The unveiling of a memorial to the founder of the Aberdeen-Angus cattle breed will be one of the highlights of an international event coming to Scotland.
Hugh Watson began farming Aberdeen-Angus cattle in the 19th century near Newtyle, beginning a bloodline that has a reputation for its quality and character.
The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, which champions the breed across the UK and Ireland from its base in Perth, has been given planning permission by Angus Council to build a granite memorial to Watson in the shadow of 14th-century Glamis Castle.
Its unveiling will come at the end of the World Angus Forum, a four-yearly international conference of breeders and buyers.
Forum co-ordinator Hazel Baxter said the event will come to Scotland for the first time in 40 years, between June 27 and July 2.
“The forum takes place every four years around the world and is a huge event,” she said.
“Each country has to tender for it and most of our representatives will come from abroad, from countries like America, Hungary, Estonia, Uruguay, Australia, and others.
“Hugh Watson was one of the founders of the Aberdeen-Angus breed, based at Keillor.
“We’re doing a 16-day tour visiting farms up and down the country, and it’s perfect timing to unveil the memorial, by local sculptor Roddy Mathieson.
“From there the group will visit the Frasers at Idvies and then the chairman of the forum, Alex Sanger.”
The event on July 2 will also include a Taste of Angus showcase with local producers.
Delegates will enjoy a reception at Discovery Point, see a Perth Bull Sales exhibition at United Auctions, and take in the Royal Highland Show.
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.
The stone will be sited at the start of the popular nature walk from the castle to the Dean Water, with early sketches commissioned from Duncan of Jordanstone graduate Roddy Mathieson of Mobile Foundry.
The castle, where the late Queen Mother spent much of her childhood, was home to the 13th and 14th earls of Strathmore when the breed first became known.
“There’s always been a connection with Glamis,” said castle general manager Tommy Baxter.
Following in the footsteps of his grandmother, Prince Charles is the society’s patron and has a successful Aberdeen-Angus herd at Highgrove.
Watson became the tenant of Keillor Farm in 1808 and gathered stock widely from the polled, black cattle of north-east Scotland, called “doddies” and “hummlies”.