Experience the best of and the surrounding area Welcome to Arbroath

EVENTS ACCOMMODATION FOOD AND DRINK WHAT’S ON TRANSPORT THINGS TO SEE AND DO Visit Angus www.visitangus.com Traveline www.travelinescotland.com 0871 200 22 33 GENERAL INFORMATION

Angus Council www.angus.gov.uk 08452 777 778 EMERGENCY SERVICES

Tayside Police 999 (Emergency) 101 (Non Emergency) Arbroath is an ancient port Tayside Fire and Rescue 999 (Emergency) with origins dating back to

HEALTH Pictish times.

Minor Injuries Unit Arbroath Infirmary Arbroath or Aberbrothock (Scottish Rosemount Road Gaelic: Obair- Bhrothaig which Arbroath DD11 2AT translates literally as at the mouth of 01241 872584 the Brothock) is a former royal burgh GP SURGERIES and the largest town in the county of Abbey Health Centre Angus. East Abbey Street Arbroath DD11 1EN Arbroath was a busy fishing port until 01241 872692 the decline of the fishing industry, www.theabbeypractice.org/ however there are still some small Springfield Medical Centre boats which catch fresh crabs, lobsters 30 Ponderlaw Street Arbroath and other shellfish which are sold in DD11 1ES the various fish merchants in the town. 01241 870307 www.springfieldeastmedicalcentre.scot.nhs.uk www.springfieldwest.co.uk Arbroath is situated on the North Sea Arbroath Medical Centre coast, around 17 miles north-east 7 Hill Place of Dundee and 51 miles south of Arbroath DD11 1AD Aberdeen. 01241 431144 www.arbroathmedicalcentre.co.uk

NHS24 111 Citizens Advice Bureau 11-17 Millgate Arbroath DD11 1NN 01241 870661 www.cas.org.uk/bureaux/angus-citizens-advice-bureau-arbroath Photos courtesy of Wallace Ferrier

The town is internationally famous as the home of the Declaration of Explore the Arbroath Area Arbroath, the statement of Scottish Independence signed by the nobility Arbroath is set in a rural area and has in the 14th Century. many picturesque villages to explore. , , , The ruins of this world famous abbey and to name a few. is paramount to the Declaration and The outlying villages are very picturesque remains a key Scottish tourist attraction and worth visiting even if only for the today. America celebrates National photo opportunities. Tartan Day on the 6th April every year to commemorate the Scottish St Vigeans has in its centre an old Declaration of Independence from picturesque church, which must be said is which the American Declaration of not for the faint hearted as it is set on top Independence was modelled. of a hill. The village has its own museum and is well worth a visit. Why not try your hand at singing in Auchmithie has its own seafood restaurant the famous Sacristy Room more often with people coming from miles around to known as “the echo Chamber” at eat there. Arbroath Abbey.

Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier 4 | www.angusahead.com www.angusahead.com | 5

Wherever you choose to rest your head, visitors to the area can be assured of the warmest of welcomes.

