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Forfar (/ˈfɔːrfər/ ⓘ; Scots: Farfar,[2] 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. As of 2021, the town had a population of 16,280.

Key Information

The town lies in Strathmore and is situated just off the main A90 road between Perth and Aberdeen, with Dundee (the nearest city) being 13 miles (21 km) away. It is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from Glamis Castle, seat of the Bowes-Lyon family and ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and where the late Princess Margaret, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was born in 1930.

Forfar dates back to the temporary Roman occupation of the area, and was subsequently held by the Picts and the Kingdom of Scotland. During the Scottish Wars of Independence, Forfar was occupied by English forces before being recaptured by the Scots and presented to Robert the Bruce. Forfar has been both a traditional market town and a major manufacturing centre for linen and jute. Today the main activities are agriculture and tourism around scenic Strathmore. The local glens are visited by hill-walkers, and there are ski-slopes in the mountains. The town is home to a number of local sporting teams, including the League Two football club, Forfar Athletic.

The Forfar bridie, a Scottish meat pastry snack, is traditionally identified with the town.

Etymology

[edit]

The exact origin of the name Forfar is uncertain.[3] One suggestion is that the name is Gaelic and means "a cold point", involving, fuar meaning "cold, chilly", and bhar meaning "a point".[3]

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

During one of the Roman invasions of modern-day Scotland, the Romans established a major camp at Battledykes, approximately 3 miles (5 km) north of Forfar; this camp was analysed to have held 50,000 to 60,000 men.[dubious – discuss][4] From Battledykes northward the Romans established a succession of camps including Stracathro, Raedykes and Normandykes.[5]

Middle Ages

[edit]

During the Middle Ages, a "claimant" to the throne, the daughter of the leader of the Meic Uilleim, who were descendants of King Duncan II, had her brains dashed out on Forfar market cross in 1230 while still an infant.[6]

During the First War of Scottish Independence, the castle of Forfar was held by the English. After Robert the Bruce's victory over the Earl of Buchan, Philip, the Forester of Platane, together with some of his friends, raised ladders against the wall and, climbing over, surprised the garrison and killed them. He then yielded the castle to Bruce, who rewarded him and gave instructions for its slighting.[7]

Early modern history

[edit]

During the 16th and 17th century, several witch trials took place in Forfar, the last of which took place in 1662 and in which 52 people were accused. At the time, Forfar was a town of around 1000 inhabitants, with an additional 2000 people residing in the county.[8][9]

Like other parts of Angus, Forfar was home to a very successful textile industry during and after the Industrial Revolution. In the late 18th century the firm of William Don & Co. (later William and John Don & Co) was founded in the town. The firm originally bought and sold webs of linen which were woven in local cottages, although it also operated a small weaving shed. In 1865 the firm merged with A J Buist, a Dundee based firm, and began construction of St James Works in Forfar. The partnership also operated mills in Dundee and later built Station Works in Forfar, which contained some 300 looms. Workers' housing was built by the firm in Forfar. Don Brothers, Buist & Company Ltd, as the firm was known from 1904, built another works in Forfar, at Strang Street, in 1929. In 1960 it merged with another Dundee firm, Low Brothers & Co (Dundee) Ltd, eventually becoming Don & Low (Holdings) Ltd. By the 1980s the Don & Low group was the United Kingdom's biggest polypropylene textile extrusion and weaving unit. The firm retains premises in Forfar, mainly producing woven and non-woven polypropylene industrial textile products and plastic food packaging.[10][11][12][13] In 1958 Don Brothers, Buist & Co Ltd acquired a controlling interest in another Forfar based-textile firm, Moffat & Son Ltd, who operated Haugh Works in South Street.[14] Another important Forfar textile firm was J & A Craik & Company, Linen and Jute Manufacturers, which was based at the Manor Works. Craiks was started in 1863 when James Craik obtained land in Forfar to build the Manor Works and the company survived until 1981, the year in which it became part of the Low and Bonar group.[15] Craiks owned Forfar Fabrics Ltd, incorporated in 1965, which amalgamated with Low & Bonar Textiles Limited in 1981.[16] The jute manufacturers, John Lowson, Jnr & Co Ltd, also operated in Forfar, operating out of Victoria Works.[17][18]

Memorial plaque to the Polish Army in Forfar

The Meffan Museum is in the heart of the town. It was built by a daughter of the Provost Meffan as a bequest in 1898. It is home of the Forfar story. It is also an art gallery and a meeting place for local speakers, summer clubs for children and groups. The story of Forfar takes visitors from the history of the little cobbler shops to the burning of the witch Helen Guthrie. There is also a good selection of Pictish stones found in and around Forfar and Kirriemuir. The Large Class I Pictish stone, with a rare carving of a flower, is called the Dunnichen Stone. It was found in the early 19th century when a farmer from the East Mains of Dunnichen was ploughing. It was initially displayed at a church in the vicinity, then at Dunnichen House. In 1966 it was relocated at St Vigeans and finally moved to Dundee museum in 1972. After the Meffan Institute had been renovated it was brought to Forfar on a long-term loan where it is displayed alongside the Kirriemuir Sculptured Stones. There is a canoe, excavated from Forfar Loch, that dates back to the 11th century (one of two that were found).

Modern history

[edit]

In 1911 more than 20% of workers in Forfar were employed in the jute industry. Employment levels in this industry generally dramatically declined in other parts of Angus, including Dundee, during the next four decades. Notably in Dundee, the centre of the British jute industry, more than 40.4% of the working population had worked in the jute industry in 1911, but by 1951 this had fallen to just 18.5%. In Forfar, however this trend was not followed as percentage of the workforce employed in the jute industry had actually risen to 24.4% by 1951.[19]

In the town there is a metal plaque to General Sikorski and the Polish troops commemorating the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to the town on 7 March 1941. The plaque is located on a wall on Market Street below Forfar Sheriff Court. It was here on 7 March 1941 that the royal couple, along with General Sikorski, took the salute in the march past of the Polish troops.[20]

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the town and surrounding area in 2004 (the first time in around 30 years) and again in 2011. HRH Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, visited the town in April 2012 to take the salute of the Black Watch during the regiment's homecoming parade, marking its return from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Governance

[edit]
Forfar Town and County Hall

Forfar is a parish, town and former royal burgh. The meeting place of the burgh was the Forfar Town and County Hall.[21] It is the county town of Angus, which was officially known as Forfarshire from the 18th century until 1928.[22] The town is represented within Angus Council by the Forfar & District ward, from which four councillors are elected. The members elected from this ward are, as of 2021; Lynne Devine (Scottish National Party), Braden Davy (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Colin Brown (Independent) and Ian McLaren (Independent).[23]

Transport

[edit]

Road

[edit]

The town is located just off the main A90 Dundee to Aberdeen road; having once passed through the town centre, the bypass was completed in 1987.

