Local Attraction
Montrose Air Station Heritage
Montrose was the location for Great Britain’s first operational military airfield and was established by the Royal Flying Corps in February 1913.
The Heritage Centre aims to show the human side of the Air Stations past with a collection of contemporary photographs, artefacts and memorabilia.
For more information contact: rafmontrose@aol.com
These not only tell of the history of the airfield but also the story of the men and women who served there and those who lived in the area. It is an independent, fully accredited, museum run entirely by volunteers and has received The Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award for volunteer groups in the UK.
There is something for everyone, aviation, RFC, RAF, WWI, WWII, local history, ghosts, Meteor and Vampire jets plus a full size replica Sopwith Camel and Spitfire. Volunteers are building a full size replica of a WWI B.E.2a aircraft. The only one in Scotland, pop along and see how they are doing.
Lunan Bay
One of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, Lunan Bay has attracted many visitors throughout the ages, from Viking armies in the 10th century to generations of holidaymakers. Today it offers a secluded haven on the dramatic Angus coastline. This stunning east-facing beach is backed by sand dunes and framed by low cliffs to the north and south. From its northern end at Boddin Point, located about three miles south of Montrose, Lunan Bay extends two miles south to Ethie Haven. The crumbling ruin of Red Castle stands on elevated ground overlooking the Bay and dates from the 12th century. Originally built for King William (the Lion) of Scotland to defend against Viking invaders, all that remains of this once formidable fortified house is part of the 15th century rectangular tower and the curtain wall. The beach is a popular destination for surfers and horse riders, and traditional fishing is still practiced here with nets strung on poles dug into the sand to trap fish in the receding tide. The beach is also a fantastic place to go bird watching with great grey shrikes, red-backed shrikes, scoters, rough-legged buzzards and hoopoes just some of the species you can catch a glimpse of. After a storm, the sands sometimes yield agates and gem stones which glimmer in the sunlight. The best access to the beach is found via the car park at its rear.
Montrose Basin Visitor Centre
Montrose Basin is the enclosed estuary of the South Esk River. The reserve includes a 4-star visitor centre along with four remote bird hides.
Covering 750 hectares, Montrose Basin is home to over 50,000 migratory birds including pink-footed geese, arctic terns, knots and sedge warblers. The 4-star visitor centre offers a great day out for all the family in Angus.
Highlights include telescopes, binoculars and live footage of migratory birds. Children will love the interactive toys and games such as microscopes, species peepholes and puzzles. Children’s activities and guided walks are held regularly, and formal and informal education groups run throughout the year.
Fairtrade tea and coffee can be enjoyed with panoramic views across the Basin, and a range of wildlife gifts are available from the gift shop.
For more information visit: www.montrosebasin.org.uk
House of Dun
This handsome Georgian house boasts stunning interiors and outside, visitors can explore the garden and woodland walk.
House of Dun is a Georgian building overlooking the Montrose Basin, designed and built by William Adam in 1730 for David Erskine, Lord Dun.
Admire superb contemporary plasterwork by Joseph Enzer. Lady Augusta Kennedy-Erskine was the daughter of William IV and Mrs Jordan, and the house contains royal mementos of that period and many examples of Lady Augustas woolwork and embroidery. Family collection of portraits, furniture and porcelain can also be found here.
The small walled garden has been largely restored to a late Victorian period and includes a range of plants typical of the 1880s. A wooden den, first planted in the 19th century, contains a plum-pudding rock garden, a selection of evergreen shrubs and woodland plants.
The National Trust for Scotland owns much of the western half of the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve, which is farmed in an environmentally sensitive manner. It is internationally important for its wildfowl and geese, and offers interpretation, waymarked paths and observations hides.
For more information contact: houseofdun@nts.org.uk
Glamis Castle
Glamis castle is a living, breathing monument to Scottish heritage, hospitality and enjoyment for all.
The family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Glamis Castle is the legendary setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.
The family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Glamis Castle is the legendary setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.
As soon as you enter the Queen Mother Gates at Glamis and see the Castle’s turrets and towers nestled at the end of the mile-long drive, you can’t fail to be impressed by its majesty Steeped in history, Glamis Castle has evolved over the years to create a stunning architectural treasure that is full of vitality to this day.
Once inside, every room has its own story and evolution of the castle and its legendary tales and secrets are brought to life by your very own enthusiastic and knowledgeable your guides. Every painting, every piece of furniture, every little detail along the way is a sharp reminder that this is not a museum but an incredible family home that has witnesses everything from Royal births to being the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
The gardens surrounding Galmis Castle are beautiful all year round. Walks have been created to take in a mixture of habitats ranging from park land and policies in the immediate vicinity of the castle to the formal Italian Garden, mixed woodland and Pinetum to the North East. At Glamis you have the opportunity to see a wide variety of flora & fauna.
For more information vist: www.glamis-castle.co.uk