Arbroath Factfile

How to get to Arbroath
You can find Arbroath on the A92 East Coast Road which runs between Dundee and Stonehaven. There are also train services from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Nearby Dundee airport runs several flights a week to London City Airport.

Natural beauty spots around Arbroath
A fishing port on the North Sea coast at the mouth of the River Brothock, Arbroath is surrounded by dazzling scenery—cliff tops, castles, historic ruins, caves and beaches—making it a popular destination with tourists, ramblers, climbers and bird watchers.

Famous landmarks in Arbroath
The skyline of Arbroath is dominated by the red sandstone ruins of Arbroath Abbey. Founded in 1178 by William the Lion—whose headless effigy is believed to lie there—the abbey fell into disuse after the Reformation.

Things to see and do around Arbroath
Arbroath Abbey attracts thousands of tourists every year, as does Arbroath Signal Tower, which was built in 1813 as the shore station for Robert Stevenson's Bell Rock Lighthouse. The signal tower is now a local history museum.

Arbroath is also home to Kerr's Miniature Railway, the oldest miniature railway in Scotland.

Every year the town holds a summer Seafront Spectacular in celebration of Arbroath's maritime heritage.

Arbroath through the ages
Arbroath is an ancient coastal village—its most recent harbour dates back to 1877—and was for centuries an important trading port.

The town is held dear by many Scots because, at Arbroath Abbey in 1320, in the presence of Robert The Bruce, the Declaration of Arbroath was signed. This granted Scotland's independence from England.

In 1951 the Stony of Destiny, the coronation stone of all Scottish Kings, which was stolen the previous year from Westminster Abbey, was discovered in the ruins.

Arbroath's claim to fame
The Arbroath Smokie is a haddock salted overnight and then smoked in a special barrel. This delicacy now has European Commission protection status, which means the name Arbroath Smokie can only apply to haddock smoked within 8 km (5 mi) of the town.

The town is also known for its football team. Arbroath FC holds the world record for the biggest win in the history of senior football. In a game in 1885 it won 36-0—not counting disallowed goals!

Eating and drinking in Arbroath
As you'd expect from a fishing town, there are many types of fish dishes available in local restaurants. Many hotels, pubs, guest-houses and B&Bs also provide a wide range of dining options.