If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? Wrote that grand optimist Percy Birst Shelley and sure enough, as he predicted, the wingèd seeds (where they lie cold and low, each like a corpse within its grave, until the azure sister of the Spring shall blow) are starting to come to life. Spring is just around the corner and Old Man Winter can't hold out forever. He is now making way for the tender young shoots of spring. The first sign of this happening in Highland Perthshire is the birds whistling much more cheerily than they have for a while and arrival of snowdrops which are amongst the first blossoms to emerge in the New Year. In the mid 19th century soldiers in the Crimean War brought them back from the battlefields to plant in their gardens. Today they thrive throughout Scotland and, between 1st February and 16th March 2008, the gardens around Aberfeldy are pleased to be part of the second Scottish Snowdrop Festival. If you can join us at Aberfeldy Cottages, than please find time to head outdoors and marvel at these floral gems in the clear winter light at the handy locations given below, you’ll find snowdrop after snowdrop, bringing brightness and magic to your day and relish the spectacular views of Highland Perthshire’s sparkling winter wonderland. You can  treat yourself to scrumptious home baked teas in Scotland's oldest country houses, stately homes and estates, some of which are open exclusively for the Scottish Snowdrop Festival.  Birks of Aberfeldy Spectacular waterfalls in a dramatic wooded gorge made famous by national bard Robert Burns in his poem `The Birks of Aberfeldie`. The Birks (birches) still cloak the gorge along with oak, ash and elm and a narrow well defined path follows a circular route. Spring flowers and woodland birds. Walk from Aberfeldy Town Centre or car park off the A826. Black Spout Wood, Pitlochry This wood takes its name from the impressive Black Spout Waterfall, on the Edradour Burn. A series of waymarked paths meanders through the woods with footbridges over tumbling burns. Spring brings snowdrops and wood anemones to the oak woodland floor. Located off Atholl Road, near Pitlochry Town Centre.   Cluny Gardens, Aberfeldy Experience an exceptional `Himalayan` Woodland with Giant Sequoias and red squirrels. Snowdrops, snowflakes, erythronium, trillium, early rhododendrons and primulas. Cluny House is a real treat. Open daily from 1st March 2008, 10am to 6pm From Aberfeldy cross the River Tay via the B846, then turn first right along a minor road for 2.5 miles.Tel: 01887 820795 MacRosty Park, Crieff Stroll through one of Perthshire’s most beautiful parks. Majestic conifers, Victorian bandstand and a lovely display of snowdrops on the banks of the Turret Burn. Visit all year. Car parking at the park – 2 minutes drive from Crieff Town Centre.                                                                 The Hermitage, by Dunkeld Towering Douglas firs by the swirling pools of the River Braan. See one of Britain’s tallest trees. Woodland walks, with red squirrels and snowdrops an added attraction! Visit all year. Car park 1 mile west of Dunkeld, off A9  Craig Wood, by Dunkeld One of Perthshire’s best displays of snowdrops. Take the waymarked Fungarth Walk from Dunkeld Town Centre, which passes through Craig Wood and continues to Loch of the Lowes Nature Reserve. Visit all year.   Blair Castle Grounds, Blair Atholl Snowdrops along the main drive, in Diana’s Grove and surrounding St Brides Kirk. Gardens and grounds open Tuesdays and Saturdays 9.30am – 12.30pm. Blair Castle is also open during these times until the end of March 2007. Visitors wishing to visit the castle can take a self-guided tour and then relax in the impressive ballroom, by a roaring log fire, with a glass of mulled wine and homemade shortbread.  Tel 01796 481 207 Dirnanean Garden, Enochdhu, near Pitlochry 'Snowdrops and Rare Trees' in a high altitude garden. Stroll around the snowdrops plus guided tour by conifer expert, woodland crafts, basket making, light lunch, tea and scones. Event charge. Booking essential Sunday 11th March only. Located off the A924, Enochdhu, 10 miles north east of Pitlochry  Tel: 01250 881400  Fingask Castle, Rait, by Perth Woodland walks with Belvedere statues, topiary and acres of snowdrops. Open daily 1st February to 11th March, 10am to 4.30pm, except Saturdays. Admission charge. Located off A90, 12 miles east of Perth Tel: 01821 670777   Scone Palace, Perth Tracts of snowdrops within the grounds of Scone Palace. Over 100 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland walks and historic grounds. Many varieties of snowdrops set against towering conifers. Tearoom, plant sales and gift shop. Open 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th February 2008, 11am to 4pm Adults £4.50, Children £3.00 Two miles north of Perth on the A93 Tel: 01738 552300   The Knock, Crieff Walking trails through delightful mixed woodland to the heathery summit of Knock Hill. Panoramic views across Strathearn. Snowdrops on the lower slopes. Winter Garden Tearoom at Crieff Hydro Hotel. Visit all year. Car park at the start of the walks (behind Crieff Hydro Hotel)  Inverpeffray Library and Chapel, by Crieff Giant Sequoias and fine panoramic views up Strathearn and across the countryside towards Drummond Castle and Ben Vorlich. Scotland's first public lending library, 500 year old chapel, 250 year old library, 150 year old school add to the snowdrop covered gardens and grounds. Open from 1st March 2008, Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 12.45pm and 2pm to 4.30pm. Sundays 2pm to 4pm. Tearoom open Sundays only. Located 3 miles south of Crieff off the B8062 Tel: 01764 652819