For much of the 18th century, the college at Scalan in the Braes of Glenlivet was the only place in Scotland where young men were trained to be Catholic priests, the so-called "heather priests".[1] From 1717 to 1799, over a hundred were trained despite numerous attacks by Hanoverian soldiers.
The college played a vital role in keeping the traditional Catholic faith alive in northern Scotland. It was named after the Gaelic word for turf sheilings ("galan") found in the Braes during that period. In 1799, the college was moved to a less remote site, Aquhorthies College, which had larger premises and more accommodation.
Alexander Geddes, Scottish theologian and scholar, was among the famous figures who studied at the college. George James Gordon, known as the "heather priest" was educated here and then taught here as a non-Jesuit for many years.[2]
The last permanent resident of the Scalan was Sandy Matheson, who died in late 2005.
Visitors today will note that the college is largely invisible until you are very close to the college, a factor invaluable in evading detection by the Hanoverian soldiers.
The Scalan is now a museum and is open all year for visitors.[3]
The Scalan Association seeks to promote the preservation of the college of Scalan and its history.[4]
