Angus

Locator map for the Scottish administrative region of Angus.

Unitary authority on the east coast of Scotland. A former county, it was part of Tayside region 1975-96.

Area 2,187 sq km/844 sq mi

Towns Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Forfar (administrative headquarters), Kirriemuir, and Montrose

Physical the Grampian Mountains in the north are dissected by the fertile valleys of the rivers Isla, Clova, Prosen, Water of Saughs, and North Esk; the wide Vale of Strathmore separates the Grampian Mountains from the low-lying Sidlaw Hills in the south

Features Pictish and Iron Age remains

Industries textiles, light engineering (declining), fish processing

Agriculture some fishing (mainly in Arbroath), cereal production

Population (2001) 108,400

Economy It is essentially a rich and important agricultural area, although the towns have a manufacturing tradition and, increasingly, a service sector base.

Environment There are 34 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, two National Nature Reserves, three Ramsars (wetland sites), three Special Protection Areas, one National Scenic Area, and three country parks.

Archaeology There are several large Iron Age hill forts in the area, such as the two Caterthuns, and impressive souterrains (earth houses) at Ardestie and Carlungie. Other remains include brochs, sculptured stones, and hut circles. Many of these remains are situated on the fringes of the Vale of Strathmore.