The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Kirriemuir’s many claims to fame
NESTLING PEACEFULLY in the heart of the Angus glens, you could be forgiven for thinking Kirriemuir was little more than a sleepy market town.
But you would be missing out if you believed that!
The town spawned rock legend Bon Scott and Peter Pan creator JM Barrie . . . and it’s also home to the famous Kirriemuir gingerbread.
A captivating base for exploring the stunning scenery of Angus, Kirrie (as it’s fondly known) is well worth a visit.
All within a stone’s thrown are Glen Prosen, Glen Isla, Glen Doll and Glen Clova, which boast some of the finest walking opportunities in Scotland.
For anyone visiting Kirrie, a trip to the town’s fantastic Gateway to the Glens museum is an absolute must.
It’s situated in Kirriemuir Town House, a building that has been at the heart of the town since its construction as a Tolbooth in 1604.
After a lengthy period of disuse, it was sympathetically restored to house the museum which opened in 2001.
Stepping through the door, visitors experience a vivid introduction to the history, culture and natural environment of Kirrie and the Angus Glens, which are part of the Cairngorms National Park.
There’s a permanent display of memorabilia about AC/DC singer Bon Scott, who was born in nearby Forfar in 1946.
His parents, Chick and Isa, ran the bakery in Kirrie’s Bank Street, and lived there until 1952 when the family emigrated the Australia.
The free exhibition has early photographs and information about Bon Scott’s family, together with many rare music collectibles.
Also explored within the museum is the town’s most famous son JM Barrie, the writer and creator of Peter Pan.
There’s also a display on the poet and author Violet Jacob, who lived in the town and penned the historical novel Flemington.
Another famous ‘Kirriemarian’ featured in a display is Peter Hood, who invented an early typewriter.
Other highlights include an exhibition of the work of leading scientist and geologist Sir Charles Lyell (17971875) of nearly Kinnordy.
There are also stunning examples of clocks made in the 1800s — between 1795 and 1877 there were some 12 clock makers operating in the town.
Visitors will also find a collection of early medieval stone sculptures, suggesting that the town had a sophisticated Christian community in that period.
During July and August, kids can take part in a competition to design their own summer holiday postcard.
And a temporary exhibition, Back to School, runs from August 20 to October 26.
While you’re in town, you can visit the enchanting cottage where JM Barrie was born and raised with his nine siblings. And a walk through the centre will take you past a statue of Peter Pan, plus there’s a garden with another statue of the boy who could fly complete with a topiary crocodile.
Kirriemuir has a great deal to offer and it’s just a taster of what the area has to offer.
There are many museums, galleries, historic sites and buildings to be enjoyed and Angus has a rich story to tell.
Find out more about Kirrie online at www.angusahead.com