Editing Arbroath

{{Short description|Scottish town in Angus}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox UK place
|country = Scotland
|official_name = Arbroath
|coordinates = {{coord|56.561|-02.586|display=inline,title}}
|gaelic_name = Obar Bhrothaig
|scots_name = Aiberbrothock
|population = {{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Arbroath}}
|population_ref = ({{Scottish settlement population citation|year}})<ref>{{Scottish settlement population citation}}</ref>
|os_grid_reference = NO641412
|unitary_scotland = [[Angus, Scotland|Angus]]
|lieutenancy_scotland = [[Angus, Scotland|Angus]]
|constituency_westminster = [[Arbroath and Broughty Ferry (UK Parliament constituency)|Arbroath and Broughty Ferry]]
|constituency_scottish_parliament = [[Angus South (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Angus South]]
|post_town = ARBROATH
|postcode_district = DD11
|postcode_area = DD
|dial_code = 01241
|static_image_name = Arbroath from Inchape Park.JPG
|static_image_caption = Arbroath from the south
|edinburgh_distance = {{convert|45|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} [[Boxing the compass|SSW]]
|london_distance = {{convert|371|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} [[Boxing the compass|SSE]]
}}
'''Arbroath''' ({{IPAc-en|ɑr|ˈ|b|r|oʊ|θ}}) or '''Aberbrothock''' ({{langx|gd|Obar Bhrothaig<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gaelicplacenames.org/databasedetails.php?id=713 |title=Arbroath |work=Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba ~ Gaelic Place-names of Scotland |access-date=9 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012183728/http://www.gaelicplacenames.org/databasedetails.php?id=713 |archive-date=12 October 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>}} {{IPA|gd|ˈopəɾ ˈvɾo.ɪkʲ|}}) is a former [[royal burgh]] and the largest town in the [[Subdivisions of Scotland|council area]] of [[Angus, Scotland|Angus]], Scotland, with a population of 23,902.<ref name='2001c'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/uk-scotland.php?cityid=159001 |title=Arbroath 2011 Census – Population |access-date=11 August 2015 |work=Scotlands Census |publisher=Scottish Executive}}</ref> It lies on the [[North Sea]] coast, some {{convert|16|mi|km}} east-northeast of [[Dundee, Scotland|Dundee]] and {{convert|45|mi|km}} south-southwest of [[Aberdeen, Scotland|Aberdeen]].

There is evidence of [[Iron Age]] settlement, but its history as a town began with the founding of [[Arbroath Abbey]] in 1178. It grew much during the [[Industrial Revolution]] through the flax and then the [[jute]] industry and the engineering sector. A new [[harbour]] was created in 1839; by the 20th century, Arbroath was one of Scotland's larger fishing ports.

The town is notable for the [[Declaration of Arbroath]] and the [[Arbroath smokie]].<ref name="brhisabb">{{Cite web |title=Quatrocentenary of Arbroath's Royal Charter 1599 - 1999 |url=http://archive.angus.gov.uk/historyaa/archives/gems/Arbroath1599.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202042822/http://archive.angus.gov.uk/historyaa/archives/gems/Arbroath1599.htm |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=25 January 2017 |publisher=Angus Council}}</ref> [[Arbroath F.C.|Arbroath Football Club]] holds the world record for the number of goals scored in a professional [[association football|football]] match: [[Arbroath 36–0 Bon Accord|36–0]] against [[Bon Accord F.C.|Bon Accord of Aberdeen]] in the [[Scottish Cup]] in [[1885–86 Scottish Cup|1885]].

==History==
===Toponymy===
The earliest recorded name was 'Aberbrothock', referring to the Brothock [[Stream|Burn]] that runs through the town. The prefix ''Aber'' derived either from the Gaelic 'Obair',<ref>{{Cite book |last=Beveridge |first=E. |title=The 'Abers' and 'Invers' of Scotland |publisher=W. Brown |year=1923}}</ref> or the earlier Brythonic term ''Aber'' for confluence or river mouth.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Price |first=G. |title=Languages in Britain & Ireland |publisher=Blackwell Publishing |year=2000 |location=Oxford |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2PiAUygVGTcC&q=cumbric+caer |access-date=27 January 2009 |isbn=978-0-631-21581-3}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Watson |first=W.J. |year=1926 |title=The Celtic Placenames of Scotland |publisher=Birlinn |location=Edinburgh}}</ref> The name Aberbrothock was spelt numerous ways. The earliest manuscripts available have it as "Abirbrothoke" (in a letter to Edward I confirming the Treaty of Salisbury, which agreed that the [[Queen regnant]], [[Margaret, Maid of Norway]] would marry [[Edward I of England|Edward I]])<ref name="Various 1290">Various authors (1290) [http://www.rps.ac.uk/search.php?action=fc&fn=margaret_ms&id=id47&query=Abirbrothoke&type=ms&variants=Abirbrothoke&google=Abirbrothoke# Letters: confirmation of the treaty of Salisbury] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601005312/http://www.rps.ac.uk/search.php?action=fc&fn=margaret_ms&id=id47&query=Abirbrothoke&type=ms&variants=Abirbrothoke&google=Abirbrothoke |date=1 June 2013}}, www.rps.ac.uk; Retrieved 12 December 2008.</ref><!--This reference seems to use a nonexistent template--> and "Aberbrothok" (in a subsequent letter of consent to the marriage).<ref name="Various 1290"/> In the [[Declaration of Arbroath]], it is seen as "Abirbrothoc".<ref name="doa">Various authors (1320) [http://www.rps.ac.uk/search.php?action=fc&fn=roberti_ms&id=id193&query=Abirbrothoc&type=ms&variants=Abirbrothoc&google=Abirbrothoc# Letters: 'The Declaration of Arbroath'; letter of the barons of Scotland to Pope John XXII] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601050045/http://www.rps.ac.uk/search.php?action=fc&fn=roberti_ms&id=id193&query=Abirbrothoc&type=ms&variants=Abirbrothoc&google=Abirbrothoc |date=1 June 2013}}, www.rps.ac.uk; Retrieved 12 December 2008.</ref> Early maps show a number of variants including Aberbrothock,<ref>T. Pont, c. 1583–1596 [https://archive.today/20120710022552/http://maps.nls.uk/counties/detail.cfm?id=289 Lower Angus and Perthshire east of the Tay], www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008</ref><ref>J. Ainslie, 1794 [https://archive.today/20120905022803/http://www.nls.uk/maps/joins/577.html Map of the county of Forfar or Shire of Angus], www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref> Aberbrothik,<ref>R. Edward, 1678, [https://archive.today/20120904035231/http://www.nls.uk/maps/counties/detail.cfm?id=200 Angusia Provincia Scotiae, The Shire of Angus], www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref> Aberbrothick,<ref>G. Taylor and A. Skinner, 1776 [http://www.nls.uk/maps/atlas/taylor-skinner/detail.cfm?id=1094 Survey and maps of the roads of North Britain or Scotland: Road from Aberbrothick to Brechine.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606041154/http://www.nls.uk/maps/atlas/taylor-skinner/detail.cfm?id=1094 |date=6 June 2009}}, www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref><ref name="Knox">J. Knox, 1850 [https://archive.today/20120904054722/http://www.nls.uk/maps/coasts/chart.cfm?id=842 Map of the Basin of the Tay, including the greater part of Perthshire, Strathmore and the Braes of Angus or Forfar], www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref> and Aberbrothwick.<ref>W. Roy, 1747–55, [http://www.nls.uk/maps/roy/index.html Military Survey of Scotland] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818023139/http://www.nls.uk/maps/roy/index.html |date=18 August 2009}}, www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref>

The modern name Arbroath came into common use from the mid-19th century,<ref name="Knox"/> the older name being largely dropped by the time of the first Ordnance Survey edition.<ref>Ordnance Survey (1888) [http://www.nls.uk/maps/os/oneinch_1st_list.html 1 inch to the mile maps of Scotland 1st Edition. Sheet 49] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225111032/http://www.nls.uk/maps/os/oneinch_1st_list.html |date=25 February 2009}}, www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref> However, variants of 'Arbroath' had been used since the 17th century, including 'Arbroth'<ref>R. Gordon, c. 1636-52, [https://archive.today/20120905172853/http://www.nls.uk/maps/counties/detail.cfm?id=29 Anguss], www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref> and Aberbreth.<ref>H. Moll, 1732, [https://archive.today/20120909130059/http://www.nls.uk/maps/counties/detail.cfm?id=232 The Shire of Angus or Forfar], www.nls.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref>

===Early history===
[[File:Pictish.stone.St.Vigeans.jpg|thumb|right|[[Drosten Stone]]]]
The area of Arbroath has been inhabited since at least the [[Neolithic period]]. Material from [[posthole]]s at an enclosure at Douglasmuir, near [[Friockheim]], some five miles north of Arbroath, have been [[radiocarbon date]]d to about 3500 BCE. The function of the enclosure is unknown – perhaps for agriculture or for ceremonial purposes.<ref name="Douglasmuir">{{Cite journal |last=Kendrick |first=J. |author2=Barclay, G. J. |author3=Cowie, T. G. |author4=Saville, A. |author5=Townshend, A. |author6=Braby, A. |date=1996 |url=http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-352-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_125/125_029_067.pdf |title=Excavation of a Neolithic enclosure and an Iron Age settlement at Douglasmuir, Angus |journal=Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland |volume=125 |pages=29–67 |doi=10.9750/PSAS.125.29.67 |s2cid=53586923 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611100003/http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_125/125_029_067.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2007}}</ref>

[[Bronze Age]] finds are abundant in the area. They include short-cist burials near West Newbigging, about a mile north of the town, which yielded pottery urns, a pair of silver discs and a gold armlet.<ref>[[Andrew Jervise|Jervise, A.]] (1863), [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_005/5_100_102.pdf Notice of stone cists and an urn, found near Arbroath, Forfarshire] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611232404/http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_005/5_100_102.pdf |date=11 June 2007}}. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 5, pp. 100–102. ahds.ac.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref> [[Iron Age]] archaeology is also present, for example in the [[souterrain]] near Warddykes Cemetery<ref>Watkins, T. and Barclay, G. (1978–1980) [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_110/110_165_208.pdf Excavation of a settlement and souterrain at Newmill, near Bankfoot, Perthshire] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611215131/http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_110/110_165_208.pdf |date=11 June 2007}}, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland pp. 110 and 165–208. ahds.ac.uk. Retrieved 12 December 2008.</ref> and at West Grange of Conan,<ref>A. Jervise, c. 1860 [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_004/4_492_499.pdf An account of the excavation of the round or "bee-hive" shaped house and other underground chambers, at West Grange of Conan, Forfarshire] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611154458/http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_004/4_492_499.pdf |date=11 June 2007}}, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 4, 429–499. ahds.ac.uk; Retrieved 12 December 2008.</ref> as well as better-known examples at Carlungie and Ardestie.

