Arbroath

Arbroath Abbey

The chief attraction is undoubtedly Arbroath Abbey, on Abbey Street, near the top of the High Street not far from the tourist office. Founded by William the Lion in 1178 (who's buried here), it went on to become one of the wealthiest monasteries in the country. It is also one of the most important sites in Scottish history. It was here, on 6 April 1320, that the Declaration of Arbroath (see National Archives document) was issued, asking Rome to reverse its excommunication of Robert the Bruce and recognize him as King, thus asserting Scotland's independence from England. Pope John XXII finally agreed to the claim four years later. You can buy copies of the declaration (the original is in Edinburgh) which contains the stirring words: "For so long as a hundred of us remain alive, we will yield in no least way to English dominion. For we fight, not for glory, not for riches, nor honour, but only for freedom, which no good man surrenders but with his life".

After the Reformation the abbey suffered badly and, like so many other important ecclesiastical buildings in Scotland, was used as a quarry for the building of the town. However, enough of the abbey survives to give you a good idea of just how magnificent it must have been; in particular the massive west front and the south transept (containing a circular window which was once lit up as a beacon to guide ships). In 1951 the Stone of Destiny found a temporary home here following its theft from Westminster Abbey by Scottish Nationalists. It was duly returned, where it stayed until its recent move to Edinburgh Castle.

Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1830, Sun 1200-1830; Oct-Mar Mon-Sat till 1630, Sun 1400-1630. Tel. 878756.

The Signal Tower Museum

Beside the harbour is the Signal Tower Museum, housed in the elegant Regency building that was once the shore base and family living quarters for the keepers of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, 12 miles offshore. The museum has some interesting local history displays, including re-creations of a fisherman's cottage and a schoolroom. Mon-Sat 1000-1700, also Sun 1400-1700 in Jul-Aug. Free. Tel. 875598.

St Vigeans

A mile northwest of the town centre is St Vigeans, where the red sandstone church is perched right on top of a hill in the centre of the village. Beside the hill is tiny St Vigeans Museum, which contains an excellent collection of Pictish and medieval carved stones.

Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1830, Sun 1400-1830. Free (collect the key from No 7). Historic Scotland webpage

Kerr's Miniature Railway

Kerr's Miniature Railway, the oldest miniature railway in Scotland situated  in West Links Park Arbroath dates back to 1935. It runs a 1/2 mile ride along Arbroath's seafront on a scale 260 mm gauge line. It has 6 engines of which two are steam engines. The original owner, Matthew Kerr (senior) had managed it as a commercial business but since 1979 his son Matt Ker is running it as a non-profit concern by Matt with the help of a small group of volunteers.

Opening times: Weekends April to end of September and both Easter and summer local school holidays. 11am to 4pm. Tel : 01241 874074/879249 see website