Edzell
There are many interesting and scenic areas within easy reach of Brechin by car or bus. One of the most popular is the six and one half mile journey to the lovely village of Edzell which is set in a beautiful area at the foot of the Grampian Mountains which were given the name Mons Grapius by the Roman military leader Agricola during his campaign in this area.
Agricola led his Legions of soldiers from the South in an attempt to map out this part of Britain and to subdue the Pictish Nation and their various tribes in North Britain, the local tribes in this area being the Votadini and Vacomagi. The remains of a Roman marching fort can be seen from the air near Inchbare, as can the outline of a Roman harbour on the edge of the estuary of the river Southesk near Montrose. Somewhere in the area between Stracathro and further north, a great battle was fought between the Picts (Painted People) under their leader Calgacus (the Swordsman) and the battle hardened legions of the Roman army led by Julius Agricola. A decisive victory is claimed by the Romans according to Tacitus in his historical record "Agricola and the Germania". However, back to our trip to Edzell and more about the Romans later.
Edzell is the gateway to the Glens of Lethnot and Esk, or, by taking the road from Edzell to Fettercairn, a steep road leads over the Cairn O'Mounth via Bridge of Dye to the villages of Banchory, Kincardine O'Neil, Ballater and Balmoral, on to the highland village of Braemar and the Cairngorm Mountains. This trip is easily accomplished in one day, including returning to Brechin by the route already travelled, or by continuing via Glenshee, Glenisla, Kirriemuir.
However for a real relaxing day out, let us stop in Edzell and district today and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this lovely village and it's attractive surroundings. Driving from Brechin on the B966, after fully two miles we pass under the bridge carrying the A90 and continue on the B966 through'the small village of Inchbare and cross the Westwater Bridge. After a quarter of a mile the next two miles of road is straight and bordered on each side by beautiful forests of trees.
We enter Edzell by passing through a beautiful stone memorial arch. This Arch was erected in Memory of a former Earl of Dalhousie and his Countess who died within twenty four hours of each other. Before passing through the Arch read the memorial inscription carved on it, and stop to enjoy the Tower of Edzell's Inglis Memorial hall framed by the Arch. First on the left is the popular Edzell Golf Clubhouse and 18-hole golf course with it's scenic background of mountains and woodlands. Next is the beautiful Glenesk Hotel set in wonderful surroundings of mountains and heather clad hills. The Glenesk Hotel also has a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna.
Lovely Victorian villas enhance the entrance to the village. On th right and further along is the Inglis Memorial Hall with it's beautiful stonework and decorative windows. After parking the car a walk through Edzell with it's lovely backdrop of the hills above Glenesk is very relaxing.
On our left we see a unique angled building. This is the Edzell Tweed Warehouse, a very popular shop with people from near and far. The Tweed Warehouse stocks a wonderful display and a great variety of goods - Scottish knitwear, tartan skirts, hats, jumpers, socks, scarves, and many other dress items; also sporting and fishing items for ladies and gentlemen; walking sticks with carved horn and other decorative handles; a large selection of beautiful Scottish jewellery in Celtic and other designs, some set with beautiful stones or pressed heather etc. There are decorative drinking flasks, Highland drinking quaichs; a wonderful stock of books, tartan table mats; Scottish Clan postcards and much, much more.
The restaurant in the shop is delightful and serves full meals,soups, sandwiches, tea, coffee and soft drinks. The home baking is traditionally Scottish. A selection of candies and other sweets are on sale, the homemade tablet being especially delicious. The Tweed Warehouse is owned by Hillary and Douglas Rutherford. The former owners were Mr. and Mrs. Callegri, Mrs. Rutherford's parents.
Edzell is a self-sufficient village and has a good variety of shops and other businesses -
Tweed Warehouse - Grocer - Butcher and Poulterer - Glenda's : ladies and gents hairdresser - Robertson : bakers, grocers, confectioner and off-licence - Waterson Fine Arts Gallery - Charity Shop : staffed by local ladies with all profits going to various charities - Robertson and Sutton's Garage for car & commercial repairs - Chemist - 'Picturesque' : with lovely paintings and watercolours by local artist, Des Haggart, art material, pottery, picture framing, dried flowers, coffee shop, and other decorative arts - Post Office (early closing day Thursday) - Garage with shop and petrol sales.
Near the garage, a path breaks left and after a few hundred yards there is a lovely picnic spot beside the River North Esk which is spanned by an old-time suspension bridge. Known in the area as "The Shakin' Brig" paths go along the banks to various beauty spots such as the Gannochy Bridge, or, as the area was known for many years by the U.S.Navy Base personnel and relatives, "The Blue Door". There are many lovely walks in the glens and mountains around Edzell, and although very popular with visitors it gives you a feeling of peace and tranquility. Possibly due to the lovely countryside around, but certainly to the friendly and welcoming ways of the people of the Village.
A Highland Welcome Awaits You