The area appears to have had importance in the early Christian period, as shown by [[Picts|Pictish]] stone carvings found during restoration of [[St Vigeans]] Church, now housed in the small museum there. The stones had been used in building the old church and many were badly damaged. One of them, the 9th century [[Drosten Stone]], is among the few Pictish artefacts with a Latin inscription: DROSTEN: IREUORET [E]TTFOR CUS'. This has been variously construed, but is thought to refer to the Pictish King [[Uurad of the Picts|Uurad]], who reigned in 839–842 CE.<ref>T. O. Clancy, 2002, [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_123/123_345_353.pdf The Drosten Stone: A new reading] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611195910/http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_123/123_345_353.pdf |date=11 June 2007}} Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 123, 345–353. ahds.ac.uk; Retrieved 11 December 2008.</ref>

===Medieval history===
[[File:Arbroath Abbey1.jpg|left|thumb|Ruined [[Arbroath Abbey]], built from local red [[sandstone]]]]
The recorded history of Arbroath begins with the foundation of the [[Arbroath Abbey|Abbey]] by King [[William the Lion]] in 1178 for monks of the [[Tironensian]] order from [[Kelso Abbey]]. It was consecrated in 1197 with a dedication to Saint [[Thomas Becket]], as the King's only personal foundation; he was buried within its precincts in 1214.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911 |inline=y |wstitle=Arbroath |volume=2 |page=339}}</ref> The Abbey was not finally completed until 1233.<ref name="Miller1860">{{Cite book |last=Miller |first=D. |title=Arbroath and its abbey, or the early history of the town and abbey of Aberbrothock including notices of ecclesiastical and other antiquities in the surrounding district |year=1860 |url=https://archive.org/details/arbroathanditsa00millgoog |page=[https://archive.org/details/arbroathanditsa00millgoog/page/n156 140]
|quote=panmure castle|publisher=Thomas G. Stevenson |location=Edinburgh}}</ref>

King John, also in the 13th century, exempted Arbroath from "toll and custom" in every part of England except London.<ref name="EB1911"/>

On 6 April 1320 the [[Parliament of Scotland|Scottish Parliament]] met at Arbroath Abbey and addressed to the [[Pope John XXII|Pope]] the [[Declaration of Arbroath]], drafted by the Abbot of the time, [[Bernard of Kilwinning|Bernard]]. This detailed the services which their "lord and sovereign" [[Robert I of Scotland|Robert the Bruce]] had rendered to Scotland and eloquently affirmed Scots independence.<ref name="doa"/>

The [[Battle of Arbroath]] in 1446 came after a series of clashes between the Chief Justiciary of Arbroath, Alexander Lindsay, third Earl of Crawford and Bishop [[James Kennedy (bishop)|James Kennedy]] of St Andrews, which resulted in Lindsay sacking the bishop's lands and burning his properties. Lindsay was [[excommunication|excommunicated]] and it was felt this conflicted with his role as Chief Justiciary. The monks of Arbroath Abbey selected Alexander Ogilvy of Inverquharity as his replacement and the insult led to pitched battle in the town, leaving 500 dead, including Lindsay and Ogilvy. Large parts of it were destroyed in the aftermath by the Lindsay family.<ref name="lindsays">A. Jervise, 1853 [https://archive.org/details/historyandtradi00jervgoog/page/n321 <!-- pg=303 quote=barony of panbride. --> The history and traditions of the land of the Lindsays in Angus and Mearnes, with notices of Alyth and Meigle], Sutherland & Knox, Edinburgh.</ref>

The abbey soon fell into disuse and eventual disrepair after its dissolution at the [[Scottish Reformation|Reformation]]. The roof lead is rumoured to have been used in the 16th-century civil wars and the stonework plundered for housebuilding in the town. The ruins were a popular site for travellers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Finally in 1815, they were taken into state care. They are now administered by [[Historic Scotland]].<ref name="brhisabb"/>

===Modern history===
The Jacobite rising known as the [[Jacobite rising of 1745|Forty-Five]] turned Arbroath into a Jacobite town. A high proportion of its able-bodied men joined the Jacobite army.<ref>C. Duffy, ''The 45'' (2003), pp 83 and 86.</ref> It was one of the main ports where men and supplies could be landed from France. It and other Jacobite ports along the north-east coast collectively formed 'an asset of almost incalculable value' to the Jacobite cause.<ref>C. Duffy, ''The 45'', p. 366.</ref>

The [[Industrial Revolution]] led to an expansion of Arbroath's economy and population. New housing was built for the influx of workers and Arbroath became known for [[jute]] and [[sailcloth]] production. In 1867, the mills employed 4,620 people<ref>{{Cite book |last=Warden |first=A.J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hNT592RHNRwC&q=arbroath+linen&pg=RA1-PA543 |title=The linen trade, ancient and modern |publisher=Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts and Green |year=1867 |location=London}}</ref> and in 1875, 1,400 [[loom]]s in 34 mills produced over a million yards of [[osnaburg]] cloth and 450,000 yards of sailcloth; the town is believed to have supplied the sails for ''[[Cutty Sark]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-800279-arbroath_arbroath-i |title=travel.yahoo.com |access-date=30 January 2007 |work=Rough Guides |publisher=Yahoo Travel }}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Arbroath was also prominent in the making of shoes and lawnmowers. Manufacturer [[Alexander Shanks and Son|Alexander Shanks]], founded in 1840 and based at Dens Iron Works from 1853,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexander Shanks and Son |website=[[Grace's Guide]] |url=https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Alexander_Shanks_and_Son
}}</ref> supplied mowers to the [[Old Course at St Andrews]] and the [[All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club]].<ref name="brhisabb"/><ref name='edachshanks'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst331.html |title=Alexander Shanks |access-date=6 January 2007 |publisher=The Gazetteer for Scotland}}</ref><ref name='brithist'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=43417 |title=Andrew's, St – Arbroath |access-date=13 January 2007 |year=1846 |work=A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204151308/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=43417 |archive-date=4 February 2007 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Shanks">{{Cite web |title=MS 43 Alexander Shanks & Sons Ltd |url=http://arccat.dundee.ac.uk/dserve.exe?dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=Show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=%28RefNo%3D%27MS%2043%27%29 |website=Archive Services Online Catalogue |publisher=University of Dundee |access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref> Shanks was taken over in the 1960s by local firm, Giddings & Lewis-Fraser Ltd.,<ref name="Shanks"/> which had evolved from the flax and canvas manufacturing business established by Douglas Fraser in 1832. In the last decade of the 19th century, Douglas Fraser & Sons shifted focus to machine manufacture following the success of a braiding machine designed by Norman Fraser. The firm had interests in South America and India. In 1959 the business was taken over by the US company, Giddings & Lewis and renamed Giddings & Lewis-Fraser. Its headquarters were Wellgate Works, Arbroath.<ref name="GLF">{{Cite web |title=MS 42 Giddings & Lewis-Fraser Ltd |url=http://arccat.dundee.ac.uk/dserve.exe?dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=Show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=%28RefNo%3D%27ms%2042%27%29 |website=Archive Services Online Catalogue |publisher=University of Dundee |access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref>

Arbroath is well known for its ties to the fishing industry. Following significant improvements to the harbour in 1839, the council sought fishermen willing to migrate to the town. Men came from nearby [[Auchmithie]] and further afield, including [[Shetland]]. The industry grew, and in the peak years up to 1980 some 40 [[Freshwater whitefish|whitefish]] and [[pelagic]] vessels worked from Arbroath, employing hundreds on board and hundreds more ashore to service vessels and process the fish. Quota cuts and decommissioning took their toll in Scotland from the 1980s; however, Arbroath remains a whitefish port open for landing shellfish.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2004/03/04/newsstory5681647t0.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040606160402/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2004/03/04/newsstory5681647t0.asp |url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2004 |title=Second boost as Arbroath harbour back on the map |access-date=30 January 2007 |date=4 March 2004 |work=The Courier and Advertiser |publisher=D.C Thompson}}</ref> Only one vessel now works regularly from Arbroath, but a further three Arbroath-owned vessels work from [[Aberdeen]] and ports further north. Fish processing remains a big employer, but the fish come from Aberdeen, [[Peterhead]] and even Iceland, Norway and Ireland.<ref name="brhisabb"/><ref name='ABCFish'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/statistics/economic/fishing/index.asp |title=Fishing Industry Statistics |access-date=6 January 2007 |publisher=Aberdeenshire Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107184807/http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/statistics/economic/fishing/index.asp |archive-date=7 January 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="scotsman2">{{Cite web |last=Urquhart |first=Frank |date=23 December 2005 |title=Quotas set to put bite on fish & chips |url=http://news.scotsman.com/seafishingindustry/Quotas-set-to-put-bite.2688901.jp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602130907/http://news.scotsman.com/seafishingindustry/Quotas-set-to-put-bite.2688901.jp |archive-date=2 June 2009 |access-date=7 February 2009 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref>

==Governance==
[[File:Arbroath coat of arms.png|right|thumb|Royal Burgh of Arbroath's Coat of Arms]]
[[File:The sheriff court - geograph.org.uk - 1195590.jpg|thumb|left|[[Arbroath Town House]]]]

Arbroath was made a [[burgh of regality]] in 1178 by King [[William I of Scotland|William the Lion]], when the abbey was founded. The burgh of regality permitted monks to hold a weekly market, dispense basic justice and establish a harbour. In 1599, the town was granted [[royal burgh]] status by King [[James I of England|James VI of Scotland]]. A provost and town council were appointed.<ref name="Royal Burgh">{{Cite web |title=MS 300 Royal Burgh of Arbroath |url=http://arccat.dundee.ac.uk/dserve.exe?&dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=((text)=%27ms%20300%27) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010047/https://arccat.dundee.ac.uk/dserve.exe?&dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=((text)=%27ms%20300%27) |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=1 December 2015 |website=Archive Services Online Catalogue |publisher=University of Dundee}}</ref>

In 1922, [[James Mackay, 1st Earl of Inchcape|Lord Inchcape]] became [[burgess (title)|burgess]]. He was presented with his ticket to the office in a silver casket engraved with the burgh [[coat-of-arms]] and views of the locality.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Inchcape Casket |work=Dundee Courier |date=6 June 1922 |access-date=3 August 2014 |url=http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19220606/093/0005|publisher=[[British Newspaper Archive]] |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Arbroath remained controlled by Arbroath Burgh Council, which was based at [[Arbroath Town House]], through to 1975, when Arbroath (and the [[county of Angus]]) were amalgamated with Perthshire and Dundee City into Tayside, controlled by [[Tayside|Tayside Regional Council]]. Angus, along with Dundee City and Perth & Kinross were re-established under the [[Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]].<ref name='lga1994'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts1994/Ukpga_19940039_en_13.htm |title=Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 |access-date=7 January 2007 |year=1994 |publisher=Office of Public Sector Information |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212165933/http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1994/Ukpga_19940039_en_13.htm |archive-date=12 December 2006<!--DASHBot-->|url-status=live}}</ref>

Arbroath is represented on [[Angus, Scotland|Angus Council]] by seven councillors; four from the ward of [[Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim (ward)|Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=Ward 6 (Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim) |url=https://boundaries.scot/Electoral/5th_Reviews/Angus/5th_Review_Angus_Ward_6.pdf |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=[[Boundaries Scotland]]}}</ref> and three from [[Arbroath East and Lunan (ward)|Arbroath East & Lunan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=Ward 7 (Arbroath East and Lunan) |url=https://boundaries.scot/Electoral/5th_Reviews/Angus/5th_Review_Angus_Ward_7.pdf |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=[[Boundaries Scotland]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Local Elections 5 May 2022 - The election |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/elections_and_voting/local_government_elections_5_may_2022/local_elections_5_may_2022_the_election |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref>

===Parliamentary representation===
Arbroath is part of [[Arbroath and Broughty Ferry (UK Parliament constituency)|Arbroath and Broughty Ferry]] constituency for elections to the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]]. The seat was first contested at the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]] where [[Stephen Gethins]] of the [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] won the seat.

