The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Memorial to breed’s founder unveiled
Aberdeen-Angus farmer Hugh Watson commemorated at World Angus Forum
The World Angus Forum made a welcome return to Glamis at the weekend to unveil a memorial to one of the cattle breed’s founders.
The Forum, which was brought to Scotland by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, has enjoyed a full itinerary of visits and events across the UK over the last fortnight.
Farmers from all over the world travelled to the event to celebrate the iconic breed of cattle.
Converging at Glamis Castle on Saturday, the delegates witnessed the unveiling of a granite sculpture of Hugh Watson, created by local artist Roddy Mathieson.
Mr Watson was a tenant farmer on the Strathmore estate, and his legacy has a “connection” with Glamis, the earls and countesses of Strathmore, and farming in the area.
He began farming livestock in the 19th Century at Keillor, starting a cattle bloodline that is now famed worldwide for its quality and character, and is now buried at nearby Newtyle.
The stone sculpture has been sited at the start of the popular nature walk from the castle to the Dean Water.
Alex Sanger, chairman of the World Angus Forum organising committee, said: “We were delighted to welcome our international visitors to Angus and to let them have the first chance to see the memorial.
“Glamis is the ideal location for this as not only was Hugh Watson a local farmer, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (whose childhood home was Glamis) is a past patron of the AberdeenAngus Cattle Society and was a big supporter of the breed.”
During the reception, delegates were treated to a feast of local food and produce, organised by Taste of Angus.
The Taste of Angus food and drink campaign is managed by the economic development unit at Angus Council.
We were delighted to welcome our international visitors to Angus to let them have the first chance to see the memorial. ALEX SANGER