J. M. Barrie’s gift combines a remarkably intact cricket pavilion with a working camera obscura designed for the wide view from Kirrie Hill.
Quick facts
- Date
- Dated 1929; opened 1930
- Architect / designer
- Frank Drummond Thomson
- Type
- Cricket pavilion with camera obscura
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB36903)
- OS grid reference
- NO 38814 54630
Architecture and continuing use
A low, symmetrical five-bay pavilion is centred on a polygonal-roofed entrance tower containing the camera. Broad eaves, grey harl and local stone keep the building close to the hill, while the rear terrace and orientation protect outward views. Much original panelling, benches and stone flooring survives inside.
Its story
Frank Thomson designed the building in 1929 with funding from Barrie. The author opened it on 7 June 1930, when he also received the Freedom of Kirriemuir. Community volunteers reopened the pavilion and camera in 2015 and continue seasonal operation.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises a largely unaltered sporting building, an unusually rare working camera obscura and a vivid architectural expression of Barrie’s bond with his home town.
What to notice
- The central tower containing the optical equipment.
- Broad eaves and local stone chosen to settle the pavilion into the hill.
- The rear viewing terrace and geographical indicator.
Reading the surroundings
Check the seasonal timetable and weather before travelling, because the optical view depends on daylight and conditions. The café is wheelchair-accessible, but the camera room is reached by stairs.
Timeline
- 1929 Frank Thomson designed the pavilion and camera tower.
- 7 June 1930 J. M. Barrie opened his gift to the town.
- 2015 Community volunteers reopened the attraction after renewal work.
- 2026 The pavilion advertised seasonal camera, café and community use.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The number of working camera obscuras quoted in public sources varies with definitions and operating status, so no national total is asserted here.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Barrie Pavilion and Camera Obscura, LB36903 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB36903 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- Kirriemuir Camera Obscura — Current seasonal visitor, café and community operation.
- Kirriemuir Camera Obscura: your visit — Current access, location and visitor cautions.
Location
OS grid reference NO 38814 54630 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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