It has Scott the lot
From AC/DC to a walk in Angus glens
When you think of Angus, your first t houghts may be of Glamis Castle, Arbroath Smokies, and perhaps JM Barrie, creator of Peter Pan.
But what about AC/DC legend Bon Scott, Sir hugh Thomas Munro, the mountaineer who created the list of Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet known as Munros and whose family owned an estate near Kirriemuir, or the connection to harley-Davidson motorcycles?
every year, thousands of people make a pilgrimage to a cottage in Aberlemno which was once home to Sandy and Margaret Davidson, whose descendants founded the famous company.
There are plenty of outdoor activities, historical sites and modern attractions to explore, so what are you waiting for?
head to hospitalfield house in Arbroath, the setting of Monkbarns in Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Antiquary, where they will be running heritage tours every Wednesday until September. Led by a knowledgeable guide, they offer an educational and historic tour of the house exploring architecture, gardens, collections and interiors. For more information, see visitangus.com/events.
Rock fans should head to Kirriemuir this weekend to enjoy BonFest, a festival celebrating AC/DC singer Bon Scott, pictured with guitarist Angus Young on his shoulders, who spent his formative years in the Angus town.
Last year, a statue of Bon, paid for by AC/DC fans, was unveiled. This year’s headliner has a rock solid connection to AC/DC, drummer Phil Rudd. See bonfest.com.
Montrose Music Festival, or MoFest as it is known, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year from May 26-28.
It has become a popular annual event and this year Deacon Blue are the headline act, with 1960s l egends The Beach Boys closing the festival. MoFest is different to most festivals as it has two popul ar elements, a ticketed headline stage and a weekend-long free festival across the town in various venues, where visitors will be able to see more than 100 gigs across a range of genres. The high Street event is the centrepiece of the free weekend, with a stage to showcase bands, a selection of stalls selling food and other it e ms, and f amily- f r i endly games and
attractions. See montrose musicfestival.co.uk.
The Meffan Museum & Gallery is hosting an exhibition to commemorate last year’s Bicentenary of Forfar Academy and the opening of Forfar Community Campus in 2017. Come along until July 1 for an exhibition including objects and photographs and illustrated panels covering the history of the school, from its earliest beginnings to present day. For more information, go to visitangus.com/events.
explore historical artefacts and get involved in events and exhibitions at museums across Scot- land at the national Festival of Museums 2017 from May 19-21. head to Kirriemuir Townhouse to celebrate 17th Century Day and see history brought to life with costumed characters marching in the square, storytelling sessions and military banners.
enjoy themed events such as Avast Me hearties, where you can turn yourself into a pirate and build your own ship. enjoy a live history performance at the Signal Tower Museum, or get involved in hands-on interactive workshops and arts and crafts. See festival ofmuseums.co.uk.
experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Angus glens or impressive coastal views with the Angus Glens Walking Festival.
From June 1-4, mountain leaders will guide each walk along with countryside rangers and ecologists who will be able to share their knowledge of local history and wildlife, and answer any questions you have. There are walks for all abilities, so don’t miss out, book your tickets now. archive.angus.gov.uk/ walkingfestival/