A busy east coast town, the Royal Burgh of Montrose is situated between Dundee and Aberdeen. The history of the town is colourful and can be traced back to a Viking raid around 980AD. It was once a smugglers paradise with plentiful caves to be found along the rocky coastline both to the north and south of the town.
James Edward Stuart, The Old Pretender, spent his last night in Scotland in Montrose, before sailing from the port after the 1715 Jacobite rising.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, prosperous merchants and sea captains settled in the town. Influenced by continental architectural styles, they built their houses with the gable ends facing the street. Hence the locals are known as “gable endies”
Industry was plentiful, linen was made with local flax and fishing, shipbuilding, rope & sail making, tanning and starching all took place. For centuries, the town's natural harbour has been the focal point of Montrose. Over the years, salmon, hides, timber and grain have been amongst its export. Still a thriving port, today it also services the off-shore oil industry.
Montrose is proud of its stunning sandy Blue Flag beach and its golf courses, the Medal course being the 5th oldest in world, while the tidal basin is an important wildlife sanctuary, and is home to many resident and migrant birds.
The Gaelic for Montrose is Monadh Rois.
