Research project results in comprehensive history of Brechin neighbourhood

Brechiners locally and around the world contributed to the booklet, which will be distributed next week..

The history of one of Brechin’s main streets and its place in the hearts and memories of the people connected to it have been brought together in a new publication which was published recently.

‘Tales of River Street, Brechin Yarns that need Spun and Woven’ is the result of months of research and collation by a group of enthusiasts in the town which combines information drawn from local history resources and, more importantly, the recollections of the people who lived there.

Brechiners locally and abroad have contributed to the 20-page booklet, illustrated with many old photos, which will be released at the start of next week.

The project was suggested by Brechin Civic Trust to celebrate and honour a unique area of the city, and trust member Ron Scrimgeour was asked to conduct a study of the neighbourhood.

He said: “My first task was to find out two things – was there a community interest in such a project and who was there in the community or among Brechin expats that would be interested in putting together a narrative on River Street.

"A Facebook post on Brechin Memories brought an overwhelming response and the affection for the old River Street was evident in the huge number of responses.

"A faithful group of enthusiasts met monthly in the Bridgend Bar thanks to the hospitality of the owners Amanda and Scott. These stalwarts brought along photographs, teased out fact from legend and brought to the surface long-forgotten memories."

The booklet goes into different aspects of the street offering a comprehensive history of one of the city’s lesser-known areas.

The trust has paid for 600 copies of the booklet which will be distributed for free beginning on October 9,

Ron added: “Once discussions have taken place, venues should include Brechin Library, the Town House Museum, the Crickety, and Dennis’s. A full list will be posted on the Brechin Memories Facebook page.”

Other outlets that would like to help with the distribution of this booklet should contact [email protected].

Andover School will receive 100 copies for distribution to encourage senior pupils to engage in a similar project and copies will be posted to the expats who have shown an interest in this study.

Ron said: “As well as producing an interesting booklet, the great amount of cross talk and interaction between collaborators and distant Brechiners has been greatly valued.”