Location 1: Brechin Cathedral

Brechin Cathedral is an ancient Parish Church that has stood in this picturesque town for nearly 1,000 years.

The Round Tower that stands at the southwest corner of the church is one of only two of a kind in Scotland and dates from AD 1100.

Use the Visit Angus app to get a closer view of the cathedral’s beautiful stained glass windows using the 360° images.

• Location: 6 Church Street, Brechin, DD9 6EU

Location 2: Caledonian Railway

Visit Brechin’s Caledonian Railway next to take in the sights, smells, and that special feeling of sitting in a traditional coal or diesel-powered train as it gradually pulls away from the station.

The trains run along a four-mile branch line between Brechin and the countryside stop of Bridge of Dun, a former stopping place for royal trains.

During the 19th century, the small town of Brechin began to grow and become known for its produce, namely textiles and whisky. To allow the town to continue growing, a method of moving large quantities of materials in and out of the town was required.

Two methods of transport were suggested for the job; canals and railways. Due to the geography of Brechin and the River South Esk, building a canal was not feasible and so a railway line was constructed.

Originally built in 1848 as a branch line between Brechin and Bridge of Dun, Brechin station was expanded in 1885 to accommodate more passenger and freight trains.

However, due to increased competition from motor vehicles, the line closed to passenger services in 1952 but remained open to freight traffic until 1981. Today, Caledonian Railway is a classic and well-preserved railway – and one of the most popular attractions in Angus.

Enjoy the collection of classic locomotives and coaches, and shop for souvenirs at Brechin Station. This is an excellent volunteer-run destination and a long-standing local charity. All funds are reinvested into the restoration and preservation of the railway.

Many fantastic events run throughout the year at Caledonian Railway, including The Polar Express on selected dates in November and December. Events must be booked in advance.

• Location: 2 Park Road, Brechin, Angus, DD9 7AF
• Opening times and entry costs: Please check the Caledonian Railway website
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets

Location 3: Lunch at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch and delicious home baking at The Whistle Stop Café, situated on Platform 1 of Brechin Station. This charming family-run coffee shop sits within a historic station building at the Caledonian Railway.

The café offers a wide range of high quality, locally-sourced food, drinks, and home baking throughout the day.

Choose from a range of tasty light lunches, including soup, sandwiches, and toasties. Follow lunch with a slice of cake and a coffee, and you’ll be ready for the rest of the day.

• Location: The Station, Park Road, Brechin, Angus, DD9 7A
• Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets

Location 4: Glenesk Folk Museum

Spend an enjoyable and informative afternoon at The Glenesk Folk Museum. The museum is located near the small hamlet of Tarfside, a beautiful location within Glenesk, around 30 minutes from Brechin. It was once the site of a cottage built by Captain Wemyss in the 1840s as an escape from life at sea.

The museum was founded in 1955 by historian and local schoolteacher Margaret Fairweather Michie MBE, who wished to capture a way of life that was quickly disappearing. Today, you can enjoy a remarkable collection of over 30,000 artefacts that tell the story of Glenesk life and the local area. The museum is now a charity run by local volunteers.

Every object in the impressive collection tells a story, from the Bronze Age to the mid-20th century. The main displays on the ground floor change regularly and feature a wide range of fascinating items from irons and basket-hilted swords to bibles and bustles. You’ll find the temporary exhibitions on the upper floor.

Outside, there is a lovely woodland walk and nature trail around the grounds where you will come across their collection of ploughs and millstones and a beautiful sundial.

The museum’s location is also perfect for long walks among the stunning Glenesk hills.

• Location: Near Tarfside, Glenesk, Brechin DD9 7YT
• Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm
• Entry: Free (donations welcome)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with lift to upper floor

Location 5: Invermark Castle

Invermark Castle is an implausibly tall tower house dating back to the 1300s and built to guard the southern end of the strategic pass leading from Deeside.

