This is a beautiful part of Scotland which is popular with tourists and includes a host of famous place-names, for example, Pitlochry, Forfar and Blairgowrie. The southern borders near Perth are the most populous.
Further inland there are large forests, lochs and plenty of opportunities for skiing in winter. Tourism, agriculture and forestry are the main industries.
The seat of Tayside North was created in 1983 from parts of Perth & East Perthshire and Angus South. Both these seats were won by the SNP in 1974 but regained by the Conservatives in 1979. Tayside North was represented by the outspoken unionist and eurosceptic Bill Walker from 1983 until 1997 when it was won by the SNPís John Swinney (who also holds the seat in the Scottish Parliament).
On Alex Salmondís resignation as SNP leader in the summer of 2000, his then deputy, John Swinney was elected leader. Mr Swinney is standing down as an MP in this election.
His successor as SNP candidate is Pete Wishart, keyboard player with the successful Scottish rock band Runrig. The bandís former lead singer Donnie Munro has contested several elections for Labour.