The Hidden College at Scalan

In 1716 Catholic Bishops established a secret college for priests at Scalan.

They chose this remote spot to avoid persecution by Hanoverian soldiers.

It was this little seminary that ensured the survival of Catholicism in Scotland and about one hundred priests were trained at Scalan up until 1799. The college is in a remote spot at the foot of the Ladder Hills in the Braes of Glenlivet.

Visitors today will note that the college is largely invisible until you are very close to the college. For much of the 18th century, the college at Scalan was the only place in Scotland where young men were trained to be priests, the so-called ‘heather priests’ and this little seminary ensured the survival of Catholicism in Scotland at this time.

About one hundred priests were trained at Scalan up until 1799 despite numerous attacks. The Scalan Association seeks to promote the preservation of the college of Scalan and its history and it is now a museum open year-round..