Information/Statistics
Accomodation Distances Helpful Information
Background, Interests, and Activities
Aberdeen 40 Dundee 28 Edinburgh 85 Glasgow 108 Inverness 148 Perth 43
Angling : Loch and river fishing for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Details from Brechin Angling Club
Banks : Bank of Scotland, 5 Clerk Street
Clydesdale Bank PLC, 2 Panmure Street
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, 22 Swan Street
TSB Scotland PLC, 10 St Mary Street
Brechin Castle Centre : Haughmuir, Brechin (Brechin Castle Centre)
Caravan Park : Eastmill Caravan Park open April to October
Golfing : Brechin Golf and Squash Club, Trinity. Parkland course. Also heathland course at Edzell
Leisure Centre : Inch Park. Multi-activity
Library & Museum : St Ninian's Square (Brechin Library & Brechin Museum)
Local Authority Offices : Angus District Council Offices, Bank Street
Police : Telephone Brechin (01356) 622222 or Forfar (01307) 62551
Post Office : Clerk Street
Tourist Information Centre : Operated by Angus Tourist Board at St Ninian's Place (April to September)
Community Council : Meets in Council Chambers, Bank Street, last Monday of each month
Early Closing: Wednesday
BACKGROUND, INTERESTS and ACTIVITIES
BRECHIN stands on the South Esk River in Strathmore and the old town rose on a steep hill reached from the south by the Auld Brig.
This spans the South Esk at River Street and dates back to the 12th century or even earlier.
The imposing Round Tower is almost 1,000 years old and there is only one other in Scotland some 60 miles away. Both areas were Pictish strongholds and the towers served as a refuge from raiding Vikings.
The Cathedral, alongside the Round Tower is a fine building, restored several times since its mediaeval foundation and now notable also for the magnificent stained glass windows. Not too far away are the remains of an alms house, Maisondieu, founded around the same time as the Cathedral.
The Mechanics Institute is now seen in full glory since the extensive restoration carried out on this early 19th century educational establishment.
Brechin has retained much of the charm of the old Scottish burgh with typical warmth and tradition.
This is a prime area for hillwalking, golfing, swimming, shooting and other sports. It is also an ideal touring centre. There are many interesting villages nearby, including Trinity; Fern; Noranside; Finavon, with a stunning view from the vitrified fort on top of the hill; Aberlemno with its Pictish stones; and Edzell.
Accommodation in the area in hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast and self-catering establishments is of a high standard and there is a riverside caravan site. Eating out and snack catering are very well provided for.
Learn a little more about the wildlife of countryside or coastline or watch craftworkers. Take full advantage of the fresh air and walk for sheer pleasure as well as for your health's sake.
The Cathedral had its origins in the founding of the Diocese of Brechin by David I in the mid-12th Century. Over the years "improvements" and neglect altered its appearance until its most recent renovation restored it as far as possible to its mediaeval glory. It is open daily, hours varying according to the season.
This tower pre-dates the Cathedral and was originally free standing. It is a striking example of Celtic Culdee architecture, the last remains of a college established on the site around 990 A.D. The only other on the Scottish mainland is at Abernethy.
Preserved Railway
Caledonian Railway (Brechin) Ltd has taken over the former booking hall, station and line to Bridge of Dun, and is carrying out a lengthy restoration of the buildings and rolling stock. Special steam days are featured.
This impressive building was a gift to the town from the Dalhousie family. It was founded in 1838 and originally housed the Parish, Grammar and Burgh Schools and also provided an Institute for the education of the working men of the district.
Known locally as the "Auld Brig" this is one of the oldest stone bridges in Scotland. Until the 1780s it was the only bridge over the South Esk. A bridge on this site was mentioned in 1220 and although none of the present structure is that old, the south arch is at least several centuries old and has witnessed many changes from the days of the market in Brechin to the busy traffic of today.
Heritage Trail
The libraries and museums service of Angus District Council have produced a leaflet which follows a heritage trail through Brechin drawing attention to the various places of interest, and providing further information on old Brechin.
This is situated at Inch Park on the bank of the South Esk river. The facility includes a multi-activity sports hall, multi-gym and a general public area. The sports hall caters for badminton, volleyball, netball and five-a-side football.
A pool is incorporated in the High School complex and is open at week-ends all year, and weekdays during school holidays. Further details can be obtained from the Leisure Centre.
The Caterthuns
North of Brechin are the White and Brown caterthuns, sites of Iron age hill forts. While they attract much archaeological and historical interest, they also provide a magnificent viewpoint for the surrounding countryside. The White is volcano-like in appearance and has on its top huge, circular stone ramparts. The Brown has less obvious remains having been constructed of earth.
These carved symbol stones are a reminder of the early people of Angus, and several examples can be seen close to Brechin. Two may be seen in the Cathedral but probably better known are those at Aberlemno a few miles west of Brechin. From May to September they are on view in Aberlemno churchyard and at the roadside north of the church.
This village to the north of Brechin is one of the most attractive in the country and consistently wins prizes for its appearance. A further host of places to visit become easily accessible, for example Glen Esk, Tarfside, Fettercairn, as well as Edzell Castle itself.
This village on the outskirts of Brechin is known locally as "Taranty" and is where the golf and squash club is based. This is also where Taranty Fair is held in early June, a remnant of the former great cattle, horse and sheep markets held on the common ground.
Throughout the inland area of Angus there are countless opportunities for either short walks or more dedicated hillwalking, and Brechin is an ideal base for a number of these. Routes starting at different points within the town can cover walks of from three to five miles out into the countryside and circling back to urban places of interest. They will feature former lime workings, quarries and market sites as well as tollhouses, forts and nature trails all surrounded by the beautiful Strathmore scenery.
For a casual stroll around Brechin you might start off with the heritage trail or have a relaxed walk along the river bank, follow the nature trail, take a turn through the Public Park or the Den. Or if you want to cover a few miles, start at the Cathedral and walk west past the entrance to Brechin Castle (private); beyond there turn left and proceed to Stannochy Bridge, over the bridge take a left again following the base of Burghill to reach Brechin Bridge. From there you may head for the centre of town or continue along River Street to the Inch, Ladeside Road and up the Mill Stairs to High Street.
... the rest of ANGUS
Angus is such a compact area that you are within a half-hour's drive of any of the other main towns, whether along the coast to golf at Carnoustie, watch the fishing activity at Arbroath or enjoy the beach at Montrose. Forfar and Kirriemuir are just along the road west of Brechin and from here you can reach Glen Clova, Glen Prosen and Glen Isla and so have access to a full and widely varied choice of daily programmes.
Tourist Information Centre
Throughout summer months further information on the area is available at the Tourist Information Centre in St Ninian's Place, across the square from the public library. Staff will advise on opening times etc. and help you plan your outings. Off-season please contact the Information Centre at the Angus Tourist Board's offices, Market Place, Arbroath.
Information provided from an ANGUS TOURIST BOARD pamphlet
