Brechin (Angus)

Lat:56.7234 Lon: -2.6481

Brechin is a town situated seven miles west of Montrose on the River South Esk in Angus.

The original settlement grew to the north of the cathedral, establishing itself as a market town serving the agricultural area around.

The 19th Century saw substantial growth, firstly through the development of the textile industry and later with the introduction of brewing and distilling.

The River South Esk has played an important part in the development of Brechin. As a supply of water, it was essential for the establishment of industry in the town. By the middle of the 19th Century, Brechin had a paper mill, two flax mills, five linen factories, two bleachfields, two distilleries, a brewery and two saw mills, all of which relied on water from the South Esk.

But the relationship of town and river is not always an easy one. As recently as 2002, Brechin has been subject to major flooding from the South Esk.

The river has been designated a Special Area of Conservation under the European Habitat’s Directive as it is home to internationally important populations of Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussels.

Features of the area

• Mill
• Town
• River
• Industry

Angus Group

Angus is one of Scotland’s 32 unitary council areas. It was historically a county until 1975 when it became a district of Tayside Region. In 1996, when two-tier local government was abolished, Angus was established as a unitary authority.

The council area borders Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross and Dundee City.

Elsewhere on the BBC

• BBC Tayside and Central

Elsewhere on the web

• River South Esk Catchment Management Plan
• Wikipedia entry on Brechin
• Angus Council - Angus Archives
• RCAHMS: Brechin Bridge