Arbroath is in the [[Angus South (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Angus South constituency]] of the [[Scottish Parliament]] (having been in the [[Angus (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Angus]] constituency until its abolition in 2011). It returns a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) to [[Holyrood, Edinburgh|Holyrood]] directly. [[Graeme Dey]] of the [[Scottish National Party]] has won the seat in all three elections contested since its formation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Angus South - Scottish Parliament constituency |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2021/scotland/constituencies/S16000082 |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Angus South - Scottish Parliament constituency - Election 2016 - BBC News |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/scotland-constituencies/S16000082 |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=SNP's Angus wins no surprise – but margin of victory exceeds all expectations |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Angus/article/13694/snp-s-angus-wins-no-surprise-but-margin-of-victory-exceeds-all-expectations.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510072326/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Angus/article/13694/snp-s-angus-wins-no-surprise-but-margin-of-victory-exceeds-all-expectations.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 May 2011 |work=The Courier |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=6 May 2011}}</ref> Angus South forms part of the [[North East Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|North East Scotland electoral region]] for electing additional Members of the Scottish Parliament.

==Geography==
At {{Coord|56|33|31|N|02|34|58|W|type:city}}, Arbroath lies on the [[North Sea]] coast, {{convert|17|mi|km}} north-east of [[Dundee]], within the [[Angus, Scotland|Angus]] region. Geologically, it sits predominantly on [[Old Red Sandstone]]. Lower-lying parts were below sea level until after the last Ice Age.<ref name='1911forfarshire'>{{Cite EB1911 |wstitle=Forfarshire |volume=10 |pages=660–662}}</ref>

Arbroath lies {{convert|98|mi|km}} north-east of [[Glasgow]], {{convert|50|mi|km}} south-west of [[Aberdeen]] and {{convert|77|mi|km}} from [[Edinburgh]]. Neighbouring villages of [[St Vigeans]], [[Carmyllie]], [[Friockheim]], [[Colliston]] and [[Inverkeilor]] are taken as part of Arbroath for council representation, and along with [[Carnoustie]] share its 01241 telephone area code.

=== Brothock Water ===
A burn (or stream) named Brothock Water flows through the town from [[St Vigeans]] parallel to the railway line, before turning to meet the North Sea at Danger Point immediately east of the harbour. Flax and jute mills congregated alongside the stream in the 19th century to use the water for their steam-powered machinery. Much of its course within the town is open but some parts have been built over. The burn and its environs form a green artery between residential areas and along with the railway line divides the town, east to west. Data collected by the Brothock Water monitoring station from 1990 onwards shows the water level to normally range between {{Convert|0.4|m|ft}} and {{Convert|1.2|m|ft}}. The highest recorded level of {{Convert|1.67|m|ft}} was reached on 2 November 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SEPA Water Levels - Brothock Water @ Arbroath |url=https://www2.sepa.org.uk/waterlevels/default.aspx?sd=t&lc=14922 |access-date=3 February 2023 |website=[[Scottish Environment Protection Agency]]}}</ref> A £12 million publicly funded scheme to reduce flows in Brothock Water to protect parts of the town at risk from flooding was developed by Angus Council and the [[Scottish Environment Protection Agency]]. The works, completed in December 2022, included the creation of flood storage areas at Dammy Meadows and north of the town.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2022 |title=Floods in Scotland, UK, November 2022 |url=https://www.efas.eu/en/news/floods-scotland-uk-november-2022 |access-date=3 February 2023 |website=Copernicus EMS - European Flood Awareness System}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath (Brothock Water) Flood Protection Scheme |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/flooding/arbroath_brothock_water_flood_protection_scheme |access-date=3 February 2023 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref>

===The shoreline===
South west of the harbour lies an area of craggy rocks with a large number of rock pools exposed at low tide. Rocks, boulders and shingle extend for about nine hundred metres to Arbroath West Links (or Elliot) beach. This gently sloping beach is of mixed sand and pebbles and the sea here is a designated bathing water site of about {{Convert|1.3|km|mi}} in length. The main access to the beach is via a slipway, but there are also steps down from the coastal path. Depending on the tide, the width of the beach can vary from twenty to two hundred metres.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2020 |title=Bathing Water Profile for Arbroath (West Links) |url=https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/39203/arbroath-west-links-bathing-water-profile.pdf |access-date=7 February 2023 |website=Scottish Environment Protection Agency}}</ref>

Arbroath (or Seaton) cliffs rise about {{Convert|1|mile|km}} north east of the harbour. Whiting Ness at the end of the King's Drive promenade is an example of geological angular [[unconformity]]; a coarse conglomerate of late [[Devonian]] upper red [[sandstone]] overlies early Devonian lower red sandstone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=M A E |title=Whiting Ness, Angus: The Old Red Sandstone of Great Britain |url=https://data.jncc.gov.uk/data/d156c160-558d-4855-9927-6066e183045e/gcr-v31-old-red-sandstone-c3.pdf |access-date=8 February 2023 |publisher=British Geological Survey |page=166}}</ref>

{{Panorama
|image = Image:Arbroath Cliff Panorama.JPG
|fullwidth = 3600
|fullheight = 300
|caption = Panorama of Arbroath Cliffs in winter
|height = 180
}}

==Climate==
Arbroath has a typical British [[oceanic climate|marine climate]] influenced by its seaside position. There are narrow temperature differences between seasons. January has an average high of {{convert|6.4|C|F}} and July of {{convert|18|C|F}}. The climate is somewhat dry and sunny for Scotland, with {{convert|639.4|mm|in}} of precipitation and 1561.7 hours of sunshine. The data are sourced from the 1991–2020 averages of the Met Office weather station in Arbroath.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gfn1v0610 |title=Arbroath climate information |publisher=Met Office |access-date=5 August 2015}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Arbroath 15m asl, 1991–2020
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 14.5
|Feb record high C = 15.3
|Mar record high C = 21.0
|Apr record high C = 22.6
|May record high C = 24.3
|Jun record high C = 27.5
|Jul record high C = 28.4
|Aug record high C = 28.8
|Sep record high C = 24.8
|Oct record high C = 21.4
|Nov record high C = 15.7
|Dec record high C = 14.4
|year record high C = 28.8
|Jan high C = 6.7
|Feb high C = 7.2
|Mar high C = 8.8
|Apr high C = 10.8
|May high C = 13.4
|Jun high C = 16.2
|Jul high C = 18.1
|Aug high C = 17.8
|Sep high C = 15.8
|Oct high C = 12.5
|Nov high C = 9.3
|Dec high C = 7.0
|year high C = 12.0
|Jan low C = 1.8
|Feb low C = 2.1
|Mar low C = 3.0
|Apr low C = 4.7
|May low C = 6.8
|Jun low C = 9.6
|Jul low C = 11.6
|Aug low C = 11.4
|Sep low C = 9.7
|Oct low C = 7.2
|Nov low C = 4.2
|Dec low C = 2.2
|year low C = 6.2
|Jan record low C = -11.2
|Feb record low C = -11.7
|Mar record low C = -10.5
|Apr record low C = -4.3
|May record low C = -1.7
|Jun record low C = 1.2
|Jul record low C = 4.0
|Aug record low C = 2.8
|Sep record low C = -0.5
|Oct record low C = -3.8
|Nov record low C = -8.5
|Dec record low C = -10.1
|year record low C = -11.7
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 53.9
|Feb precipitation mm = 45.1
|Mar precipitation mm = 38.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 40.5
|May precipitation mm = 51.9
|Jun precipitation mm = 54.2
|Jul precipitation mm = 59.7
|Aug precipitation mm = 65.2
|Sep precipitation mm = 48.8
|Oct precipitation mm = 75.7
|Nov precipitation mm = 57.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 48.5
|year precipitation mm = 639.4
|Jan sun = 59.1
|Feb sun = 87.7
|Mar sun = 130.2
|Apr sun = 171.8
|May sun = 204.0
|Jun sun = 183.7
|Jul sun = 183.3
|Aug sun = 173.4
|Sep sun = 138.0
|Oct sun = 102.1
|Nov sun = 75.1
|Dec sun = 53.5
|year sun = 1561.7
|source 1 = [[Met Office]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gfn1v0610 |title=Arbroath climate information |access-date=5 August 2015 |publisher=[[Met Office]]}}</ref>
|date=August 2015
}}

==Demography==
Residents of Arbroath are called Arbroathians<ref>{{Cite book |last=McBain |first=J. M. |title=Eminent Arbroathians, 1178–1894 |year=1897 |location=Arbroath |publisher=Brodie & Salmond}}</ref> but often call themselves ''Red Lichties''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ma.hw.ac.uk/RSE/events/reports/2007-2008/red_lichties.pdf |title=The Red Lichties and Their Impact on the Rest of the World |access-date=18 August 2009 |author=Lord Fraser of Carmyllie |publisher=Royal Society of Edinburgh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222123741/http://www.ma.hw.ac.uk/RSE/events/reports/2007-2008/red_lichties.pdf |archive-date=22 December 2009}}</ref> after the red lamp that shone from the harbour light and foghorn tower at the harbour entrance, as an aid to shipping entering the harbour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004 |title=Dictionaries of the Scots Language:: SND :: reid |url=https://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/reid |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Dictionaries of the Scots Language |at=Reference (48)}}</ref>

Scotland's census of 2011 reports the total resident population of Arbroath as 23,902, a 4.9 per cent increase over the 22,785 reported by the 2001 census. About 86.5 per cent of the population was born in Scotland, down from 88.9 per cent in 2001 and 95.6 per cent was born in the United Kingdom as a whole (2001: 97.7 per cent). In 2011, Arbroath had a higher percentage of its population under 16 years of age (18.3 per cent) than Scotland (17.3 per cent). Persons aged 65 years and over are put at 18.9 per cent compared with Scotland's 16.8 per cent. Arbroath correspondingly has a lower percentage of 16 to 64 year olds than Scotland. In 2011 there were 47.8 per cent males to 52.2 per cent females.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Area overviews |url=https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/ |access-date=30 January 2023 |website=Scotland's Census |language=en}}</ref>

Arbroath has a moderate unemployment rate – some 2.7 per cent claim job-related [[social welfare]] benefits.<ref name='ACemp'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.angus.gov.uk/atoz/pdfs/unemploymentfttwa.pdf |title=Unemployment Statistics |access-date=17 March 2007 |date=January 2007 |publisher=Angus Council |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928004233/http://www.angus.gov.uk/atoz/pdfs/unemploymentfttwa.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref>

==Economy==
The 2011 census shows Arbroath to have an economically active population of 10,545 (2001: 9,192); of which jobs in health and social work account for 16.0 per cent of total employment (2001: 13.1 per cent), closely followed by wholesale and retail trade and repairs with 15.2 per cent (2001: 15.4 per cent). Manufacturing, the top employment sector in 2001 with 16.0 per cent, fell to third place in 2011 with 12.3 per cent. A separate figure for the fishing industry is not shown for 2011 but accounted for only 0.4 per cent (fewer than 50 people) in 2001, although the processing sector is counted separately under manufacturing and the figure of 50 relates directly to the catching and support sectors.<ref name="labnotes">{{Cite web |title=Census – Supporting Information |url=http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/metadata/topics/labour_market/Industry.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155459/http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/metadata/topics/labour_market/Industry.htm |archive-date=30 September 2007 |access-date=7 January 2007 |work=Scotland's Census Results Online (SCROL) |publisher=Scottish Executive}}</ref><ref name="empnotes">{{Cite web |title=Comparative Employment Profile: Arbroath Locality |url=http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Employment&mainArea=Arbroath&mainLevel=Locality |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212316/http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Employment&mainArea=Arbroath&mainLevel=Locality |archive-date=27 September 2007 |access-date=8 January 2007 |work=Scotland's Census Results Online (SCROL) |publisher=Scottish Executive}}</ref>

