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Brechin Cathedral and its round tower beyond the old gravestones.
Angus

Brechin Cathedral

A medieval cathedral in Brechin, still a parish church, with one of Scotland's two round towers, built about 1100, and 20th-century stained glass.

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Welcome

Above the River South Esk in the old heart of Brechin, a grey sandstone cathedral stands among its gravestones, with a slender round tower rising beside its west end.

There has been a church here since a Culdee monastery of around 970; the cathedral was founded in the twelfth century, and it is still the town's parish church.

The round tower is older still, built around 1100 and one of only two of its kind left in Scotland; the other is at Abernethy. Its door is set high above the ground, framed by carvings of the crucified Christ, two saints and crouching beasts. It stood alone until 1806, when it was joined to the church.

Inside are a twelfth-century font, medieval carved stones and Pictish monuments, and windows of brilliant twentieth-century stained glass. The cathedral keeps its own hours.

Close byCaledonian RailwayA heritage railway running steam and diesel trains four miles from Brechin's old station to the Bridge of Dun, at weekends in summer.3 min by roadSee itThe green and cream station building of the Caledonian Railway at Brechin.
Before you go

The cathedral keeps its own opening times, on its site; the round tower is seen from the churchyard.

Where
Bishops Close, Brechin DD9 6EU.
The tower
About 1100, one of only two round towers in Scotland.
Where it is

In the old heart of Brechin, above the South Esk.

Close byBrechin.
  1. The stone buildings and pagoda-roofed kiln of Glencadam Distillery, Brechin.Glencadam DistilleryA distillery in Brechin since 1825, which opened a visitor centre with tours, tastings, a cafe and a whisky bar for its two hundredth year.Under a mile4 min by road
  2. The River South Esk running clear over rocks between wooded banks.River South Esk1 mile4 min by road
  3. Green sign reading "Garden Centre Coffee Shop" above a shop entrance with £1 pounder displaysBrechin Castle CentreA garden centre, coffee shop and seventy-acre country park at Haughmuir on the edge of Brechin, open every day.1 mile3 min by road
  4. Arbroath AbbeyArbroath AbbeyThe abbey where the Declaration of Arbroath was sealed in 1320.15 miles26 min by road
  5. The red-roofed kiln at Barry Mill in its wooded dell.Barry MillA working water mill of 1814 near Carnoustie.21 miles35 min by road
Directions
The green and cream station building of the Caledonian Railway at Brechin.AttractionsCaledonian Railway0.6 miles
Stone arched bridge spanning a wide river beneath a cloudy blue skyAttractionsBridge of Dun4.9 miles
Sandstone mansion with columned entrance, chimneys and flag against a cloudy skyAttractionsHouse of Dun5.4 miles
The Aberlemno serpent stone, a leaning slab carved with a serpent and symbols.AttractionsAberlemno Pictish Stones5.7 miles
Sinclair's Larder's purple shopfront and planted terrace on Edzell High Street.RestaurantsSinclair’s Larder6.0 miles
Rusted boat rests beneath the brick arches of a river viaductAttractionsMontrose Basin6.9 miles
Edzell Castle's red ruin and its walled garden seen from the air.AttractionsEdzell Castle7.1 miles
The North Esk tumbling through its wooded gorge among autumn leaves.WalksEdzell Blue Door Walk7.2 miles
Walker in yellow coat balances on frosty rocks beside a riverAttractionsRiver North Esk7.5 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the cathedral, and when each is next free.

Timber cabin with metal roof and decking surrounded by woodland treesNorth Lodge and River Cabin
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Banchory
  • 17 miles from Brechin Cathedral
Free 11–13 NovA stone farmhouse covered in climbing ivy stands behind a gravel drive, seen through overhanging pine branches.Cuttieshillock
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from Brechin Cathedral
Free 16–18 OctA stone cottage with dormer windows sits behind a low blue gate, a rose-covered archway framing the front door.Gamekeeper’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from Brechin Cathedral
Free 2–4 NovA stone steading with a slated pyramid roof and a chimney stands behind a green nameplate sign, a chair visible through the window.No 2 Steading Cottage at Glendye
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from Brechin Cathedral
Free 18–20 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AngusAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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