It is an impressive and interesting structure. The growth of trees around the Water of Mark means it is remarkably invisible from the south east until you are very close to it.

The castle was built around 1526 by the Lindsay family, making use of an existing 14th century keep. It sheltered David Lindsay after he had killed Lord Spynie in Edinburgh (1607), following a long-standing quarrel; and also James Carnegie, Lord Balnamoon, who was being sought by government troops after the Battle of Culloden (1746).

There is no access to the castle interior, but the outside is impressive and worth a visit.

The castle stands at the end of the minor road to Glen Esk from Edzell. There is a car park near the parish church, followed by a short walk.

• Location: Edzell, DD9 7YZ

Location 6: Dinner at the Glenesk Hotel

The Glenesk Hotel offers a pleasant location for dinner. Based in the beautiful village of Edzell at the foot of the Angus Glens, this stately countryside hotel is just a ten-minute drive from Brechin.

The hotel’s Fairway Restaurant offers delicious, freshly prepared food that showcases some of the best local and Scottish producers.

And you can choose from over 900 malts, 200 gins, 80 rums, 70 vodkas, and a selection of ales and beers in the hotel’s 360* Bar.

The hotel achieved Visit Scotland’s Taste Our Best accreditation as recognition of its sourcing policy, and the quality of food and drinks served in the restaurant.

• Location: High Street, Edzell, DD9 7TF
• Opening times: Dinner served daily from 6pm to 9pm
• Accessibility: Partial disabled access with accessible parking and toilets

Location 1: Balmashanner War Memorial

Balmashanner War Memorial on Balmashanner Hill, known locally as “Bummie”, was built in 1920/1. A plaque above the entrance reads ‘Their name liveth for evermore. Erected in Memory of the men of Forfar and District who fell in the Great War 1914-18’. There’s also a roll call plaque on the wall inside.

The building was dedicated by Queen Mary on the 11th September, 1921 and comprises a square tower, with battlements and turret, built from local sandstone. It is a listed building, designed by T R Soutar, architect and constructed by Alexander Adamson and David Stewart.

On a clear day there are excellent views over Forfar, surrounding farmland, and the Valley of Strathmore to the Braes of Angus beyond.

• Location: Balmashanner Hill, Forfar, DD8 2LE
• Accessibility: Accessible on foot only, with some steep hills and uneven terrain

Location 2: Meffan Museum and Art Gallery

Continue the morning at the Meffan Museum and Art Gallery on West High Street, where you will learn more about the town, including the history of the  Forfar bridie and the story of the Forfar witches. You can also discover the mysterious Picts, thanks to the museum’s collection of enigmatic sculptured stones.

Enjoy a stroll down the museum’s recreation of an old, narrow cobbled street called The Vennel. Peer inside several traditional shops, including Peter Reid’s sweet shop, a clock maker’s workshop, a baker’s shop with bread and bridies on display, and a shoemaker’s where you can watch shoes being made and mended.

There is also a diverse range of impressive artwork on display in the gallery from local, national and internationally-renowned artists. 

• Location: 20 West High Street, Forfar DD8 1BB
• Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm 
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Full disabled access with lift to upper galleries

Location 3: Lunch at the Castle Club

Conveniently located in the town centre, the family-run Castle Club offers heart-warming homemade cooking using only the best in local produce.

Choose from a selection of delicious, freshly-cooked dishes from the exciting lunch menu full of traditional Scottish dishes and food with an international twist. There’s something for all tastes here, from fish dishes, homemade lasagne, and homemade steak pie to salads, chicken enchiladas and vegetable tortillas.

All the food is cooked on the premises and made with fresh local ingredients.

• Location: 100 Castle Street, Forfar, DD8 3HR
• Lunch service: Monday to Saturday – 12 noon to 2pm
• Accessibility: Steps with no disabled access

Location 4: Castle Hill

A Pictish fort with great views, Castle Hill is a hidden gem, especially if you enjoy Scottish history. 

