Interesting Facts

Some fascinating details about Glenesk and the surrounding areas of the Angus countryside

1. Born near Kirriemuir in 1797, Sir Charles Lyell is perhaps the most significant figure ever born in Angus. Within his chosen subject of geology he was hugely influential and his encouragement of Charles Darwin helped lay the groundwork for evolutionary biology.
2. Douglastown was named after William Douglas who set up one of the first mills to machine spin. His descendents lived at Brighton House long after the mill had disappeared.
3. Restenneth was the chosen location for Robert the Bruce to bury his beloved young son John.
4. In 1999 Montrose Basin was designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a RAMSAR, an internationally important wetland site. A visitor centre for the Basin is operated by Scottish Wildlife Trust.
5. Angus is thought to have derived from an 8th century Pictish king is thought to mean unique choice.
6. House of Dun is a magnificent Palladian mansion designed by William Adam, architect to the king, for the Erskine family.
7. William Lamb, born in 1893 in Montrose, was a consummate sculptor who became famous for making sculptures of HM the Queen and the late HRH Princess Margaret when they were children. In summer it is possible to visit his studio and many of his sculptures adorn the streets of his home town.