Forfar is the county town of Angus, Scotland, and the administrative centre for Angus Council.
Forfar is in the valley of Strathmore, at the eastern end of Forfar Loch, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Angus countryside. It is just off the main A90 road, about thirteen miles north of Dundee and fifty miles north of Edinburgh. Several villages surround the town, including Aberlemno, Glamis, Kingsmuir, Kirriemuir, Letham, and Lunanhead. Other nearby towns include Brechin, Arbroath, and Montrose.
The town originated during the conflict between the Romans and the Picts. A major Roman camp was established at Batledykes, about three miles north of Forfar, which may have held as many as 60,000 Roman troops. The Picts and the Kingdom of Scotland later held the area. Archaeological evidence points to a Pictish stronghold or castle on Castle Hill, later used as a base by King Malcolm II during his conflict with the Danes in 1012.
An early Scottish Parliament met in the castle to confer titles on the nobility in 1057.
In the early stages of the First War of Scottish Independence (1296-1328), Forfar Castle was held by English forces. It would have been a strategic location because it controlled access to the fertile Strathmore Valley and the surrounding hillside.
Later in the First War, the Scots recaptured and presented the castle to Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland. Forfar Castle changed hands twice more during the Wars of Independence before being dismantled on Robert the Bruce's orders, suggesting that the castle and surrounding town were contested territories.
Despite the castle's demolition, the town grew during the Middle Ages, becoming a traditional market town and manufacturing centre for linen and jute. At one time, between 400 and 500 weavers were operating locally, using flax grown in the surrounding region.
The introduction of steam-powered textile factories in the mid-19th century led to a decline in the handloom industry and a shift in the town's economy toward agriculture.
Agriculture remains an integral part of Forfar's economy, with local and surrounding farms producing high-quality and interesting food products.
The area is known for the quality of its Aberdeen Angus beef. The region also produces a variety of spirits, including whisky, gin, and vodka. The Forfar Bridie is a traditional Scottish meat pastry filled with minced steak, onions, and spices, all encased in a flaky pastry. Produced in Forfar since the 19th century, it is a local favorite.
The Angus Farmers Market is held at the Lowson Memorial Parish Church on the second Saturday of each month. It features a variety of exhibitors who offer fresh, locally produced food, drink, crafts, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
As in many Scottish cities and towns, tourism also plays a role in Forfar's economy. It supports a range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions, generating revenue and creating local jobs.
People are drawn to Forfar to visit its historical sites, participate in local events, and sample its unique cuisine. The surrounding valley also attracts visitors interested in hiking and skiing, while the local glens are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
The town holds several events throughout the year, including the bi-annual Forfar Mara-Fun and the annual Forfar Food Festival.
Forfar is home to Forfar Athletic, a semi-professional football club. Members of the Scottish Professional Football League, the club plays in League Two. There are also two SJFA clubs (Forfar West End and Forfar United), both part of the Midlands Football League.
Forfar has a National League rugby team, the Strathmore Silverbacks, which shares Inchmacoble Park as its home ground with Strathmore Rugby Football Club.
Strathmore Cricket Club, founded in 1862, has played at Lochside Park since 1873.
Founded in 1871, the Forfar Golf Club has the fourth-oldest 18-hole course in the world. It has hosted the Scottish PGA Championship twice, once in 1932 and again in 1966.
The town also has a swimming pool, a skatepark, an ice rink, three bowling clubs, and a sailing club.
Forfar has one secondary school (Forfar Academy) and three primary schools (Whitehills Primary School, Strathmore Primary School, and Langlands Primary School).
There are three Church of Scotland congregations in Forfar: East and Old Church, Lowson Memorial Church, and St. Margaret's Church. Other Christian churches in Forfar include St. John the Evangelist (Scottish Episcopal), St. Fergus Parish (Roman Catholic), Forfar Community Church, and a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall.
Topics appropriate for this category include businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, libraries, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, attractions, and events in Forfar, Scotland.
