Spotlight on Kirriemuir

The Angus town of Kirriemuir sits on the southern slopes of the Grampian hills.

It is often termed the “Gateway to the Glens” and is a popular starting point for walkers.

The town is perhaps best-known as the birthplace in 1860 of J M Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, whose childhood home has been carefully restored as a museum.

However, the history of Kirriemuir can be traced back to much earlier times when it seems to have been a centre of some ecclesiastica importance.

Apparently, the town also has a history of accused witches way back in the 16th Century.

It’s worth taking a look at the older buildings, some of which have a witches’ stane built in to ward off evil.

A pond on the outskirts of town, known as the Witch Pool, is thought by some to be where the supposed witches were meant to have been drowned.

Kirriemuir was also important as the centre of a home weaving industry.

Do you have special memories of the town or some information about its history? Please get in touch by email at

The exterior of the Star Rock Shop taken in December 1965. Does anyone have any memories of visiting the sweet shop?

This view of the town centre was taken in October 1966, perhaps an early morning visit as it doesn’t look too busy.

This photograph shows a man walking down the “Cat’s Close” in November 1968. It’s thought the name refers to the narrowness of the passage.

A view of Kirriemuir Bowling Green during a tournament in August 1978.

with Terry MacCallum Traces through time