About
Arbroath
Arbroath,
a fishing town on the east coast of Scotland,
is located about 17 miles north of Dundee and
50 miles south of Aberdeen.
For generations the town has earned its livelihood
from the sea, and remains today an important fishing
port as well as being known worldwide for its
unique place in Scottish history. A long established
holiday resort, Arbroath continues to attract
visitors from near and far.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, like many
other coastal towns in Scotland, Arbroath's fishing
industry relied heavily on the prolific herring
shoals which made an impressive appearance every
season. Fishing boats crowded the harbour, where
"fishing lassies" gutted the newly caught
herring before they were cured with salt into
wooden barrels for export, often to ports in the
Baltic.
The town has also become renowned worldwide for
its 'Abroath Smokies', which for
generations have been smoked over oak chips in
tiny smokehouses around the harbour. History tells
us that the 'Smokie' most likely originated in
the tiny fishing village of Auchmithie, 3 miles
north of the town, perched unbelievably high on
the cliffs and practically tumbling into the North
Sea. The stretch of coast to the north east is
not only renowned for its caves, such as the Forbidden
Cave and Dickmont's Den, but also its tales of
smugglers.
As well as the thriving fishing industry, Arbroath
was busy in the flax trade. The Brothock Burn
not only provided the power to drive the many
flax mills which had sprung up along its banks
but was also a source of drainage for the town.
In fact the name of Arbroath (Aberbrothock) was
originally taken from this hard working little
river.
The town of Arbroath has a unique place in Scottish
history as it is home to the famous Tironensian
monastery - The Arbroath Abbey -
the ruins of which dominate the town's skyline
with its circular window known for centuries as
the 'Round O'. In days gone by this
window was illuminated at night as a beacon for
mariners, to help guide them into port.
It was in this Abbey that an event took place
which is held dear in the hearts of Scots at home
and abroad, the signing of the Declaration
of Arbroath.
The year was 1320 when the Scottish King Robert
the Bruce witnessed the famous document being
signed, establishing Scotland's independence from
England's rule. The Arbroath Abbey is one of the
most historically important buildings in Scotland
and in 1951 the Stone of Destiny found a temporary
home there.
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