Accommodation The Old Brewhouse Food and drink Did you know? The Arbroath area is easy to reach from ’s main Food & drink served 7 days You will find there is a wonderful choice of restaurants, cafes and The Arbroath Smokie originated in centres of population, north and south, and has a a week in a friendly, cosy takeaways in the Arbroath area - ranging from fine dining experiences the small fishing village of wealth of places to stay, suited to all pockets and needs. atmosphere. to homely tea shops, and from traditional Scots cooking to the Auchmithie, three miles north-east delicious delights of Chinese, Indian or Italian cuisine. Traditional pubs of Arbroath. Luxurious country house hotels and stunning self- Ensuite bedrooms with views of the sea and harbour. complement modern bars all around the area, and many a good pub catering lodges with leisure facilities, friendly meal is served with a very warm welcome. Towards the end of the 19th Century, 1-3 High Street, Arbroath guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments - as Arbroath's fishing industry died, the Tel: 01241 879945 Some famous dishes and foods orginate from Angus, and perhaps the there is plenty of choice for the discerning traveller www.oldbrewhousearbroath.co.uk Town Council offered the fisherfolk from looking for accommodation in the area. most famous is the traditional Arbroath Smokie. These wood-smoked Auchmithie land in an area of the town haddock are a delicacy that should not be missed. A culinary delight known as the fit o' the toon. It also Lovers of the great outdoors can choose from a variety exclusive to the area, the Smokie is protected under European Law as offered them use of the modern harbour. of campsites and caravan parks in the Arbroath area. a ‘Protected Much of the Auchmithie population then Aqua-Detox Geographical Wherever you choose to rest your head, visitors to the relocated, bringing the Arbroath Smokie Indication’, with the area can be assured of the warmest of welcomes. A unique, alternative way to natural health recipe with them. TRANSPORT LINKS same regard as that Colon Hydortherapy, face and body treatments, massage, hot stone massage, indian massage, Fake Bake spray and cream maintained for Parma In 2004, the European Commission Arbroath is an easy to reach town from the tanning, microdermabrasion, waxing, nail enhancements, eyelash Ham and champagne. registered the designation "Arbroath main cities and towns in Scotland. extensions, eyelash lifting and tinting, waxing, manicures and Smokies" as a Protected Geographical pedicures, shellac and minx nails. A real Smokie Indication under the EU's Protected 2 Keptie Street, Arbroath, DD11 1RG Arbroath has good public transport To Aberdeen T: 01241 870211 / E: [email protected] is only from Food Name Scheme, acknowledging its system with a main bus station and www.aqua-detox-arbroath.co.uk unique status. a rail station. Both the bus station Arbroath! ANGUS A92 To Inverness and the rail station are only a few Making Arbroath Smokies Montrose minutes walk from the High Street Blairgowrie A92 Dunkeld and the Westport. A90 Coupar A92 Arbroath A9 Angus Dundee Arbroath has a good public bus transport system, A94 The local bus service not only A90 with the Arbroath Bus Station serving as the town's Perth main terminus. Stagecoach Strathtay and Travel offers links to all areas of the town, A9 A92 A91 but also to the outlying villages To Glasgow Wishart (part of National Express) operate most of the local services, with most rural services operated and even further afield to Montrose, M90 Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth. by Stagecoach Strathtay.

The rail station offers regular trains both Arbroath has one railway station, a short walk from Edinburgh the bus station, with regional train services to the TM to the North (Aberdeen and beyond), the © Maps in Minutes 2010 South (Newcastle, London and beyond), east coast of Scotland, Edinburgh, Perth and the East (Dundee, Leuchars, Edinburgh and Glasgow, whilst intercity services operate to beyond) and the West (Perth, Glasgow and destinations in England such as Newcastle, beyond). Transport links Birmingham, York and London. Passenger services at Arbroath are provided by First ScotRail, Arbroath is served by the which connects The nearest airport is the regional airport at Dundee, with international CrossCountry Trains and National Express East the city to Dundee and Fife to the south-west, and airports in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow all of which are within a Coast. Stonehaven in the north-east. The A92 joins the 30 minute to 2 hour drive away. A90 north of Stonehaven and leads to Aberdeen The nearest airport is located in Dundee. Dundee further north. The A92 is dual carriageway from the has a regional airport which offers commercial southern outskirts of Arbroath to the northern flights to London City Airport five times a week. outskirts of Dundee and the A92 proceeds through The airport has a 1,400 metre runway capable of Dundee before crossing the Tay estuary into Fife via serving small aircraft and is located 3 kilometres the Tay Road Bridge. The A90 can also be reached west of the city centre, adjacent to the River Tay. ACCOMMODATION at Dundee, heading both north (to Aberdeen) and The nearest major international airports are in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Arbroath offers a wealth of places to stay ands ocatersuth (t oto P allert hbudgets. and Edi n bThereurgh ).is everything from self catering holiday flats, Bed & Breakfast, Hotels, and Caravan Parks, etc. all within walking distance of the town centre.

No matter the accommodation you choose you are always assured of a very warm welcome to Arbroath.

