With summer now in full swing many of us will be opting for staycations this year. We've put together some of the most beautiful spots that you can visit this summer just a stone's throw away from Arbikie Distillery...

Red Castle

Red Castle in Angus, is just down to coast from Arbikie Distillery and is a magnificent spot for tourists. Built of red sandstone, the ruins of the castle stand at Lunan Bay with only a part of the fifteenth century rectangular tower, and the 2-metre (6.6 ft) thick east wall remaining.

The castle is referred to as rubeum castrum (Latin for Red Castle) in deeds of 1286, referring to its red sandstone, typical of the Angus area. The lands of Inverkeilor- where Arbikie Estate is situated- on which Red Castle was built were granted to Walter de Berkeley, the royal chamberlain of William The Lion. After Walter’s death in 1194 the property was passed from his daughter, to the Balliol family who built the first stone castle. During the Wars of Independence the castle was granted to Donald Campbell, who sold the lands on to the Stewarts who built the later tower-house as an addition.

Lunan Bay

We're blessed to have the stunning views of Lunan Bay Beach on our door-step. Lunan Bay is commonly recognised as one of the finest beaches in Angus with a magnificent sweep of sand, a cave and arch at its northern end (Elephant Rock) and unique castle ruins (Red Castle). The beach is divided in two by the Lunan Water (our fresh water source) flowing out over the sands which divides this stunning coastal walk into two halves. 

2020 is VisitScotland's year of Coasts and Waters so we've been taking the chance to celebrate and appreciate the stunning coastal views we get to enjoy from our farm and distillery. 

Boddin Point

Boddin is a scenic coastal village just 3 miles East of Arbikie Estate, with stunning views spread across Lunan Bay. Boddin is also well known for it's lime kilns. 

At this North-East point of Lunan Bay, Boddin Point is where you will find the natural coastal arch, Elephant Rock. The hard volcanic rock has been eroded by the sea to form a unique arch that resembles an elephant's head and trunk. At high tide the elephant looks as if its dipped its trunk into the water. This natural feature can be seen from the coastal path and easily reached from the cottages at Boddin. 

Arbroath Abbey

Arbroath Abbey is just a short drive from our Estate, you can see the silhouette of the ruin as you pass through Arbroath. The Abbey was founded in 1178 and is most famous for its federation with the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath, devised by Abbot Bernard, the Chancellor of Scotland under King Robert I. The Abbey fell into ruin after the Reformation. From 1590, its stones were raided for buildings in the town of Arbroath. This continued until early 1800s when steps were taken to preserve the remaining ruins.

The Declaration travelled to Arbroath gaining support on its way until it was floated off from Arbroath Harbour to the Pope in Avignon on the 6th April 1320. In this period Arbroath Abbey and the town Arbikie has been born and bred, was right at the heart of Scotland’s power and politics.

Montrose Basin

Montrose Basin is just 6.5 miles North of Arbikie Estate which is is an enclosed estuary of the river South Esk covering over 750 hectares and is home to over 80,000 migratory birds – including pink-footed geese, knots sedge warblers and Arctic terns. This impressive tidal basin is also a vital roosting and feeding area for a variety of migrant birds, and is internationally important for breeding eiders, wintering waders and wildfowl. 

If you enjoy coastal views and birdwatching, this is a place of paradise for you!