Scalan Seminary

Scalan Seminary is the surviving college building of a hidden Catholic seminary in the Braes of Glenlivet. It’s a pale, two-storey building in a remote upland glen, remembered as Scotland’s “Hidden College.” This is a quiet history stop for anyone interested in Catholic Scotland; expect simple rooms and interpretation boards rather than a furnished museum.

The seminary building is open to visitors year-round, but you can’t drive right to it. Park at Carrachs and follow about 1 km of rough farm track to the site. If you’re hoping for extra volunteer interpretation of the surrounding farm and mill buildings, check current open-day arrangements before setting out; those visits are occasional.

Scalan was established in 1716 to train Catholic priests for Scotland during a period of anti-Catholic restrictions. The college stayed here until it moved in 1799. The remote setting was part of how this school could keep serving Scottish Catholics, not just a picturesque backdrop.

After the seminary moved, Scalan became a working farm with two mills. The old chapel, mill buildings and byre belong to the wider historic complex; a 2019 conservation project restored the North Mill’s waterwheel and lade. From the front path, frame the seminary’s blue door and long slate roof, then look across the yard to take in the group of old buildings.