Discover Kirriemuir: Culture, Stories and Nature

Kirriemuir is a rewarding destination for anyone who wants to combine cultural history, notable personalities and landscape. The Scottish town is associated with Bon Scott and J. M. Barrie, offers an unusual view of the surrounding area with its Camera Obscura, and at the same time opens up paths into nature. This allows you to plan your stay around museums, family-friendly experiences, walks and wildlife observation.

Bon Scott and J. M. Barrie shape the townscape

One of the most striking reminders of Kirriemuir is the life-size bronze statue of Bon Scott. It was unveiled in April 2016 during the 10th annual Bonfest and stands in a memorial garden at Bellies Brae. Bonfest takes place in Kirriemuir every year and celebrates Bon Scott. Those interested in music history can therefore combine their stay with an insight into the local culture of remembrance, without limiting the trip to a single theme.

J. M. Barrie is also closely associated with Kirriemuir. His birthplace is at 9 Brechin Road; the writer and creator of Peter Pan was born there in 1860. The Kirriemuir Gateway to the Glens Museum is located in Kirriemuir Town House, a building dating from 1604. In addition, the Tayside Police Museum traces the history of policing in Dundee City, Perth & Kinross and Angus. These different points of interest give the destination several cultural perspectives.

Camera Obscura with sweeping views of the landscape

The Kirriemuir Camera Obscura was donated to the town by Sir J. M. Barrie and opened by the author on 7 June 1930. It is one of only three Camera Obscuras in Scotland and offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, including the hills and the Angus Glens. For planning your days, this means you can combine a literary and technical curiosity with the experience of the landscape. The historical details about its opening also make the Camera Obscura an independent part of the town’s history.

Experiences for different types of day plans

Neverland Park adds another Peter Pan theme. The park opened in 2010 as part of a project commemorating the 150th birthday of J. M. Barrie. It features play equipment themed around Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a crocodile. Families can plan this as a separate activity, while the remaining days can focus more on history, landscape or cycling.

Kirriemuir Den complements the cultural attractions with a peaceful green space near the town centre. Paths run through the Den at different levels. Anyone wishing to include a green setting in their daily itinerary between museum visits and other activities will find a different side of Kirriemuir here. For active days, the cycle route from Kirriemuir to Loch of Lintrathen begins in the centre of Kirriemuir.

Wildlife observation at Loch of Kinnordy

Loch of Kinnordy, a nature reserve managed by the RSPB, is located nearby. It lies 1.6 km west of the town on the B951 towards Glenisla. Three hides offer views over different parts of the loch. This makes the area an interesting addition for travellers who want to include wildlife observation alongside town history and literature. The Camera Obscura and Loch of Kinnordy offer different perspectives: here, a panoramic view over the hills and Angus Glens; there, views of individual areas of the loch.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Kirriemuir, it is worth first deciding on the pace you want for your trip. If culture, Bon Scott, J. M. Barrie and the museums are to be the focus, accommodation in Kirriemuir is an obvious area to search. For a stay involving wildlife observation or a cycling tour, you can include Loch of Kinnordy and the cycle route to Loch of Lintrathen as fixed points in your plans. This allows you to choose your accommodation not only based on location, but also on the experiences you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Kirriemuir, you can also view Carnoustie, Monifieth, Montrose, Arbroath, Dykehead, Brechin, Monikie and Menmuir.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Angus.