Arbroath

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May 23rd 2018

Published: May 25th 2018

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BillandSuesHighlandFling

Fishing boats

We arrived in Arbroath late Sunday afternoon 20th May. Arbroath (Aberbrothic) is a former royal burgh and the largest town in the council area of Angus in Scotland, with a population of around 24,000. It lies on the North Sea coast between Dundee and Aberdeen and is well known for its fishing.

It is also home to our lovely friends, Bob and Linda. We enjoyed their hospitality for the next three days. Again we were very fortunate to see the sights through the eyes of locals. The fishing boats in the harbour; the Abbey; the Murton Nature Reserve; Glamis Castle; Carnoustie Golf Course; eating Smokies down at Lunan Bay.

Arbroath had a thriving fishing industry for many, many years. With changing conditions, fish processing has remained at Arbroath but the fish now comes from Peterhead (further north).

Arbroath Abbey was founded by William the Lion in 1178, for a group of Tironensian Benedictine monks in memory of martyr Thomas Becket. The abbey remained one of the nation’s grandest monasteries for almost 400 years. It was William's only personal foundation — he was buried before the high altar of the church in 1214. Arbroath Abbey is famously associated with

Arbroath Abbey

Round O was originally lit up at night as a beacon for mariners.

the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320, which asserted Scotland's independence from England. There is some suggestion that this declaration inspired the American Declaration of Independence.

The Murton Nature Reserve is managed by the Murton Trust which provides an environment in which children, young people and adults can learn and develop skills for life. A favourite haunt of Bob and Linda’s and we enjoyed the walk and lunch very much. I also learnt a lot about plants and birds. Linda’s depth of knowledge is wonderful and Bob has a keen eye for bird life.

When I think of a ‘typical’ castle I will now think of Glamis Castle. It has been the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. It was the childhood home HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, her parents being Lord and Lady Glamis. Princess Margaret was born there - the first royal baby born in Scotland since 1600. The tour guide was very informative. The ghost stories and the legend of the secret room were fun to hear. Exhibits were of a personal nature eg. letters in Lilibet’s handwriting and family photographs. The ancient tapestries were well preserved and stunning.

Glamis Castle

We just had to check out Carnoustie Golf Course. They have been preparing for The Open for the past eight weeks and the event is still another eight weeks away. Most of the locals will move out!

Lastly eating smokies down at Lunan Bay. Arbroath is famous for its smoked fish. After a lovely lunch of smoked Atlantic salmon and salad we farewelled Linda & Bob Wed 23 May and headed up the coast to Aberdeen.

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