===The port===
Arbroath's prospects originally revolved around the harbour. The original harbour was constructed and maintained by the [[abbot]] within the terms of an agreement between the [[burgess (title)|burgess]]es and John Gedy, the abbot in 1394 [[AD]].<ref name="brhisabb"/> This gave way to a more commodious port in 1725,<ref name="brhisabb"/> which in turn was enlarged and improved in 1839, when the sea wall, quay walls and breakwater were added to the old inner harbour, at a cost of £58,000.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Great Britain Parliament. House of Commons |title=Minutes of evidence taken before the commissioners appointed to inquire into the state of tidal harbours |publisher= H.M. Stationery Office |volume=16 |year=1845 |pages=45–49 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f2sSAAAAYAAJ}}</ref> Arbroath became a major coastal shipping port and in 1846 there were 89 Arbroath-registered vessels, totalling 9,100 gross tons. In the same year, 599 vessels docked at Arbroath, 56 from foreign ports (mainly [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] ports) and the remaining 543 employed on the coastal trade. Bark, flax, hemp, hides, oak and fir timber, and guano for manure, groceries from London, and numerous articles of Baltic produce were imported via Arbroath, with manufactured goods (mainly sailcloth) exported.<ref name="brithist"/>
[[File:Arbroath Harbour.jpg|left|thumb|Arbroath Harbour]]

=== Manufacturing ===
Driven by the needs of the fishing and sailing industry, Arbroath-based [[sailmaker]] Francis Webster Ltd perfected in 1795 the art of adding [[linseed oil]] to [[flax]] sails, creating an oiled flax.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The sailmaker's apprentice: a guide for the self-reliant sailor |url=https://archive.org/details/sailmakersappren00mari |url-access=registration |author=Emiliano Marino|year=1994 |isbn=9780071579803 }}</ref> This developed in the late 19th century into [[waxed cotton]], which drove Arbroath as a manufacturing centre until the early 1970s, when it began to decline. A major employer, Keith & Blackman, closed in 1985 and Giddings and Lewis-Fraser wound down about the same time, with the whole plant later demolished to make way for a supermarket.<ref name='cour1'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2004/05/11/newsstory5904078t0.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040520201354/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2004/05/11/newsstory5904078t0.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 May 2004 |title=Disappointment for Arbroath Shoppers |access-date=13 January 2007 |last=Jarrett |first=Andrew |date=11 May 2004 |work=Dundee Courier & Advertiser |publisher=DC Thomson}}</ref><ref name='Timeline'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arbroathtimeline.moonfruit.com/ |title=Arbroath Timeline |access-date=13 January 2007 |archive-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222061201/http://www.arbroathtimeline.moonfruit.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Alps Electric Co.]] was a large employer in Arbroath from 1990 to 2001, employing 180. All were made redundant when the plant closed.

===Armed forces===
Arbroath is home to [[45 Commando]] of the [[Royal Marines]], which has been based at [[RM Condor]] since 1971. The barracks were built in 1940 and commissioned as RNAS Arbroath/HMS Condor, a Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) until 1971. The Royal Marines moved to Arbroath in 1971 and remain a contributor to the local economy; in addition to the Marines stationed at Arbroath, some 600 residents are employed by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]].<ref name="empnotes"/> In 2004, there was speculation that RM Condor would be transferred to the [[British Army|Army]] as a replacement for [[Fort George, Highland|Fort George]] and the barracks become a permanent base for a battalion of the [[Royal Regiment of Scotland]]. This went no further than the planning stage and in 2005 it was confirmed the Marines would remain.<ref name='cond1'>{{Cite web |url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=857922004 |title=Fort George at risk from defence cuts |access-date=10 January 2007 |last=Chamberlain |first=Gethin |author2=John Ross |date=24 July 2004 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref>

===Housing===
House prices in Arbroath in April–June 2006 were just £99 below national average: £113,646 compared to a national £113,745.<ref name='upmystreet'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.upmystreet.com/property/prices/l/Arbroath.html |title=Average property prices in Arbroath |access-date=8 January 2007 |work=UpMyStreet.com |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930043517/http://www.upmystreet.com/property/prices/l/Arbroath.html |archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> The average house price across Angus rose by 14.9 per cent to £124,451 in the year up to November 2006.<ref name='BBC3'>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/uk_house_prices/html/qc.stm |title=UK House Prices |access-date=10 January 2007 |date=17 November 2006 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Angus Council suggests the upgrading of the A92 between Arbroath and Dundee to a dual carriageway has lured Dundonians to Arbroath, which may be boosting house prices.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/6287211.stm |title=New road 'improves' town fortune |access-date=30 January 2007 |date=22 January 2007 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}</ref>

===Tourism===
A visitor survey compiled in 2017 found Arbroath to be the most popular destination in Angus and [[Arbroath Abbey]] the second most visited attraction after [[Glamis Castle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Angus Visitor Survey – Findings from July 2016 to June 2017 |url=https://www.investinangus.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/02/20170829_angus_visitor_survey_2016-17_summary_report_-_final.pdf |website=Investigate Angus |access-date=30 January 2023 }}</ref> Arbroath Abbey receives around 14,000 visitors annually.<ref name="SCO1">{{Cite web |date=14 August 2003 |title=Arbroath Abbey wins gold for green tourism |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2003/08/3932 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125103317/http://scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2003/08/3932 |archive-date=25 January 2012 |access-date=8 January 2007 |publisher=Scottish Executive |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> A re-enactment of the signing of the [[Declaration of Arbroath]] (the declaration of Scottish independence) known as the Scots' or Arbroath Pageant has taken place in the Abbey ruins intermittently since 1947.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McNeill |first1=F. Marian |title=Silver Bough Volume 4 |date=20 August 2013 |publisher=eBook Partnership |location=Glasgow |isbn=978-0-948474-20-0 |page=Arbroath |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=owbhDwAAQBAJ |access-date=30 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The last full pageant took place in 2005 but a smaller ceremony is usually performed on the 6 April each year to commemorate the signing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ritchie |first1=Gayle |title=Pageant recalled as a 'colourful and dramatic spectacle' which marked the anniversary of The Declaration of Arbroath |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/1225333/feature-pageant-recalled-as-a-colourful-and-dramatic-spectacle-which-marked-the-anniversary-of-the-declaration-of-arbroath/ |website=The Courier |access-date=30 January 2023 |date=4 April 2020}}</ref>

==== Former attractions ====
[[File:Harbour Visitor Centre - geograph.org.uk - 523689.jpg|thumb|Harbour Visitor Centre]]
A summer event known as the Seafront Spectacular took place in the 2000s. The program for 2006 included flying displays, a sea rescue demonstration, exhibition of motor vehicles and fairground rides.<ref name="DCT1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2006/07/17/newsstory8552763t0.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930153726/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2006/07/17/newsstory8552763t0.asp |url-status=dead|archive-date=30 September 2007 |title=Thrills galore at Seafront Spectacular |access-date=10 January 2007 |date=17 July 2006 |work=Dundee Courier & Advertiser |publisher=DC Thomson}}</ref> The Sea Fest, an event themed around Arbroath's maritime heritage, was held annually for 21 years until 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strachan |first=Graeme |date=18 November 2017 |title=Arbroath's Sea Fest ends after 21 years |pages=1 |work=The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Mearns edition) |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-angus-and-the-mearns-edition/20171118/page/1 |url-access=subscription |access-date=29 January 2023 |via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref> [[Kerr's Miniature Railway]] was the oldest miniature railway in Scotland at the time of its closure in October 2020. It opened in 1935 and at its height, in 1955, drew 60,000 visitors; however numbers had fallen to just 3,500 in 2019.<ref name="kerr">{{Cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/kmr_scotland/ |title=Kerr's Miniature Railway |access-date=12 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018221507/http://geocities.com/kmr_scotland/ |archive-date=18 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Millar |first1=Maggie |date=12 October 2020 |title=End of the line: Hundreds bid farewell to Arbroath's beloved miniature railway |url=https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/end-of-an-era-crowds-bid-farewell-to-arbroaths-miniature-railway/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303110943/https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/end-of-an-era-crowds-bid-farewell-to-arbroaths-miniature-railway/ |archive-date=3 March 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Evening Telegraph}}</ref> The Harbour Visitor Centre on Fishmarket Quay was completed in 2007. It was the focus of Angus Council's attempt to increase the number of tourists to the harbour. The centre originally housed a multimedia experience explaining the town's fishing history and a [[VisitScotland]] tourist information centre;<ref name="AngusAhead page">{{Cite web |url=http://www.angusahead.com/BusinessAngus/AngusProperty.com/HarbourVisitorCentreArbroath.asp |title=Harbour Visitor Center, Arbroath |access-date=4 February 2013 |publisher=AngusAhead |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624215959/http://www.angusahead.com/BusinessAngus/AngusProperty.com/HarbourVisitorCentreArbroath.asp |archive-date=24 June 2012}}</ref> both have closed and the space vacated let for commercial use.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milne |first=Scott |date=14 December 2017 |title=Councillor declares closing Arbroath's tourist information centre could be a historic mistake |website=The Courier |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/563687/councillor-declares-closing-arbroaths-tourist-information-centre-historic-mistake |url-access=limited |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Arbroath Station.jpg|left|thumb|[[Arbroath railway station]] ]]
The [[A92 road|A92]] dual carriageway connects Arbroath to [[Dundee]] and crosses the Tay estuary into [[Fife]] via the [[Tay Road Bridge]]. North to [[Montrose, Angus|Montrose]] and [[Stonehaven]] the A92 is single carriageway but thereafter is dualled to [[Aberdeen]]. The A933 road runs north to [[Brechin]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MICHELIN Arbroath map - ViaMichelin |url=https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Maps/Map-Arbroath-_-Angus-United_Kingdom |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=www.viamichelin.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> Within the town, the A92 was formerly dualled prior to 2024, when it was singled to allow a dedicated cycle-path and additional green space to be created.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Graham |date=2024-03-05 |title=Work to start within weeks on £14m Arbroath active travel scheme |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/4913361/arbroath-place-for-everyone-scheme-start-date-set/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Destinations from Arbroath Bus Station include [[Brechin]], [[Dundee]], [[Forfar]] and [[Montrose, Angus|Montrose]]. The bus station is also a stopping point on the [[X7 Coastrider]] route that runs between [[Aberdeen]] and [[Dundee]]. [[Stagecoach East Scotland]] under its [[Stagecoach Strathtay]] brand operates most services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath – bustimes.org |url=https://bustimes.org/localities/arbroath |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=bustimes.org}}</ref>

[[Arbroath railway station]] is a short walk from the bus station. The station facilities and most of the passenger trains are operated by [[ScotRail]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Rail Enquiries - Station facilities for Arbroath |url=https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/ARB.aspx |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=www.nationalrail.co.uk}}</ref> Direct services run along the east coast of Scotland to Aberdeen and via Dundee to Edinburgh and Glasgow with onward connections to London and other English cities. The overnight [[Caledonian Sleeper]] stops at Arbroath en route to [[Euston railway station|London Euston]].