Railway

[edit]

The nearest stations to Forfar are Dundee, Carnoustie and Arbroath, which are all around 14 miles (23 km) away. Connections to the rest of Scotland are available on the Edinburgh–Dundee line; the Glasgow–Dundee line, via Perth; and the Dundee to Aberdeen line.[24]

The town was once served by Forfar railway station, which ran goods and passenger lines until 3 September 1967 when it closed for passenger transport as part of the Beeching cuts; a goods line from Perth continued until 1982. The station was located on the main line of the Caledonian Railway from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Aberdeen, which was the furthest north link in the chain of the West Coast Main Line from London Euston. Lines also went to Dundee, Arbroath, Brechin and Kirriemuir. The station has since been demolished and replaced by a small housing estate. However, a major locomotive shed remains and is in use for vehicle body manufacture. Some bridges and cuttings still survive but the site of the goods station, which was the town's original railway station before the one near the County Buildings was built, is now mainly residential properties.

Buses

[edit]

Local bus services are operated predominantly by Stagecoach Strathtay, Moffat & Williamson and JP Coaches. Key routes connect the town with Dundee, Kirriemuir, Edzell and Arbroath.[25]

Climate

[edit]

As with most of the British Isles, Forfar has an oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb). The nearest weather station to Forfar is located around 3 miles (5 km) north of Forfar, and is 91 m (299 ft) above sea level.

Climate data for Forfar (91 m asl, averages 1991–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 14.4
(57.9) 		14.8
(58.6) 		21.5
(70.7) 		22.7
(72.9) 		24.0
(75.2) 		28.1
(82.6) 		28.5
(83.3) 		28.2
(82.8) 		25.3
(77.5) 		21.2
(70.2) 		16.7
(62.1) 		14.8
(58.6) 		28.5
(83.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.8
(42.4) 		6.6
(43.9) 		8.7
(47.7) 		11.2
(52.2) 		14.3
(57.7) 		17.0
(62.6) 		18.8
(65.8) 		18.6
(65.5) 		16.1
(61.0) 		12.3
(54.1) 		8.5
(47.3) 		5.9
(42.6) 		12.0
(53.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) 2.8
(37.0) 		3.5
(38.3) 		5.0
(41.0) 		7.2
(45.0) 		10.0
(50.0) 		12.6
(54.7) 		14.4
(57.9) 		14.2
(57.6) 		12.0
(53.6) 		8.8
(47.8) 		5.3
(41.5) 		2.8
(37.0) 		8.2
(46.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −0.2
(31.6) 		0.3
(32.5) 		1.8
(35.2) 		3.2
(37.8) 		5.6
(42.1) 		8.3
(46.9) 		9.9
(49.8) 		9.7
(49.5) 		7.9
(46.2) 		5.2
(41.4) 		2.0
(35.6) 		−0.2
(31.6) 		4.4
(39.9)
Record low °C (°F) −18.9
(−2.0) 		−18.4
(−1.1) 		−14.1
(6.6) 		−6.9
(19.6) 		−3.7
(25.3) 		−1.3
(29.7) 		1.8
(35.2) 		1.1
(34.0) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		−7.6
(18.3) 		−13.8
(7.2) 		−19.1
(−2.4) 		−19.1
(−2.4)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 79.1
(3.11) 		54.8
(2.16) 		57.2
(2.25) 		49.7
(1.96) 		52.9
(2.08) 		66.1
(2.60) 		67.5
(2.66) 		75.5
(2.97) 		61.9
(2.44) 		98.9
(3.89) 		81.0
(3.19) 		74.6
(2.94) 		818.9
(32.24)
Average rainy days (≥ 1 mm) 12.7 10.5 9.5 9.2 11.0 12.0 9.4 9.8 11.1 12.1 12.3 11.3 130.9
Mean monthly sunshine hours 51.1 77.5 113.5 161.1 195.7 159.0 166.7 156.2 122.5 98.0 63.3 46.5 1,411
Source 1: Met Office (rainy days 1981–2010)[26]
Source 2: Starlings Roost Weather[27]

Local sport

[edit]

Football

[edit]

The town is home to semi-professional football club Forfar Athletic, who are members of the Scottish Professional Football League and currently play in League Two and two SJFA clubs, Forfar West End, and Forfar United, who both currently play in the Midlands Football League. Forfar Athletic's ground, Station Park, plays host to matches featuring Dundee United Reserves.

Youth and women's football is available in the town, with Forfar Boys F.C (boys only), Lochside Boys F.C[28] (boys only) and Forfar Farmington F.C[29] (boys, girls and women). All the clubs have SFA Quality Mark Award at some level.[citation needed]

Rugby league

[edit]

Forfar has a National League rugby league team, the Strathmore Silverbacks, who share Inchmacoble Park as their home ground with the local rugby union team.

Rugby union

[edit]

Rugby Union is represented in the town by Strathmore Rugby Football Club, who play their home games at Inchmacoble Park, beside Forfar Loch. The club has men's and ladies' teams.

Golf

[edit]

The Forfar Golf Club,[30] founded in 1871, has the fourth oldest 18 hole course in the world, and is the first club to have an 18-hole course from inception and inauguration. The course was designed by Tom Morris Snr, and in 1926 alterations recommended by five time Open Championship winner James Braid were implemented. The letter with Braid's recommendations is on display in the clubhouse.

The Forfar Golf Club has hosted the Scottish PGA Championship twice, once in 1932 and again in 1966.[31]

Cricket

[edit]

Strathmore Cricket Club,[32] founded in 1862, has played at Lochside Park since 1873.

Other sports and facilities

[edit]

The town has a dedicated community campus.

There is a skatepark near the Forfar loch. Forfar has an ice rink which was built in the early 1990s and this is home to the local curling club.

