New lease of life for town’s ‘hidden gem’

A HIDDEN gem in the heart of Forfar has been given a new lease of life.

Castle Hill, accessed from Canmore Street, has been given a makeover thanks to work co-ordinated by Forfar Action Network and Angus councillor Lynne Devine.

There is now an information board telling the history of the castle and the Mercat Cross, new seating and a viewfinder on top of the tower.

Thanks to funding from Angus Environmental Trust, the work has been undertaken by local companies and the council with some volunteer help from Murton Farm.

Trees have been taken down or pruned to give a better view of the glens and there’s been replanting and regrassing.

Text for the information board was provided by Norman Atkinson of Forfar Historical Society and the Signage Group.

Councillor Devine said: “With its quirky entrance and cobbled lane, Castle Hill opens up into a lovely quiet spot where I could imagine historical talks being given or, as has happened, weddings taking place.”

Anyone wishing to visit Castle Hill can obtain the key to the locked gates from Ali the newsagent on Castle Street.

Ms Devine is also hoping to build on the town’s history by setting up a heritage trail and has appealed for anyone interest in helping to get in touch.

She can be contacted on cllrdevine@angus.gov.uk or 07827 986672.