Almerieclose House

“Regarding the recent correspondence on Almerieclose in Arbroath,” writes Dr Richard Irvine, “I am glad that Norman Atkinson has pointed out the true origin of the name.

“However, I note that there was mention of Almerieclose House in relation to the famous flax spinner and manufacturer David Corsar & Sons. Your correspondent is only half right!

“There were two Almerieclose Houses, one built in circa 1653, likely reusing stone from the Abbey alms house and St Michael’s Chapel. This existed on what is now Burnside Drive.

“The estate consisted of large parts of the central Brothock valley and Keptie. This land was sold off over time and formed the heart of the new industrial town of Arbroath centred on flax processing and later engineering.

“One of the later owners of Almerieclose, a Mr Lindsay, decided in circa 1800 to build himself a more modern residence, New Almerieclose House and this was located at what is now the junction of John Street West and Catherine Street, on the grassed area outside the Angus Training Group buildings.

“It was this Almerieclose House which would become the offices of David Corsar and Sons.

“This building survived to the early 1970s, whilst the original or old Almerieclose House was demolished in 1931, its grounds firstly becoming a brick works and later part of Fraser’s engineering works.”

A Craigie reader has sent in this bright photograph of Hill of Tarvit House, Ceres.