Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
early 19th century. If you fancy trying one, head for
James McLaren & Son
(
01382-462762; 8 The Cross,
Forfar; 8am-4.30pm Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat, 8am-1pm Thu)
, a family bakery bang in the centre of Forfar, which
has been selling tasty, home-baked bridies since 1893.
Sights
Arbroath Abbey
(HS; Abbey St; adult/child £5.50/3.30; 9.30am-5.30pm Apr-Sep, to 4.30pm Oct-Mar)
The magnificent, red-sandstone ruins of Arbroath Abbey, founded in 1178 by King Willi-
am the Lion, dominate the town centre. It is thought that Bernard of Linton, the abbot here
in the early 14th century, wrote the famous Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, asserting
Scotland's right to independence from England. You can climb to the top of one of the
towers for a grand view over the town.
ABBEY
St Vigeans Museum
(HS; 01241-878756; St Vigeans Lane; adult/child £4.50/2.70)
About a mile north of
the town centre, this cottage museum houses a superb collection of Pictish and medieval
sculptured stones. The museum's masterpiece is the
Drosten Stone
, beautifully carved
with animal figures and hunting scenes on one side, and an interlaced Celtic cross on the
other (look for the devil perched in the top left corner). Phone ahead to check opening
hours.
MUSEUM
MUSEUM
Signal House Museum
(Ladyloan; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat year-round, plus 2-5pm Sun Jul & Aug)
This museum
is housed in the elegant Signal Tower that was once used to communicate with the con-
struction team working on the Bell Rock Lighthouse 12 miles offshore. There are displays
dedicated to Arbroath's maritime heritage and the Bell Rock Lighthouse, which was built
between 1807 and 1811 by the famous engineer Robert Stevenson (grandfather of writer
Robert Louis Stevenson).
