Forfar

Administrative centre and former royal burgh in Angus unitary authority, Scotland, at the eastern end of Forfar Loch in the fertile valley of Strathmore, 23 km/14 mi northeast of Dundee; population (2001) 13,200. Its principal industries are agricultural engineering and the manufacture of jute and other textiles, ladders, and soft drinks. Two major cattle and sheep markets are held, and it is the trading centre for local soft fruit and seed potato production.

Forfar was the royal residence of Malcolm III, king of Scotland from 1058. Robert (I) the Bruce destroyed Forfar's castle after capturing it from the English in the early 14th century. Its tollbooth was destroyed by British Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell's forces in the mid 17th century, and the town's ancient charters burned. Charles II granted a confirming charter in 1665 to reward the loyalty of Forfar's provost to his father, Charles I.