There are three bowling clubs in Forfar: Forfar Bowling Club, Canmore Bowling Club and Forfar Indoor Bowling Club. Both Forfar Bowling Club and Canmore Bowling Club have outdoor bowling greens.

Forfar Loch is home to Forfar Sailing Club.[33]

Angus Gliding Club operates at Roundyhill, between Glamis and Kirriemuir.

Education

[edit]

Forfar has three primary schools:

  • Whitehills Primary School on Service Road contains a Gaelic Medium Unit where pupils are educated exclusively through the medium of Scottish Gaelic. The head teachers are Coureen Peters & Elaine Gallon (acting).
  • Strathmore Primary School is on St James' Road. The head teacher is Jennifer Garnes.
  • Langlands Primary School is on Glamis Road. The school reopened in May 2009 after the demolishing of the original buildings and an extensive period of rebuilding and landscaping. The head teacher is Jayne McLean.

There is one secondary school in the town:

  • Forfar Academy on Taylor Street is one of the largest schools in Angus, with a roll of around 1,200 pupils.

In 2007, the Forfar-Carnoustie Schools Project made major changes to schools in Forfar, with closure of the following primary schools:

Chapelpark Primary School on Academy Street (the former Forfar Academy) opened in 1967 and was active for 40 years before closing in 2007. The pupils were re-located to Strathmore Primary and Whitehills Primary. The building continued in use as a school, initially by Whitehills Primary until their new school was completed in early 2008. It was then home to Langlands Primary, until the new school on that site was completed in May 2009. In 2016 it was decided that it would be turned into an apartment block, ad work was completed in the summer of 2018.

Kirkriggs Primary School in St. James' Road was closed in 2007. Pupils were re-located to Langlands until the new school on this site (Strathmore Primary) was completed in early 2008.

Wellbrae Primary School closed in 2007. Pupils were sent to Chapelpark Primary School and later to Whitehills Primary School. The play areas of Wellbrae were all concrete. In 2016, it burned to the ground in an arson attack.[34]

Healthcare

[edit]

The local community hospital, the Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre, was built on the site of the old Whitehills Hospital building (the former hospital for infectious diseases) and opened in Spring 2005. The new hospital replaced Forfar Infirmary, formerly the town's main hospital, as well as Whitehills Hospital. The Infirmary has since been completely demolished.[35]

The Fyfe-Jamieson maternity hospital closed some time ago; it was across the road from the Forfar Academy, but the site has since been built over with houses.

Places of worship

[edit]
Lowson Memorial Church

Forfar has three Church of Scotland congregations:

  • East and Old Church was originally the parish kirk, with a tall slender spire and steeple clock overlooking the town centre. It is a category B listed building and was refurbished in early 2017. The church is situated in the town centre and offers a mixture of traditional and contemporary worship.
  • Lowson Memorial Church, off Montrose Road, is a category A listed church in late Scots Gothic style built in 1914 by A Marshall Mackenzie, who also designed Crathie Kirk. The church contains notable stained glass windows by Douglas Strachan. The church serves the east side of Forfar, and provides a mix of traditional and contemporary styles of worship.
  • St Margaret's Church, in the West High Street, was originally a free kirk.

It had been decided (by a Church of Scotland arbiter) that the East and Old Parish Church would close, and the congregation would move to St. Margaret's Church. This was brought back for discussion at Angus Presbytery due to a large vote against this decision. Now the East and Old and St Margaret's are to remain individual churches as they have always have been.

The East & Old Church is built on the site of the original place of worship that some of the monks of Restenneth Priory built hundreds of years before the one today. The adjoining graveyard has famous 'residents' such as botanist George Don, quite a few scholars and a man who blamed the witches of Forfar for poisoning him after ill words were exchanged between them.

Forfar East and Old Parish Church

The steeple is a focal point of Forfar, visible when entering the town from any direction. Although abutting the East & Old building, it is owned by the 'Town' and is not formally part of the church property; it is all but certain to be retained following any disposal of the church building.[citation needed]

The town has churches of other denominations, including:

There is a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's witnesses.

Other items of interest

[edit]
The Stag Forfar

The town is traditionally identified with the Forfar bridie, a meat pastry snack. A recipe for the Forfar bridie was featured in Maw Broon's Cookbook.

The Forfar Loch Country Park is visited by locals as a walking venue. It is said that the Forfar Loch extended over much more of Forfar in the 1800s, going as far up as Orchardbank and Wellbrae. A drainage project brought the water level down. In about the same time period the loch was used to dump raw sewage; this practice is no longer continued: it is now treated sewage.

The town holds many events throughout the year such as the bi-annual Forfar Mara-Fun, which raises money for charity, and the annual Forfar Food Festival, highlighting some of the local food. There is also a monthly farmers' market.

Forfar is home to the Strathmore Mineral Water Co., Ltd., a bottled mineral water producer now run by AG Barr. The company's products are shipped worldwide.

Forfar is known for the "coo o Forfar". A householder left a tub of beer in the doorway to cool, and a passing cow drank it. When the owner of the cow was charged for the beer, a baillie ruled that if the beer was drunk at the doorway it was "deoch an doras" or "stirrup cup", to charge for which would be an insult to Scots hospitality. This became a byword: "Be like the coo o Forfar, an tak a stannin drink".[36]

Public services

[edit]
Forfar Reid Hall

Forfar and the surrounding area are supplied with water by Scottish Water from Lintrathen and Backwater reservoirs in Glen Isla. Electricity distribution is by Scottish Hydro Electric plc, part of the Scottish and Southern Energy group.

