Perth’s oldest secular building now presents geography, exploration and the city’s history to the public.
Quick facts
- Date
- Medieval fabric; recorded use by the Glovers from 1629; extensively renewed 1893–1894; restored for RSGS
- Architect / designer
- J. and G. Young for the 1890s work
- Type
- Rubble-built historic town house with stair tower and medieval fragments
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB39410)
- OS grid reference
- NO 11829 23807
Architecture and continuing use
A compact two-storey rubble house with stair tower incorporates medieval fabric beneath extensive nineteenth-century renewal. The exterior niche is traditionally associated with the town curfew bell.
Its story
The Glover Incorporation bought the premises in 1629 and used them as a meeting hall. Later restoration created an education centre linked to the neighbouring RSGS headquarters.
Why it is included
A very old urban building has gained a public use that connects local history with worldwide geographical collections.
What to notice
- Rubble masonry and projecting stair tower.
- Niche traditionally linked to the curfew bell.
- Glover Incorporation motto above the entrance.
Reading the surroundings
Visit during the seasonal advertised hours or book a group visit. The centre is volunteer-run, so confirm before a special journey.
Timeline
- Medieval fabric The Glover Incorporation bought the premises in 1629 and used them as a meeting hall. Later restoration created an education centre linked to the neighbouring RSGS headquarters.
- Present Royal Scottish Geographical Society visitor and education centre.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Much fabric was renewed in 1893–1894, so the building should not be read as wholly medieval.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Fair Maid’s House, LB39410 — Designation status, mapped location, construction phases, fabric, authorship and architectural or historical interest.
- RSGS: Fair Maid’s House Visitor Centre — Current visitor-centre use, exhibitions, opening and access information.
- RSGS: Portraits of the Past — Current collections, exhibitions and interpretation of the building.
Location
OS grid reference NO 11829 23807 · Location confidence: High: the statutory designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference and the current source confirms the Place relationship or present identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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