The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Right royal day for cattle enthusiasts
Duke of Rothesay attends event
A royal visitor accompanied more than 150 Aberdeen-Angus enthusiasts from around the world at a special gathering on Speyside at the weekend.
The Duke of Rothesay was welcomed to Ballindalloch Castle by the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Clare Russell. Her 35-cow Ballindalloch herd is the oldest Angus herd in continuous existence in the world. Mrs Russell's greatgrandfather, Sir George Macpherson- Grant, was one of the founders of the breed.
The sun shone brightly on the enthusiastic crowd on Saturday and not even sporadic heavy rain showers could dampen the spirits of breeders celebrating the North-east AberdeenAngus Breeders' Club's 40th anniversary.
Angus breeders from Australia, the Azores, Canada, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany and Sweden as well as all parts of the British Isles were represented at the special event.
The tour also coincided with the 150th anniversary of the publication of the first Aberdeen-Angus herd book at Banff in 1862 and which was marked on Friday with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Mrs Russell said: “It is lovely to see so many people from all over the world gathered here. Ballindalloch is one of the few castles that has been lived in consistently and I was brought up with the Aberdeen-Angus grazing peacefully here."
Prince Charles is a longtime Angus enthusiast. He is patron of the AberdeenAngus Cattle Society and breeds Angus at Highgrove, Gloucestershire.
North-east club chairwomanWendy Willox said: “It is a privilege to have his royal highness coming to our event, especially as we are celebrating the rubyanniversary of the club. His being here has made it extra special."
Farm manager David Johnstone said: “It is a tremendous honour for us to have welcomed his royal highness, especially be-
“It is a privilege to have his royal highness coming to our event”
cause he is involved in the Aberdeen- Angus breed himself."
Azores Aberdeen-Angus Breeders Association secretaryPaulo Costa said itwasa special moment to have come to the home of the breed, adding: “This is a very special day for breeders."
Prince Charles, wearing the Gordon Highlanders tartan, spent time meeting and chatting to representat i v e s from breeders groups.
He was then guided by Mr Johnstone to a marquee, where paintings and silverware illustrating the history and success of the breed were on show.
He chuckled as he walked into a field, welcomed by a sign on the gate stating: “Admission is free. The bull will charge you later."
Four bulls were tethered for him to observe, while other members of the Ballindalloch herd grazed in neighbouring paddocks.
The prince was later presented with gifts by Ms Willox and Mrs Russell's twin grandchildren, four year- olds George and Louisa Russell, before waving goodbye to the cheering crowd.