Waste management is handled by Angus Council. From June 2014, there has been a comprehensive recycling service in place, succeeding the more limited kerbside recycling scheme introduced in 2005. Recyclable waste (encompassing paper, card, cans, plastics and glass) is now collected fortnightly, on alternate weeks with non-recyclable waste, with households having separate bins for each purpose. Garden and food waste are also collected for separate processing. Roughly two-thirds of non-recyclable material is sent to landfill at Angus Council's site at Lochhead, Forfar, and the remainder sent for incineration (with energy recovery) outside the council area.[37]

A recycling centre is located at Queenswell Road. Items accepted include, steel and aluminium cans, cardboard, paper, electrical equipment, engine oil, fridges and freezers, garden waste, gas bottles, glass, liquid food and drinks cartons, plastic bottles, plastic carrier bags, rubble, scrap metal, shoes and handbags, spectacles, textiles, tin foil, wood and yellow pages. Angus council publishes details of where and how each product is processed.[38] There are also glass banks at the Abbeygate and Tesco car parks.[39] The Angus Council area had a recycling rate of 34.7% in 2007/08.[40]

Healthcare is supplied in the area by NHS Tayside. The nearest hospitals with accident and emergency departments are Arbroath Infirmary[41] and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.[42] Primary Health Care in Forfar is supplied by several practices, based at Ravenswood Surgery on New Road, Academy Medical Centre in Academy Street and Lour Road Group Practice.[43][44][45] Forfar, along with the rest of Scotland, is served by the Scottish Ambulance Service.[46]

Since April 2013, law enforcement is provided by Police Scotland and Forfar is served by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Notable people

[edit]
Eilley Bowers
See also: Category:People from Forfar

Freedom of the Town

[edit]

The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Town of Forfar.

Individuals

[edit]

Military units

[edit]

[54][55]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Forfar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Forfar is a burgh town and the of Angus in eastern , functioning as the administrative centre for Angus Council. Situated in the fertile Strathmore Valley, it has historically served as a market and agricultural hub, with its economy tied to farming and local industries. The town's population stands at approximately 14,000 residents. Forfar holds historical significance as a dating back to and is notably associated with the witch trials of 1661–1663, during which over 40 individuals were imprisoned, tortured, and at least 22 executed on suspicions of amid widespread . These events reflect the era's intense under Scotland's witchcraft laws, contributing to Forfar's legacy in the annals of judicial miscarriages.

Geography

Etymology and name origins

The etymology of Forfar is uncertain, with several proposed derivations from Scottish Gaelic elements reflecting the region's linguistic history under Pictish and Gaelic influences. One theory posits the name originates from "for fuar", translating to "cold place" or "cold watch", possibly alluding to the site's exposed or chilly elevated position. Another interpretation suggests "foither", combining elements for "slope" with a term implying "watching" or oversight, evoking a vantage point for surveillance. Alternative analyses link the name to a Gaelic prefix "for-" denoting "above", "big", or "projecting", potentially combined with "farr" or similar roots evoking a post, man, or prominence, though the precise composition remains debated among place-name scholars. A related suggestion interprets it as "a cold point", merging "fuar" (cold or chilly) with "bhar" or "barr" (point or top), consistent with topographic features in early Gaelic naming conventions. These Gaelic hypotheses align with the area's integration into Gaelic-speaking Scots domains by the 9th century, superseding earlier Pictish elements, but no single origin has been definitively established through primary historical records.

Location and topography

Forfar is situated in the Angus council area of eastern , within the historic county of Angus, approximately 12 miles (19 km) north of and 40 miles (64 km) north-northeast of . The town center lies at coordinates 56°38′39″N 02°53′18″W, positioning it in the of Angus. As the administrative center of Angus, Forfar serves as a key hub for the surrounding rural region. The of Forfar features a broad, flat-bottomed glacial valley with fertile alluvial soils conducive to , flanked by undulating hills rising to of around 200-300 meters. The town's average is approximately 63 meters (207 feet) above , with modest variations within a 2-mile , including a maximum change of 397 feet. Forfar , a shallow freshwater body covering about 0.5 square kilometers, occupies the western part of the town, influencing local drainage and providing a central natural landmark. The surrounding landscape transitions from the valley floor to the foothills of the to the north and west, characterized by rolling farmland interspersed with hedgerows and woodland strips that enhance visual diversity. This setting supports intensive arable farming, with the valley's glacial origins contributing to productive soils derived from fluvio-glacial deposits.

Climate and environmental data

Forfar experiences a cool temperate , with average annual maximum temperatures of 12.0 °C and minimums of 4.4 °C, based on data from the Forfar No 3 station for the period 1991–2020. Winters are mild but prone to , with January maximums averaging 5.8 °C and minimums -0.2 °C, while summers are cool, peaking in July at 18.8 °C maximum and 9.9 °C minimum. Annual rainfall totals 819 mm, distributed relatively evenly but with October the wettest month at 99 mm; the region receives more sunshine than western due to its eastern inland position in the Strathmore valley, averaging 1,411 hours yearly.
MonthMax Temp (°C)Min Temp (°C)Sunshine (hours)Rainfall (mm)
5.8-0.25179
6.60.37755
8.71.211357
11.23.216150
May14.35.619653
17.08.315966
18.89.916768
18.69.715675
16.17.912262
12.35.29899
8.52.06381
5.9-0.24775
Annual12.04.41,411819
Air quality in Forfar remains good, with no Air Quality Management Areas declared by Angus Council as of 2023; monitoring at the Road site records low particulate matter levels, such as annual PM10 means below 20 µg/m³ and PM2.5 below 10 µg/m³. Local environmental reports confirm compliance with national objectives for and other pollutants, attributed to limited industrial sources and rural surroundings.

History

Prehistoric and early settlement

The earliest archaeological evidence of human presence near Forfar consists of Late Upper Palaeolithic stone artefacts, including 29 tools such as scrapers and strike-a-lights, discovered in 1993 at Lunanhead, approximately 5 km northeast of the town centre. More consistent prehistoric activity is attested from the (c. 2500–700 BC), marked by burials, urnfields, and metalwork across the locality. At Castle Hill, a central topographic feature, a 1760 excavation revealed a containing a conical vessel, arrows, and human remains, while 1840 drainage works uncovered a of four socketed axes, a spearhead, a flat axe, and a female . Additional with food vessels and skeletal remains were found at Newmont Hill, alongside cinerary urns holding calcined bone at South Street (late 19th century) and Nursery Feus (1867). These discoveries indicate funerary practices and resource exploitation in a fertile lowland setting, though no large-scale settlements have been identified. Iron Age (c. 700 BC–AD 100) evidence includes souterrains—underground storage or refuge structures—detected via in the vicinity, suggesting defensive or agricultural adaptations amid regional proliferation, such as those at Caterthun to the southwest. Temporary Roman military presence in the AD is implied by a 63-acre camp at Lunanhead, aligning with broader campaigns into Caledonian territory, but no permanent infrastructure remains. Post-Roman settlement coalesced around Forfar Loch and Castle Hill during the early medieval period, with the area forming part of the Pictish Kingdom of Circinn by the 7th–9th centuries AD. Logboats recovered from the loch (one radiocarbon-dated to c. AD 1090 ± 50) point to prehistoric and early medieval navigation for fishing and transport, while a on St Margaret's Inch—possibly prehistoric in origin—later hosted a medieval , evidencing lake-based habitation. A small long-cist excavated in 2004 near Auchterforfar Farm, comprising 20 stone-lined graves with flexed burials, reflects early Christian practices (c. 5th–7th centuries AD), potentially tied to Pictish or incoming Dal Riata populations amid cultural transitions. By the , a royal residence on Castle Hill, linked to Malcolm III Canmore (r. 1058–1093), fostered proto-urban growth, predating formal burgh creation under David I (r. 1124–1153). This site, with stone foundations and walls noted in later surveys, drew settlers to the lochside and hill, leveraging natural defenses and arable land in the Howe of Angus.

