Autumn has now started as we say farewell to a reasonably drab summer. But while we are looking towards shorter and colder days, Scotland is in many ways even bonnier during the season of change.

As the leaves turn a spectacular cacophony of oranges, reds and yellows, it creates some incredible scenes. And perhaps nowhere is that more true than the magnificent beech hedge at Meikleour.

Located in the heart of Perthshire, the Meikleour hedge dwarves the road that runs by it, creating one of the most incredible scenes imaginable. It is officially the longest and tallest hedge in the world, with Guinness World Records recognising its 540-metre length and average height of 30 metres, which can peak at 36 metres.

The hedge runs alongside the A93 road linking Perth to Aberdeen through the Perthshire and Angus glens as well as rural Aberdeenshire. It is four miles south of Blairgowrie and really is a must for anyone visiting Scotland or who already lives here.

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The hedge was created in 1745 Jean Mercer and her husband, Robert Murray Nairne on the estate of the Marquess of Lansdowne. Local folklore says it grows towards the heavens because the men who actually planted it were killed at the Battle of Culloden.

Meikleour Beech Hedge is best seen as the leaves are turning during the early autumn months
Meikleour Beech Hedge is best seen as the leaves are turning during the early autumn months

While in spring the young leaves reflect the light, the hedge becomes a kaleidoscope of colours in the autumn and takes on a golden hue as you drive past it. It is normally trimmed every 10 years although the last one in 2019 was actually the first in two decades.

The hedge is free to view making it a popular spot for visitors. One person, taking to TripAdvisor, said: "We have now viewed them twice, both times in the autumn when the leaves are at their best in terms of golden colours. We hope to see them in the spring one year. They are most certainly a fascinating and inspiring landmark."

Meikleour Beech Hedge, Perthshire, Scotland. Standing alongside the A93 Perth to Blairgowrie road, this hedge was planted in 1746 on the Marquess of Lansdowne's estate by Jean Mercer and Robert Murray Nairne to commemorate local Highlanders killed at the Battle of Culloden. According to the Guiness Book of Records it is the tallest and longest hedge on Earth, reaching a height of 100 feet and 1/3 of a mile in length. (Photo by Peter Thompson/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
Meikleour Beech Hedge is magnificent during any season and is pictured here during the summer

The hedge is just a 90-minute drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh and is best seen by approaching from the south along the A93.,

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