FAQs
Forfar is easily accessible from Dundee and Aberdeen, via the A90. The town was once the seat of Scotland's King Malcolm Canmore and is famous for its witches who once danced on graves and frolicked with the devil. Find out more at the Meffan Museum.
Is Forfar worth visiting? ›
The traditional market town of Forfar was once the centre of the ancient Kingdom of the Picts. For an insight into Forfar's history, art and industry, visit the Meffan Gallery and Museum. Here you can wander through time in an old cobbled vennel, peer into a knockmaker's workshop and see linen being woven.
When did Forfar become Angus? ›
The county or area was anciently called Angus after the brother of King Kenneth II to whom it was granted by the king after his victory over the Picts. It was later called Forfarshire after the county town of Forfar. (Apparently the name changed back to Angus in 1928.)
Is Forfar in Tayside? ›
Forfar (/ˈfɔːrfər/; Scots: Farfar, Scottish Gaelic: Baile Fharfair) is the county town of Angus, Scotland and the administrative centre for Angus Council, with a new multi-million pound office complex located on the outskirts of the town.
What does Forfar mean in English? ›
(ˈfɔːfər , -fɑː ) noun. a market town in E Scotland, the administrative centre of Angus: site of a castle, residence of Scottish kings between the 11th and 14th centuries.
Why is Forfar called Forfar? ›
Introduction. The market town of Forfar is located in the heart of the valley of Strathmore in Angus - hence its traditional role as the political and administrative centre of this rural region. The name of 'Forfar' is probably derived from the Gaelic word, Faithir, which means 'watching hill' or 'sentinel'.
What does Angus mean in Scottish? ›
Angus is a baby boy name of Celtic origin, meaning “one choice.” Fans of Celtic mythology will recognize Angus as Óengus or Aengus, the god of attractive traits, like love, humor, and youth.
Is Angus beef really Angus? ›
“Angus” merely refers to beef that comes from the Aberdeen Angus cow. Originally from Scotland, it's a sturdier breed that grew popular among farmers thanks to its ability to produce meat with a higher marbling content (a.k.a., those white lines of fat that make your meat taste so good.)
What is the birthplace of Scotland? ›
Angus can be considered the birthplace not only of Scotland – the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath first asserted the nation's sovereignty – but also of its grandparents. It was the heartland of the Picts from about 100 BC to 900 AD, when they merged into the Celts.
What is the largest town in Angus? ›
Arbroath (/ɑːrˈbroʊθ/) or Aberbrothock (Scottish Gaelic: Obar Bhrothaig [ˈopəɾ ˈvɾo. ɪkʲ]) is a former royal burgh and the largest town in the council area of Angus, Scotland, with a population of 23,902.
Forfar, small burgh (town), council area and historic county of Angus, eastern Scotland, situated at the eastern end of Forfar Loch (lake) in the scenic valley of Strathmore. It was in existence by 1057, when an early Scottish Parliament met in the castle to confer titles on the nobility.
What is Angus, Scotland famous for? ›
This beautiful, historic and vibrant region is now well-known now thanks to the brilliant V&A, but did you know that things to do in Angus include watersports, hillwalking amongst the glens, historic houses, and delicious food and drink?
What is the oldest building in Forfar? ›
Early history
The first municipal building in the town was a medieval tolbooth which was primarily used to the detention of prisoners and which dated back at least to the 16th century. In the early 1660s, 42 women were tried for witchcraft at the tolbooth and, in some cases, found guilty and executed by strangulation.
What nationality is the name Forfar? ›
Early Origins of the Forfar family
The surname Forfar was first found in Forfarshire part of the Tayside region of North Eastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, where they held a family seat in their territories.
Is Forfar a nice place to live? ›
Forfar's many parks and green spaces serve as ideal settings for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls, while its historic landmarks provide a glimpse into its heritage. The town also has a tradition of hosting several festivals every year.
Where is the Forfar Witches Memorial? ›
Returning along the path at the end of the loch gives excellent views of the loch and the steeple in the town. Just past the farm house on the hill is a memorial stone to the Forfar Witches erected here in 2010.
