Nearby Neolithic standing stones and circles date from about 4,000 BC, a period that followed the introduction of farming into the area.

This enhanced the early importance of the city, and Perth became known as a "capital" of Scotland due to the frequent residence there of the royal court.

The founding of Perth Academy in 1760 helped to bring major industries to the city, including the production of linen, leather, bleach and whisky.

South Street was originally terminated at its eastern end by Gowrie House (site of today's Perth Sheriff Court).

[14] The presence of Scone two miles (3 km) northeast, the main royal centre of the Kingdom of Alba from at least the reign of Kenneth I (843–858), and later the site of the major Augustinian abbey of the same name founded by Alexander I (1107–1124), enhanced Perth's early importance.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Perth was one of the richest trading burghs in the kingdom (along with such places as Berwick-upon-Tweed, Aberdeen and Roxburgh), a residence of numerous craftsmen, organised into guilds (the Hammermen and Glovers, for example).

[15] The royal castle (on or near the site of the present multi-storey car park adjacent to the new council offices), was destroyed by a flood of the Tay in 1209, one of many that have afflicted Perth over the centuries.

[19] As part of a plan to make Perth a permanent English base within Scotland, Edward III forced six monasteries in Perthshire and Fife to pay for the construction of stone defensive walls, towers and fortified gates around the city in 1336.

That same year, Oliver Cromwell came to Perth following his victory in the Battle of Dunbar and established a fortified citadel on the South Inch, one of five occupation forts built to control Scotland.

Despite being a garrison city and undergoing major social and industrial developments during the First World War, Perth remained relatively unchanged.

In 1829, with the settlement of the Swan River Colony, in Western Australia, Sir George Murray wanted it to be named Perth after the place where he was born.

The building was designed by London architect Sir Robert Smirke, built in 1819 and stands on the site of Gowrie House, the place where a plot to kill King James VI was hatched in 1600.

In June 2007, Alex Salmond, then the First Minister of Scotland, backed a campaign to confer city status on Perth, saying it should be granted "at the next commemorative opportunity".

The shield is supported by a double-headed eagle and the motto is Pro Lege Rege et Grege (Latin: For the Law, King and People).

[41] The place of birth of the city's residents was 95.42% United Kingdom (including 87.80% from Scotland), 0.52% Republic of Ireland, 1.18% from other European Union countries, and 1.88% from elsewhere in the world.

The nearest Met Office weather station is at Strathallan, around 5 mi (8 km) from the centre of Perth.Temperatures extremes since 1960 have ranged from −18.6 °C (−1 °F) in January 1963 to 32.0 °C (90 °F) in July 2022.

The strength of Perth's economy lies in its diversity, with a balance of large companies, the public sector, a broad range of small and medium-sized enterprises and many self-employed business people.

Other main employers include NHS Tayside, SSE plc, and Perth College UHI (part of the University of the Highlands and Islands).

[65] A retail park, constructed in 1988, exists to the north-west of the city centre on St Catherine's Road, and provides eight purpose-built units.

[80] Another Category A listed building is the former King James VI Hospital, built in 1750 on the site of the former Perth Charterhouse, which was burned in 1559 during the Reformation.

It was later moved to North Methven Street until 1886, then to the 1 Albert Place home of photographer John Henderson, but was returned after Anderson's death.

[87] The nearby City Mills, built to serve Perth Lade from the River Almond, was once the site of industry until the early 19th century.

[90] Its aim is to encourage owners of historic buildings within the bounds of Perth Central and Kinnoull Conservation Areas by assisting their repair and renovation work with grants.

The senior rugby team, Perthshire RFC, play their games on the North Inch in Scottish National League Division Three.

The modern leisure pool complex was built in the mid-1980s to replace the traditional public swimming baths (established 1887),[99] which used to sit just off the Dunkeld Road.

It has long been a main centre of curling in Scotland, and many top teams compete in this arena and many major events are held here each year.

The South Inch offers various activities, including bowling, an adventure playground, a skate park, and, in the summer, a bouncy castle.

Further and higher education, including a range of degrees, is available through Perth College UHI, one of the largest partners in the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Other major roads serving the city include the A85 to Crieff and Crianlarich (and ultimately Oban), the A93 to Blairgowrie and Braemar, the A94 to Coupar Angus and Forfar and the A90 to Dundee and Aberdeen.

Similarly, the direct main line to Edinburgh via Glenfarg, Dunfermline and the Forth Bridge was abandoned in 1970 in favour of the longer, more circuitous route via Stirling.