Medieval period

Forfar emerged as a key royal center in medieval , with evidence of its castle serving as a residence for early kings including Malcolm III (r. 1058–1093), who tradition holds resided there alongside Queen Margaret. The fortress, likely surrounded by water from Forfar Loch, functioned as a strategic base, notably under Malcolm II (r. 1005–1034) for military campaigns against Danish invaders, culminating in victories at Aberlemno and Barry Hill around 1012. By the , the site had established itself as the administrative seat of the sheriffdom of Angus, underscoring its governance role under the emerging Scottish kingdom. King David I (r. 1124–1153) granted Forfar status, conferring trading privileges and fostering urban development as a market hub for the . The underwent rebuilding during the reign of William I (r. 1165–1214), likely in the 1170s, coinciding with the town's designation as the administrative center of Angus and enhancing its status among Scottish burghs. This period saw gradual expansion, supported by royal patronage and agricultural hinterlands, positioning Forfar as a notable settlement by the 13th century. The castle's prominence persisted into the 13th century under Alexander II (r. 1214–1249), but it became a flashpoint during the Wars of Scottish Independence. English forces under Edward I occupied it repeatedly in the 1290s, using it as a base for regional control. ordered its slighting in 1307 to prevent reoccupation, though repairs followed; it faced final destruction around 1312 amid ongoing conflicts. Despite these upheavals, Forfar's burgh charter endured, enabling recovery through trade and local administration, with the town ranking among Scotland's more prosperous by the late medieval era.

Early modern era

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Forfar functioned as a and the administrative center of Forfarshire (now Angus), maintaining its medieval privileges for trade and governance amid Scotland's religious upheavals during the . The town hosted regular markets for agricultural produce and livestock, supporting its role as a regional hub, with gradual population growth reflecting economic stability; by the early 1600s, it ranked among Scotland's top 25 towns by tax assessments. A notorious episode occurred during the witch hunts of 1661–1663, when 42 residents were accused of , imprisoned in the town , and subjected to , resulting in at least nine executions by and burning. Confessions extracted under duress implicated locals in pacts with the and maleficium, such as causing illness or crop failure, amid broader European ; the trials, presided over by the justiciary court, marked one of Scotland's last major outbreaks of such persecutions in the area. Economically, Forfar's artisans specialized in producing wooden-soled brogues, earning the town the nickname "Sutortoun" from its shoemakers, who supplied durable footwear for rural laborers and travelers. Linen weaving and wool processing persisted from earlier traditions, bolstered by local cultivation, though the town avoided large-scale industrialization until later centuries. Involvement in national events was peripheral; while Angus nobility supported Jacobite risings in 1715, Forfar itself saw limited direct action, with loyalties divided between Hanoverian authorities and local sympathizers. By the late , enclosure movements and agricultural improvements began transforming surrounding farmlands, setting the stage for modernization.

Industrial and modern developments

In the , Forfar emerged as a center for the manufacture of coarse , with production beginning around 1746 following the expansion of the trade in the region. By the late 1700s, the town supported approximately 450 weavers, reflecting a shift from predominantly agricultural activities to production. This industry benefited from local cultivation and proximity to ports like , though it remained smaller in scale compared to neighboring or . The 19th century saw further industrialization, with Forfar's textile sector incorporating alongside linen weaving, driven by demand surges during conflicts such as the and , which disrupted supplies. The town also maintained a tradition of , known as the "sutors of Forfar," producing wooden-soled brogues that contributed to local craftsmanship. Agriculture remained integral, supporting and , but textiles formed the core of employment growth during the . In the 20th century, Forfar's persisted but gradually declined amid competition from cheaper imports and mechanization elsewhere, with employment peaking in the early 1900s before contracting post-World War II. By the late 20th century, the economy pivoted toward — including potatoes, , and local specialties like Forfar bridies—and diversified , while retaining some jute and remnants. Modern developments have emphasized residential expansion and community investments, such as housing masterplans and infrastructure funding exceeding £600,000 for local projects in 2024, amid ongoing challenges in sustaining traditional sectors.

Demographics

The population of Forfar, defined as a settlement in official classifications, was 13,801 according to Scotland's 2022. This figure reflects a of approximately 2,331 inhabitants per across an area of 5.92 km². data indicate modest growth in the early , with the population rising from 13,410 in 2001 to 14,048 in 2011, before declining to 13,801 by 2022—a net decrease of 247 residents over the decade, or an average annual change of -0.16%. This recent trend aligns with broader patterns in rural Scottish towns, where out-migration and ageing demographics have offset limited inflows.
Census YearPopulation
200113,410
201114,048
202213,801
Earlier historical records show stronger growth during industrialisation: the population increased from 7,949 in 1831 to 11,009 in 1851, driven by agricultural and textile employment in Angus. By the late 18th century, estimates placed it at around 4,756 in 1792, underscoring steady expansion from a market-town base.