The closest regional airport, [[Dundee Airport|Dundee]] has flights to [[London City Airport|London City]], [[George Best Belfast City Airport|George Best Belfast City]] and [[Sumburgh Airport|Sumburgh]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Ryan |title=Destinations from Dundee Airport |url=https://www.hial.co.uk/dundee-airport/destinations-4/1 |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Highlands and Islands Airports Limited |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/airport/main.htm |title=Dundee Airport |access-date=20 September 2006 |publisher=Dundee City Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060811190112/http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/airport/main.htm |archive-date=11 August 2006}}</ref> The airport lies 1.8&nbsp;miles west of the city centre, adjacent to the [[River Tay]]. The nearest international airports are [[Edinburgh Airport|Edinburgh]] and [[Aberdeen Airport|Aberdeen]]. There is a [[RM Condor|sizeable airfield]] at the [[Royal Marines]] military base on the western outskirts of the town. It was created in 1940 as a [[Fleet Air Arm]] airfield and had a training role during World War II. The airstrip was used by a [[Volunteer Gliding Squadron]] up until 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath - Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust UK |url=https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/arbroath/ |access-date=2023-02-05 |website=www.abct.org.uk}}</ref>

==Education==
[[Further education]] is provided at the Arbroath campus of [[Dundee and Angus College]], based in the former [[Arbroath High School]] buildings. The town has two [[secondary school]]s and seven [[primary school]]s. One primary school is Roman Catholic, the remainder non-denominational.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Primary school catchment areas map |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/primary_school_catchment_areas_map |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref>

===Secondary schools===
The two secondaries are [[Arbroath High School]] on Keptie Road and Arbroath Academy in the Hayshead area of the town. The High School was originally a [[grammar school]]; a notable alumnus is former [[Secretary of State for Scotland|Scottish Secretary]], [[Michael Forsyth, Baron Forsyth of Drumlean|Michael Forsyth]].<ref name="BBC10">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/election97/candidates/293.htm |title=Michael Forsyth |access-date=9 January 2007 |year=1997 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041122110925/http://www.bbc.co.uk/election97/candidates/293.htm |archive-date=22 November 2004}}</ref> It caters for around 880 pupils and has a catchment area of west Arbroath and the villages of [[Arbirlot]], [[Carmyllie]] and [[Colliston]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath High School |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/directories/secondary_schools/arbroath_high_school |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Secondary school catchment areas map |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/secondary_school_catchment_areas_map |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref> The Academy, originally a [[Comprehensive school|comprehensive]], opened in 1962.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://arbroathacademy.greenhousecms.co.uk/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Arbroath Academy |language=en}}</ref> It has a school roll of around 700 pupils and a catchment area that includes east Arbroath and the villages of [[Auchmithie]], [[Inverkeilor]] and [[Friockheim]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath Academy |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/directories/secondary_schools/arbroath_academy |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref>

===Further education===
Angus College was established in 1957. In the mid 2000s, Angus College had around 8,500 students, with 80 per cent passing the course for which they enrol. There are about 1,700 full-time students, with part-time students making up the majority.<ref name="college1">{{Cite web |title=Angus College FOI |url=http://www.angus.ac.uk/FOI |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060106165539/http://angus.ac.uk/FOI/default.htm |archive-date=6 January 2006 |access-date=14 November 2006 |website=angus.ac.uk |publisher=}}</ref> On 1 November 2013, Angus College merged with Dundee College to form Dundee and Angus College.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 2013 |title=More Scottish colleges merge today |url=https://www.scotsman.com/education/more-scottish-colleges-merge-today-1554602 |access-date=2 February 2023 |work=[[The Scotsman]]}}</ref> Arbroath is not a student town and there are no student residences. The student population is solely local students living within commuting distance of the college. The Arbroath campus offers mostly full and part time [[Vocational education|vocational courses]] from [[Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework|SCQF]] level 1 up to [[Higher National Diploma]] (level 8).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Courses: Arbroath campus |url=https://dundeeandangus.ac.uk/courses/?keywords=&filter-subject+areas-13325=&filter-mode+of+attendance-4898=&filter-location-14991=14992&filter-scqf+levels-13312=&page=all |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=Dundee & Angus College |language=en}}</ref>

==Places of worship==
[[File:Old and Abbey Parish Church - geograph.org.uk - 1152028.jpg|thumb|The Old and Abbey Parish Church]]
Twelve denominations spread over twenty two places of worship are listed for Arbroath in a survey of Scotland published in 1884; all bar The Old Church are described as "modern".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Groome |first1=Francis Hindes |title=Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: A survey of Scottish topography, statistical, biographical, and historical |volume=I |date=1884 |publisher=Thomas C Jack |location=Edinburgh |page=57 |url=https://digital.nls.uk/gazetteers-of-scotland-1803-1901/archive/97369810}}</ref> Only a handful of these remain in use as places of worship. Some redundant church buildings have been demolished but alternative uses have been found for others, including The Old Church, the United Presbyterian Erskine Church in Commerce Street and the High Street and Brothock Bridge United Free Churches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Places of Worship in Arbroath and St Vigeans Parish in Tayside Region |url=http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/places/region/Tayside/parish/Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706095642/http://scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/places/region/Tayside/parish/Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 July 2011 |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=Places of Worship in Scotland }}</ref>

=== Church of Scotland ===
The Old and Abbey Church is in the centre of town on West Abbey Street. Formerly known as the Abbey Church, its name was changed on uniting with the Old Parish Church after the latter's closure in 1990. Abbey Church was originally built as a [[chapel of ease]] to the Old Parish Church in 1797 and was greatly extended in 1876–8 with the addition of the tower and [[Gothic architecture|Gothic style]] front facade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath Old and Abbey Parish Church |url=http://scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/9430/name/Arbroath+Old+and+Abbey+Parish+Church+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604165030/http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/9430/name/Arbroath+Old+and+Abbey+Parish+Church+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 June 2016 |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=Places of Worship in Scotland }}</ref><ref>[http://www.old-and-abbey-church.org.uk/ Old and Abbey Church, Arbroath], www.old-and-abbey-church.org.uk; Retrieved 12 December 2008</ref>
[[File:Arbroath West Kirk.jpg|thumb|Arbroath West Kirk]]
[[St Andrew's Parish Church, Arbroath|St Andrew's]] is in Hamilton Green, and the minister is Rev. Dr. [[Martin Fair]] with associate minister Rev. Stuart Irvin.<ref>[http://www.arbroathstandrews.org.uk/ St Andrews Church, Arbroath], www.arbroathstandrews.org.uk; Retrieved 12 December 2008.</ref> Dr Fair was [[Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland]] in 2020–2021; the only time that a minister of a congregation in Arbroath has held the position.<ref name="Fair">{{Cite web |last=Strachan |first=Graeme |date=25 December 2020 |title=Rev Dr Martin Fair: Angus-based moderator's 'year like no other' in new role |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/1838248/rev-martin-fair-church-christmas/ |url-access=limited |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=The Courier}}</ref>

The West Kirk in Keptie Street was opened as St Margaret's Chapel of Ease in 1879 and upgraded to a parish church in 1886. The height of the tower was doubled in 1903 by the addition of two storeys, a parapet and pinnacles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 December 1903 |title=St Margaret's Parish Church Tower Dedication Service |pages=3 |work=Arbroath Herald |via=[[British Newspaper Archive]]}}</ref> St Margaret's changed its name to Arbroath West Kirk in 1990 when joined by the members of Ladyloan St Columba's following that church's closure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.arbroathwestkirk.org/about/history/ |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=Arbroath West Kirk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Arbroath West Kirk |url=http://www.arbroathwestkirk.org.uk/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904064041/http://www.arbroathwestkirk.org.uk/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 |archive-date=4 September 2011 |access-date=28 August 2008 |website=Arbroath West Kirk}}</ref> Falling attendances at Knox's Church lead to its congregation uniting with West Kirk in 2019 and the site in Howard Street being put up for sale.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Knox's Church and Hall, Arbroath |url=http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/58496/Final_Schedule-_Knox_Church.pdf |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=The Church of Scotland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715020013/http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/58496/Final_Schedule-_Knox_Church.pdf |archive-date=15 July 2019}}</ref> Knox's Church was built in 1866 and linked with [[St Vigeans Church]], [[St Vigeans]] in 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Knox's Church, Arbroath |url=http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/7868/name/Knox%27s+Church,+Arbroath+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706030531/http://scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/7868/name/Knox%27s+Church%2C+Arbroath+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 July 2022 |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=Places of Worship in Scotland }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Knox's Church, Arbroath |url=http://www.knoxschurch.org/index.html |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726234816/http://www.knoxschurch.org/index.html |archive-date=26 July 2011}}</ref>

=== Other congregations ===
[[File:Arbroath, St Thomas Of Canterbury R.C. Church.jpg|thumb|St Thomas Of Canterbury]]
There is an [[Scottish Episcopal Church|Episcopalian]] congregation based at [[Church of St Mary the Virgin, Arbroath|St Mary the Virgin Church]] in Springfield Terrace. The minister is Rev. Peter Mead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath, St Mary the Virgin |url=http://www.thedioceseofbrechin.org/churches/entry/arbroath-st-mary-the-virgin |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=The Diocese of Brechin}}</ref> St Mary's Church evolved from a meeting house set up in 1694 by Episcopalians forced out of Arbroath Parish Church. The present church building dates from 1854.<ref name="Records of St. Mary's">{{Cite web |title=Records of St. Mary's Church, Arbroath. |url=http://134.36.1.31/dserve.exe?&dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=((text)='worshipped') |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602062646/http://134.36.1.31/dserve.exe?&dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=((text)='worshipped') |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 June 2013 |work=Archive Services Online Catalogue |publisher=[[University of Dundee]] |access-date=15 February 2013}}</ref> The Scottish Episcopal Church in Arbroath is part of the [[Diocese of Brechin (Episcopalian)|Diocese of Brechin]].

St Thomas of Canterbury [[Roman Catholic Church in Scotland|Roman Catholic Church]] is in Dishlandtown Street. The church opened in 1848 and has distinctive twin octagonal and crenellated front towers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St Thomas of Canterbury RC Church, Arbroath |url=http://www.angus.gov.uk/doorsopen/arb-stthomas-rcchurch.htm |publisher=[[Angus Council]] |date=8 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618234150/http://www.angus.gov.uk/doorsopen/arb-stthomas-rcchurch.htm |archive-date=18 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Arbroath |url=http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/4500/name/St+Thomas+of+Canterbury+Church,+Arbroath+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531041749/http://scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/4500/name/St+Thomas+of+Canterbury+Church%2C+Arbroath+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=Places of Worship in Scotland }}</ref> The priest is the Rev. Fr. Andrew Marshall and the church is part of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunkeld]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=St Thomas of Canterbury, Arbroath |url=https://www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk/st-thomas-of-canterbury-arbroath/ |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=Diocese of Dunkeld |language=en-GB}}</ref> The parish includes a primary school which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.st-thomas.angus.sch.uk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060313085016/http://www.st-thomas.angus.sch.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 March 2006 |title=St Thomas RC Primary School }}</ref>

[[St John's Methodist Church, Arbroath|St John's Methodist Church]] in Ponderlaw was opened and preached in by John Wesley in 1772<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rogal |first=Samuel J |url=https://archive.org/details/johnwesleysmissi0000roga/page/184/mode/2up?view=theater |title=John Wesley's mission to Scotland, 1751-1790 |year=1988 |isbn=0889460701 |pages=184 |access-date=10 February 2023}}</ref> and since the closure of Dunbar Methodist Church has been the oldest Scottish Methodist Church still used for worship.<ref>{{HEScotland |desc=St. John's Methodist Church, 15 Ponderlaw Street |num=LB21147 |access-date=10 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ritchie |first=Cameron |date=18 May 2021 |title=Bid to breathe new life into historic church building |url=https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/18617847.bid-breathe-new-life-historic-church-building/ |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=East Lothian Courier |language=en}}</ref> The original church building is octagonal and situated behind a vestibule added in 1882.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St John's Methodist Church, Arbroath |url=http://scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/4498/name/St+John%27s+Methodist+Church,+Arbroath+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031915/http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/4498/name/St+John%27s+Methodist+Church,+Arbroath+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=Places of Worship in Scotland }}</ref>

