Heritage Ranger walk: Scalan Mills and Hidden Seminary

Scalan was originally the site of a secret Roman Catholic seminary where priests were trained in the 1700s. Scalan played a vital role in preserving and nurturing the Catholic faith during a time of severe persecution in Scotland.

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.

Join members of the Scalan Association and TGDT on a guided tour of the site and the mill buildings. We’ll explore the seminary and mill buildings while unravelling the captivating stories written into the walls.

In addition to its historical allure, the landscape surrounding Scalan is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with an abundance of oystercatchers, curlews, and lapwings during the spring and summer months. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars along if you have them.

We will be meeting in the Carrachs car park before proceeding by foot along a farm track, 1km from the car park at the end of the public road. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for changeable weather.

Children are very welcome to attend.

Toilet facilities are available on site during the summer season.

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the mill buildings, but are not permitted in the seminary. Please note that sheep and other livestock live on site. Please be aware that there may be cattle present on the walk in.

How to get to the Carrachs car park:

Turn east off the B9008 at Auchnarrow (signposted for Scalan) and follow this road right to the end ensuring to follow sign for Chapeltown of Glenlivet. If you are using a navigation system, the postcode AB37 9JS will take you most of the way to Chapeltown of Glenlivet. Drive past Braeval Distillery and at the road end follow the 90-degree right hand turn which leads to the car park. This track is quite potholed and uneven in places so please proceed slowly and carefully.

Funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.