Ethnic composition and deprivation indices

In the 2022 Scotland Census, Forfar's population of approximately 13,791 residents was predominantly White, comprising 13,520 individuals or 98.0% of the total. Asian residents numbered 143 (1.0%), African or Caribbean/Black residents 28 (0.2%), and mixed or other ethnic groups accounted for the remaining 1.8%, reflecting minimal ethnic diversity compared to Scotland's national average of 12.9% minority ethnic background. This composition aligns with broader trends in rural Angus, where White Scottish or Other British identities dominate due to historical settlement patterns and limited recent immigration. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020 ranks Forfar's data zones generally in mid-to-low deprivation categories, with area showing only 0.3% of its data zones in Scotland's 10% most deprived nationally. Pockets of higher deprivation exist in central Forfar, such as data zones in Forfar Central and West, which rank within the 15-20% most deprived for (ranks around 1,090-1,224, with over 22% income-deprived residents) and (around 18% employment-deprived in Forfar West). Overall, 17.9% of Angus residents live in Scotland's 20% most deprived areas, indicating moderate deprivation influenced by factors like and access to services rather than extreme urban . Health-related deprivation, including higher prescription rates for conditions (19.7-19.8% in central areas versus Scotland's 17.4% average), underscores localized challenges amid otherwise stable socioeconomic conditions.

Housing and social structure

The housing stock in Forfar's locality revealed a supply-demand imbalance as of the 2011 census, wherein 70% of households required properties with 1 or 2 bedrooms, yet such units comprised only 52% of the occupied stock. The town includes substantial provision for elderly residents, with 166 council-owned sheltered or retirement units located there. Property transactions in Forfar averaged £175,462 over the preceding 12 months as of late 2024. Social structure in Forfar features variability across datazones, with Forfar Central and Forfar West showing income deprivation affecting over 22% of residents, ranking these areas in Scotland's 15-20% most deprived quintile. deprivation in Forfar West impacts 18% of the working-age , also within the 15-20% deprivation quintile. These metrics reflect localized economic pressures in a whose 2021 stood at 16,280, concentrated in a mix of urban and semi-rural settings.

Economy

Agricultural and industrial base

Forfar's agricultural base centers on the fertile Strathmore valley, supporting extensive crop cultivation and farming. The region produces combinable crops such as , oats, and potatoes, alongside and sheep rearing in upland areas. As a traditional , Forfar hosts the Strathmore Mart, where farmers conduct auctions, serving a wide rural hinterland in Angus. , , and accounted for 8.3% of Angus's in 2015, far exceeding the Scottish average of 1.3%. The food and drink sector builds on this agricultural foundation, with local processing contributing to a that includes producers, farming, and . In 2022, Forfar's Mart was designated headquarters for the Centre for Agricultural Sustainable Innovation, aimed at advancing sustainable practices. Industrially, Forfar historically relied on and manufacturing from the , when coarse linen employed around 450 weavers by the late 1700s. The 19th-century weaving sector expanded with , , and production, though less intensively than in nearby . Today, the industrial base includes textiles adapted to produce and a strong presence in . These sectors, alongside , form part of Angus's .

Employment sectors and challenges

The primary employment sectors in Forfar and surrounding Angus reflect the area's rural character, with , , and comprising a higher-than-average share of jobs compared to overall, alongside significant roles for , (particularly food engineering and textiles), and retail. Food and drink processing supports local , leveraging Forfar's position in fertile , while roles in and administration are prominent due to the town's status as Angus's administrative center. In Angus as a whole, these sectors contributed to an rate of 71.6% for those aged 16-64 in the year ending December 2023. Manufacturing in Forfar maintains a foothold in niche areas like textiles and food-related , though broader Angus data indicate as the largest employer, followed by and retail. in Angus stood at 3.3% for the year ending December 2023, with around 1,800 people aged 16 and over affected, aligning closely with national trends but masking localized variations. Economic inactivity rose to 26.7% in 2023 from 23.5% in 2022, driven partly by an aging population and health-related barriers in rural settings. Key challenges include persistent deprivation in central Forfar wards, where over 22% of residents face income deprivation and out-of-work benefits have risen, alongside child poverty rates exceeding comparable areas. The success rate of council programs assisting unemployed individuals into work fell to 5% in 2023/24, a 3.4 percentage point decline from prior years, highlighting barriers in skills matching and rural job accessibility. Agriculture's vulnerability to commodity price volatility, labor shortages, and environmental factors exacerbates sectoral instability, while limited diversification into high-growth areas like advanced manufacturing constrains wage growth despite outperforming targets at £590-615 weekly in 2021/22. Recent announcements of potential job losses in Angus underscore risks from external economic pressures, including supply chain disruptions.

Recent economic initiatives

In recent years, Angus Council has advanced economic development in Forfar through targeted investments in and business at Orchardbank , a key site adjacent to the A90 offering plots from 1 to 9.9 acres for industrial, office, and commercial uses (Classes 4, 5, and 6). A £6 million green project, including ultra-fast (EV) charging for cars and light goods vehicles, bio/ refuelling, and facilities, was revived in October 2025 with consultants appointed for at a Forfar site near the A90, aiming to enhance rural mobility and attract logistics and low-carbon businesses. This builds on the existing EV charging hub at Orchardbank, operational since 2021 with four rapid chargers (enabling 80% charge in 30 minutes), three fast chargers, and two slow units, supported by £144,000 in council match funding to promote growth. Complementing these, Forfar Library launched a pioneering 'Lend and Mend Hub' in July 2023 as part of a Scottish pilot, providing free access to tools and equipment for repairing, reusing, and items to foster a , reduce household costs amid the cost-of-living crisis, and encourage practices. The hub, one of Scotland's first, aligns with broader Angus efforts to embed repair and reuse in community services, with expansion plans including lending collections to further support local economic resilience. Employment initiatives include a large-scale recruitment event held at Forfar's Reid Hall in May 2025, organized by Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce to connect employers with job-seekers from Angus and Tayside, including school leavers, targeting sectors like manufacturing and services to address local labor needs. Angus-wide strategies, such as the 2024-25 Annual Performance Report's new local economic prospectus and business forum, have facilitated partnerships with private firms in Forfar to develop vacant land for green economy projects, contributing to annual job targets of 250-300 across the region.

