…..there is so much to see here!
Kirriemuir, a burgh of Angus Scotland is sometimes called Kirrie or the ‘Wee Red Toon’, on account of the beautiful red sandstone buildings. It reaches back to the earliest recorded times when it is thought to have been a major ecclesiastical centre. Later it was identified with witchcraft: some of the older houses still feature a “witches stane” to ward off evil. This town has so much to offer the weary traveller or the avid adventurer. You will be greeted by warm generous people who are always ready to share a story or two.
J. M. Barrie & Peter Pan
Sir James Matthew Barrie – (9 May 1860 – 19 June 1937) was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. He was born and educated in Scotland and then moved to London, where he wrote a number of successful novels and plays.
J. M. Barrie Birthplace Museum
Visit J M Barries birthplace museum – a stone’s throw from the centre of town. Watch out for the crocodile!
Also have a look out for the Barrie’s second family home ‘Strath View’, where J.M Barrie married Mary Ansell on the 9th July 1894.
Bon Scott & Bonfest
Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott born the 9th July 1946 to Charles Scott and Isobelle Cunningham Mitchell. Bon’s family lived in a house just off the Roods in Kirriemuir. Music was an important part of their lives. Bon followed his father by becoming a member of the local pipe band. His family later emigrated to Australia. Best known for being the lead vocalist and lyricist of the hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death on the 19th February 1980. He got his name Bon Scott when he moved to Australia where he was referred to as ‘Bonnie Scot’.
BONFEST
Every year Kirriemuir rocks out with Bonfest, a three-day music festival that celebrates rock. This festival is organised by the charity DD8 Music. People and bands come from all over the world to join this festival.
Jean Cameron, a 1940s postwoman in Glen Clova, pressed successfully for the official dress-code to allow trousers for women delivering mail (commemorated in Kirriemuir)
David Niven, the actor, very strangely always claimed Kirriemuir as his birthplace, but was actually born in London. I can’t say that I blame him…it is a wonderful place to live.
Sir David Wilkie, the surgeon, scientist and philanthropist, was born in Kirrie in 1882. He befriended Barrie in 1930, when he became Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh due to their common home town.
Scott McKenna, a professional footballer playing for Nottingham Forest and Scotland, grew up in Kirriemuir and attended Websters High School.
Hugh Munro – Do you like ‘Munro Bagging’? Well Hugh Thomas Munro was the one who started it all. Sir Hugh Thomas Munro lived from 1856 to 1919. Born as the eldest of a family of nine in London in 1856. The family would spend part of each year in London, the rest at their estate at Lindertis near Kirriemuir in Angus. Sir Hugh was a founding member and President of the Scottish Mountaineering Club, and his name will ever be remembered in the Munros, the list of separate mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet.
Image: “Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland” by htt25@N05 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Things to do in and around Kirriemuir
Tayside Police Museum – The Museum charts the history of policing in Dundee City, Perth & Kinross, and Angus, using displays of artefacts, documents, and photographs, covering the period from the early 1800s through to the 1980s.
There is access to Public Toilets
Camera Obscura – not far from the Neverland Play Park and J.M. Barrie’s Grave the Camera Obscura is a must see.
One of only three in Scotland – it is housed in a purpose-designed turret room in the Barrie Pavilion on Kirrie Hill. It provides a fascinating glimpse of historic technology and striking views of the surrounding countryside.
Kirriemuir Camera Obscura was gifted to the town by Sir J M Barrie, along with the cricket pavilion in which it is situated and was opened by the author on 7th June 1930
There is access to Public Toilets
The DEN
There are lots of beautiful and peaceful spots in Kirriemure – The DEN is just another example. This well maintained park also includes a fenced off play park for the little ones. This idyllic sun trap is right in the heart of the town. It was opened in 1867 and extended later in the 19th century. It is situated in a small valley with the Gairie Burn gently tumbling through. It also has a bandstand and fancifully painted public toilets. See if you can find the waterfall.
There is access to Public Toilets
The Murals – There are many wonderful murals and public artworks on display around the town. The murals were painted by commissioned artists based in Scotland. Organised by “Signs of Change”. Signs of Change is an exciting and transformative public art project for Kirriemuir. It was created and driven by local philanthropist Neil Stevenson. Neil tragically passed away on the 10th May 2021. See what you can find – Why don’t you photograph yourself alongside the art and share on social media using the hashtag #SignsOfChange
Rock Climbing – An extensive sandstone quarry on the Hill of Kirriemuir. Great family or group crag with a wide range of sport climbing lines to choose from.
Grades range from 4s to 7as with most grades around the 6a-6b mark making this a perfect beginners crag for top roping and lead climbing. It is very sheltered and enjoys easy access, sun all day, with impressive views across the Strathmore valley.
Country Walks – There are lots of walks around Kirriemuir, Forfar and the Angus Glens for all abilities and ages. Plan your route, pack a lunch, check the weather and of course dress accordingly. I love any excuse to wear my brightly coloured (Daft) bobbly hat.
Neverland Play Park – the perfect place to bring the kids. Surrounded by beautiful panoramic views and woodland walks. This is also situated beside the Camera Obscura, J.M. Barrie’s grave. The wide open green areas are perfect for a picnic.
There is access to Public Toilets
Star Rock Sweet Shop – The Star Rock Shop is the Oldest Sweet Shop in Scotland. It was established in 1833 by David Ferguson. It still trades today from the same premises in the Roods, Kirriemuir, making it the oldest producing and continuously trading sweet shop in Scotland.
Shopping and Dining in Kirrie – for such a small town Kirrie sports a host of great shops – from the unique (Longer Table, Realm of Imagination, Pixie dust, Mac’s Model Railroading, Hamilton Kerr) to the well-known (Colin M Smith, Cooperative, Lloyds Pharmacy, Boots, McLaren & Son Bakery, Crocodile Shoes) and many many more.
There are also lots of great spots to eat, drink and socialise in and around the wee toon. It is a warm and welcoming place. Click on the link to find out more.
Gateway to the Glens
The atmospheric and unspoilt Angus Glens offer superb walking amongst the beautiful moorland colours and the scents of heather and grasses.
The Angus Glens include ten ‘Munros’ (mountains over 3,000 feet), and miles of narrow twisting roads, great for cyclists, drivers, hill walkers and nature lovers alike.
Arguably the most beautiful of the Angus Glens is Glen Clova (north of Kirriemuir). At the head of Glen Clova is Glen Doll, where ancient roads and footpaths take you into the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains.
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