Arbroath's history as a town begins in the Middle Ages with the founding of Arbroath Abbey in 1178. Arbroath grew considerably during the Industrial Revolution, owing to the expansion of its flax and jute industries followed later by the engineering sector. A new harbour was built in 1839, and Arbroath was one of Scotland’s largest fishing ports by the 1900s.
Today, Arbroath is still the home of the 'smokie' and the location of the RM Condor Base that accommodates 45 Commando of the Royal Marines. The town contains two secondary schools – Arbroath High and Arbroath Academy.