Kenmore’s history is closely entwined with one of Scotland’s most iconic and elusive birds, the capercaillie. This striking bird once roamed the forests of Highland Perthshire, and in 1837, Lord Breadalbane played a pivotal role in its return, reintroducing the bird to the grounds of Taymouth Castle. It is even believed that subsequent reintroductions across Scotland trace their lineage back to these very birds.

The capercaillie’s presence has certainly left its mark on Kenmore. In the 1980s, local parents and the headteacher at Kenmore Primary School commissioned a sculpted capercaillie for the roof of the school to keep a watchful eye over the village. Even now, the bird features on the school’s crest.

More recently, and following a visit to Newtonmore’s celebrated Wildcat Trail, the pupils of Kenmore Primary conceived an idea to create a trail of their own dedicated to the capercaillie they are so fond of.

With support from Taymouth Castle Community Relations and a microgrant from SSE Renewables, the vision has come to life. The pilot Capercaillie Trail is now open, featuring 10 hand-painted discs placed at some of Kenmore’s most significant sites.

Visitors can collect a trail leaflet from the local shop or simply scan the QR code located on each bird along the route. And for those with an eye for detail, don’t forget to look up. The original capercaillie still graces the rooftop of Kenmore Primary School!