Government and administration

Local governance structure

Forfar falls under the jurisdiction of Angus Council, the unitary local authority responsible for the Angus council area in , with its headquarters located in the town at Orchardbank Business Park. The council consists of 28 elected councillors serving across eight multi-member wards, elected every five years under the system. Forfar residents are primarily represented by the four councillors elected to the Forfar and District ward, which encompasses the town center and surrounding districts. As of 2022 elections, Angus Council operates without an overall majority, led by a minority administration comprising four Independent councillors, eight Conservatives, and one Labour member, totaling 13 in the ruling group amid a broader composition including representation. The council's are handled through committees and a corporate leadership team overseeing service delivery in areas such as , , and . At the community level, the Royal Burgh of Forfar Community Council serves as a statutory voluntary body, established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to represent local interests and convey residents' views to Angus Council and other public bodies. This council, comprising elected and co-opted volunteers, holds monthly meetings on the third Thursday (excluding July and December) at the Town and County Hall in Forfar, focusing on issues like community planning and local services. It reformed following a period of inactivity due to insufficient volunteers in 2022–2023.

Public services and utilities

Water and sewerage services in Forfar are provided by , Scotland's publicly owned utility responsible for supplying potable water and managing wastewater across the country. Electricity distribution is operated by (SSEN), which maintains the infrastructure serving over 3.9 million connections in northern , including Angus. Gas distribution is handled by Scotland Gas Networks (SGN), which has undertaken network upgrades in areas such as East High Street in Forfar to ensure reliable supply. Emergency services are delivered through national agencies: covers policing duties, including investigations of incidents like wilful fires in the town; the operates Forfar Fire Station as a retained duty unit staffed by local firefighters for rapid response; and the provides pre-hospital care with over 5,000 staff serving Scotland's population. Local public services under Angus Council include waste collection and recycling, with residents able to use the Forfar Recycling Centre on Queenswell Road for segregating household items such as paper, plastics, and metals, subject to vehicle restrictions and bookings. Public libraries are managed by ANGUSalive, featuring Forfar Library on West High Street with facilities for IT access, children's reading, and a specialized collection of Scottish materials, open weekdays and Saturdays.

Freedom of the Town honours

The Freedom of the Town of Forfar, a ceremonial honour originating from the town's status, has been conferred on select individuals for exceptional service or contributions. Traditionally presented via a burgess ticket, often in an ornate casket, it symbolizes the recipient's close ties to the community. In 1937, Mrs. John Stewart Boyle was awarded the honour at following the opening of the John Stewart Boyle Memorial Park, funded by her late husband's estate as a public recreation space on Road. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother received the Freedom of Forfar on 19 April 1956 during a civic visit, where she was handed the burgess ticket by the local provost at Forfar Town and County Hall; the ceremony included inspections and public addresses before rain prompted umbrella use. Earlier recipients include John Kincaid, a professional witch pricker active in the 1661–62 Forfar witch trials, who was granted the freedom as reward for identifying supposed witches through pricking for the "Devil's mark," a practice central to the prosecutions of over a dozen locals, including Agnes Smith and Elspet Alexander.

Infrastructure

Transport networks

Forfar is primarily served by road transport, with the A90 forming a key north-south artery through Angus, bypassing the town to the east since its opening in July 1987 to alleviate congestion and improve safety. The A94 passes directly through Forfar, linking it eastward to and westward to and Perth as part of the route from to the . These roads integrate Forfar into Scotland's strategic trunk network, facilitating freight and commuter access to nearby cities like (approximately 20 km south) and (about 65 km north). In 2025, plans advanced for a £6 million rural mobility hub adjacent to the A90 in Forfar, aimed at enhancing options including charging and integrated bus facilities. Public bus services form the backbone of local and regional connectivity, operated mainly by East Scotland with support from Angus Council-subsidized routes. Key services include route 20 linking Forfar to city centre multiple times daily, route 27 to , and route 181 to , with frequencies varying from hourly to every 30 minutes on weekdays. Town services cover intra-Forfar loops and nearby villages like via routes such as 125, with timetables adjusted for school days and public holidays. These networks, coordinated under the and Central Regional Transport Strategy, prioritize accessibility for rural residents but face challenges from service reductions post-2020. Rail infrastructure in Forfar ceased passenger operations in 1982, following the closure of Forfar railway station on the former Dundee and Arbroath Joint Railway and associated lines, which had connected the town since 1848 but were rationalized amid declining usage and Beeching-era cuts. Freight services ended the same year, leaving no active rail links; the nearest operational stations are in (24 km south) and Montrose (25 km north) on the . No restoration proposals have materialized as of 2025. Air travel relies on regional airports, with (EDI-equivalent for smaller flights) 25 km south offering limited domestic services, while International Airport (65 km north) and (130 km south) provide broader international connectivity via road or bus transfers. Forfar lacks direct air access, underscoring its dependence on ground transport for most journeys.

Education facilities

Forfar's is centered on , a established to serve the town and surrounding areas. Located within the Forfar Community Campus on Road, the academy accommodates secondary pupils from S1 to S6 and was officially opened in December 2017 as part of a £38 million development replacing older facilities. The campus integrates academic spaces with community amenities, including libraries and digital suites, supporting a pupil capacity of approximately 1,270. A inspection in August 2025 evaluated the school's performance, confirming its role in delivering the . Primary education in Forfar is managed by Angus Council through several , each with nursery provisions and aligned to local catchment areas. Key facilities include Whitehills Primary School on Fyfe Street, enrolling around 362 pupils and featuring a Gaelic Medium Unit where instruction occurs primarily in . Langlands Primary School on Road operates as a resourced provision for pupils requiring additional support needs, alongside standard . Strathmore Primary School on St James Road serves local children with a focus on core delivery. These schools collectively cover early years through P7, with enrollment determined by residential catchments to ensure priority access. Further education options for Forfar residents primarily involve regional providers, as no dedicated further education college is located in the town. Dundee and Angus College, with campuses in nearby Arbroath and Dundee, offers vocational and higher national courses accessible to locals via public transport. Adult learning initiatives, coordinated by Angus Council's Vibrant Communities team, provide community-based classes in life skills and literacies, often hosted at the Forfar Community Campus during winter terms. The Forfar Association for Continuing Education (FACE) organizes volunteer-led evening classes with professional tutors, emphasizing accessible non-formal education. No independent schools operate directly in Forfar, with state facilities dominating provision under Angus Council's oversight of 51 primaries and eight secondaries across the region.