To help you find the accommodation you are looking for, why not browse the Visit Angus website and see the accommodation that is on offer in Arbroath. www.visitangus.com/where-stay FOOD AND DRINK Arbroath has a number of places to eat and drink and you will never go hungry. The town has something for everyone, from good old fashioned fish and chips to something more upmarket Arbroath has it all. There are plenty of cafes in the town centre and the Westport offering everything from a cup of coffee to an afternoon tea and everything in between.

There are plenty of pubs offering pub food, and most of these also cater for children, as well as restaurants offering traditional Scottish and British fare to Thai, Italian, and Indian options too. There are plenty of takeaway’s for your enjoyment and there is always the ‘Red Lichties’ favourite of fresh fish and chips from one of the many chip shops whilst sitting at the harbour on a sunny day. Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier ARBROATH IS FAMOUS FOR ITS SOFT FRUIT GROWING AND THE ARBROATH SMOKIE. Arbroath Smokies are highly recommended even outside of the UK and are at their best when fresh from the barrel (the smoking process). Any of the fish merchants in the town will tell you, when that days batch will be ready. Smokies are wood smoked haddock which are exclusive to the area and should not be missed. Smokies are protected under European Law, so be sure to look out for Arbroath Smokies up and down the country and further afield (remember it’s only genuine when it says “Arbroath Smokies”)

Soft fruits grown in Arbroath are widely acknowledged to be amongst the best in the country. Where you will see plenty of fruit farms in and around the town and can find all the locally grown soft fruits in all the major supermarkets and shops in the town. THINGS TO SEE AND DO SALTIRE PLACES TO VISIT LEISURE CENTRE A purpose built facility in Arbroath that SHOPPING can accommodate a wealth of sporting and leisure activities for all abilities and Arbroath has 2 main shopping areas the High Street age groups. This includes a sauna, steam and the Westport. Both offer a varied selection of room, games halls, fitness suite, crèche family run businesses where you are sure of a warm and many exercise classes and sports for welcome and the personal touch. The high street is all abilities and age groups. home to some well-known retailers. There are plenty of cafes on the High Street and Westport for much Tel: 01241 438290/438291 needed refreshments, during your shopping trip. [email protected]

ARBROATH SPORTS CENTRE Arbroath Sports Centre - is a multipurpose facility with a 6 lane swimming pool with toddler area, a fitness suite, squash courts, multipurpose studio area. Outdoors there are football pitches, athletics facilities and a synthetic pitch for hockey, football and other sports. There is a vast adult fitness programme which includes many different fitness classes for all abilities. Photo courtesy of Tel: 01241 438190 Wallace Ferrier [email protected]

GOLF – ARBROATH ARTISAN GOLF CLUB One of the finest links courses in the area situated between the north sea and farm- land on the west side of the town. A Tom Morris design in 1877, Arbroath Golf Course is a testing links course with plenty of character to provide any visitor with a memorable experience. Tel: 01241 872069 www.arbroathgolfcourse.co.uk Photo courtesy of Visit Angus

