Brechin
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Brechin
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Phone code: +44 (0)1356
Nine miles west of Montrose is Brechin, a quiet little town on the banks of the River South Esk, whose main attraction is its 14th-century cathedral, in Bishop's Close off the High Street. There's been a church here since the ninth century though most of what you see dates from the beginning of the 20th century when major restoration work was carried out. The adjacent 106-ft high round tower dates from the 11th century and is one of only two such structures in the country.
Getting There
Scottish Citylink buses run every 2 hrs to Aberdeen (1 hr), Dundee (50 mins) and Forfar (20 mins). Buses leave from Panmure St. Strathtay Scottish, T01382-228054, has services to Edzell several times daily (20 mins) and daily every hr to Montrose (20 mins), from South Esk St. The Tourist Information Centre is at 10 St Ninian's Pl, opposite the library. They have information on hiking in Glen Esk. Tel. 623050. Apr-Jun and Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1700; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat 0930-1730.
Sights
The small Brechin Museum is housed in the library on St Ninian's Square and is the usual collection of local curiosities and memorabilia.
Mon, Tue, Thu-Fri 0930-1800, Wed 0930-1900, Sat 0930-1700. Free.
Also on St Ninian's Square is the terminus of the Caledonian Railway, which runs steam trains on a four-mile section of line between Brechin station and Bridge of Dun, a mile from the House of Dun.
Trains run six times daily on Sun only, from Jun to early Sep. Tel. 810318.
Just off the A90, is the Brechin Castle Centre, which is a Country Park with garden centre, pets corner, miniature railway (open April-September), picnic areas and waterside walks. There's also a coffee shop. Part of the centre is Pictavia, which gives a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's Celtic past. You'll help to solve the riddles of the stones, see the mysterious Pictish standing stones and hear the sounds of battle in the Tower of Sound. Open all year. Tel. 626813.
Five miles north of Brechin on the B966 is Edzell, an impossibly neat and picturesque planned village lying at the foot of Glen Esk. At the entrance to the village is the impressive Dalhousie Arch which leads on to the wide main street, lined with quaint little tearooms and shops selling Victoriana. A mile west of the village is the red sandstone ruin of Edzell Castle, a 16th-century tower house which, over the course of its life, has been visited by Mary, Queen of Scots, James VI and, less happily, Cromwell's troops. But it is the magnificent garden, or 'Pleasance', which is the real attraction. Created by Sir David Lindsay in 1604, the superb heraldic and symbolic sculpted wall panels are rare examples of European Renaissance Art in Scotland.
Apr-Sep 0930-1830; Oct-Mar Mon-Wed and Sat 0930-1630, Thu 0930-1200, Fri and Sun 1400-1630. Tel. 648631.
Three miles southwest of Edzell, on either side of the road, are the Brown_Caterthun and White Caterthun, two remarkable Iron-Age forts, defended by ditches and ramparts over 900-ft high. These were occupied by the Picts around the first few centuries AD and the views from the top are amazing. To get there, follow the road west of the castle and turn left at Bridgend, then take the left fork. Or take the road southwest from Edzell and take the first right after Dunlappie. There's no public transport. It's an easy walk from the road to either fort.
Accommodation around Brechin
Accommodation is limited. In Brechin there's the Northern Hotel, 2 Clerk St, T625505, which also serves moderately priced meals; and B&B at Doniford, 26 Airlie St, Tel. 62236.
In Edzell the pleasant Glenesk Hotel does bar and restaurant meals. There's also B&B at Inchcape, Tel. 647266, on the High St; and The Gorse, Tel. 648207, on Dunlappie Rd.