Angus is indeed Scotland's Birthplace The county is steeped in colourful and dramatic history and played a central role in the history and formation of the Scottish nation when the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.
Even before this Angus was at the centre of things. As Circhenn, it was the premier province and heartland of the ancient Pictish Kingdom. The ancient Picts worked these lands and inscribed their images on the local landscape, cutting their inscriptions into the stones still standing throughout Angus today.
The history of Angus is here to be explored and breathed in. There are many museums, historic sites and buildings to be enjoyed. Each of the burghs is steeped in history that you can see and touch by taking the town heritage trails.
Whether your interest is in ancient civilisations, medieval battles or historical houses, Angus has a rich story to tell. Explore the history pages to discover how you can bring it to life.
Many visitors to Angus come to the area looking to trace their family roots and to see and touch for themselves where their ancestors lived, worked, died and were buried.
Why not retrace your roots with help from experienced staff in Angus? Angus Archives provides a one-stop shop for family and local history in Angus. You can trace an entire family tree or research particular branches or individuals
There is a wide range of records and collections available through the Archives and local Libraries. To get you started you'll find a list of links to genealogy resources on these pages and you can read about the principal clans and their tartans in Angus
When the research is done, why not see how your Angus forefathers might have lived with a visit to one of our museums or historic towns, where you can really bring local history alive.
Or you may want to visit an ancestor's final resting place in one of the ancient cemeteries which can still be visited in Angus today.
Cemeteries
Angus Families & Clans
Genealogy Collections
Genealogy Historic Culture
Genealogy Resources
Angus has a unique culture and heritage, well worth discovering, embracing visual and performing arts, literature and architecture.
Since the times of the Picts or "painted people", the people of Angus have expressed themselves in paint, music and crafts and by the structures they left behind - from the mysterious Pictish standing stones to the towering heights of Arbroath Abbey.
Angus has always been a vibrant centre for the arts and has produced many famous artists, poets, writers and performers. In the mid 1920's Montrose was a centre for a group of young artists and literati who believed in the idea of a Scottish Renaissance in life and the arts. This group included sculptor William Lamb, Angus poet Violet Jacob, the painter Edward Baird, C M Grieve (Hugh McDiarmid), then a reporter with the Montrose Review, and George Fairweather, an architect.
Our people are steeped in the traditions of Scottish Folk Music, and Angus' creative heritage has led to a thriving arts sector and a burgeoning craft industry. Part of the reason for this rich culture must stem from the unique character of Angus folk and the pride they have in their land. The people of Angus were tied to the land and sea, and were inspired by the rich, beautiful and varied environment in which they lived and on which they depended.
