Location, Attractions, and Events

Cortachy

Cortachy is a tiny hamlet of five houses that lies at the foot of the Angus Glens. It sits on the edge of the South Esk River next to Cortachy Castle, famed for its gardens and network of footpaths. The castle has been the seat of the Ogilvies of Airlie since 1625 and is still home to Lord and Lady Airlie. Cortachy Church which was built in 1828 by the 7th Earl of Airlie on the site of a previous church and Cortachy Primary School are both situated within the hamlet.

Kirriemuir

Kirriemuir is a red sandstone town in the valley of Strathmore, five miles west of Forfar. Often described as "The Gateway to the Glens" its settlement dates back to at least medieval times. Once a centre for handloom weaving and later jute processing, it now lies at the heart of farming land and has textile and milling industries. Kirriemuir’s most famous son was J M Barrie who gifted the town a Camera Obscura which is still in operation. His birthplace is now maintained by The National Trust for Scotland. Other famous sons of Kirremuir include actor David Niven and rock star Bon Scott. Close to the town lies Kinnordy Loch a RSPB site offering a tranquil wetland oasis dotted with hides which let you get close to a variety of wildlife.

Local Wildlife

The area around Cortachy is a haven for all types of wildlife. We regularly see deer, hares, stoats and red squirrels in the garden and paddock and a large variety of native species can be spotted whilst out exploring the Angus hills and glens.

A great variety of birds either inhabit or visit the property. Among these are our resident pheasants, partridge and greater spotted woodpeckers. Visitors include sparrow hawks, buzzards and oyster catchers as well as the many varieties of native birds. We have a number of feeding stations around the garden which bring many of the small bird species close, and the garden is always full of their singing.

Field Sports

The Angus area is famed for its excellent facilities for both shooting and fishing. Cortachy House B&B is situated less than 100 yards from the South Esk River one of the best sea trout rivers in Scotland. The fishing season runs from 16th Feb to 31st October. For availability and rates please contact Airlie Estate Office on 01575 570108. Salmon fishing is also available. For sea fishing enthusiasts we are only 30 minutes from the coast with both Arbroath and Montrose in easy reach.

Shooters are well catered for with pheasant, grouse, partridge and duck available locally. There is rough shooting on the low ground or the hill beats of Glen Clova or Glen Moy, with driven hare and walked up rabbit on offer.

Golf

Angus is a golfer’s paradise. There are many fine local courses on offer, including the James Baird designed course at Kirriemuir as well as courses at Brechin, Edzell, Forfar, Montrose, Letham Grange and Guthrie Castle. If you add to these the Championship courses at Blairgowrie, Carnoustie and St Andrews, all of them less than 45 minutes drive away from Cortachy House Bed and Breakfast, you have at Cortachy the perfect location for your golfing escape.