Scalan Seminary

What Did We Do On Our Holidays

Today’s vlog takes us deep into the Braes of Glenlivet, where we visit Scalan Seminary, a remote and atmospheric relic of Scotland’s hidden past. Tucked away at the foot of the Ladder Hills, this 18th‑century seminary was once the clandestine training ground for the so-called “heather priests” — Catholic clerics educated in secret during a time when their faith was illegal. From 1717 to 1799, more than a hundred priests were trained here, often under threat from Hanoverian soldiers, and reborn time and again even after being burned down by government troops.

Named after sgalan (Gaelic for turf roof), the seminary was discreetly rebuilt in 1767 and remained virtually hidden until the surrounding farmland reclaimed it. The site includes restored steading buildings and historic corn mill wheels, offering both a serenity and a surprise — farmers’ graffiti mingles with ecclesiastical graffiti, telling of two very different but intertwined ways of life
crownestatescotland.com

We wandered the well-worn farm track, stepped inside the old chapel and classrooms, and felt the weight of generations who clung to a forbidden faith amid spectacular Highland remoteness. In 2019, thanks to restoration efforts, the north mill’s waterwheel and lade were revived and interpretive panels now bring the story to life

The Story of Scalan
For young people by John Watts(1995)  (pdf)

The Story of Scalan
A story of the people that ran Scalan (pdf)

Another Story of Scalan
From the Scottish Catholic Observer (pdf)

Video of Mass at Scalan
The Secret Seminary honouring the 250th Anniversary of Bishop George Hay Mass at Scalan the Secret Seminary honouring the 250th Anniversary of Bishop George Hay. On Trinity Sunday 1769, Fr George Hay a Scottish Priest was consecrated a Bishop in secret. An illegal act. During those years following the Scottish Reformation the Catholic Faith was outlawed. It was to remote wild places such as Scalan College in the highlands where this ancient faith was rekindled by training for priesthood to administer to the Church underground. The Protestant Reformation tried but ultimately failed to wipe Catholicism from Scotland. Bishop George Hay is fundamental to the revival story of Scottish Catholicism. It was fitting that 3 Bishops and one Archbishop along with many priests, deacon and pilgrims honoured this historic occasion.