Other groups that worship in Arbroath include the Arbroath Corps of the Salvation Army, which meets in Marketgate; the Elim Pentecostal Church, which meets in Ogilvy Place; the Jehovah's Witnesses, who meet at the Kingdom Hall in Burnside Drive;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Find a Meeting |url=https://apps.jw.org/ui/E/meeting-search.html#/weekly-meetings/search/E/Arbroath,%20UK/56.559107,-2.591543/@56.556567,-2.598527,14z/detail?id=6409C03E-29DF-4F75-8245-E50AE286B871 |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=apps.jw.org}}</ref> the Springfield Christian Assembly, which meets in the Gospel Hall in Ponderlaw Lane<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.springfieldgospelhall.org/ |title=Springfield Gospel Hall |access-date=12 December 2008}}</ref> and the Arbroath Town Mission on Grant Road, an interdenominational group  established in 1849 and led by Dr Robert Clapham for sixty years, until 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=http://www.arbroathmission.org/history.html |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=Arbroath Town Mission |language=en}}</ref> The independent, non-denominational Life Church meet in the former St Vigeans Chapel of Ease in James Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Life Church Arbroath {{!}} About Us |url=https://lifechurcharbroath.com/about |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=lifechurcharbroath.com}}</ref> The church building dates from 1828 and became Inverbrothock Parish Church in 1855.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath (Angus) |url=https://www.ancestor.abel.co.uk/Angus/Arbroath.html |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=www.ancestor.abel.co.uk}}</ref> The parish was dissolved in 1977.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath Inverbrothock Baptist Church |url=http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/4496/name/Arbroath+Inverbrothock+Baptist+Church+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211004458/http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/4496/name/Arbroath+Inverbrothock+Baptist+Church+Arbroath+and+St+Vigeans+Tayside |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=Places of Worship in Scotland }}</ref>

==Culture==
The ANGUSalive Community Trust manages Arbroath Library and Art Gallery, Webster Memorial Theatre, [[Signal Tower Museum]], Arbroath Community Centre and Arbroath Sports Centre.

On permanent display in the Corsar Gallery at Arbroath Art Gallery are ''The Adoration of the Magi'' and ''Saint John Preaching in the Wilderness;'' two large oil paintings attributed to [[Pieter Brueghel the Younger]].<ref>[https://artuk.org/visit/venues/arbroath-art-gallery-6037 ArtUK: Arbroath Art Gallery.]</ref> The art gallery and public library are housed within a former school, The Academy, built in 1821 to a design by Dundee architect James Black.<ref name="DSA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/building_full.php?id=416349 |title=The Academy:DSA Building/Design Report |access-date=27 January 2023 |date=2016 |website=Dictionary of Scottish Architects  |language=en-GB}}</ref> The building was bought for the town by former Provost, David Corsar, owner of a flaxspinning and manufacturing business.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exhibitions |url=https://www.angusalive.scot/museums-galleries/exhibitions/ |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Angusalive|date=19 October 2022 }}</ref> It was converted by local architect, Hugh Gavin and opened to much fanfare in 1898.<ref name="DSA"/><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/arbroathyearbook1899arbr/page/25/mode/1up?view=theater |title=The Arbroath Year Book & Eastern for 1899 Forfarshire Directory |page=25 |publisher=Brodie & Salmond |location=Arbroath |access-date=27 January 2023 |date=2016 |via=[[Internet Archive]]  |language=en-GB}}</ref> &nbsp;

The Webster Memorial Theatre building was opened as ''The Public Hall'' in 1867; James Maclaren of Dundee was the architect. As well as a large hall there was a library, reading-room, museum and smaller hall. The Arbroath Guide newspaper acclaimed the front facade to be "the finest thing in architecture we have in the town".<ref>{{cite news |title=The Public Hall buildings |publisher=The Arbroath Guide and County of Forfar Advertiser |date=23 February 1867 |page=2 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> The first public performance was by a troupe of [[Christy's Minstrels]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Christy's Minstrels |work=The Arbroath Guide and County of Forfar Advertiser |publisher= |date=13 July 1867 |page=2 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> The hall was renamed in memory of First World War casualty Joseph Webster, on his family gifting it to the town in 1919.<ref>{{HEScotland |desc=64 High Street, Webster Memorial Theatre |num=LB51409 |access-date=2023-02-13}}</ref> Besides concerts, the hall was used for political addresses and lectures. [[Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon|HRH Princess Margaret]] reopened the hall in October 1970 as the Webster Memorial Theatre and Arts Centre, after major works and refurbishment.<ref>{{cite news |title=A Royal Accolade for Angus Town's Adventure |publisher=Aberdeen Press and Journal |date=23 October 1970 |page=12 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> The front stonework was renovated, the auditorium remodelled and disabled access improved in 2008. The main auditorium seats five hundred.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Graham |date=10 February 2022 |title=Historic Webster Theatre battling to bring back the buzz to Arbroath with rallying call to local fans |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/2996064/webster-theatre-numbers-down/ |url-access=limited |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref> The theatre has featured among others [[Harry Lauder]], [[Jimmy Tarbuck]],<ref name="vis1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.visitscotland.com/library/TheatresinPerthDundeeFife |title=Theatres in Perthshire, Angus, Dundee and Fire |access-date=8 January 2007 |publisher=Visit Scotland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017031203/http://www.visitscotland.com/library/TheatresinPerthDundeeFife |archive-date=17 October 2006}}</ref> [[Charlie Landsborough]], [[The Drifters]] and the [[Chuckle Brothers]] and was the first venue the [[Alexander Brothers]], a Scottish easy listening act, performed in as a professional duo.<ref name="webs1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.footstompin.com/artists/the_alexander_brothers |title=The Alexander Brothers |access-date=10 January 2007 |work=Foot Stompin' Celtic Music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117131241/http://www.footstompin.com/artists/the_alexander_brothers |archive-date=17 January 2007 <!--DASHBot--> |url-status=live}}</ref>

The 10 year-old [[Marion Angus]] arrived in Arbroath in February 1876, when her father became minister at the Erskine United Presbyterian Church.  An early contributor to the poetry of the [[Scottish Renaissance]], in her early thirties she wrote "The Diary of Arthur Ogilvie" (1897–98) and "Christabel's Diary" (1899) columns for the ''Arbroath Guide'', sardonically chronicling the development of the town, musical concerts, visiting dramatic productions, and Church soirées.<ref>Chalmers, Aimée (2006), ''The Singin Lass: Selected Work of Marion Angus'', Polygon, Edinburgh, p.12 - 15, {{isbn|9-781904-598640}}</ref>

The Angus Black and White Minstrels were the last group in Britain to regularly perform [[blackface]]. In 2005, after pressure from Angus Council, the show began with normal stage makeup and the group changed its name to The Angus Minstrels. The move to stop performing in blackface received wide UK press coverage.<ref name='mins1'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2005/11/07/newsstory7715420t0.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930152242/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2005/11/07/newsstory7715420t0.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 September 2007 |title=Happy days with minstrels recalled |access-date=9 January 2007 |last=Barnett |first=Ralph |date=7 November 2005 |work=Dundee Courier & Advertiser |publisher=DC Thomson}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lister |first=David |date=8 November 2005 |title=Minstrels face up to boot polish ban |language=en |work=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/society/article/minstrels-face-up-to-boot-polish-ban-l36gp5ctngv |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-01-25 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref><ref name="mins2">{{Cite web |last=Bayer |first=Kurt |date=8 November 2005 |title=Minstrels order to stop 'blacking up' |url=http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=2209882005 |access-date=9 January 2007 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref> The group performed its farewell concert in November 2019 and made a final charitable donation in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strachan |first=Graeme |date=20 April 2019 |title=Angus Minstrels to say farewell to showbiz after almost 60 years entertaining audiences and raising charity money |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/873296/angus-minstrels-to-say-farewell-to-showbiz-after-almost-60-years-entertaining-audiences-and-raising-charity-money/ |url-access=limited |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=MacInnes |first=John A. |date=23 May 2022 |title=Arbroath Minstrels bow out with £91,000 presentation |url=https://www.anguscountyworld.co.uk/news/human-interest/arbroath-minstrels-bow-out-with-91000-presentationonecms31777679-023d-47de-b0d7-f03595ac16bf/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=Angus World |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Beginning in 1947, a [[procession|pageant]] commemorating the signing of the Declaration has been held within the roofless remains of the abbey (last full-scale event 2005). This was run by the local Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society, now Arbroath Abbey Timethemes, a registered charity, and re-enacts the story and history of the signing. The group also spearhead Scotland's Tartan Day celebrations on 6 April in association with Angus Council as well as educational visits to local schools.<ref name="pag1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2005/04/05/story6984886t0.shtm |title=Preparing for Tartan Day events in Angus |access-date=9 January 2007 |last=Barnett |first=Ralph |date=5 April 2005 |work=Dundee Evening Telegraph |publisher=DC Thomson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108110442/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2005/04/05/story6984886t0.shtm |archive-date=8 November 2007}}</ref>

Arbroath Male Voice Choir was founded in 1934 and is one of the few remaining male voice choirs in Scotland. The choir sings a mix of songs from classical, through Scottish, show tunes and pop. It performs two main concerts each year, one at Christmas, another in spring. The choir is notable for attracting well known, often international singers to its annual spring concert. These have included, Jamie McDougall, [[Karen Cargill]], [[Gordon Cree]], Cheryl Forbes, Colette Ruddy and the international diva [[Lesley Garrett]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strachan |first=Graeme |date=26 August 2017 |title=Lack of voices may silence Arbroath Male Voice Choir — and 83 years of history |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/497195/lack-of-voices-may-silence-arbroath-male-voice-choir-and-83-years-of-history-forever/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindsay |first=Caroline |date=11 August 2018 |title=Arbroath Male Voice Choir is still striking the right note |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/entertainment/699452/arbroath-male-voice-choir-is-still-striking-the-right-note/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The author Sir [[Walter Scott]]'s famous ''[[Waverley (novel)|Waverley]]'' series of novels includes ''[[Rob Roy (novel)|Rob Roy]]'' and ''[[Ivanhoe]]''. Scott is known to have visited Arbroath three times, and his personal favourite in the series, ''[[The Antiquary]]'' (1816), features fictionalised versions of Arbroath ("Fairport") and [[Auchmithie]] ("Musselcrag").<ref name='walterscott'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.walterscott.lib.ed.ac.uk/links/individualworks.html |title=Walter Scott |access-date=9 January 2007 |date=7 February 2006 |publisher=Edinburgh University Library |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231083406/http://www.walterscott.lib.ed.ac.uk/links/individualworks.html |archive-date=31 December 2006 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status=live}}</ref>

Arbroath has one museum, the former Bell Rock Lighthouse ''Signal Tower''. In 1807 Arbroath became the base of operations for the building of the [[Bell Rock Lighthouse]]. The shore station for the lighthouse – the Bell Rock Signal Tower – was completed in 1813 and acted as a lifeline for the keepers offshore. [[Signal Tower Museum]] was opened in 1974 as a visitor centre, detailing the history of the lighthouse and the town of Arbroath.<ref>[http://www.angusahead.com/AngusListings/TourismAttractions/ArbroathSignalTowerMuseumG6754.asp Arbroath Signal Tower Museum] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719075238/http://www.angusahead.com/AngusListings/TourismAttractions/ArbroathSignalTowerMuseumG6754.asp |date=19 July 2012}}</ref>

[[Hospitalfield House]], a baronial mansion to the west of the town, houses an educational charity promoting contemporary arts.<ref>{{Scottish charity |SC009987 |Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust}}</ref>

The town was twinned with "THE HADDOCK THAT NEVER GOT SMOKED" by the Intercontinental Twinning Association in July 2024 following a short email exchange with [[Bill Drummond]], commemorative signage is due to be deployed later in the year.

===Arbroath smokies===
[[File:Arbroath Smokies - geograph.org.uk - 361994.jpg|thumb|Local Delicacy: The Arbroath Smokie]]
[[Arbroath smokie]]s, known nationally and internationally, have been made solely in Arbroath since the award of [[Protected Geographical Indication]] in 2004, which limits their production to within {{Convert|8|km|mi|abbr=on}} of [[Arbroath Town House]]. Smokies are made from [[haddock]] by traditional methods dating back to the late 19th century. The fish are first salted overnight to preserve them, then left tied in pairs to dry. Next, the dried fish are hung in a covered barrel containing a hardwood fire. After 45 minutes to an hour of smoking, the fish are golden brown and ready to eat.<ref name='defra1'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/foodname/pfn/products/registered/arbsm.htm |title=Arbroath Smokie PGI |access-date=8 February 2009 |date=31 March 2004 |work=Protected Food Names |publisher=HM Government |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225130959/http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/foodname/pfn/products/registered/arbsm.htm |archive-date=25 December 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The preparation of smokies remains a [[cottage industry]] in Arbroath, centred almost exclusively on the harbour area known as Fit o' the Toon. A large processor, R R Spink & Sons, supplied Arbroath smokies to several UK supermarket chains for a number of years, however this was discontinued when the firm concentrated on smoked salmon and trout.<ref name="RRsmokie">{{Cite web |last=Urquhart |first=Frank |date=30 April 2004 |title=New factory revives 'smokie' production |url=http://heritage.scotsman.com/news/New-factory-revives-smokie-production.2515920.jp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605111344/http://heritage.scotsman.com/news/New-factory-revives-smokie-production.2515920.jp |archive-date=5 June 2011 |access-date=8 February 2009 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Spink |first=Iain R |title=The Arbroath Smokie Bible |publisher=Birlinn |year=2013 |isbn=9781780271729 |pages=19 |language=en |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>

==Sport==
[[Arbroath F.C.]], nicknamed the ''Red Lichties,'' is a semi-professional football team who play in the [[Scottish Championship]], the second tier of the [[Scottish Professional Football League]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lorimer |first=Scott |date=9 February 2022 |title=Lichties are well up to the job both on and off the park, says Stewart |pages=47 |work=The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee) |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-angus-and-the-mearns-edition/20220209 |url-access=subscription |access-date=7 January 2023 |via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref> The club plays its home matches at [[Gayfield Park]]. The stadium is set right on the North Sea coast, just 5½ yards (5 metres) from the high tide line.<ref name='scotfootiegrnd'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottishgroundguide.co.uk/arbroath.htm |title=Arbroath Gayfield Park |access-date=9 January 2007 |publisher=Scottish Football Ground Guide |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927130339/http://www.scottishgroundguide.co.uk/arbroath.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Arbroath F.C. holds the world record for the largest winning margin in a senior football match, [[Arbroath 36–0 Bon Accord|36–0]], in their Scottish Cup match against [[Bon Accord F.C.|Bon Accord]] (a [[scratch team]] from Aberdeen) on 12 September 1885.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://heritage.scotsman.com/traditions.cfm?id=2372812005 |title=''A day when Scottish football scorched the record books'' |work=The Scotsman|date=9 December 2005 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071125173220/http://heritage.scotsman.com/traditions.cfm?id=2372812005 |archive-date=25 November 2007}}</ref> [[Arbroath Victoria F.C.]], a [[Scottish Junior Football Association|junior]] football club, plays its home matches at Olgilvy Park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath Victoria |url=https://www.scottishjuniorfa.com/east-region/east-region-midlands-league/clubs/arbroath-victoria/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Scottish Junior FA |language=en}}</ref>  [[Arbroath Sporting Club|Arbroath SC]], another junior football club folded in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-05-23 |title=Derby win for Arbroath Sporting Club adds bittersweet moment to club's farewell |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Sport/Football/article/14182/derby-win-for-arbroath-sporting-club-adds-bittersweet-moment-to-club-s-farewell.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525074110/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Sport/Football/article/14182/derby-win-for-arbroath-sporting-club-adds-bittersweet-moment-to-club-s-farewell.html |archive-date=25 May 2011 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=[[The Courier (Dundee)|The Courier]]}}</ref>

Arbroath Lawn Tennis Club's origins date back to 1909. Despite its name the club no longer has grass courts at its home on Arbirlot Road. Blaes (red shale) a type of [[clay court]] surface, was in turn replaced by floodlit, all-weather [[hardcourt]]s following a successful fundraising drive and grant from [[Sportscotland]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us   |url=http://www.arbroathltc.co.uk/Pages/AboutUs.asp |url-status=dead |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=arbroathltc.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719131215/http://www.arbroathltc.co.uk/Pages/AboutUs.asp |archive-date=19 July 2008|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.tennistayside.org/?p=3798 |title=Arbroath Tennis Club on target for their upgrade! |date=2015-07-23 |work=Tennis Tayside |access-date=2017-07-31 |language=en-US}}</ref> [[2020 Australian Open – Men's doubles|Australian Open 2020 men's doubles]] quarter finalist [[Jonny O'Mara]] is a former club member.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ewan |date=28 June 2021 |title=Angus tennis ace Jonny O'Mara: I'll wear my Arbroath kit with pride at Wimbledon |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/other-sports/2340166/angus-tennis-ace-jonny-omara-ill-wear-my-arbroath-kit-at-wimbledon/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Arbroath has a [[rugby union]] club, [[Arbroath RFC]], and several [[bowls]] clubs, with former World, British and current Commonwealth Games singles champion [[Darren Burnett]] a native of Arbroath.<ref name="NZher">{{Cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10418090 |title=Bowls: Lawson scorches path to last eight |access-date=9 January 2007 |date=8 January 2007 |work=The New Zealand Herald}}</ref>

Arbroath has a successful [[cricket]] club. It won the CSL Eastern Premiership in 2013 and the Scottish Cup in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cricketscotland.com/galleries/arbroath-v-grange-scottish-cup-final-2015.|title = Arbroath v Grange – Scottish Cup Final 2015 – Cricket Scotland}}</ref>

Arbroath is a popular location for angling.

==Public services==
Water is supplied by [[Scottish Water]] from [[Loch of Lintrathen|Lintrathen]] and [[Backwater Reservoir|Backwater]] reservoirs in [[River Isla, Perthshire|Glen Isla]]. Electricity distribution is by [[Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who's my network operator? |url=https://energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=Energy Networks Association |language=en}}</ref>

Waste management is handled by [[Angus, Scotland|Angus Council]]. A kerbside [[recycling]] scheme has been in operation since May 2004. Cans, glass, paper and plastic bottles are collected on a weekly basis. [[Composting|Compostable material]] and non-recyclable material are collected on alternate weeks.<ref name="kerbside">[http://www.angus.gov.uk/services/view_service_detail.cfm?serviceid=1304 Angus Council kerbside Recycling Scheme] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014629/http://www.angus.gov.uk/services/view_service_detail.cfm?serviceid=1304 |date=7 June 2011}} angus.gov.uk; retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref> Roughly two-thirds of non-recyclable material is sent to [[landfill]] at Angus Council's site at Lochhead, Forfar and the remainder sent for [[incineration]] (with [[energy recovery]]) outside the council area.<ref>[http://www.angus.gov.uk/localplan/localplansection37.pdf Angus Council local plan section 37] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014648/http://www.angus.gov.uk/localplan/localplansection37.pdf |date=7 June 2011}}, angus.gov.uk; retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref> A recycling centre is at Cairnie Loan<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath recycling centre |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/directories/recycling_centres/arbroath_recycling_centre |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref> and there are a number of neighbourhood recycling facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neighbourhood recycling points |url=https://www.angus.gov.uk/bins_litter_and_recycling/recycling_sites/neighbourhood_recycling_points |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=Angus Council |language=en}}</ref> In 2020, Angus Council achieved a 57.9 per cent recycling rate — the highest by any Scottish council<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Graham |date=12 December 2021 |title=Angus tops Scottish league as council recycles more than 30,000 tonnes of waste |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/2818206/angus-tops-scottish-councils-recycling-league/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref> — compared with 34.7 per cent for 2007–2008.<ref name="kerbside"/>

Healthcare facilities were developed in the 19th century. In 1836 a dispensary was set up by subscription to give medical care to the poor. In 1842 a typhus epidemic led to a small isolation ward. [[Arbroath Infirmary]], also financed by subscriptions, opened in 1845 and relocated to larger premises in 1916.<ref name="Infirmary">{{Cite web |title=THB 20 Arbroath Infirmary |url=http://arccat.dundee.ac.uk/dserve.exe?dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=Show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=714&dsqSearch=%28%28text%29%3D%27arbroath%27%29 |access-date=11 August 2017 |website=Archive Services Online Catalogue |publisher=University of Dundee}}</ref> Medical facilities continue to be provided at Arbroath Infirmary on Rosemount Road by [[NHS Tayside]]<ref>[http://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/patients/hospital/ARBROATH_INF.shtml Arbroath Infirmary], nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref> and further afield at [[Ninewells Hospital]], Dundee.<ref>[http://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/patients/hospital/ninewells.shtml Ninwells Hospital], nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref> The Abbey Health Centre in East Abbey Street and Springfield Medical Centre in Ponderlaw Street provide primary health care. Arbroath, along with the rest of Scotland is served by the [[Scottish Ambulance Service]].<ref>[http://www.scottishambulance.com/about_us/default.asp Scottish Ambulance Service] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719163318/http://www.scottishambulance.com/about_us/default.asp |date=19 July 2008}}, scottishambulance.com; retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref>

[[Police Scotland]] have a police station in Gravesend<ref>[http://www.tayside.police.uk/ Tayside Police] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222005405/http://www.tayside.police.uk/ |date=22 February 2011 }} tayside.police.uk; retrieved 7 September 2008</ref> and the town is served by [[Scottish Fire and Rescue Service]].<ref>[http://www.taysidefire.gov.uk/ Tayside Fire and Rescue Service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922035355/http://www.taysidefire.gov.uk/ |date=22 September 2008 }}, taysidefire.gov.uk; Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref>

A lifeboat station was established in 1803 and was among the first in Scotland.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Leech |first=Nicholas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oAyoAwAAQBAJ&dq=Arbroath+lifeboat&pg=PT59 |title=The Lifeboat Service in Scotland: Station by Station |publisher=[[Amberley Publishing]] |year=2013 |isbn=9781445613512 |language=en |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> The current [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution|RNLI]] station houses the only remaining Scottish slipway-launched lifeboats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath Lifeboat Station |url=https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/arbroath-lifeboat-station |access-date=25 January 2023 |website=RNLI Lifeboats}}</ref> The two lifeboats are an inshore inflatable [[D-class lifeboat (IB1)]], the ''Robert Ferguson'', and an all-weather [[Mersey-class lifeboat|Mersey Class]], the ''Inchcape''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arbroath's lifeboats |url=https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/arbroath-lifeboat-station/arbroath-lifeboats |access-date=26 January 2023 |website=[[RNLI]]}}</ref>