LETHAM GRANGE GOLF CLUB Opened by Sir Henry Cotton in 1987 and has two courses – The Old Course designed by Donald Steel and the Glens Course which opened in 1992. Considered as one of the finest inland golf courses in Scotland, it is a good test of any golfers ability. Tel: 01241 890373 www.lethamgrangegolfclub.co.uk ARBROATH HERITAGE TRAIL Starting at the harbour, this is a 1 hour 30 minute heritage trail that will take you on a journey through the historical delights of Arbroath’s significant past. Download the Arbroath heritage trail and discover the fascinating history of this coastal town at: www.visitangus.com/arbroath-heritage-trail SEATON CLIFFS NATURE TRAIL This beautiful walk along the Arbroath coastline is easy to follow and will take your breath away. Taking just under two hours, this nature trail follows the contours of the red sandstone cliffs, home to an abundance of sea bird species including puffin, guillemots, razorbill, eider duck and of course the seagull. If you would like to get an even closer look, you can take a boat trip or even a fishing trip from Arbroath Harbour. Photo courtesy of Contact Arbroath Angling on 01241 875453 Visit Angus or www.arbroathangling.co.uk AUCHMITHIE/NATURE TRAIL You can extend the Seaton Cliffs walk to Auchmithie village. Cross Carlinghuegh Bay, or Seaton Den, and pick up a new path, which follows the clifftop all the way. When you reach Auchmithie it is well worth taking time to follow steps down to the old harbour, which is set in a spectacular bay surrounded by high cliffs. A bus service is available to take you back to Arbroath. Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier ST VIGEANS NATURE TRAIL From the town centre you can follow the Brothock Burn through (the “Dammie”) to the historic village of St Vigeans, where an ancient river crossing is overlooked by a picturesque church. The church enjoys a fine position atop a steep grassy mound; it stands on a site of a monastery which was founded in 700AD. Below it are a row of picturesque cottages, two of which Photo courtesy of Visit Angus house a museum of the pictish stones which were found there. (Pictured left) KEPTIE POND Arbroath’s Keptie Pond is overlooked by the Water Tower which was built in 1885 by Archibald Anderson to a design by W. Gillespie Lamont that sits proudly on the Keptie Hill. This location is a lovely place to sit and have a picnic or why not watch the many species of wildlife present around the pond or admire the local flora and fauna. Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier To Montrose

A92 To Brechin & Forfar

Hamilton Green Arbroath Abbey

Supermarket

Abbey Theatre High Street Shopping

Lordburn

Abbeygate Shopping Centre

Police To Keptie pond & College Library

Supermarket

Catherine Street

Westport Village Shopping

TOILET To Cliffs

Market Place High Street A92

Webster Theatre

To Cliffs

Smokies

To Town Centre Fit o the Toon

Harbour Marina

Signal Tower Mueseum

To caravans, amusements, childrens play areas, hospital, cinema and Hospitalfield House To Montrose

A92 To Brechin & Forfar

Hamilton Green Arbroath Abbey

Supermarket

Abbey Theatre High Street Shopping

Lordburn

Abbeygate Shopping Centre

Police To Keptie pond & College Library

Supermarket

Catherine Street

Westport Village Shopping

TOILET To Cliffs

Market Place High Street A92

Webster Theatre

To Cliffs

Smokies

To Town Centre Fit o the Toon

Harbour Marina

Signal Tower Mueseum

To caravans, amusements, childrens play areas, hospital, cinema and Hospitalfield House ARBROATH SIGNAL TOWER MUSEUM

Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier Photo courtesy of Visit Angus

Situated next to the harbour is the Signal Tower museum. This is well worth a visit with or without children and depicts the maritime history of Arbroath. The signal tower was built by Robert Stevenson in 1813, and was used as the shore lighthouse and family accommodation for the Bellrock lighthouse. It was decommissioned in 1955 and turned in to a museum in 1974. The Signal Tower was refurbished in 2011 and has a collection of permanent displays. ARBROATH ABBEY Famous for the Declaration of Arbroath, the statement of Scottish Independence signed by the nobility in the 14th Century can be found here. The Abbey has one of the most complete Abbot’s Houses remaining. Don’t forget about the “Echo Chamber” children will have great fun with the echoes or if you are a bit more adventurous why not have a go at singing in there. The Abbey has a visitor’s centre and holds regular events and exhibitions. Tel: 01241 878756 www.historicenvironment.scot Photo courtesy of Visit Angus WEBSTER MEMORIAL THEATRE This is a 500 capacity theatre and has regular productions throughout the year, the theatre has hosted The Drifters, Billy Conolly Some of the stars from Strictly Come Dancing to name but a few. The theatre offers plays, music, dance, comedians and much more. Photo courtesy of Tel: 01241 435800 Wallace Ferrier www.webstertheatre.co.uk ABBEY THEATRE Abbey Theatre club boasts a 79 seater auditorium and regularly has various productions on throughout the year. The club is run by volunteers and is solely funded through its productions and fund raising. They have something for everyone from comedies to fairy tales and even panto! So best to book your tickets early for this popular theatre. Tel: 01241 876420 Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier theabbeytheatre.org VICTORIA PARK Is situated to the east of the town, and has a small rocky beach where you can start your cliff top walk. Adjacent to the beach and car park is a large grassy area which is ideal for picnics and Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier having a game of football or rounder’s. GAYFIELD PARK Fancy watching a game of football? Then head to Gayfield Park on a match day and support the local football team Arbroath FC. The stadium is situated on the southern edge of the town and only 5 metres from the sea. The ground has a capacity of 4,125 where the current stand was opened in 2002 and seats 725 spectators. Strong winds can often be felt at Gayfield Park, so remember to bring some Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier extra layers. www.arbroathfc.co.uk HOSPITALFIELD HOUSE Is a beautiful country house dedicated to the arts. The trust offers residences for artists and house a collection of paintings and papers , which give a valuable history about the art and hospitalfield house. The house was originally a leprosy and plague hospice and was founded in the mid 13th century. Hospitalfield is set in its own grounds and is well worth a vist. Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier hospitalfield.org.uk WEST LINKS This is a popular spot with families with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. There is an adventure play park which is popular with all age groups which gets very busy when the weather is good. The park is situated right next to the beach so remember to bring your bucket and spade. There is also an outdoor paddling pool right next the playpark.

