbusters of Fingal followed by Temora then Ossian, supposedly the works of that 3rd C Bard: they were all the fabrication of the industrious James Macpherson.
• The Forest is part of Tay Forest Park which comprises a dozen or so separate tracts across Perth and Kinross. The main portion and visitor centre is on Loch Tummel. The emphasis of the park is on recreation and it's nothing like as wild as Cairngorms National Park.

Top Travel Tips

• Walk: Birnam is the start of many excellent walks.* Birnam Highland Games are held on the last Saturday in August, with the next confirmed as Saturday 31 Aug 2019, on Games Park, Little Dunkeld. Various stalls, piping and dancing, athletics and not least the World Haggis Eating Contest.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Birnam

Birnam Post Office - - 409367 - Birnam Post Office

• Birnam Post Office & Tea Room Perth Road 56.55808,-3.57566 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 09:00-17:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00 Unusual building in American Frontier style with herring-bone timber, built in 2004. You half-expect Rin Tin Tin to come bounding out, so yes and the Tea Room is dog-friendly, with a good selection of refreshments.

• and see listings for Birnam Arts and Birnam Hotel.

You'll probably do better in Dunkeld.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Birnam

Birnam - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Birnam, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Birnam. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Birnam and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Birnam. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Birnam. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Birnam: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Birnam.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Birnam: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Birnam, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Birnam.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Birnam, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Birnam, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Birnam and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Birnam, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Birnam, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Birnam without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Birnam is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Birnam.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Birnam is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Birnam, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Birnam Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Birnam

eHalal Group Birnam is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Birnam. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Birnam.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Birnam ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Birnam. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Birnam, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Birnam are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Birnam

Ramadan 2025 in Birnam

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Dunkeld, Birnam Hotel opposite Beatrix Potter Garden - - 1722427 - Birnam Hotel

• Birnam Hotel Perth Road PH8 0AA 56.55936,-3.57771 ☎ +44 1350 728030 Bed & Breakfast doubles from £40 3-star near rwy station, mixed reviews but you get what you pay for. Amenities include a and pizzeria.

• Merryburn Hotel Station Road, PH8 0DS 56.55768,-3.57729 ☎ +44 1350 727216 Bed & Breakfast double from £80 Small guesthouse with 5 rooms, clean & comfy.

• Jessie Mac's Murthly Terrace, PH8 0BG 56.55839,-3.57631 ☎ +44 1350 727324 Dorm £22 pp, superior Muslim friendly room £30 pp Offering a mixture of self-catering hostel and Bed & Breakfast, in a refurbished Victorian manse. With a comfortable lounge, dining room, well-equipped kitchen, drying room, bike shed and free wifi.

• Plus some half a dozen other small self-catering and Bed & Breakfast places around the village. Otherwise try across the bridge in Dunkeld.

Go Next

The road and rail route winds up the valley through Pitlochry and the Pass of Killiecrankie and Blair Atholl and then climbs the bleak moors over to Speyside and Aviemore.

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