The entrance is located on Forfar’s Canmore Street, off Castle Street. The gate is kept locked, but you can request a key from Mr Ali’s newsagent or the Chapter and Verse restaurant on Castle Street. There is nothing more exciting than collecting the key and letting yourself in to explore a true local hidden gem.

Reach the top of the quaint old cobbled lane, and you’ll be standing where King Malcolm Canmore built Forfar Castle in the 11th century. The castle was destroyed by King Robert Bruce in 1313 to save it from falling into English hands.

• Location: Access from Canmore Street, Forfar, DD8 3HT
• Opening times: Open daily
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: No wheelchair access due to steps. Prams and buggies could be carried to the top.

Location 5: Angus Archives

Based near Forfar’s Restenneth Priory, Angus Archives collects and preserves the written and photographic heritage of Angus. This collection is available to the public so you can discover their Angus roots and research your ancestors.

Visit the search room in Angus Archives to discover extensive photograph collections, a fascinating local history book collection, plans of buildings, and family histories. The team based in the archives have a comprehensive local knowledge and will be happy to help you.

Just a short walk from the archives, Restenneth Priory is a sacred place of enduring importance – the site of an ancient church that enjoyed royal favour. Robert the Bruce buried his young son Prince John here in the 1300s.

• Location: Hunter Library, Restenneth Priory, Forfar, DD8 2SZ
• Opening times:
  • Tuesday & Wednesday: 10am-4pm (by appointment only)
  • Thursday to Saturday: 10am-4pm
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Location 6: Restenneth Priory

Just a short walk from Angus Archives, you’ll find Restenneth Priory.

This is a sacred place of enduring importance – the site of an ancient church that enjoyed royal favour.

Alexander I had the annals of Iona transferred to this site in the 1100s, and Robert the Bruce buried his young son Prince John here in the 1300s.

Much of the church we see today dates from the 1200s.

• ​​​​Location: Brechin Road, Forfar, DD8 2SY
• Opening times: Open all year round
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Strong footwear recommended

Location 7: Dinner at Sinclair’s Kitchen

Set in the picturesque Angus countryside just outside Forfar, Sinclair’s Kitchen offers modern Scottish dining at its best. Enjoy a la carte dining in the elegant restaurant and hearty meals in the cosy bar.

The restaurant showcases some fantastic local produce, including wild game from the glens, Angus beef, locally-sourced fruit and vegetables, and some homegrown produce too. The chefs create flavourful dishes showcasing the best ingredients Angus has to offer.

There is a carefully-curated wine list, locally brewed ales from 71 Brewing of Arbroath, locally distilled Ogilvy potato vodka and flavoured gins from The Gin Bothy, Glamis and Black Thistle Distillery from nearby Brechin.

• Location: Foresters Seat, Arbroath Road, Forfar, DD8 2RY
• Opening times:
  • Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
  • Sunday: 12pm to 9pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets

Location 1: Airlie Monument

Take a scenic walk through picturesque Glen Prosen woodland to reach Airlie Monument on top of Tulloch Hill. The walk starts at a car park near the small village of Dykehead.

The Airlie Monument is a memorial to the ninth Earl of Airlie, Lord Lieutenant-Colonel David William Stanley Ogilvy, killed in the Boer War.

Once you have reached the top, you will enjoy a stunning 360-degree view, looking across to Glen Clova, Glen Prosen and south towards Kirriemuir and Forfar.

• Location: Tulloch Hill, Kirriemuir, DD8 4NF
• Accessible: The path is suitable for all abilities but can be steep at times

Location 2: Lunch at 88 Degrees

Conveniently located on the town’s high street, 88 Degrees serves custom-roasted coffee, homemade cakes and light lunches that include salads, soups and quiches.

Enjoy some unique and freshly-made lunch options like sourdough focaccia filled with prosciutto, brie, and mini yellow peppers or croissants filled with chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise.

