Welcome to Montrose

Montrose is located on a spit which encloses the Montrose Basin at the mouth of the River South Esk on the east coast of Scotland, in the county of Angus, approximately 470 miles north of London and 25 miles north-east of Dundee.

The town has a population of around 11,000. Administratively it is within the district of Angus which covers an area of approximately 2,182 sq kms.

Montrose is an attractive market town and seaport with some fine architecture and it enjoys spectacular views across a two-mile wide tidal lagoon, Montrose Basin, which is a nature reserve of international importance. The town boasts the widest high street in Scotland and is also notable for having one of the oldest golf courses in the world, the Montrose Medal, dating from 1562. Local inhabitants are known as 'Gable Endies' the name deriving from the architecture of the houses (gable ended) built by 18th and 19th century merchants who had seen this style on the continent.

The first recording of Montrose is in a burgh charter issued by David I in the 12th century, although it is probable that there was an earlier Norse settlement in the area of the present harbour.

Historically the town's wealth was based upon trade with the countries of the Hanseatic League and there is still port activity today, although to a lesser extent. New economic opportunities have occurred as a result of the development of North Sea oil and gas fields, and tourism has increased significantly along with related industries.