WELCOME TO THE GLENESK RETREAT FOLK MUSEUM

Why is the building called The Retreat?  Capt. Wemyss (a cousin of the Fife Wemyss family) used the building as a retreat from life at sea when he retired. It was originally a small cottage. Greta Michie, local schoolteacher, created the museum in 1955. In 2007 the museum underwent a massive reconstruction and reopened to the public.

Who owns the building? – the community!

Who paid? – Scottish Land Fund; Private sponsors; local fundraising events; ERDF; Angus Council helped.

Where can we get fishing permits? Fred Taylor 01356 670208; Dennis Caithness 01356 670390

What is the big tree with the dyke around it in the car park? Cedar of Lebanon

What’s that building on the hill?  The Rowan Tower built 1867 by Fox Maule for his family. ( The Maule of Maule Memorial Church.)

What was Invermark Castle for?  To defend against Cateran (cattle raiders who lived rough in the hills) – by the Lindsays in 1528.

Why is the door halfway up the wall?  It was reached by a ladder for defence. Most surrounding buildings were demolished in 1803 probably being built into Loch Lee church and the House of Mark.

What are the black sheep across the road from the Retreat? Herdwick sheep from Yorkshire. They are hardy but difficult to flock.  They are ‘tick moppers’ = they attract ticks which are then killed by dipping. Ticks can cause serious diseases for sheep.

Where can you swim? Gracie’s Linn; Dalbrack; Drake’s Pool. Look out for gold at Gracie’s Linn!

Birds. You can see eagles at Gleneffock and Glen Mark - they are twice the size of buzzards (very common). You can also see: oystercatchers, red kite, pheasants and game.

What is the distinctive sharp hill with the 45% angle?  Craig Maskeldie

Walks? Please see our leaflets about walking and maps in the shop and in displays or click here to open a pdf.

Toilets - Tarfside car park – open all year!!

Accommodation? (You can also camp in the Games Field, Tarfside, which has toilets and a public phone.