Visitors recommend 88 Degrees for its quality coffee, tasty food, attentive staff, and friendly atmosphere.

• Location: 17 High Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BA
• Opening times:

Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 10am to 3pm

• Accessibility: Disabled access with accessible toilets

Location 3: Tayside Police Museum

The Tayside Police Museum is a small volunteer-run museum located in the existing police station on Reform Street. It’s one of only a few police museums in Scotland.

Here you can explore the history of policing in Dundee City, Perth & Kinross, and Angus from the early 1800s through to the 1980s.

Enjoy some unique and fascinating artefacts, including uniforms, equipment, weapons, as well as documents and photographs. There are displays dedicated to Special Constables, Awards & Medals, and the Police Pipe Band. You can also venture into the old prison cells and try on some of the costumes.

There is also an exhibit referencing the last person to be hanged in Dundee, William Henry Bury. He went to the gallows in 1889 for the murder of his wife. He claimed to be Jack The Ripper during his confession to the crime.

• Location: 15 Reform Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BS
• Opening times: Thursday to Saturday: 11am to 3pm
• Accessibility: Level access from the street and ground floor accessible toilets

Location 4: Engraved Paving at Cumberland Close

A short walk from 88 Degrees is a narrow passageway called Cumberland Close. Go up here and then you will see a number of engraved stones inset into the pavement.

The people the engraved slabs are dedicated to are – J M Barrie author, Bon Scott rock star, Sir Hugh Munro mountaineer, Sir Charles Lyell geologist, the Cameron family traditional Scottish Musicians, and the recipients of the Victoria Cross following World War 2.

These commemorations were all engraved by Bruce Walker, eminent local artist and stone sculptor.

• ​​Location: Cumberland Close, Kirriemuir, DD8 4EF

Location 5: Peter Pan Statue

Sir James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered as the author of Peter Pan. Barrie was raised in the town of Kirriemuir.

A statue of Peter Pan stands in Kirriemuir town centre to commemorate Barrie.

The original sculpture was erected in Glengate, Kirriemuir, in 1968. This original statue was later damaged, and a replacement was made by the original artist (Alistair Smart) and erected in its present position in the High Street in 1994.

• ​​Location: High Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BB

Location 6: Bon Scott Statue

Bon Scott, born in 1946, was raised in Kirriemuir in his early years before moving to Australia with his family in 1952 at the age of six. Bon Scott was the lead singer of hard rock band AC/DC and their 1979 album Highway to Hell reached the top twenty in the United States.

Artist John McKenna was contracted to create a statue of Bon. The life-sized bronze figure was unveiled in 2016, at the 10th anniversary of BonFest by former AC/DC bass player Mark Evans. The £45,000 cost of the sculpture was paid for by a crowdfunding campaign. Two scrolls containing the names of all who donated money are sealed at the bottom of the statue.

Now Bon Scott, who was raised in the town, watches over all who enter Kirriemuir, with a microphone in one hand and bagpipes in the other.

Come and take a selfie with the rock and roll legend.

• ​​Location: Bellies Brae, Kirriemuir, DD8 4EB

Location 7: Dinner at the Drovers Inn, Memus

Delicious Scottish bar food and fine dining await you in Memus, a small village within the heart of the beautiful Angus countryside, 10 minutes from Kirriemuir. A traditional inn with a special atmosphere, Drovers Inn offers rustic charm and character.

Enjoy up to four mouthwatering courses in the elegant dining rooms or a relaxing drink and something from the bar menu in the quaint and cosy bar with its fires and welcoming atmosphere. Popular dishes with locals and visitors include steak, monkfish, and cauliflower and red pepper curry.

With a passion for food and drink, the Drovers believe in exceptional service and hospitality, sourcing food locally and wherever possible from farms and producers they know and trust. The inn has a great wine list and some fine beers.

• Location: Memus, by Forfar, DD8 3TY
• Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets