Description

The present cathedral had its origin in the founding of the Diocese of Brechin by the appointment of Bishop Samson by King David I in the mid 12th century. A new church or alterations in the Norman style were made to an existing church and it was not until from about 1225 that the Culdees and their Prior were replaced by a chapter of Canons and a small Cathedral built in the Gothic style.

This, the present building, was completed over the next few centuries with the major work done in the 13th and 14th centuries. After the reformation the building was neglected but it is generally agreed that even greater damage was done during the reconstruction of 1806. At this time the chancel, being unused, had fallen into disrepair and side chapels were demolished. A ceiling was put in the nave and galleries formed to house more worshipers. This latter problem was resolved when the building was restored to almost its original state (1900-1902).

The cathedral was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity and this is commemorated in the Coat of Arms of the town which has a gold shield with three red rays converging at a point near the base.

The Round Tower is one of only two of a kind in Scotland, dating from AD 1100.

There are some fine stained glass windows as well as some intriguing Pictish stones on display.