Abernethy, Perth and Kinross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abernethy
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 The village of Abernethy viewed from the north |
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 Abernethy
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| Population | 1,390 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NO189163 |
| • Edinburgh | 27 mi (43 km) |
| • London | 358 mi (576 km) |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PERTH |
| Postcode district | PH2 9xx |
| Dialling code | 01738 85 |
| Police | Tayside |
| Fire | Tayside |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Abernethy is a small village in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. It used to be a special kind of town called a burgh. It is located in the eastern central Lowlands of Scotland.
Abernethy is about 8 miles (13 km) southeast of the city of Perth. It is famous for its Pictish history and its old round tower. The area around Abernethy also includes the nearby village of Aberargie. It even stretches to Mugdrum Island in the Firth of Tay.
Contents
History of Abernethy
What Does the Name Abernethy Mean?
The name Abernethy comes from an old language called Pictish. The word aber means 'river mouth'. The second part, Nethy, comes from a Celtic word meaning 'pure' or 'clean'. So, Abernethy means 'mouth of the clean river Nethy'. The Nethy Burn is a small stream that flows from the Ochil Hills past the village today.
Ancient Times in Abernethy
People have lived in this area for a very long time. In 2001, a Bronze Age log boat was found nearby. This shows that people were here thousands of years ago.
The Romans also had a presence here. They built a fortress on Castle Law hill. There was also a Roman fort called Carpow Roman Fort near the village. These sites together are known as the "Abernethy complex."
Abernethy in the Middle Ages
A long time ago, Abernethy was a very important place. It was even a main center for the kingdom of the Picts. The local church is dedicated to Saint Brigid of Kildare, an early Christian saint. It is believed that the church was founded by Dairlugdach, who was a leader from a big monastery in Ireland.
Many old stone carvings from the Picts have been found in Abernethy. One special Pictish symbol stone is attached to the base of the round tower. Some old stories about King Arthur even mention a place called "Afarnach's Hall," which is thought to be Abernethy.
Abernethy was once the home of an early Pictish bishop. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader. Later, the bishop's home moved to other towns.
In 1072, an important agreement called the Treaty of Abernethy was signed here. It was between William the Conqueror and Malcolm III of Scotland.
A small religious house called a priory was founded in Abernethy in 1272. It was for Augustinian canons. Later, a new church was built in its place. The current church, built in 1802, is still dedicated to Saint Brigid.
Abernethy in Modern Times
Abernethy was given a special status as a burgh of barony in 1476. This meant it had some local government powers. This status was confirmed again in 1628. Abernethy kept its burgh status until 1973.
During the Second World War, Abernethy hosted a camp for Polish soldiers. It also welcomed many children who were evacuated from cities for safety. In 2012, the London Olympics torch passed through Abernethy.
Life in Abernethy
In the past, Abernethy was known for farming, growing soft fruits, fishing for salmon, and weaving.
Today, the village has a general store on Main Street. There is also a local pub, a museum, and a garden center. You can find a public park and heritage gardens too.
Every year, usually in June, the village holds a special event called a Gala Day. The day after, there is a race to the top of nearby Castle Law.
Museum of Abernethy
The Museum of Abernethy opened in May 2000. It is open to visitors from May to September each year. The museum also holds the key to the famous round tower.
Churches in Abernethy
The main church in the village is called the Kirk of St Bride. It was built in the 1800s on the site of older churches. It is part of the Church of Scotland.
There is also an old church building from 1866 that used to belong to the United Free Church. It is no longer used as a church.
Famous Places in Abernethy
The center of Abernethy is a special conservation area. This means many of its old buildings are protected.
Abernethy Round Tower
Abernethy has one of only two Irish-style round towers in Scotland. The other is in Brechin. These towers are very old and looked after by Historic Environment Scotland.
The tower is about 74 feet (23 meters) tall. You can climb to the top using a modern spiral staircase. The tower was built in two stages, probably between the 11th and early 12th centuries.
Abernethy War Memorial
The village's war memorial looks like an old market cross. It was put in the village square in 1921 to remember those who served.
Balvaird Castle
Just outside the village is Balvaird Castle. This is a 15th-century tower house.
Getting Around Abernethy
Abernethy is close to the M90 motorway. The A913 road passes through the village, connecting it to Cupar in the east and Perth in the west. There are also bus services to nearby towns.
The village used to have a train station, Abernethy railway station. However, it closed in 1955.
Schools in Abernethy
Abernethy has one primary school. The current Abernethy Primary School building was built in 2002 and made bigger in 2013. In 2023, about 148 students attended the school.
See also
In Spanish: Abernethy para niños