Healthcare provisions

Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre, located on Station Road in Forfar, serves as the primary healthcare facility for the town, offering integrated health, social work, and voluntary services since its opening in April 2005 under management. It includes inpatient beds, a four-bedded unit, a day centre for physically disabled adults, a Minor Injury and Illness Unit (MIIU) with capabilities, and general and specialist outpatient services. The centre's contact number is 01307 475222. Primary care in Forfar is delivered through several () practices, including Academy Medical Centre on Academy Street, which serves approximately 9,200 patients from urban and rural areas; Ravenswood Surgery at 8 New Road; and Lour Road Group Practice at 3-5 Lour Road. These practices provide routine consultations, repeat prescriptions, and online services, operating typically from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. For acute and specialized care beyond minor injuries, Forfar residents are referred to larger facilities such as Ninewells Hospital in or Stracathro Hospital, as Whitehills focuses on community and primary-level provisions without full acute capabilities. The Angus Health and Partnership oversees integrated services, including community teams based at Whitehills for severe and enduring conditions. Recent reviews have raised concerns over the of MIIUs in Angus due to staffing and demand pressures, though no closures were confirmed as of February 2025. GP practices have also reported capacity strains from linked to new developments.

Culture and recreation

Local sports and clubs

Forfar Athletic Football Club, founded in 1885 as a breakaway from Angus F.C., is the town's premier semi-professional team, nicknamed the Loons. The club competes in , the fourth tier of the Scottish football league system, and has been a member of the since 1921. Matches are played at Station Park, a venue in use since 1888 with a capacity of around 4,600. Forfar Golf Club, established in 1871, holds the distinction of featuring one of the world's earliest 18-hole courses from inception, laid out by four-time Open Champion on heathland terrain. The par-70 layout spans 6,100 yards with undulating fairways and subtle greens, attracting visitors for its challenging play and maintained condition year-round. Strathmore Rugby Football Club, based at Inchmacoble Park, fields senior men's and women's teams alongside junior sections, with the first XV competing in Tennent's National League Division 3. The club emphasizes community participation, hosting training sessions and welcoming players of varying experience levels. Bowling is supported by several clubs, including Canmore Bowling Club for lawn greens and Forfar Indoor Sports for indoor sessions on a six-rink arena, with coaching available for new members. Forfar Bowling Club traces its origins to 1859, originally at Kirkton green. Other active clubs include Strathmore Cricket Club for cricket, Forfar Amateur Swimming Club for aquatics, and Forfar Composite Badminton Club, coordinated through the Forfar Community Sports Hub to promote participation and volunteering across disciplines like gymnastics and rugby union. Facilities such as Forfar Community Campus and Forfar Indoor Sports further enable multi-sport activities, including curling and pickleball.

Places of worship and community sites

Forfar's places of worship primarily consist of parishes, Episcopal, Catholic, and independent congregations, with historical roots tracing to medieval structures. The East and Old Parish Church, formed by the 1977 union of the Old Parish Church—originally constructed in 1790–1791 on a site occupied since the 1241 Chapel of Forfar—and the East Church, serves the central area with Sunday services at 11:15 a.m. The Lowson Memorial Parish Church, a Scots Gothic building completed in 1914 by architect A. Marshall Mackenzie to honor linen manufacturer John Lowson, features a five-bay and remains active within the presbytery. St. John's Episcopal Church, located on East High Street, holds public worship on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. and Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m., drawing from Forfar and surrounding villages like Letham. St. Fergus Catholic Church operates as the principal Roman Catholic site, while Forfar Community Church conducts evangelical services Sundays at 11 a.m. at Wellbraehead. Historical sites include Restenneth Priory ruins, an Augustinian foundation from around 1150 with earlier origins linked to a 710 church, now managed as a . Community sites in Forfar support gatherings, events, and services through multi-purpose venues. The Reid Hall on Castle Street functions as a key facility for conferences, meetings, and cultural events, managed by ANGUSalive. Forfar Community Campus provides recreational and social spaces, including a 25-meter swimming pool, sports halls for activities like badminton and basketball, and drop-in community support. Many churches, such as East and Old Parish, offer rentable halls and social areas for local groups, enhancing community access to facilities.

Notable landmarks and attractions

The Cross serves as the historic heart of Forfar, marking the original site of the town's erected in 1140 upon its designation as a , where markets were held and proclamations made; the structure was relocated to Castle Hill in the late 18th century. The Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, opened in 1898 and funded by Jane Meffan in memory of her brother, houses exhibits on Forfar's history from the to its status as a , including Pictish carved stones, witch trial artifacts, and a recreated Victorian . The gallery also displays works by local artists and archival materials related to the town's development. Forfar Loch Country Park encompasses the loch and surrounding woodland, providing walking paths, birdwatching opportunities, and scenic views of the town and countryside. The East & Old Church, founded in 1241 with its current structure dating to 1791, features a tall and holds historical ties to local botanist George Don, whose grave is nearby, alongside associations with witch trial lore. The Town & County Hall, constructed in 1788 by architect James Playfair, serves as the meeting place for Angus Council and includes the Canmore Room for historical displays. Reid Hall, donated in 1869 by local benefactor and rebuilt in the 1950s, stands as a community venue linked to Forfar's industrial heritage in quarrying. Castle Hill offers panoramic views of Forfar and marks the site of the medieval Forfar Castle, demolished in 1306 during conflicts with , with interpretive boards detailing its history. The Forfar Heritage Trail connects these sites, including Little Causeway—the town's last cobbled street with a marble fountain—and , opened in 1783 as a key commercial link.

Notable people

Alexander Sutherland Neill (1883–1973), born in Forfar on 17 October 1883, was a Scottish educator and author who founded in 1921, pioneering democratic schooling principles that emphasized self-regulation and freedom for children over coercive discipline. Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott (1946–1980), born in Forfar on 9 July 1946, was the lead singer of the Australian band from 1974 to 1980, performing on seminal albums including (1975), (1977), and (1979), before his death from acute alcohol poisoning. Alison "Eilley" Oram Bowers (1826–1903), born on a farm near Forfar on 6 September 1826, emigrated to as a Mormon convert in 1850 before moving to , where she and her husband Sandy Bowers amassed fortune from the silver discovery in 1859, briefly making her one of the wealthiest women in and earning her the title "Virginia Queen." Colin Beattie (born 1951), born in Forfar, is a politician and former international banker who has represented North and in the since 2011, previously serving as the party's treasurer from 2004 to 2020.

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