Community Area: Broughty Ferry, Barnhill, West Ferry and Balgillo

Decentralisation Area: Dundee East

Area and Boundary Description

Area 7, Broughty Ferry, Barnhill, West Ferry, Balgillo, lies at the eastern extreme of Dundee City. It is bound to the South by the River Tay, flowing east from Stannergate to the city's boundaries with Monifieth in neighbouring Angus Council. Along this course the waterfront undergoes several environmental changes. The narrow, rocky strip of Grassy Beach is mostly used for sailing and other recreation including the route of the Green Circular Cycle Path. This gives way to the start of the promenade on Douglas Terrace which runs past the piers and harbour to Broughty Ferry Castle, perched on a promontory overlooking the narrowest point on the Firth of Tay. The waterfront then becomes sandy beach and dunes to the east most point at Bridge Street. The Eastern boundary winds northwards. Click on the image at the top right-hand corner to view a map of the area.

Brief History of the Area

Ancient Castle of Broughty Ferry
With walls as strong as Londonderry
Near by the sea-shore
Where oft is heard and has been heard the cannon's roar
In the present day and days of yore
Loudly echoing from shore to shore.

William McGonagall, Poet.

Broughty Ferry is an area steeped in history. Once regarded as the "richest square mile in Europe" because it was home to the wealthy jute barons who built Dundee's textile fortunes - it can trace its origins back to the 15th century fisherfolk who built their homes around the harbour close to Broughty Castle. The castle itself was completed in 1495 and featured prominently in Scottish history during the sixteenth century. Today the castle is a museum, following the fortunes of Broughty Ferry and its association with fisherfolk and the whaling industry.

At the beginning of the 19th century plans were drawn up to develop the town and followed the gridiron pattern favoured at that time for planned settlements. The expansion of the area was really brought about by the development of the railway and regular steamboat services. While, originally outwith Dundee boundaries, Broughty Ferry was incorporated into the city by Act of Parliament in 1913.

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This information is provided by the Leisure and Communities Department