Angus Facts

Historic Angus

Circhenn, now Angus and Kincardine, was the premier province and heartland of the Pictish kingdom.
Angus was the location for the Battle of Dunnichen or Nectansmere between the Picts and Northumbrians in 645. The battle effectively stopped the Angles and allowed the subsequent creation of the Kingdom of Alba, later to become Scotland.
According to historian Hector Boethe, King Malcolm III (Canmore) held the first Scottish Parliament in Forfar.
On 8th July in 1296, King John Balliol abdicated at Montrose.
The Ogilvie name is thought to be the oldest family name in Scotland with links to the Picts and origins in the Angus Glens.
Restenneth Priory was a repository for the Iona relics and possibly the site of the first Pictish (Nectans) church. Robert the Bruce's son is buried there.
The Declaration of Arbroath, signned at Arbroath Abbey in 1320, influenced the US Declaration of Independence.

Hospitalfield at Arbroath was the first location and model for art colleges throughout the UK.
Glamis (Angus) is the reference in Shakespeare for Macbeth.
The First Scots Dictionary compiled in Forfar, Angus.
Kirriemuir was the birthplace of JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Kirriemuir is thought to be the location of the original Wendy House.
The Laird of Hospitalfield buried Robert Burns.
Arbroath is the home of two famous traditional Scottish entertainers - Sir Harry Lauder was born in the town and famous comedian and singer - Andy Stewart (1933 - 1994) was also from Arbroath.

American golf was created by emigrant golfers from Carnoustie, Angus.
Ingles of Edzell was a founder of the London Stock Exchange.
The adhesive Postage Stamp was invented by Angus born James Chalmers.
The Buick Car Company of America was founded by David Buick of Arbroath.
The father of Walter and Arthur Davidson (co founders of Harley Davidson) hailed from Angus. He lived in Angus at Netherton of Melgund near Aberlemno at the time of the 1852 Census.
The Shanks Lawnmower was invented in Angus.
Captain Scott planned his trip to the South Pole in 1912 near Dykehead, Kirriemuir.
The first "Lunatic Asylum" in Scotland opened in Montrose.

40% of Scotland's Class 1 Agricultural land is in Angus.
Angus is home to the Angus cattle breed, word renowned for their delicious beef.
Arbroath in Angus is home to the "Arbroath Smokie" which now enjoys the same geographical protected status as Parma Ham and Champagne.
Angus produces 28% of Scotland's potatoes.

Restenneth Priory

Hospital Field House
Hospitalfield House, Arbroath

James Chalmers

Arbroath Smokies