Abbeys
in Angus.

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Angus

Arbroath's Round O and a round tower.

The old churches of Angus tell its early story. Arbroath Abbey, founded by William the Lion in 1178, is a red sandstone ruin with a great round window, the Round O, and it was here the Declaration of Arbroath was sealed in 1320. Brechin's medieval cathedral is still a parish church, with a round tower of about 1100 beside it and stained glass of the 20th century. Near Forfar, the ruined priory of Restenneth has a tower begun about the same time, where Robert the Bruce buried his young son. They sit close enough together to see in a single day.

Did you know18 hours ago

The great round window of Arbroath Abbey, in Angus, was once lit to guide sailors home.

The great window high in the south transept of the ruined abbey is known locally as the Round O. It was once lit up to guide sailors safely home.

Photograph: Brian McGrady on Google MapsSee Arbroath Abbey · Angus

From our guide16 hours ago

Restenneth Priory.

In the fields a mile and a half east of Forfar, the roofless church of Restenneth stands among its gravestones, its square tower topped by a slender spire. The lowest part of the tower goes back to around 1100, which makes this one of the oldest churches in Scotland, and there may have been one here earlier still. Later in the twelfth century it became a priory of Augustinian canons. Robert the Bruce buried his young son John here. A short path leads from the lane to the ruins, and you can wander them at any time.

See the place

From the magazine14 hours ago

Issue 13Autumn / Winter 2026-27

On Declaration Day at Arbroath Abbey, in Angus, the parade steps off at 13:20, a nod to the year 1320.

William the Lion founded the abbey in 1178, and it is forever linked to the Declaration of Arbroath, the letter to the Pope that was signed at the abbey in 1320. The visitor centre explains the letter in full, and a walk through the enormous ruins never fails to impress. On Declaration Day, 6 April 2027, the parade heads down the High Street to the harbour behind the pipe bands. Entry to the abbey is free all day, with stalls and music at Beacon Green. And no visit is complete without an Arbroath Smokie, haddock that has been wood-smoked in the town for generations.

See Arbroath Abbey · Angus

Did you know12 hours ago

Arbroath Abbey, in Angus, was founded by a captured king who wanted God on his side.

King William I of Scotland was taken by English forces at the very moment Henry II of England left Canterbury Cathedral, after praying at the shrine of Thomas Becket. William decided he needed to work harder to keep God with him, and in 1178 he founded a monastery at Arbroath. When he died in 1214, his son Alexander II helped carry his body to its grave in front of the high altar of the still unfinished church.

Photograph: Brian Edwards (Dino) on Google MapsSee Arbroath Abbey · Angus

Abbey of the day9 hours ago

Arbroath Abbey.

The red sandstone ruins of the abbey William the Lion founded in 1178, where the Declaration of Arbroath was sealed in 1320, with its great Round O window.

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Did you know3 hours ago

The Declaration of Arbroath was sealed at Arbroath Abbey, in Angus, on 6 April 1320.

The letter, sent to the Pope in the name of Scotland's nobles, asked him to recognise Scotland as an independent kingdom with Robert the Bruce as its king. It was sealed at the abbey, whose great round window still stands.

See Arbroath Abbey · Angus

From the magazine1 hour ago

Issue 13Autumn / Winter 2026-27

The Queen Mother, who grew up at Glamis Castle in Angus, was a frequent visitor to Newtonmill House near Brechin, and gave roses to its walled garden.

Today two cosy cottages on the 25-acre Newtonmill estate are let to guests, with traditional charm, modern comforts and a wood-burning stove for cold nights. Woodland, gardens and wildlife surround them, and it is about as peaceful a getaway as you'll find. Ask about a walk round the walled garden, and keep an eye out for red squirrels. Luke, Elaine and Adrian of Newtonmill suggest beginning a tour of Angus in Montrose, then visiting Brechin Cathedral, Arbroath Abbey and Glamis Castle, three places that tell the story of Scotland itself.

Read the full story in Issue 13

From our guideJust now

Brechin Cathedral.

Above the River South Esk in old Brechin, a grey sandstone cathedral stands among its gravestones, with a slender round tower at its west end. The tower was built around 1100, and it is one of only two of its kind left in Scotland, the other being at Abernethy. Look for its door, set high above the ground and framed by carvings of the crucified Christ, saints and crouching beasts. The cathedral was founded in the twelfth century and is still the town's parish church. Inside are a medieval font, Pictish stones and brilliant twentieth-century stained glass.