Chapeltown

Settlement in Banffshire

Scotland

Chapeltown

College Of Scalan In the Braes of Glenlivet this was a Seminary for the Roman Catholic faith during the 18th Century. Now a museum — College Of Scalan Credit: Ralph Greig

Chapeltown is a charming village located in the historic county of Banffshire, Scotland. Situated in the picturesque countryside, it is nestled between the River Deveron and the hills of Aberdeenshire. With a population of around 500 residents, Chapeltown exudes a strong sense of community and offers a tranquil and peaceful environment.

The village is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by rolling hills, visitors can explore the numerous walking trails that wind through the countryside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The River Deveron, which runs through the village, provides opportunities for fishing and other water sports, attracting anglers from far and wide.

Chapeltown boasts a rich history, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. The village is home to an ancient chapel, which gives it its name, and visitors can explore the ruins of this historic site. Additionally, the area is dotted with prehistoric stone circles and standing stones, providing an insight into its past.

Although small in size, Chapeltown offers essential amenities for its residents. There is a local primary school, a post office, a village shop, and a community center. The village also has a friendly pub and a few small businesses that cater to the needs of the locals.

Overall, Chapeltown is a picturesque and welcoming village that offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life amidst the stunning Scottish countryside.

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Chapeltown Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.273081/-3.2585986 or Grid Reference NJ2420. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

College Of Scalan

In the Braes of Glenlivet this was a Seminary for the Roman Catholic faith during the 18th Century. Now a museum

Ralph Greig

College of Scalan

The College of Scalan, in the Braes of Glenlivet, was one of the few places where the Roman Catholic religion continued to be practised in eighteenth-century Scotland. Despite Roman Catholicism being proscribed, young men were trained here to become priests. Mill buildings are visible on the right-hand side of the photo.

Alan O'Dowd

Gnarled tree by the Scalan track

The ruined farm buildings at Wester Scalan are visible on the hillside beyond the tree.

Alan O'Dowd

College of Scalan from a distance

I think this photo gives a good idea of the remoteness of the former seminary, even today. You can see an even more distant view here NJ2323 : Summit of The Bochel, looking SSE

Antony Dixon

Track to the College of Scalan

Antony Dixon

The 'Secret Seminary'

Antony Dixon

The College of Scalan

Antony Dixon

Former chapel at College of Scalan

The building outside the window was originally the kitchen, but was later adapted as a chapel for local catholics. See NJ2419 : An outbuilding at Scalan for a clearer view.

Antony Dixon

Seminary with a view

The Bochel can be seen through the left pane, Tom a Voan through the right.

Antony Dixon

Watermill near College of Scalan

The water approached the wheel through the channel on the right of the photo, then passed under the wheel. This arrangement is called an undershot wheel and was used where there was a fast-running stream but not much head of water. See that broken window? Have a peep through here NJ2419 : Inside the watermill

Antony Dixon

Inside the watermill

Taken through the broken window. Some of the mill equipment can be seen on the right. Those pews will need a good clean . . .

Antony Dixon

View towards Chapeltown

The distillery can be seen among the trees left of centre and Eskemulloch Farm to the right.

Antony Dixon

Conservation works at Scalan mill buildings

The College of Scalan (building pictured with blue door), in the Braes of Glenlivet, was one of the few places where the Roman Catholic religion continued to be practised in 18th Century Scotland. Despite Roman Catholicism being proscribed, young men were trained here to become priests. The mill buildings in the foreground are undergoing restoration and preservation works.

Alan O'Dowd

Conservation works at Scalan

The College of Scalan, hidden away in the Braes of Glenlivet, was one of the few places where the Roman Catholic religion continued to be practised in 18th Century Scotland. Despite Roman Catholicism being proscribed, young men were trained here to become priests. The nearby watermill buildings, pictured here, are undergoing restoration and preservation works.

Alan O'Dowd

Dolines Around Base of Tom Trumper

Snow-filled solution dolines (or 'shakeholes') formed upon slopes underlain by Dalradian limestones along the lower slopes of Tom Trumper. Formed naturally in contrast to a number of nearby grouse-butts.

Uamhair