Mercat Cross

Standing in the heart of Crieff's market square, this 17th-century stone cross marks where traders once gathered to hawk their wares and town criers delivered the latest news. The ornate carved stonework has weathered beautifully over the centuries, and you can still make out the royal arms and decorative flourishes that proclaimed this spot as the official centre of commerce.

History buffs will appreciate the cross's role in Scottish market town life, though don't expect lengthy explanations - there's no interpretation board to speak of. It's really a five-minute stop to admire the craftsmanship and imagine the bustle that once surrounded it.

Families staying at nearby Comrie Croft or Braidhaugh Holiday Lodge will find it makes a pleasant addition to a wander around Crieff's shops and cafes. The cross sits right beside the town's main street, so it's impossible to miss if you're exploring the area.

Best combined with a proper look around Crieff itself rather than making a special journey. The town has enough to fill a morning, and kids can run about in the square while you snap a photo of this well-preserved piece of Scotland's trading past.