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Brechin is the most northern town in Angus. Its Round Tower was built around 1150 AD and forms part of the cathedral . An interesting town, Brechin provides visitors with an ideal base from which to explore Glenesk and the many attractions that lie between Brechin and Montrose. Discover 'Pictavia' an exciting attraction that tells the story of the Pictish people who lived in Scotland during the 1st Millennium.
The entrance door is small,
and well above ground level
Take a closer look at the cathedral and round tower. The round tower was originally free standing, but was incorporated into the cathedral when it was built in the thirteenth century. The walls of the tower are seven stories high at about 26 metres, and the windows are mostly higher up. As another defence device, the door is small, and is reachable only with the aid of a ladder!
The cathedral was built as the Brechin monastery, and it contains stones that date from the 8th & 9th centuries, and were probably in the graveyard at a time when the tower was the sole building.
Fishermen will appreciate the local River Esk, while heritage buffs will find lots to capture their interest. Brechin Castle remains a residence, and the Brechin Castle Centre offers visitors a fine garden centre, farming heritage museum, etc. A conventional museum is found in the public museum in St Ninians Square. The museum will tell you all about the history of the town, the cathedral, civic, industrial and folk life. Afterwards, sit for a while in the square - a really relaxing spot in which to sit for a while. Take a look at our panoramic view! At the lower end of the square, you will find the Brechin terminus of the Caledonian Steam Railway, which offers steam hauled trips from the town to Bridge of Dun during the summer. The facade of the station is typically Victorian, and is set off by the recent development of landscaped gardens.
The town's museum displays a fine collection of archaeological, civic, industrial and folk treasures. It is situated in St Ninians Square. You will also find the local tourist information office here. Collect a few brochures, and relax in the gardens - look at our panoramic view to see an all-round photograph! Take a look, too at the impressive Victorian fountain - now dry, unfortunately. It was built as a memorial to the 11th Earl of Dalhousie & 2nd Baron of Panmure by his sister, Lady Christian Maule, in June 1877. The tower of St Ninians's Catholic Church is also visible from the square.
A short drive from Brechin, on the way to Montrose, you will find the House of Dun. Maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, this Adam house is well worth a visit. Five miles to the north of the town, you can find a pair of preserved Iron Age hill forts - The Caterthuns. A short but steep climb will lead you to the White Caterthun, while the Brown Caterthun is reached by path, giving a relatively easy stroll across level moorland.
The White Caterthun covers an area of about 2 acres, with two walls that might have been up to 40 feet thick! by legend, the stones for the walls were carried to the site in one morning by a witch.
The Brown Caterthun has six walls, but is less well preserved.