Rare Old OS Map of Perth & Dundee, Scotland by Bartholomew, 1901: Angus, Perthshire, River Tay, Loch Leven, Scone Palace, Ochil Hills

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish history with the exquisite "Sheet 13 - Perth & Dundee" map, masterfully crafted by the renowned cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901. This map, part of Bartholomew's celebrated Half-Inch Map series of the British Isles, is a testament to the precision and artistry that defined early 20th-century cartography. Bartholomew's innovative use of color gradations to represent landscape relief brings the terrain to life, offering a visually stunning and informative depiction of the regions surrounding Perth and Dundee.

The map covers a vast area, stretching 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east, encapsulating the diverse geographical features of this part of Scotland. The River Tay, with its majestic flow, dominates the landscape, flanked by the serene River Earn and the winding River Isla. The tranquil waters of Loch Leven and Loch Earn add to the natural beauty, while the imposing Ochil and Sidlaw Hills provide a dramatic backdrop. This map not only charts the physical landscape but also tells the story of the land's natural splendor.

Bartholomew's map is rich in historical landmarks and cultural heritage. Scone Palace, near Perth, stands as a monument to Scotland's royal history, while Arbroath Abbey, near Arbroath, echoes the ecclesiastical grandeur of the past. The Tay Rail Bridge and the partially visible Forth Rail Bridge are engineering marvels of their time, symbolizing the industrial progress of the era. These features, meticulously detailed, offer a window into the historical and cultural fabric of early 20th-century Scotland.

The towns and cities depicted on the map, from the bustling urban centers of Perth and Dundee to the quaint villages of Blairgowrie and Crieff, reflect the vibrant human settlements that have shaped the region. Each settlement, whether it be the historic town of St. Andrews or the picturesque village of Pitlochry, is intricately mapped, providing a comprehensive view of the area's inhabited landscape. This map serves as a historical document, capturing the essence of the communities that have thrived in this region for centuries.

J.G. Bartholomew's legacy as a cartographer is evident in the meticulous detail and aesthetic appeal of this map. His innovative approach to cartography, using color layers to depict landscape relief, set a new standard in mapmaking. The "Sheet 13 - Perth & Dundee" map is not just a navigational tool but a work of art, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the Scottish landscape. Owning this map is like holding a piece of history, a testament to the skill and vision of one of the greatest cartographers of his time.

Cities and towns on this map

Perthshire:

• Perth
• Blairgowrie
• Crieff
• Aberfeldy
• Coupar Angus
• Dunkeld
• Pitlochry
• Auchterarder
• Comrie

Angus:

• Dundee
• Forfar
• Arbroath
• Brechin
• Montrose
• Kirriemuir

Fife:

• St. Andrews
• Cupar
• Anstruther
• Leven
• Kirkcaldy
• Dunfermline

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• River Tay
• River Earn
• River Isla
• River Almond
• Lakes:
• Loch Leven
• Loch Earn
• Mountains and Hills:
• Ochil Hills
• Sidlaw Hills
• Forests and Woodlands:
• Black Wood of Rannoch
• Bridges:
• Tay Rail Bridge
• Forth Rail Bridge (partially visible)
• Railways:
• Dundee and Perth Railway
• Fife and Forfar Railway
• Coastal Features:
• North Sea coastline
• Firth of Tay
• St. Andrews Bay
• Historical Landmarks:
• Scone Palace (near Perth)
• Arbroath Abbey (near Arbroath)
• Natural Features:
• Lomond Hills
• Benarty Hill

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 13 - Perth & Dundee, part of Bartholomew's Half-Inch Map series of the British Isles.
• Scale and purpose: The map is at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720), popular with cyclists and tourists for its clear, attractive, and colorful presentation.
• Date of creation: 1901.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his innovative use of color and detailed mapping techniques.
• Map themes: The map shows both political and physical features, using gradations of color to represent landscape relief and different land heights.
• Source material: Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Geographical coverage: The map covers 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east, focusing on the regions around Perth and Dundee in Scotland.
• Design and style: Distinctive for using color layers to depict landscape relief, making the map not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
• Historical significance: Bartholomew's maps were highly regarded for their accuracy and beauty, becoming a flagship series for the company. They were particularly innovative for the time, influencing cartographic techniques.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.