Local Information

Montrose has a very old history. The charter for the town was granted by King David I in the early 11th century, although the charter is now lost. Early place names show the existence of a Norse settlement in the present harbour area. A 13th century mediaeval church once existed on the site of the present Old Church. In 1329 the year King Robert the Bruce donated money to a teacher to build the earliest recorded school, now the Montrose Academy.

Montrose had a prominent role at the Reformation. John Erskine of Dun, George Wishart and Andrew Melville were important reformers, while John Knox celebrated the first protestant communion at the Erskine's country house. In the troubled period of the 17th and 18th centuries, the town made important contributions, James Graham, the Marquis of Montrose, signed the National Covenant, but he switched to the King's side only to be captured and executed in Edinburgh. In 1715 the Jacobite rebellion ended when King James escaped back to France from Montrose. A Jacobite army moved through the town in 1745 and the following February the largest naval battle of the war was fought in Montrose Harbour.

Since then Montrose has been more sedate. Trade with the Baltic, whaling, and flax spinning have all been major industries in the town.

Today Oil and Pharmaceuticals provide most of the jobs in the town. But Montrose continues to flourish with a history stretching back thousands of years.

Golf Courses

The Medal

The Medal Course at Montrose is a majestic layout in the true traditions of Scottish Links golf and has hosted many important events in its history including the Scottish Professional Championship in 1967 and 1970, the Scottish Amateur Championship in 1975 and the British Boys' Championship and Internationals in 1991. Because of all these factors the Links was honoured by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in being chosen as a Final Qualifying Course for the Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1999 and again in 2007.

Montrose Golf Links Limited are proud to have both of their Courses (the Medal and the Broomfield) included as 'Carnoustie Country' Golf Courses, with the Montrose Medal also being one of the four Courses comprising the prestigious 'Carnoustie Country Classic' Golf Tournament each year.

Broomfield
In addition to the Medal Course Montrose can boast a second 18 hole Golf Course (Broomfield), maintained to the same high standard.

Originally a 9 hole course but extended to 18 holes in 1915, the Broomfield offers families, juniors and beginners the opportunity to enjoy golf on the Links at Montrose. Because of the flat nature of the Course walking is easy making it ideal for parties looking to play 36 holes in a day or to perfect your game before taking on the challenge of the Medal Course in the afternoon.

The Broomfield Course does not require long carries from the tee, but to find the small greens accurate approach shots are a must. Take time out to visit this hidden gem. We can promise that you will have a most enjoyable day.

Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach, with three miles of golden sand, is a lovely place for a family day out. There's a short promenade with plenty of car parking and the kids can have great fun at the Seafront Splash play area. Bring your picnic along and sit at the picnic tables, or have some refreshment at the family run cafe. Also on site, there's a shop and an amusement centre.

Montrose Wildlife Centre

With the Montrose Basin being located on the River South Esk, the basin attracts a large variety of birds including greylag geese, eider ducks and a variety of wading birds. The vegetation and water is rich in food resources and provides the perfect environment for breeding, as nesting materials are in abundance and the tranquil untouched surroundings create a safe and secure place to raise chicks. Not being disturbed by continuous human activity increases the breeding populations and attracts more migratory birds.

The Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre provides ample parking for visitors, access for disabled wildlife enthusiasts and has a small shop and refreshments available to the public. The center is dedicated to the survival of migratory birds, and with viewing windows, binoculars and cameras to the disposal of visitors, the public is able to appreciate, understand and be educated on the daily survival struggle that birds face.

Local Facilities

Montrose offers a wide range of shops including a Co-op and post office, hardware store, florist, newsagents, bakers, gift shops, pharmacy, charity shop, hairdressers and FindMyBuyer Estate Agents. There are take-away outlets, a tea shop, hotels and public houses.

Surrounding Area

Montrose is ideally situated between the two major cities of Aberdeen and Dundee, both within easy commuting distance. Aberdeen is well known as the oil capital of Europe and has an excellent airport with domestic and international flights. Aberdeen has excellent recreational facilities including an amusement park with rollercoasters indoor golf, cafes, restaurants and cinemas.

Dundee again benefits from major shops, supermarkets, restaurants and has an excellent swimming pool with water slides and gymnasium, there are excellent hotels offering luxurious spa and swimming facilities.

Brechin

Brechin is a popular commuter town as it is ideally situated between the cities of Aberdeen and Dundee which are approximately 30 - 45 minutes drive and are linked by the A90 dual carriageway. Brechin itself boasts two primary schools and secondary school with private schooling at Lathallan by Montrose. Brechin also benefits from its own Health Centre, Dental surgeries, sports centre and wide range of shops including major supermarkets and local retailers.