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Lunan Bay: A Beach of Beauty and Legend 

Nestled between Montrose and Arbroath, Lunan Bay is a breathtaking stretch of golden sands beloved by both tourists and locals. Overlooking the bay stands the striking ruins of Red Castle, built by William the Lion, founder of Arbroath Abbey, and granted to Sir Walter de Berkeley in 1194.

Red Castle’s history is woven with fascinating tales. Among Sir Walter’s household were two devoted servants: Daniel Cajanus, a towering ten-foot giant, and Linicus Calvus, a three-foot-tall Swedish dwarf. Inseparable friends, they delighted guests at a castle feast when Linicus leapt from a giant pie carried to the table by the mighty Daniel.

Tragedy, however, struck when Daniel perished defending the castle during a Viking raid. Heartbroken, Linicus passed away shortly after, leaving their story etched in the legends of Red Castle.

Glamis Castle: Britain’s Most Haunted Castle 

Glamis Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, is famed not just for its stunning architecture but also for being Britain’s most haunted castle. Its storied halls echo with the presence of many spirits, none more infamous than the ghost of Earl Beardie – Alexander Lindsay, the 4th Earl of Crawford.

A man of notorious cruelty, Beardie led a violent attack on Arbroath Abbey in 1445, leaving a bloody trail of death on both sides. His wickedness extended to his own grounds, where he set his hounds upon a servant boy for the amusement of his guests. The boy’s tragic end left him as one of the many restless spirits haunting the castle.

Legend has it that one fateful Saturday evening, when Beardie’s guests ended a card game out of respect for the Sabbath, the Earl flew into a rage. Swearing he would play until doomsday if need be, he unwittingly summoned Satan himself. To this day, the shadow of the Earl is said to sit in a hidden room, locked in an eternal card game with his infernal opponent.

Caterthun Forts: Ancient Mysteries and Stunning Views 

Nestled in the Angus Glens north of Brechin, the Caterthun Forts – White and Brown Caterthuns – are extraordinary relics of Scotland’s ancient past. The White Caterthun, with its intricate drystone construction, and the turf-built Brown Caterthun showcase the ingenuity of early fort builders, while offering breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.

Legend surrounds the creation of these ancient strongholds. It is said a witch, using her apron to carry materials, flew up the hill to assist in building the walls. One day, her apron strings tore, and a massive stone fell to the ground just outside the fortifications. This boulder, located to the northwest of the fort, remains a fascinating feature of the site and is a prime example of a Bronze Age cup-marked rock.

Visit the Caterthun Forts to marvel at their history, explore their folklore, and soak in some of the finest vistas Angus has to offer.

Forfar Witches: A Dark Chapter in Angus History 

The tragic story of the Forfar witch trials of the 1660s is a sobering reminder of Scotland’s turbulent past. Over the course of just a few years, more than 40 men, women, and even children were swept up in a wave of witch hunt hysteria that gripped many Scottish towns during the 17th century.

Forfar, a small town at the time, was profoundly impacted by these brutal persecutions. At least 22 accused witches were publicly executed, their grim fate sealed by accusations of crimes such as destroying crops and ships with magic, consorting with Satan, and even cannibalism. These victims were strangled until near death before being burned in barrels of tar. Nearby towns like Brechin also bore witness to this dark period. A mass grave of charred human bones was discovered at Witchden Road during the construction of the now-demolished gasworks.

Today, visitors can honour the memory of these victims at a modest memorial north of Forfar Loch. The site is part of Forfar Country Park, a tranquil spot where you can enjoy sailing, birdwatching, and even glimpses of otters in the evening, offering a stark contrast to the sorrowful events of the past.

Glenesk: Adventure and Jacobite Legends 

Glenesk is a dream for walkers and mountain bikers, with stunning trails and the charming Glenesk Folk Museum. For history enthusiasts, the search for Balnamoon’s Cave adds intrigue.

The cave sheltered James Carnegy, 6th Earl of Balnamoon, a Jacobite fugitive after the Battle of Culloden. With a price on his head, he hid in Glen Mark, relying on loyal clanspeople for over a year. Captured and sent to London, Carnegy narrowly escaped execution, pardoned in 1748 due to mistaken identity.

Explore Glenesk for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and links to Scotland’s Jacobite past.

Kelpies: Angus’s Shape-Shifting Legends 

While the famous steel Kelpies near Falkirk draw crowds, few know that these malevolent, shape-shifting water spirits once roamed Angus.

In St Vigeans, a hamlet north of Arbroath, legend claims the church was built over a kelpie’s lair. Furious, the creature vowed to drag the church and its congregation to his watery domain. So fearful were locals that sacrament wasn’t celebrated there for years. In 1794, a crowd gathered, expecting the building’s dramatic collapse, only to be disappointed.

Another kelpie is said to have built the old bridge over the South Esk at Shielhill near Kirriemuir. Proud of his work, the kelpie left a grotesque carving of a horse’s head above the keystone, still visible from the east side of the bridge. The waters below, perfect for swimming, add a touch of beauty to this eerie tale.

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