The first Seminary of 1716, built almost entirely of turf, was close by, on the other side of the Crombie Burn. In 1738 it was enlarged with the addition of a stone and lime building. In 1746, all was destroyed by Hanoverian soldiers after the failure of the Jacobite Rising and in 1747, after a part of the building was made habitable, life at the Seminary continued.

      In 1767 a new Seminary was erected. It was originally a one-storey building with an attic. The old kitchen was used until it moved to a newly built north wing in the 1770s. In 1778, the walls of Scalan were heightened to provide an upper floor and a large loft. The north kitchen wing was converted into a public chapel and the kitchen moved to a new south wing.

      In 1799, the Seminary moved to Aquhorties, near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. Scalan was virtually abandoned until the mid 1800s when it was converted into several farm dwellings, with the two wings also becoming dwelling houses.

      The Scalan Association was formed shortly after the end of World War II and an appeal for support led to the rescue and eventual restoration of the building in the 1990s to its former state as a Seminary. The building is now cared for by the Scalan Association, a group of volunteers whose aims are to preserve and promote this important relic of Catholic history.

      To find Scalan, take the B9008 road for 5 miles north from Tomintoul. Turn right at the sign posted 'Scalan 3 _ miles' and take the Chapeltown road for a further 3 miles passing the chapel and distillery to park at the last farmhouse on the right. Proceed on foot for another _ mile and cross the Crombie wooden bridge: you will find Scalan facing you. The wearing of substantial footwear is recommended. An Annual Pilgrimage Mass is held at Scalan on the first Sunday of July when hundreds attend each year.

      There is now a lively and informative website at www.scalan.co.uk and the local heritage magazine Scalan News is published online.