Brechin
Map of this area

On the banks of the River South Esk, this small cathedral city developed around its original Celtic monastery at a convenient fording point. The city is known for its Round Tower and Cathedral.

Round Tower

View the tower from the churchyard. The Round Tower is one of two of the Irish type in Scotland and dates from c 1000. The 106ft structure (the spire is 14C) was originally free standing and may well have served as a belfry, look-out and place of refuge. The narrow doorway six feet above the ground is noteworthy for the carvings of ecclesiastics on the jambs and a Crucifixion above.

Cathedral

In the mid-12C David I was responsible for making the Celtic settlement the seat of a bishopric. Although the present church had its beginnings in the 13C it has been much altered since. The west doorway is, however, a good example of 13C work. The square tower alongside is 13C-15C. Inside, there are two early sculptured stones (St Mary Stone - north wall of chancel arch, and Aldbar Stone - west end of south aisle), both good examples of Pictish art. The hogback tomb is probably 11C. The stained glass is by such 20C masters as Douglas Strachan (War Memorial Window). Herbert Hendrie, Gordon Webster and William Wilson.

Aberlemno Stones

6 miles to the southwest of Brechin. The stones are boarded up in winter. The gently climbing road offers splendid views northwards over Strathmore and the winding South Esk. away to the ramparts of the Highland rim. The village has four Pictish sculptured stones dating from the 7C-9C AD. The one nearest to the village hall bears a cross with flanking angels and on the reverse, a hunting scene with Pictish symbols. Other examples of these enigmatic symbols are discernible on the roadside face of the eastern stone. A road to the left leads to the churchyard with its stone another outstanding example of this Aberlemno Dark Age art form. On one side a cross with intricate interlacing is flanked by intertwined beasts while on the second, a battle scene evolves full of vigour and movement.

Cairn o'Mount Road

This scenic road follows one of the most popular passages over the hills to Deeside. The historic pass was the main route north from Strathmore to Mar and Moray beyond. Not all who travelled the pass were drovers and whisky smugglers. Royalty and their armies also marched this way. Macbeth fled north to his final defeat, even Edward I negotiated it twice. However, seasoned veterans such as Montrose and Bonnie Dundee were more at ease in such difficult terrain.

Glen Esk

Go up the valley to reach The Retreat, which houses a Folk Museum. This gives a fascinating account of life in the glen, of the closeknit community, the people, their occupations and hobbies. The road continues up to just before the ruin of Invermark Castle, another Lindsay stronghold. There is then a footpath up past Loch Lee, the reservoir for Dundee. Continue along the foothills to Fettercairn.

Fettercairn

This red sandstone village has a certain charm, with its imposing arch to commemorate Queen Victoria's 1861 visit, and picturesque square. Take the Cairn o'Mount road.

Fasque

Built 1820-28. Fasque offers an insight into gracious living In Victorian times and in particular into the life of WE Gladstone (1809-98). statesman and four times Prime Minister. The well appointed "below stairs" and public rooms aptly reveal life in those days. The main feature of the house is the oval staircase. Twin flights rise to meet at the central landing which itself leads off into a series of matching oval-shaped halls linked by corridors. Fasque estate includes a commercial deer farm and part of the herd may sometimes be seen in the enclosure in front of the house.