'The Friends' was formed to support the museum, following a public meeting on the 5th February 2004. We are working in partnership with Angus council to enable the development of Brechin Town House Museum and to complete the renovations to the Town House, which will preserve this important 'A' listed building for the benefit of the community. These renovations have seen the successful establishment of the museum in its new home and in time, the museum will be extended to utilise all parts of this fine building. The installation of a lift for disabled access to the upper exhibition spaces is included in the extensive renovation plans.The history and artefacts of  Brechin now have a dedicated home in the heart of the Ancient City and by joining 'The Friends' you can participate in Brechin Town House Museum.   Top

 The building replaced an earlier Tolbooth or 'Towbood', first mentioned in 1480. After repairs were carried out in both the 16th & 17th Centuries, the Town House developed into the familiar arrangement of courtroom and jail cells on the ground floor, with the upper floor used by the council and bailies. The Town House was completely rebuilt by public subscription in 1789 - 90. It remained at the centre of burgh life with the courtroom and debtors prison as previously laid out, and an elegantly proportioned upper chamber boasting a fine 'Serlio' or Venetian window, overlooking the Cross. The galleried room was called the Guild Hall of Brechin and was used primarily as a council chamber, but was also a venue for exhibitions and a reading room.   Top

The Town House has come full circle and is again a focus for Brechin's future. In its present role as  Brechin Town House Museum, we will look forward to developing the whole building to include an exhibitions venue and to expand the museum displays. It will include the former jail cells, one of which will be transformed into a Scriptorium recalling Brechin's importance to mediaeval Scotland; the other will become a diorama depicting the fate of the Town House's last prisoner. The stairwell will house a permanent exhibition of one of Brechin's most illustrious sons, David Waterson, a painter and etcher of note from the early part of the 20th Century, who, though much admired by his peers in Edinburgh and London and who numbered the King of Sweden among his patrons, chose to live and work in Brechin throughout his lifetime.     Top

Oral History Project

   Friday 16 January saw the start of the Brechin Oral History project organised by ‘The Friends’ and awarded a grant of £11,800 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).   The project will preserve the memories of people in the Brechin area and is scheduled to be completed by December 2007. The oral history group will over the next few months interview individuals from diverse backgrounds and record their memories.   The project will focus on the 1920s to 1980s covering domestic and working life in the Brechin area. The recorded memories will be stored on digital discs to provide a valuable primary source of living history that otherwise would be lost. Current and future generations will be able to access the discs in museums, libraries and schools to learn about and appreciate their heritage.The project team is looking for former employees who worked in local shops, factories (e.g Dupres in Church Street or the Vidor, East Mill) farms and with any other employer in the area.   If you did and would be willing to be interviewed or you know of someone who might be a suitable candidate, please contact Brian Mitchell, Secretary, The Friends of Brechin Town House Museum.  info@brechintownhouse.org.uk

 The history and artefacts of  Brechin now

have a dedicated home in the heart of the

Ancient City and by joining 'The Friends' you

can participate in promoting

the heritage of our city and the

future of Brechin Town House Museum.

The Friends of Brechin Town House Museum

is a registered Scottish Charity SC035474.

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