Scalan seminary and mills
Discover the hidden history of Scalan in the remote Braes of Glenlivet. This was originally the site of a secret Roman Catholic seminary where priests, known as 'heather priests' were trained during the 1700s when Catholicism was prohibited.
Following the departure of the priests in 1799, Scalan reverted to a farm. Two steading buildings were built housing corn threshing mills which served the Glenlivet farming community. The threshing machines and water wheels are still in place along with a wealth of historical graffiti telling the story of farming life in the 19th and 20th centuries. A major project to conserve the mill buildings took place in 2019, restoring the waterwheel and lade in North Mill and improving visitor access to the site. Panels will interpret the important role that Scalan played within the local farming community and its religious history. This was funded through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership.
The seminary building is looked after by the Scalan Association and is open to the public all year round. There are toilet facilities open during the summer months.
Access is by foot along a farm track, 1km from the Carrachs carpark at the end of the public road.
Open all year round.
Discover the hidden history of Scalan in the remote Braes of Glenlivet. This was originally the site of a secret Roman Catholic seminary where priests, known as 'heather priests' were trained during the 1700s when Catholicism was prohibited.
Following the departure of the priests in 1799, Scalan reverted to a farm. Two steading buildings were built housing corn threshing mills which served the Glenlivet farming community. The threshing machines and water wheels are still in place along with a wealth of historical graffiti telling the story of farming life in the 19th and 20th centuries. A major project to conserve the mill buildings took place in 2019, restoring the waterwheel and lade in North Mill and improving visitor access to the site. Panels will interpret the important role that Scalan played within the local farming community and its religious history. This was funded through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership.
The seminary building is looked after by the Scalan Association and is open to the public all year round. There are toilet facilities open during the summer months.
Access is by foot along a farm track, 1km from the Carrachs carpark at the end of the public road.
Open all year round.