West links is also home to a pitch and putt, mini racing cars and Kerr’s miniature railway, crazy golf and a skate park. If the weather is not so good there is Jumping Joeys soft play centre and Pleasureland.

If you are keen on walking there is a footpath which takes you all the way to Easthaven, just carry on walking on the path next to the beach heading away from the playpark. Easthaven is around 4.5 miles away. JUMPING JOEYS PLEASURELAND Jumping Joeys is a great place for the Located on the west links, Pleasureland is kids to enjoy themselves. There is a the largest indoor funfair and amusement giant 4 lane Astra slide, tube slides, ball arcade in the area with many games, shower, ball cannons, spider tower and rides and slots for all the family to enjoy much more including an outside play whatever the weather. area and a large baby only area too. 01241872730 01241431000 THE “ARBROATH ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS POST MUSEUM” A hidden gem in Arbroath this museum is a privately owned repository museum which is dedicated to the preservation of the reinforced underground bunker showing its operational ready state should a nuclear attack have been made on the Uk during the Cold War. To visit please call: 07791395976 or email: [email protected] Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier THE ARBROATH MARKET The Arbroath Market is held along the pedestrian precinct of the High Street every two months, with lots of local food produce, drink and crafts available to purchase. This is an excellent event bringing the wide range of fantastic food, drink and craft items to one location in the heart of the town centre. Details about all upcoming market events, can be found via the ‘Arbroath Market’ facebook page.

ARBROATH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET Christmas is a special time of year, so why not bring all the family for an evening full of fun and entertainment. Why not listen and watch the Local theatre and activity organisations that perform on the night, or have a go on the fairground rides, before the switch on of the Christmas tree in Kirk Square in the town centre. Let’s not forget a special appearance from Santa himself, an opportunity for the kids to hand their Christmas letter to Santa. There is a lovely Christmas craft market event with a lovely Victorian atmosphere held in Market Place just down from Kirk Square, with lots of Victorian crafts and food stalls to purchase your Christmas gifts for the family. Details can be found on the “Arbroath Christmas Lights” facebook page or by contacting Arbroath and District Community Council on the details on the back page of this booklet. CHALMERS FILMHOUSE Chalmers Filmhouse is a multi screen cinema on Queens Drive along the seafront of Arbroath with all the latest films available to watch for all the family to enjoy. One screen has large sofas on tiers to provide that comfort and relaxation whist watching the film of your choice. The second screen is more traditional cinema seating, they are both next to the refreshment area with great value food and drink before and after your film. www.chalmersfilmhouse.co.uk SEE YOU AGAIN SOON

Photo courtesy of Wallace Ferrier

Produced by Arbroath & District Community Council [email protected]

Arbroath & District Community Council