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"Home
of the famous Arbroath Smokie"
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Arbroath,
a fishing town on the east coast
of Scotland, is located about 17
miles north of Dundee and 50 miles
south of Aberdeen.
For generations the town has earned
its livelihood from the sea, and
remains today an important fishing
port as well as being known worldwide
for its unique place in Scottish
history. A long established holiday
resort, Arbroath continues to attract
visitors from near and far.
During the late 1800s and early
1900s, like many other coastal towns
in Scotland, Arbroath's fishing
industry relied heavily on the prolific
herring shoals which made an impressive
appearance every season. Fishing
boats crowded the harbour, where
"fishing lassies" gutted
the newly caught herring before
they were cured with salt into wooden
barrels for export, often to ports
in the Baltic.
Salting herring at
Arbroath
The town has also become renowned
worldwide for its 'Abroath Smokies',
which for generations have been
smoked over oak chips in tiny smokehouses
around the harbour. History tells
us that the 'Smokie' most likely
originated in the tiny fishing village
of Auchmithie, 3 miles north of
the town, perched unbelievably high
on the cliffs and practically tumbling
into the North Sea.
The stretch of coast to the north
east is not only renowned for its
caves, such as the Forbidden Cave
and Dickmont's Den, but also its
tales of smugglers.
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As well
as the thriving fishing industry,
Arbroath was busy in the flax trade.
The Brothock Burn not only provided
the power to drive the many flax
mills which had sprung up along
its banks but was also a source
of drainage for the town.
In fact the name of Arbroath (Aberbrothock)
was originally taken from this hard
working little river.
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The town of Arbroath has a unique
place in Scottish history as it
is home to the famous Tironensian
monastery - The Arbroath Abbey
- the ruins of which dominate the
town's skyline with its circular
window known for centuries as the
'Round O'. In days gone by this
window was illuminated at night
as a beacon for mariners, to help
guide them into port.
The Arbroath Abbey
It was in this Abbey that an event
took place which is held dear in
the hearts of Scots at home and
abroad, the signing of the Declaration
of Arbroath.
The year was 1320 when the Scottish
King Robert the Bruce witnessed
the famous document being signed,
establishing Scotland's independence
from England's rule.
The Arbroath Abbey is one of the
most historically important buildings
in Scotland and in 1951 the Stone
of Destiny found a temporary home
there.
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