Historic building is linked with Bishop Samson and King David I

The ancient cathedral city of Brechin stands proudly on a steep hill by the banks of the River South Esk.

Scotland’s ancient Pictish tribes inhabited this corner of Angus nearly 2,000 years ago, but it was in the 12th Century when the Bishop granted permission for a weekly market, that Brechin grew into a place of some considerable importance.

At the heart of the city is the cathedral, restored several times during its history and notable for its magnificent stained glass windows.

Attached to the cathedral is Brechin’s famous round tower, one of only two remaining on the Scottish mainland.

Close by are the remains of an alms house, Maison Dieu, founded around the same time as the cathedral.

The present cathedral had its origin in the founding of the Diocese of Brechin by the appointment of Bishop Samson by King David I in the mid12th Century.

A new church or alterations in the Norman style were made to an existing church and it was not until from about 1225 that the Culdees and their Prior were replaced by a chapter of canons and a small cathedral built in the Gothic style.

The present building was completed over the next few centuries with the major work done in the 13th and 14th Centuries.

The cathedral was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity and this is commemorated in the Coat of Arms of the town which has a gold shield with three red rays converging at a point near the base.

Recent custodians have continued to be sympathetic and timely with repairs.

The present building was completed – with the major work done in the 13th and 14th Centuries