This portion of our directory focuses on Arbroath, the largest town in the council area of Angus, Scotland.
Known in Scottish Gaelic as Obar Bhrothaig, Arbroath is a former royal burgh. It is on the North Sea coast, approximately sixteen miles east-northeast of Dundee and about forty-five miles south-southwest of Aberdeen. The town lies at the mouth of the Brothock Burn, which flows through its centre.
Arbroath is surrounded by several notable villages and towns. To the north is the village of St. Vigeans, known for its ancient church and Pictish stones. To the south and west is the parish of Arbirlot, a rural area with picturesque landscapes. The small fishing village of Auchmithie is about three miles north-east of Arbroath, famous for its historical connection to the Arbroath Smokie.
The town's geological landscape is dominated by the dramatic red sandstone cliffs, formed during the Devonian period, and made of river-lain sandstones and conglomerates dating back 410 to 370 million years. The cliffs feature various natural formations such as the Needle E's, Mermaid's Kirk, and Deil's Heid, shaped by the power of the wind over many years.
Arbroath's history dates back to the Neolithic period, with signs of early settlements found near Douglasmuir. The town's recorded history began with the founding of Arbroath Abbey in 1178 by King William the Lion. The abbey, dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket, played a significant role in Scotland's medieval history, including the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, a document asserting Scotland's independence.
During the Industrial Revolution, Arbroath experienced significant growth, becoming a centre for flax, jute, and sailcloth production. The construction of a new harbor in 1839 further boosted the town's economy, making it one of Scotland's larger fishing ports by the 20th century.
Arbroath boasts several attractions, the most prominent being Arbroath Abbey, where visitors can explore its ruins. The Seaton Cliffs offer coastal walks with views of unique geological formations, the Signal Tower Museum highlights the town's maritime heritage, and the Arbroath to Auchmithie Coastal Path offers scenic hiking opportunities.
Other notable sites include the Declaration of Arbroath Monument, the picturesque Arbroath Harbour, and the historic Hospitalfield House. The town is also famous for the Arbroath Smokie, a traditional smoked haddock that can be sampled at local smokehouses.
Historically, the town's economy was driven by fishing, while the Industrial Revolution brought diversification with the growth of the flax, jute, and sailcloth industries. In the 19th century, the town also became known for its engineering and shipbuilding industries.
Today, its economy is driven by a mix of traditional and modern industries. Fishing and the production of the Arbroath Smokie remain important, while engineering, oil-related industries, and tourism remain significant.
Arbroath is home to some notable educational institutions catering to residents, such as Arbroath Academy and Arbroath High School.
Old & Abbey Parish Church is a historic site that has served the community for centuries, while St. John's Methodist Church was founded by John Wesley in 1772, making it one of the oldest Methodist churches in Scotland. Other churches include St. Andrews and Arbroath West Kirk.
Arbroath is not without sports and recreational programmes. The Arbroath Sports Centre is a hub for physical activity. It features a six-lane swimming pool, two games halls, two gyms, squash courts, and a multi-purpose studio, along with outdoor facilities, including football pitches and an athletics track.
The Arbroath & District Athletics Club provides training and development opportunities for athletes aged eight and above, and the Saltire Sports Centre offers a wide range of fitness activities, including exercise classes, a gym, and racquet sports.
As the focal point of this category is Arbroath, Scotland, online resources representing governmental entities within the town, as well as local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, libraries, museums, art galleries, sports and recreational programmes, organisations, festivals, concerts, and other events are appropriate for this category.
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The volunteer-run theatre company in Arbroath, Scotland, stages around six shows yearly, including a popular pantomime at Christmas and other productions, ranging from comedies and murder mysteries to farces and fairy tales. Located on Abbot Street, the theatre has a 79-seat auditorium. Current, past, and upcoming productions are highlighted, along with other events, adult and youth memberships, contacts, and a seating plan. The history of the theatre is included.
https://theabbeytheatre.co.uk/
Featured by Historic Environment Scotland, a non-departmental public body responsible for investigating, caring for, and promoting Scotland's historic environment, Arbroath Abbey was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion, falling into ruin after the Scottish Reformation. The abbey grounds and visitor centre, including an exhibition area, shop, and toilets are accessible. Opening times, prices, tickets, and its history are listed, and its location is shown on a map.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/arbroath-abbey/
The Arbroath Football Club was formed in 1878, playing its home matches at Gayfield Park in Arbroath, Scotland. Nicknamed the Red Lichties, the semi-professional Scottish football club plays in the Scottish League One. A year-to-year history of the club is provided on the website, which includes its men's and women's teams, management, club officials, staff, and Club Ambassadors. Tickets may be purchased online, and games may be viewed online by subscription.
https://www.arbroathfc.co.uk/
The Arbroath Festival celebrates culture and community in Arbroath, Scotland. It features a variety of events, including artistic performances, workshops, and heritage events. The website features several photographs of past events, along with a schedule of activities for the upcoming festival, introductions to participating artists and presenters, and information about the New Scriptorium, an artist-designed and built structure to be placed on the Abbey grounds.
https://arbroathfestival.com/
Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1877, updated by Willie Fernie in 1907, and re-designed by James Braid in 1931, the traditional links golf course features dunes that run the length of the course on the seaward side and more than seventy bunkers. At the end of the round, overlooking the 18th green is a lounge and beer garden. An introduction to the Club is provided, along with a course guide, membership packages, visitor packages, competitions, lessons, and online tee bookings.
https://www.arbroathgolfcourse.co.uk/
Hospitalfield is an arts centre and historic structure in Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. Constructed as a country home, it is believed to be Scotland's first school of fine art and the first art college. It is named for a hospital founded on the site in the 13th century by monks from Arbroath Abbey. Dedicated to contemporary art today, Hospitalfield is a place to work, study, learn, and visit. Information on touring the facility, its programmes, heritage, and art residencies are featured.
https://hospitalfield.org.uk/
Inchcape is a global provider of port agency, marine services, and digital solutions. It offers a range of services, including cargo agency, crew logistics, husbandry, transits, dry docking, bunker calls, and protective agency, with operations spanning more than sixty countries. In addition to its global services, Inchcape also provides commercial safety and workboat contracts, sea angling, and fishing trips from Arbroath on the East Coast of Scotland. Photos and contacts are provided.
https://www.fishingarbroath.co.uk/
The family-run business, established in 1972, is located in Arbroath, Scotland. It offers a wide range of gardening products, including plants, compost, and garden furniture. The site features a catalog of furniture, other products, special offers, and gift vouchers. Purchases can be made for local delivery or store pickup, and its brands are highlighted. The website provides its address, hours of operation, telephone number, and an online contact form, and a newsletter is available.
https://www.silverwellsplantnursery.com/
Visit Arbroath - Smokies and the Declaration of Arbroath
Published on "Restless Feet," a travel website, on October 21, 2023, the article covers the Scottish fishing town on the coast, just north of Dundee, with emphasis on its two chief attractions: the Arbroath Smokie and the ancient Arbroath Abbey where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed, one of the first formal statements of Scottish independence. The Arbroath Smokie is produced from small fresh haddock, prepared using a traditional method dating back about a thousand years.
https://restlessfeet.com/arbroath/
