Angus & Dundee

There can be few towns to have a declaration of independence named after them but Arbroath is one of them. In 1320, at the towns ancient Abbey, Scotland's nobles united to swear their independence from England in the famous "Declaration of Arbroath". Historic Scotland, which manages Arbroath Abbey's ruins has a Visitor Centre where you can learn about this historic event.

The town has a small miniature railway, an award-winning local museum, and at nearby St. Vigeans is an archaeological museum which contains one of Scotland's finest collection of Pictish Stones.

Also named after the town is the famous Arbroath Smokie, smoked fish which can be purchased direct from one of the tiny smokehouses.

[back to top]

This market town with Pictish heritage, has an ancient Cathedral with an 11th century round tower - one of only two examples in the mainland Scotland. The Pictish influence is explored at Pictavia, a purpose-built visitor attraction that celebrating the culture and heritage of this ancient people for whom the area was once home. Pictavia can be found in a beautiful countryside setting at Brechin Castle Centre, a child friendly attraction offering visitors an ornamental lake, narrow gauge railway, and nature trail.

During summer months, the Caledonian Railway, with preserved steam locomotives, makes its regular Sunday journey between the Victorian Brechin Station and Bridge of Dun four miles away.

[back to top]

Broughty Ferry can be found four miles east of Dundee, a quiet place with an excellent seafront esplanade and extensive sands. Built as a suburb of Dundee for the wealthy jute barons who built the city's textile industry, its origins can be traced back to the 15th century when fishermen built their homes around the harbour close to Broughty Castle.

Today, the castle houses a museum cataloguing the town's history and its association with the fishing and whaling industries. The town has a high-class air with individual traders, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops, lining the spacious streets.

[back to top]

Now synonymous with golf, who would have thought that an exposed area of sand dunes could bring such fame (and pleasure). However, don't think that it is only golfers that enjoy activities in Carnoustie. It also offers sailing, windsurfing, fishing, riding, tennis and bowls.

Forfar is a small traditional Royal burgh and market town, with small local shops primarily serving the local community but nevertheless attractive to the tourist.

[back to top]

Scotland's fourth largest city and a great choice for a short city-break or touring centre. It's slogan, "City of Discovery" reminds us that it is home to Royal Research Ship Discovery which carried Captain Scott on his first and successful trip to Antarctica. This was the National Antarctic Expedition of 1901 when the ship became trapped in the ice for two years but survived to bring her crew safely home. Built in Dundee, the ship is now berthed back in her home port and open for visitors alongside the award-winning Discovery Point Visitor Centre - www.rrsdiscovery.com

Dundee, as a port, was once famous for its jute importing and processing, an extensive textile industry which helped create the city's wealth. The city's industrial heritage can be explored at Verdant Works - awarded the title of Europe's Top Industrial Museum in 1999.

It was to serve the expanding city's needs for a rail link with Edinburgh, that a bridge was built to carry the line across the River Tay. Unfortunately, the structure was unable to withstand the forces of nature and "on the last Sabbath day of 1879, which will be remember'd for a very long time", disaster struck! The bridge collapsed as a train carrying 90 passengers was travelling across. All lives were lost.

[back to top]

A small traditional Royal burgh and market town, with small local shops primarily serving the local community but nevertheless attractive to the tourist.

[back to top]

Famous for it castle, childhood home of the late Queen Mother, and birthplace of Princess Margaret. However, it is also a small picturesque village with a conservation area protecting its traditional 18th century cottages. The Angus Folk Museum in this rural village contrasts the simple lives of the local workforce with those of the residents of Glamis Castle. With so much history and impressive architecture, Glamis is a particularly attractive castle. The legendary home of Shakespeare's Macbeth, the castle is today the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and is open to visitors through most of the year.

[back to top]

The birthplace of J.M. Barrie, who created the character Peter Pan and his home is now a museum run by the National Trust for Scotland. Also in their care are the Camera Obscura on Kirriemuir Hill which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

[back to top]

SORRY NO INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Editorial for Angus & Dundee is currently being compiled and will be coming soon

[back to top]

The Royal Burgh of Montrose is is located at a natural harbour. The sea has always played an important role for the town and this continues today as it provides support services for Scotland's North Sea oil industry. The inland lake behind the town is an internationally famous wildlife sanctuary - the Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre.

Also worth a visit is the museum at Montrose Air Station - the first operational air station in Britain.

The National Trust for Scotland property, the House of Dun, was built in 1730 by William Adam for David Erskine, the 13th Laird of Dun and stands overlooking the Montrose Basin. The Dun Estate was home to the Erskine family from 1375 until 1980 but there is evidence that people have lived here for at least 9,000 years.