==Notable people==
In alphabetical order:
*[[Gus Alexander]] (1934–2010), footballer<ref>{{Cite web| title = Profile : Gus Alexander| url = http://www.southportfootballclub.co.uk/home/player.php?id=1007| publisher = Southport F.C.| access-date = 2010-01-25}}</ref>
*[[Marion Angus]] (1865–1946), poet, lived in Arbroath from 1876 until her father's death in 1902. Returned in 1945, a year before her death. Her ashes were scattered across Elliot Links.<ref>{{Cite ODNB |title=The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |date=2004-09-23 |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/59069 |pages=ref:odnb/59069 |editor-last=Matthew |editor-first=H. C. G. |place=Oxford |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/59069 |access-date=2023-01-24 |editor2-last=Harrison |editor2-first=B.}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Papers of and relating to Marion E. Angus - Archives Hub |url=https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb231-ms2737 |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>''The Singing Lass. Selected Work of Marion Angus'', ed. Aimée Chalmers.</ref>
*[[Neil Arnott]] (1788–1874) was born in Arbroath. He became physician-extraordinary to Queen Victoria and was the inventor of a prototype waterbed and warm air stove.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Neil Arnott {{!}} RCP Museum |url=https://history.rcplondon.ac.uk/inspiring-physicians/neil-arnott |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=history.rcplondon.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite ODNB |title=The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |date=2004-09-23 |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/694 |pages=ref:odnb/694 |editor-last=Matthew |editor-first=H. C. G. |place=Oxford |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/694 |access-date=2023-01-25 |editor2-last=Harrison |editor2-first=B.}}{{Subscription required}}</ref><ref name='Arnott'>{{Cite web
|url=http://www.hevac-heritage.org/victorian_engineers/arnott/arnott.htm |title=Dr Neil Arnott |access-date=30 September 2008 |publisher=Heritage Group Website of the CIBSE}}</ref>
*[[David Dunbar Buick]] (1854–1929), founder of [[Buick]]. Inventor of the [[Vitreous enamel|enamelled]] [[bathtub]] and the [[overhead valve]] engine was born and baptised in the town.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=National Records of Scotland Web |date=2013-05-31 |title=David Dunbar Buick (1854-1929) |url=https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/learning/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-a-z/buick-david |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=National Records of Scotland |language=English}}</ref>
*[[James Chalmers (inventor)|James Chalmers]] (1782–1853), Post Office reformer and disputed inventor of the adhesive postage stamp was born in the town.<ref>{{Cite ODNB |title=The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |date=2004-09-23 |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/5030 |pages=ref:odnb/5030 |editor-last=Matthew |editor-first=H. C. G. |place=Oxford |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/5030 |access-date=2023-01-25 |editor2-last=Harrison |editor2-first=B.|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
*[[Dominik Diamond]] (born 1969), TV presenter<ref name='dd'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz/s/210/210743_tv_presenter_backs_out_of_crucifixion_ordeal.html |title=TV presenter backs out of crucifixion ordeal |access-date=10 January 2007 |date=14 April 2006 |work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213014524/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz/s/210/210743_tv_presenter_backs_out_of_crucifixion_ordeal.html |archive-date=13 December 2006 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Ned Doig]] (1866–1919), Arbroath-born goalkeeper. The only Arbroath F.C. footballer to win a Scotland cap while playing for the club.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strachan |first=Graeme |date=17 November 2019 |title=Legacy of the 'Prince of Goalkeepers' recalled |page=21 |work=The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition) |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-fife-edition/20191107/page/21 |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 January 2023 |via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref>
*[[Martin Fair]] (born 1964), [[Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland]] for 2020–2021 and minister at St Andrew's Parish Church, Arbroath.<ref name="Fair"/>
*[[John Ritchie Findlay]] (1824–1898), proprietor of ''[[The Scotsman]]'' newspaper and philanthropist.<ref name='jrf'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst1289.html |title=John Ritchie Findlay |access-date=9 January 2007 |work=The Gazetteer for Scotland}}</ref>
*[[Graham Gano]] (born 1987), American football placekicker for the [[Carolina Panthers]] and the [[New York Giants]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL) was born in Arbroath and considers it his home town.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bandini |first=Nicky |date=2016-02-03 |title=Graham Gano: if I win the Super Bowl I'll go home to Arbroath |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/03/graham-gano-if-i-win-the-super-bowl-ill-go-home-to-arbroath |access-date=2023-02-05 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
*[[James Glen Sivewright Gibson]] (1861–1951), architect, Arbroath born.<ref name='James Gibson'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=100337 |title=James Gibson |access-date=30 October 2008 |publisher=Dictionary of Scottish Architects}}</ref>
*[[Jamie Gillan]] (born 1997), American football punter for the [[New York Giants]] and the [[Cleveland Browns]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL) was born in Arbroath.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Connor |first1=Mark |title=The historic Scottish town that has produced two current NFL stars |url=https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/historic-scottish-town-produced-two-30911483 |website=Scottish Daily Express |date=11 September 2023 |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref>
*[[Robert Pearse Gillies]] (1789–1858), poet and writer, born near or at Arbroath.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search Results for Robert Pearse Gillies |url=https://www.oxforddnb.com/search?isQuickSearch=true&q=Robert+Pearse+Gillies&searchBtn=Search |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |language=en}}</ref>
*[[George Gordon (engineer)|George Gordon]] (1829–1907), civil engineer working in the Netherlands, India and Australia was born in the town.<ref>{{Citation |last=Garden |first=Donald S. |title=Gordon, George (1829–1907) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gordon-george-3637/text5657 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2023-01-24}}</ref>
*[[Patrick Hennessy (painter)|Patrick Hennessy]] (1915–1980), Irish born, realist painter, educated and lived in Arbroath.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Patrick Hennessy RHA (1915-1980) |url=https://www.chrisbeetles.com/artist/591/patrick-hennessy-rha |access-date=28 January 2023 |website=Chris Beetles Gallery}}</ref>
*[[Sir Harry Lauder|Harry Lauder]] (1870–1950), Scottish singer and comedian. He lived in Arbroath until age of 14<ref name='lauder'>{{Cite web |url=http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/sta/lauder/index.html |title=Harry Lauder |access-date=9 January 2007 |publisher=Glasgow University Library |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229213505/http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/sta/lauder/index.html |archive-date=29 December 2006}}</ref>
*[[Durward Lely]] (1852–1944), opera singer, especially Gilbert and Sullivan.<ref name='Durward Lely'>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gsarchive.net/whowaswho/L/LelyDurward.htm |title=Durward Lely |access-date=1 October 2008 |publisher=the Gilbert and Sullivan Archive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216111824/https://www.gsarchive.net/whowaswho/L/LelyDurward.htm |archive-date=16 December 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Arbroath born.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search Results for Durward Lely |url=https://www.oxforddnb.com/search?q=Durward+Lely&searchBtn=Search&isQuickSearch=true |access-date=28 January 2023 |website=[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]] |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Bernard of Kilwinning]] (died c. 1331), [[Abbot of Arbroath]], [[Chancellor of Scotland]] and [[Bishop of the Isles]]. Widely credited since the 18th century as the author of the [[Declaration of Arbroath]]; Abbot at Arbroath Abbey from 1309 and immortalised in the town in a statue with [[Robert the Bruce]] holding aloft the Declaration sited at the West (or Cricket) Common.
*[[David Nicoll Lowe]] (1909–1999), [[botanist]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rse.org.uk/cms/files/fellows/obits_alpha/Lowe_d.pdf. |title= David Nicoll Lowe|website=www.rse.org.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726090358/https://www.rse.org.uk/cms/files/fellows/obits_alpha/Lowe_d.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>
*[[James Mackay, 1st Earl of Inchcape]] (1852–1932), Chairman of [[P&O]] and the [[British India Steam Navigation Company]] was born in Arbroath.<ref name="Timeline"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Search Results for James Lyle Mackay |url=https://www.oxforddnb.com/search?isQuickSearch=true&q=James+Lyle+Mackay&searchBtn=Search |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Gareth Murray]] (born 1984), basketball player/coach of [[Glasgow Rocks]], represented Great Britain at seven or more major tournaments.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171010210914/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/p/rpp//q/Gareth_Murray/pid//_//players.html FIBA profile]</ref> Grew up in Arbroath.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Mark |date=14 November 2020 |title=Arbroath-born basketball star Gareth Murray set to make bow as player-coach of Glasgow Rocks |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/other-sports/1728499/arbroath-basketball-gareth-murray-glasgow-rocks/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}</ref>
*[[Morris Pert]] (1947–2010), Scottish composer, percussionist, pianist and session musician, born in Arbroath.<ref name="mp">{{Cite web |date=28 April 2010 |title=Obituary: Morris Pert |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/obituary-morris-pert-2442592 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=[[Scotsman]]}}</ref>
*[[George Scott Railton]] (1849–1913), Scottish missionary, first commissioner of The Salvation Army and 2nd in Command to William Booth was born in Arbroath.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salvation Army personal papers collections: Commissioner George Scott Railton and family |url=https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb2133-gsr |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=JISC Archives Hub}}</ref>
*[[Alexander Ross (cricketer)|Alexander Ross]] (1895–1972), born in Arbroath. Made one first-class appearance as wicket keeper and batsman for the [[Civil Service cricket team]] against New Zealand in 1927, scoring a single run over the two innings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexander Ross Profile |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/alexander-ross-19824 |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
*[[Robert Sievwright]] (1882–1947), international cricketer for Scotland, born in Arbroath.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Robert Sievwright |url=https://www.cricketscotland.com/player/robert-willis-sievwright/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Cricket Scotland |language=en}}</ref>
*[[David Skea|David Frederick Skea]] (1871–1950), was a Scottish association football player (1890s).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Skea, David Frederick |url=http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/1244.html |publisher=Aston Villa Player Database}}</ref>
*[[Andy Stewart (musician)|Andy Stewart]], (1933–1993), musician and entertainer, lived in Arbroath as a boy and retired to Arbroath.<ref name='andystewart'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst303.html |title=Andrew (Andy) Stewart |access-date=9 January 2007 |work=The Gazetteer for Scotland}}</ref>
*[[Gavin Swankie]] (born 1983), Arbroath born footballer.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-06-20 |title=Swankie on the move to Dens Park |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/4111314.stm |access-date=2023-01-27}}</ref>
*[[Paul Tosh]] (born 1973), football striker was born and raised in Arbroath.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2010 |title=Tosh is ready for the North East chill {{!}} SPFL |url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/tosh-is-ready-for-the-north-east-chill |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Scottish Professional Football League}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Aber and Inver as place-name elements]]
*[[List of places in Angus]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Arbroath}}
{{commons category|Arbroath}}
{{NIE Poster}}
*[https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/scottishhistory/independence/features_independence_arbroath.shtml BBC History entry]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070221114830/http://www.angus.gov.uk/history/features/2004-08-oldarbroath.htm A Glimpse of Old Arbroath] from Angus Council
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090505193036/http://www.historyofthesmokie.co.uk/ Documentary film about the history of the Arbroath Smokie]
*A collection of [http://maps.nls.uk/towns/index.html#arbroath historic maps of Arbroath] from the 1660s onward at [[National Library of Scotland]]
*[http://digital.nls.uk/slezer/engraving.cfm?sl=40 Engraving of Arbroath in 1693] by [[John Slezer]] at National Library of Scotland

{{Angus Towns & Villages}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Arbroath| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Angus, Scotland]]
[[Category:Large burghs]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Scotland]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the North Sea]]
[[Category:Royal burghs]]
[[Category:Fishing communities in Scotland]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Scotland]]