Exhibition marks 800 years of worship

Workers are during the 1900-1902 restoration of the cathedral building.

‘Brechin Cathedral: 800 Years of Worship’ will look at the cathedral’s long and rich history stretching back 800 years.

The present building has its origins in the founding of the Diocese of Brechin by King David I in the mid 12th century, but the site was used for religious purposes far earlier than that.

The first cathedral involved Norman-style alterations carried out to an existing church run by Celtic monks and it was not until about 1225 that they were replaced and a small cathedral built in the Gothic style. This, the present building, was completed over the next few centuries with the major work done in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The site, however, is thought to have held religious significance since the 8th century.

Following the Reformation, the cathedral became Brechin’s parish church of and has ever since played an important role within the community. It finally closed as a place of worship last November.

ANGUSalive Museums, Galleries and Archives, in partnership with the Friends of Brechin Cathedral, is hosting the exhibition of prized objects, documents and art which tell the story of the Cathedral and celebrate the delayed 800th anniversary of the building.

An ANGUSalive spokesperson said: “Amongst the objects exhibited will be Angus Archives’ rare Brechin Cathedral music, post-Reformation silver vestments belonging to the Church of Scotland, and a LEGO model of the Cathedral.

"The model was commissioned as part of the 800th anniversary celebrations planned for Brechin 2020, which were delayed due to the pandemic. The final piece, the spire of the Round Tower, made of pewter and leafed in gold, will be added to the model by the Duchess of Fife on June 4. This was designed and cast by Angus 3DSolutions and donated to the Brechin 2020 Project.”

On Saturday, June 11, at 7.30pm, a concert to celebrate the anniversary will be given in the cathedral itself and will feature a programme including music from classical to pop. Entry is by donation.The exhibition will run until October 31.