Murthly Hospital

The facility opened as Perthshire's district asylum to patients on 1 April 1864 to treat the county's 'pauper lunatics', and was the second district asylum in Scotland. Its location was remote, although the Highland Railway's mainline was relatively nearby. Rural locations were often chosen for such hospitals due to a belief that fresh air and separation from factors likely to cause anxiety would aid recovery. The original superintendent of the hospital was Dr William M'Intosh who encouraged the hospital's policy of using occupation and exercise to help patients. This meant that patients were engaged in activities such as working in the grounds and sewing. Other activities included…