Brechin Cathedral

Brechin Cathedral is a significant structure with its main fabric dating from the 12th century onwards. It features an aisleless choir in the first pointed Gothic style. The west front and the 70-foot tower were started in the 13th century and completed in the 14th century, while a 58-foot stone spire was added in the 15th century. The ground floor is vaulted, and the nave consists of five bays with octagonal piers on the south side and alternately octagonal and clustered piers on the north side. The east responds and two piers are from the first pointed period, while the rest are from later periods. Clearstorey windows above the piers were concealed when the nave was reroofed and the aisles were rebuilt in a single span in 1806, which also saw the demolition of the original transepts. A general restoration took place from 1899 to 1902, led by architect John Honeyman from Glasgow. During this restoration, the south aisle and transept were rebuilt in approximately their original form, and a new north aisle and porch were added. The chancel was restored to a shorter form than the original. The Queen's Aisle was added on the north side, featuring rich late decorated treatment. The cathedral also contains fine stained glass by artists such as Henry Holiday and William Wilson, among others.