Ancient and modern Arbroath has merged with the official launch of the Arbroath Abbey Trail.
Young people from Arbroath Academy’s 1,2 History Crew joined representatives from Scotland’s Urban Past, Historic Environment Scotland and Angus Council at the Abbey Quarter housing development, just a short distance from the iconic landmark to officially open the trail.
Large banners are being placed around the emerging housing development as a part of the project, to promote the heritage trail, which lets people find different historical characters from Arbroath’s past linked to places around the town.
The trail will be available all year as part of the Year of Young People at the Abbey.
Children from Hayshead primary school recently enjoyed a sneak preview and introduction to the trail at the Abbey, which proved very successful.
The event also saw the launch of a short promotional film about the project, and the pupils were presented with Heritage Hero Awards in front of their parents.
Angus Council Housing spokesman, Councillor Craig Fotheringham said: “It’s great to see this this initiative linked to Arbroath Abbey and to engage with young people and share information about this historical place and Arbroath.
“The trail banners placed around Abbey Quarter housing development are a great way to link the new modern housing with the town’s historical associations.”
Fiona Isobel Watson, Learning Officer for Scotland’s Urban Past said: “It was great to support the 1, 2 History Crew youth group with training and artist-led workshops to create this heritage trail for other young people.
“The stops on the trail represent local historic places and characters which they wanted to share with others.
“The Abbey is a great location with lots of secret hiding places and basing the trail here helps link the medieval heart of Arbroath with the wider town.”
Arbroath Abbey was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion, and was built in honour of St Thomas a’ Becket, who was said to have been a childhood friend, murdered by four knights in Canterbury Cathedral.
St Thomas later became the patron saint of Arbroath.
In 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath, signed by the nobles of Scotland, was sent to the Pope at Avignon, and plans to celebrate the 700 anniversary of the signing in 2020 are currently under way.
