Angus bestowed a rare honour on one of its most prominent political sons last night when Andrew Welsh was made a Freeman of the County.
The former MP, MSP and Angus provost was recognised at a special celebration in the Reid Hall, Forfar, attended by members of Angus Council and other guests.
The accolade recognised Mr Welsh’s prominence in the political scene in Angus for almost 40 years.
Angus Provost Helen Oswald told the Forfar dinner: “To be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the County is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed on an individual by the council and this illustrates the very high esteem that Andrew is held in for his long years of public service to the people of Angus.
“Andrew Welsh has dedicated his adult life to the service of the people of Angus. No other parliamentarian has given the years of service that he has, with over 18 years at Westminster, 12 years at Holyrood and three years as Provost of Angus. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this unique honour than Andrew Welsh.”
First Minister Alex Salmond was unable to take up an invitation to attend the event but a letter of congratulations from him was read by Provost Oswald.
Mr Welsh described the gesture as a “great honour” and one that he was humbled and privileged to receive.