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Home > Visit Angus > Towns & Villages > Brechin
Heading inland, almost on the northern boundary of Angus, lies the ancient Cathedral City of Brechin (population: 7,900).
The Royal Burgh of Brechin has a long and venerable history, and is famous for its tall eleventh century round tower which is one of only two such towers surviving in Scotland, the others are in Ireland. Although the burgh does not have a city charter, it has always held the title thanks to having been the seat of the Diocese of the Roman Catholic church in the area, in pre-Reformation times.
The tower originally stood alone, but is now part of Brechin Cathedral. The Cathedral itself is an interesting and important landmark, with beautiful stained glass, and much of its medieval masonry and craftsmanship intact.
Brechin's religious role is still in evidence today with the Cathedral serving worshippers as the parish church.
The town has seen both boom and bust, several times over, during the centuries. It was doing especially well in the period to about 1350. But then it was hit by a double disaster. First the Black Death struck. Then, allegedly through misunderstanding, the town erected a Mercat Cross, a privilege reserved to Royal Burghs. This was such a serious misdemeanour that its rights to hold a market, which were legitimate, were withdrawn.
The 1400s saw the return of the market and considerable wealth that lasted through the following century. But in 1648 the bubonic plague struck again, killing two thirds of the population.
Brechin During the Industrial Revolution
It was the nineteenth century that saw the real growth of Brechin, based largely on textiles. By 1870 there were four major mills in the town, three with power looms. Between them they employed around 1,400 people. 1895 saw the arrival of the Caledonian Railway, and in the meantime brewing and distilling assumed considerable importance in the local economy. The brewing has since long gone, but one distillery survives in the town, Glencadam.
Pictavia
Pictavia, located in the grounds of the Brechin Castle Centre, offers a glimpse into Angus's Celtic past. Visitors will discover the story of Scotland's ancient Pictish tribes, the warrior people who lived in Scotland nearly 2,000 years ago.
Caledonian Railway Steam Trains
Railway enthusiasts can enjoy a trip on the steam trains which run from the restored Caledonian Railway Station in Brechin, and the Wayside Station at Bridge of Dun (close to the Jacobite mansion, House of Dun).
Today, Brechin hosts the lively Brechin Arts Festival in September each year, when classical, folk and contemporary music, exhibitions, street theatre and community events attract visitors and locals.
The village of Edzell lies to the north of Brechin and is entered through an imposing 19th century memorial archway.
A little to the west of the village lies the ruined Edzell Castle and its 17th century walled garden.
